That evening, Hua Zhuyu went to a nearby mountain to survey the terrain. The mountain’s nighttime scenery was beautiful – looking down from the mountain, one could see the brilliant lights of thousands of homes in Ning Capital, with starlight and lamplight reflecting each other in the night sky, presenting a special kind of warmth. But she knew that once the city fell, all this warmth would turn to broken weapons and flowing blood. Yet right now, how could this war be avoided?

Originally, she had invited Lady Xuan here to expose the fact that Huangfu Wushuang wasn’t Mo Kingdom’s crown prince, hoping to stop this war. But unexpectedly, Lady Xuan had said Wushuang was her child. Could it be that Father had lied to her? Why would Father lie to her? There was no reason. Perhaps Lady Xuan was lying to her, doing this for the sake of restoration. Because a princess’s rallying power certainly couldn’t match a crown prince’s.

Hua Zhuyu closed her eyes, quietly pondering what to do next.

In the night, a faint fragrance of udumbara flowers began to permeate the air – extremely light, seemingly present yet absent, occasionally dispersing where the gentle breeze passed. There were also faint, slow footsteps. Hua Zhuyu turned around and by the pale moonlight saw two figures walking over, one after the other.

Walking in front was an old man in gray robes. The person behind wore a bamboo hat covered with white gauze. In the clear moonlight, Hua Zhuyu recognized the gray-robed elder as A’Gui, who had once saved her outside Liang Zhou City. Then the person behind him must be the young master from the carriage. Meeting them here at this time was extremely unexpected for Hua Zhuyu.

“Please wait, both of you,” Hua Zhuyu smiled and walked forward.

A’Gui stopped and looked her over, asking with a smile, “May I ask who this young lady is and what business you have?”

Hua Zhuyu bowed and smiled, “Elder may not recognize me. I am Ying Shuxie. That day outside Liang Zhou City, Elder once saved my life. I’ve always wanted to thank you both for saving my life that day, but all this time I haven’t had the chance to meet you. I never expected to have the fortune of encountering you today.” That Hua Zhuyu was Ying Shuxie was no longer a secret.

A’Gui said in surprise, “I heard that Ying Shuxie was actually a woman – I thought it was just rumor, but it turns out to be true.”

Hua Zhuyu smiled faintly, “This person must be the young master who was in the carriage that day?”

That person nodded lightly without speaking. A’Gui said with a smile, “Indeed, this is my young master.”

“I’ve never known my benefactor’s honorable name. Might you tell me this time?”

A’Gui waved his hand, “Young Master Ying is too polite. My young master’s surname is Rong, given name Luo.”

Hua Zhuyu was stunned – she never expected that the one who saved her that day was actually the Southern White Phoenix, Rong Luo.

“I’ve long heard of Young Master Rong’s great name. Why has Young Master come up the mountain so late at night?”

A’Gui said gravely, “Young Master Ying probably knows that West River Moon was founded by our young master. Our West River Moon exists to solve people’s worries and share the country’s concerns. Hearing there was warfare here at Ning Capital, we wanted to come and investigate. Young Master Ying being here – oh right, this old man almost forgot that Young Master Ying is actually Miss Hua. Since Young Master Ying’s father has risen in rebellion, Young Master Ying would naturally also take up arms to restore the former dynasty.”

Hua Zhuyu smiled bitterly, “The facts are not so. You’ve come to investigate – could it be you want to stop this war?” Hua Zhuyu said with furrowed brows. When fighting the great battle with Northern Dynasty that day, Rong Luo had personally escorted grain supplies to the battlefield, showing that West River Moon truly shared the country’s concerns.

A’Gui nodded, “Exactly so!”

“A’Gui, step back. I want to talk with Young Master Ying,” the previously silent Rong Luo suddenly spoke. After every sentence, he coughed several times, his voice hoarse and rough.

Hearing this, A’Gui slowly withdrew.

Rong Luo walked slowly to not far in front of Hua Zhuyu, standing with hands behind his back gazing down the mountain. His moon-white silk robes fluttered gracefully in the moonlight. He emanated an aura of cold aloofness that kept strangers at bay. As he passed by Hua Zhuyu’s side, a faint udumbara fragrance entered her nostrils.

Hua Zhuyu smiled lightly – the Southern White Phoenix Rong Luo actually wore udumbara incense.

“May I ask if Young Master Ying wishes to attack Yu Capital and regain the realm? If so, our West River Moon could assist. West River Moon is spread throughout the realm – if organized, it would also be a considerable force.”

Hua Zhuyu definitely wouldn’t underestimate West River Moon’s power, but for Rong Luo to actually want to help her compete for the realm was beyond her expectations. “Why would Young Master Rong help me?” Hua Zhuyu asked clearly.

Rong Luo coughed lightly and said slowly, “This young master believes that Young Master Ying, as the Western Asura, could certainly govern this realm.”

Hua Zhuyu smiled charmingly, “Young Master Rong, I don’t wish to compete for this realm. Moreover, speaking of ability, no one is more qualified to sit on that supreme throne than the former Left Prime Minister Ji Fengli.”

“Is that truly what Young Master Ying thinks?” Rong Luo asked hoarsely.

Hua Zhuyu laughed lightly, “Exactly so. I also don’t want to wage war, but currently, military power is controlled by Huangfu Wushuang, making retreat extremely difficult.”

Rong Luo bent over and coughed violently several times.

Hua Zhuyu frowned with concern, “Young Master Rong seems to be ill. It’s cold in these mountains – why not descend early!”

“No matter!” Rong Luo said quietly, “Rong recently parted from his beloved. Drinking too much wine at midnight and catching cold, I contracted this ailment.”

Hua Zhuyu frowned, “Young Master Rong must take care of your health.”

Rong Luo asked lightly, “What kind of person would a woman like Young Master Ying fall in love with? Could you tell me?”

Hua Zhuyu’s heart grew desolate, sorrow arising from within. She slowly walked to sit on a mountain stone beside Rong Luo.

“Who is he? I’ve heard the young lady married the Left Prime Minister, also went to Northern Dynasty for marriage alliance, and was also married to Eastern Yan’s Prince Rui and Huangfu Wushuang.”

Hua Zhuyu frowned and smiled bitterly, “I never thought even you people of the martial world would know my affairs so clearly.”

Rong Luo smiled lightly, “West River Moon’s information network is quite extensive.”

Hua Zhuyu looked up at Rong Luo once. The white gauze on his bamboo hat covered his features completely. It was said that the Southern White Phoenix Rong Luo was extremely mysterious – no one in the world knew his appearance, not even knowing if he was male or female, old or young. Yet facing such a stranger, she suddenly had the desire to confide.

“The person I love,” Hua Zhuyu’s heart suddenly surged with intense desolation, “no longer loves me.”

Rong Luo’s fingers trembled slightly. Hua Zhuyu turned and smiled, “Young Master Rong, let’s discuss business instead.”

“Is Huangfu Wushuang’s control of military power because of his identity as Mo Kingdom’s crown prince?” Rong Luo paused and asked.

Hua Zhuyu nodded, “Exactly so. His prestige in the army grows daily. Now, only by exposing that he’s not Mo Kingdom’s crown prince do I have a chance. But Mo Kingdom’s empress personally acknowledged him as Crown Prince Mu Feng.”

“The empress? Has Young Master Ying considered that this Mo Kingdom empress might not be the real empress?” Rong Luo said leisurely.

Hua Zhuyu’s heart shook. She suddenly remembered that when Father was dying, he had said with joy in his delirium, “A Shuang, have you come to take me?” Mo Kingdom’s empress had the character “Shuang” in her given name, and obviously Father had been in love with the empress. But could a living person come to take him? When people are dying, shouldn’t they hope for deceased relatives to come for them?

Hua Zhuyu’s heart suddenly became clear. She frowned, “Mo Kingdom’s empress may no longer be in this world.” Father said she was Mo Kingdom’s princess, which meant her parents were both no longer alive.

She too had yearned for a mother’s warm love, but if this life was destined to be without it, she would live well alone.

Rong Luo nodded, “A’Gui was once an imperial physician in the palace and knows some palace secrets quite clearly. He can confirm that Huangfu Wushuang is definitely not Mo Kingdom’s empress’s son, because he knows who Huangfu Wushuang’s mother is.”

“Is this true? Is he called Ye Fugui? Ye Ronghua’s brother?” Hua Zhuyu asked. This A’Gui bore considerable resemblance to the Ye Ronghua that Father had impersonated.

Rong Luo nodded.

“If so, would Young Master Rong and Physician Gui be willing to help me with something?” Hua Zhuyu asked.

Rong Luo said with a smile, “Is it to expose Wushuang’s parentage? I’m willing to help.”

“Thank you both so much,” Hua Zhuyu smiled brilliantly.

That very night, Hua Zhuyu brought Rong Luo and A’Gui back to the military camp and summoned the army’s generals to the tent for discussion. This naturally couldn’t be hidden from Huangfu Wushuang, so Wushuang and Lady Xuan were also invited.

“Little Bao’er, with the battle raging fiercely, you’ve summoned the generals – is there urgent business? Who are these two?” Huangfu Wushuang raised his eyebrows slightly, smiling particularly brilliantly.

Hua Zhuyu looked at Wushuang without expression, saying lightly, “This person is Rong Luo, known in the martial world as the Southern White Phoenix.”

Hearing this, the generals’ solemn faces showed not only surprise but also respect. It seemed West River Moon’s work for the people was deeply beloved by the populace.

“So it’s Young Master Rong – my apologies! During the last battle between Southern Dynasty and Northern Dynasty, I heard West River Moon delivered grain to the army. Has Young Master come this time to deliver grain as well?” Huangfu Wushuang sipped tea and asked lightly.

With his bamboo hat covering his face, Rong Luo’s features couldn’t be seen. He could only be seen playing with the jade pendant at his waist, laughing quietly, “I’ve come this time hoping to persuade you all to retreat.”

Huangfu Wushuang laughed heartily, “Young Master Rong jests. We’ve planned for years precisely to regain the realm – how could we easily speak of retreat!”

“Regain the realm and rebuild Mo Kingdom? What Mo Kingdom was like in the past, I believe you all remember. The realm in chaos, people suffering – do you really want to rebuild Mo Kingdom? Moreover, are your so-called Mo Kingdom crown prince and Mo Kingdom empress real? This must be Lady Xuan – may I ask you to remove your veil? All these years, you’ve secretly posed as Mo Kingdom’s empress but never shown your true face. Why is this? What are you afraid of?” Rong Luo said meaningfully.

The army generals, hearing this, all looked gravely at Lady Xuan. Among them were elderly ones who had once seen Mo Kingdom empress’s beauty.

Lady Xuan remained silent upon hearing this.

Seeing this, Huangfu Wushuang snorted coldly, “What are you doing? How could my mother empress’s phoenix countenance be something you can see at will?”

“Please calm your anger, Crown Prince Mu. We too would like clarity,” a general stepped forward and declared loudly.

Hearing this, Lady Xuan’s beautiful eyes coldly swept around the circle. She calmly reached up and removed the veil from her face. Everyone looked up and was shocked – even Hua Zhuyu was startled. Lady Xuan’s face was covered with scars, looking terrifyingly grotesque, completely unrecognizable from its original appearance.

Lady Xuan smiled coldly, “Though I was fortunate to escape with my life that year, this face was ruined by the great fire. Now, with this appearance, shouldn’t I cover it with a veil? Little Yu, if you had to face such a face daily, wouldn’t you be afraid?”

Hua Zhuyu’s heart filled with desolation as she said quietly, “Appearance is merely a shell. No matter how beautiful, after a hundred years it will become white bones and all will be empty.”

Lady Xuan snorted coldly, “You’re quite bold and philosophical.”

“So you really are the empress, and Crown Prince Mu is truly your own child,” the generals said one after another.

“Naturally!” Lady Xuan said coldly.

A’Gui suddenly laughed and spoke up, “If you are Wushuang’s birth mother, then you are not the empress. If you are the empress, then you are definitely not his mother. Because I know clearly who his mother is. As for the scars on your face, you can’t fool this physician. In my view, these scars weren’t caused by fire but were artificially created.”

Lady Xuan’s brow furrowed as she glanced coldly at A’Gui, then turned to Huangfu Wushuang, “Feng’er, Mother Empress is tired and wants to rest.”

A’Gui smiled, “Are you afraid to hear what I have to say? You recognize me too, don’t you? When you were pregnant, because of weak constitution and unstable pregnancy, my elder brother always examined your pulse and prescribed medicine. But once I went in his place – since my brother and I look very similar, you didn’t recognize the difference. At that time, your face wasn’t yet ruined – it was the most beautiful face in the pleasure quarter! I never thought then that your child would later be sent to the palace by Hua Mu, replacing the female infant born to Noble Consort Nie, who wasn’t yet empress then. This matter was accidentally discovered by Prince Kang’s mother, Consort Yu. To avoid being harmed, she pretended to be mad for years. You deliberately ruined your face to avoid being recognized as not being Mo Kingdom’s empress! The real Mo Kingdom empress died long ago, and the child she bore was also a girl – that princess is Hua Mu’s daughter, Hua Zhuyu.”

The generals in the tent immediately gasped. The so-called Mo Kingdom empress was just a courtesan, and Mo Kingdom’s crown prince wasn’t a crown prince either – this was undoubtedly the greatest blow to these generals.

“Empress, Crown Prince Mu, are these all facts?” Several generals who had risen in rebellion with Hua Mu stood up and asked.

Huangfu Wushuang’s lips held a cold smile as he said calmly, “Mere nonsense – do you believe it too?”

Hua Zhuyu frowned, her eyes flashing with cold light, “Nonsense? Wushuang, if these are all nonsense, then let me ask you – why did you kill my father Hua Mu? Don’t tell me one arrow could kill someone who had fought on battlefields for years. If he hadn’t already been poisoned, how could he not have dodged that arrow? I won’t forget how you eliminated Nie Yuanqiao that day. You did this only because you feared he might change his mind and suddenly retreat, feared he might reveal that you’re not Mo Kingdom’s crown prince. With Hua Mu gone, all power is now in your hands.”

The generals in the tent were stunned again, asking in unison, “Old General Hua was actually… harmed by you?”

Huangfu Wushuang slowly stood up, his handsome face bathed in the yellow candlelight, emanating a cold, dark glimmer. His gaze swept over everyone and fixed directly on Hua Zhuyu’s face. After a long while, he smiled desolately, “Little Bao’er, you ultimately still chose him! Even though he abandoned you after the wedding, even though after ascending the throne he wants to marry someone else as empress, you still want to help and assist him? Little Bao’er, you’re truly foolish!”

“So you really aren’t the crown prince. Why did you deceive us? Making us fall into such a desperate situation with no way forward or back?!” Over ten generals slammed the table and stood up. Having devoted their passion to restoration only to suddenly discover they’d been used as tools for another’s ambition – this feeling was definitely unpleasant.

Huangfu Wushuang smiled lightly, “What desperate situation with no way forward or back? Just follow me and continue treating me as crown prince. After overthrowing Southern Dynasty, high positions and generous salaries await you!”

“This subordinate refuses!” Two generals shouted. At this point, how could these people listen to Wushuang’s words?

Huangfu Wushuang sighed lightly, a flash of cold severity crossing his beautiful black eyes. He impatiently shouted, “Do you think this is child’s play – quit when you want to quit? Are you tired of living? Fine, I’ll fulfill your wish!” Before his words finished, he raised his hand lightly, a silver gleam flying from his sleeve. The two speaking generals immediately fell silent and collapsed to the ground.

Huangfu Wushuang struck too quickly – Hua Zhuyu wanted to stop him but was too late. She crouched down to check both men’s breathing – they were already dead.

This youth who looked like a celestial child, this youth whose eyes were incredibly clear – when killing, he didn’t even blink. And these were two of his own generals. In just an instant, he took their lives. Afterwards, he even took out a silk handkerchief to wipe his hands, complaining, “How annoying! This crown prince didn’t want to kill anyone, but you forced me to kill!”

Everyone looked at him in momentary silence.

Huangfu Wushuang curved his lips and smiled lightly at Hua Zhuyu, “Little Bao’er, come here. There’s something I need to tell you.”

“What is it? Speak freely,” Hua Zhuyu said coldly, raising her eyebrows.

Huangfu Wushuang sighed with infinite feeling, “This matter can only be told to you. Come out with me!”

Hua Zhuyu smiled coldly and didn’t move.

Huangfu Wushuang seemed to have expected such a reaction from Hua Zhuyu. He clapped his hands and whispered a few words in Hua Zhuyu’s ear, then turned and left the tent.

Hua Zhuyu’s expression immediately changed drastically as she quickly followed Wushuang out of the tent.

Seeing Hua Zhuyu follow him out, Huangfu Wushuang whispered something in a guard’s ear, then walked quickly forward. Hua Zhuyu hurried to catch up, asking coldly, “Huangfu Wushuang, what did you mean by what you just said? My grandmother – you know my grandmother’s whereabouts? She’s not dead?”

That day when the Hua family was completely executed, her grandmother had set a fire and burned herself to death in the house. She had always thought her grandmother was no longer in this world. But just now Huangfu Wushuang said he knew her grandmother’s whereabouts. Thinking about it, her grandmother probably hadn’t died. Because Father should have anticipated the Hua family’s execution long ago, and grandmother’s fire was probably to deceive people.

Huangfu Wushuang walked until he was far from the tent before stopping, raising his eyebrows and smiling, “In Qingxin Temple, not only does Lady Xuan live there, but also your grandmother and Huangfu Wushang. You only guessed Lady Xuan was there, so you sent people to bring Lady Xuan over. But I sent people to track and search the entire Qingxin Temple. Very unfortunately, they discovered your grandmother and Huangfu Wushang. Now they’re both in my hands.”

Only now did Hua Zhuyu understand – when Father Hua Mu told her about Qingxin Temple, it wasn’t to have her find Lady Xuan, but probably to tell her that her grandmother was still alive. She drew the sword at her waist and placed it at Huangfu Wushuang’s throat, “Take me to see them.”

Huangfu Wushuang didn’t dodge at all, instead smiling brilliantly like a blooming flower, even showing the dimples on his cheeks, “Little Bao’er, why are you so anxious? There’s still a good show to watch here!”

Hua Zhuyu’s heart leaped in alarm. Following Huangfu Wushuang’s gaze, she saw the tent where they had just been discussing matters was now surrounded by heavy troops.

“What do you want to do?” Hua Zhuyu asked coldly, “Kill all the generals who know the truth?”

Huangfu Wushuang said pitifully, “If you hadn’t insisted on exposing my identity, I wouldn’t have killed them either. Little Bao’er, I didn’t expect you to come to the military camp so quickly. I knew Hua Mu’s death couldn’t be hidden from you. Though I said it was Ji Fengli who killed him and you seemed to believe it, even shooting an arrow at Ji Fengli, I knew you didn’t truly believe it. You were just looking for evidence, right? Tonight, as soon as you summoned the generals, I knew what would happen. So while we were discussing matters in the tent, I already had people bury fire stones around the tent. These fire stones cost me quite a bit of silver – I planned to use them on the battlefield, but now they’ll be wasted here.”

“What?” Before Huangfu Wushuang finished speaking, Hua Zhuyu withdrew her sword and rushed toward the tent.

She saw two figures leap rapidly from the tent roof. At the same time, there was a loud bang, flames shot skyward, thick white smoke scattered everywhere, and along with the smoke spread a pungent, strange odor.

In the thick smoke, those two figures quickly rushed over. Hua Zhuyu looked closely and saw it was Rong Luo and A’Gui. Under A’Gui’s arm was another person – Lady Xuan.

“Huangfu Wushuang, have you gone mad? Don’t you even care about your own birth mother’s life?” A’Gui smiled coldly, asking word by word.

Huangfu Wushuang laughed coldly, “You two are lucky to be alive.”

“Huangfu Wushuang, she is ultimately your birth mother. Don’t you care about her life or death? Release my grandmother and Huangfu Wushang, and we’ll let you and your mother leave,” Hua Zhuyu said quietly.

Huangfu Wushuang sneered, “She’s almost dead anyway – what do I need her for!”

Only then did Hua Zhuyu notice that Lady Xuan had obviously been badly injured in the explosion and seemed to be dying. She sat gasping on the ground, reaching out toward Huangfu Wushuang, saying sadly, “Feng’er, my Feng’er, all these years Mother has missed you to the point of madness. Back then, I shouldn’t have sent you into the deep palace, causing us mother and son to be separated for so many years. But Mother was also forced by circumstances, had no choice, Feng’er. Mother has actually regretted it long ago – what throne is worth our mother-son reunion? Feng’er, why not give up? It’s still not too late. The throne was never rightfully yours – not competing for it is fine too. Listen to Mother’s words – give up and live well!” After speaking, she bent over coughing violently and spat out a mouthful of fresh blood.

Is it only when people are dying that they see through everything?

Hua Zhuyu’s heart filled with sorrow. Looking up, she saw Wushuang still standing there coldly with hanging arms, expressionless, never saying a word. She said coldly, “Wushuang, she’s your mother. Can’t you say a few kind words to let her die in peace?”

Huangfu Wushuang straightened his spine and gazed at the night sky, remaining silent for a long time. The moonlight illuminated Wushuang’s face. Hua Zhuyu captured every expression on his face but was disappointed to find he remained cold and unmoved throughout.

Wushuang – he had been a crown prince since childhood, experiencing all worldly splendor. He had even ascended the throne as emperor, becoming one who sat high above others, deciding life and death with a word. One day he was suddenly pulled down from that throne, but fortunately he was still a crown prince, albeit of the former dynasty. And now he wasn’t even that – he had become the child of a courtesan, probably not even knowing who his father was.

“Mother, I hate you!” After a long while, Huangfu Wushuang finally spoke. He believed the person before him was his mother. But he hated her. He hated her for sending him to the palace, hated her for making him lose maternal love, hated her for making him seize the throne, and hated her more for now telling him to give up.

Lady Xuan’s lips curved in a faint smile, “Good… good. You’re willing to call me Mother once – I’m already very content.” The hand she had extended for so long was ultimately never grasped by her son and slowly dropped down.

Huangfu Wushuang stood dazed in the night, his silhouette lonely. He suddenly looked up and laughed – that laughter clearly contained a faint, barely perceptible bitterness.

“Wushuang, listen to your mother’s words and give up! Don’t be willful and reckless anymore, or you’ll only destroy yourself!” Hua Zhuyu quietly advised.

“Willful and reckless?” Wushuang raised his eyebrows high, his bright black eyes radiating chilling coldness. “Yes, I am willful and reckless. But do you know why I’m willful and reckless? Because I have nothing left! No father, no mother, no home, no country, no affection, no love – all I have left is being willful and reckless!” For him, the realm wasn’t actually that important – what mattered was familial affection and love, but in this lifetime he had never truly experienced either emotion.

“Don’t you want to see your grandmother?” Huangfu Wushuang clapped his hands. Immediately soldiers brought horses. He mounted and said, “Let’s go!” He reached down to pull Hua Zhuyu up onto the horse with him.

Just then, horn sounds arose in the distance, with thunderous roars shaking the earth beneath their feet, as if countless cavalry were charging forward. Scouts in the camp reported in panic, “Report to Crown Prince – Southern Dynasty’s army is attacking our forces!”

Huangfu Wushuang cracked his whip, “What’s the panic? Meet them in battle!” He whipped the horse’s flank and led an elite squad retreating toward the mountains. An army without generals was doomed to defeat.

The mountain path was treacherous, and the night wind was strong. The group traveled through dense mountain forests. With the moon at its zenith, the mountain forest was completely quiet. Rong Luo and A’Gui didn’t follow. When she rode away, she vaguely saw Rong Luo fall to the ground – had he also been injured just now? This was actually good – it was better they didn’t come, as this matter had nothing to do with them. She only needed to find a way to rescue her grandmother and Huangfu Wushang. She knew Ping, An, Kang, and Tai were secretly following her.

Huangfu Wushuang hadn’t lied. In a hidden mountain cave, Hua Zhuyu saw her imprisoned grandmother and Huangfu Wushang.

“Wushuang, we’ve known each other for quite some time, but I’ve never seen you fight anyone. Tonight, how about we duel? If I win, you release my grandmother and Wushang. How about it?” Hua Zhuyu said coldly.

Huangfu Wushuang smiled, “Come with me – we’ll have plenty of time to spar!”

Hua Zhuyu stared at Wushuang, a smile playing at the corner of her lips, “What, don’t you dare? If you defeat me, I’ll naturally go with you willingly!”

Hearing this, Huangfu Wushuang’s black eyes flashed with joy. He looked back at Hua Zhuyu, and even this deep mountain seemed to become warm in an instant.

“Good!” he answered loudly.

Hua Zhuyu drew her blade and without another word attacked him. This was the first time Hua Zhuyu had fought intensely with Wushuang. Wushuang’s swordwork was swift and fierce, each move unpredictable. His movements were lightning-fast, swift as flowing wind. Wushuang’s martial arts were obviously not learned only from Hua Mu – presumably in the palace, Emperor Yan had also sent people to teach him. His martial arts were very high, but he had never shown even half of his skill before.

After several exchanges, Hua Zhuyu gradually weakened. Originally in the palace, Wushuang had destroyed half her internal power, and moreover, she was now pregnant – with this fighting, her lower abdomen ached dully.

Hua Zhuyu glanced coldly at the soldiers guarding her grandmother and Huangfu Wushang, vaguely seeing Ping, An, Kang, and Tai quietly approaching to rescue them. She only needed to persist a bit longer – if her grandmother and Wushang were rescued, things would be easier.

Footsteps came from the mountain path ahead. From the corner of her eye, Hua Zhuyu saw Xiao Yin hurrying over surrounded by personal guards, his trailing cloak flapping in the mountain wind, his purple eyes barely concealing their fierce intensity. Seeing Hua Zhuyu at once, he immediately rushed toward her.

Hearing footsteps, Huangfu Wushuang’s lips suddenly curved in a smile. He raised his hand, and flowing light pierced the night as a fierce sword thrust toward Hua Zhuyu. Distracted, Hua Zhuyu’s footwork slowed – this sword seemed unavoidable.

In a flash, Xiao Yin was close. His long arm hooked around, pulling Hua Zhuyu into his embrace. Huangfu Wushuang’s sword struck empty air, and his second sword immediately followed. Xiao Yin had no time to draw his sword and could only turn his body, switching positions with Hua Zhuyu.

Hua Zhuyu heard the sound of sword piercing flesh.

Xiao Yin suddenly bent down and kissed Hua Zhuyu’s lips, his ice-cold lips brushing over hers with a faint bloody taste.

“Girl, are you all right!” Xiao Yin said quietly. Beneath his calm expression was long-suppressed excitement, his purple eyes lifting slightly with a smile line. But the next instant, fresh blood suddenly sprayed from his mouth, splashing on his purple robes and quickly disappearing, leaving marks darker than purple. His severely wounded body ultimately couldn’t hold up before her, and he swayed unsteadily, falling backward.

Hua Zhuyu frantically extended her arms, catching him just before he hit the ground. This was actually just an instinctive action, but the final position evolved into an intimate embrace between lovers.

Rong Luo rushed over from the dense forest. Seeing this scene, he stopped. Bathed in water-like moonlight, the night wind lifted the white gauze from his bamboo hat, vaguely revealing his elegant chin and the bitter smile at the corner of his lips, bitter as coptis. After standing for a moment, Rong Luo walked slowly to Huangfu Wushuang, drew his precious sword, and pointed it directly at Huangfu Wushuang. A murderous aura poured out. Huangfu Wushuang looked at the cold gleaming sword tip and smiled leisurely.

Hua Zhuyu helped Xiao Yin lean against a large tree and watched the two men’s duel intently.

Rong Luo’s first move: Hundred Flowers Brilliant, Picking Flowers with a Smile. Huangfu Wushuang’s first move: Wind Through Bamboo Grove.

Hua Zhuyu remembered when she first met Ji Fengli on the battlefield – sunlight enveloped him in misty radiance, making him appear both real and illusory, like a dream.

Rong Luo’s second move: Colorful Clouds Cover Hidden Stars. Huangfu Wushuang’s second move: Dust and Ashes Falling.

Hua Zhuyu remembered on the execution ground, she had cut him seven times. When she finally stopped, when his whole body was covered in blood, he slowly and gently said seven words: “Bao… er… are… you… satisfied… with… revenge?”

Rong Luo’s third move: Ice Seals Plains as Winds Change. Huangfu Wushuang’s third move: Flowing Light Thousand Li.

Hua Zhuyu remembered on the lake surface outside Taoyuan Residence, Ji Fengli had speared a fish from the lake. Holding up the fish spear, he turned back with a flick of his fingers and a smile, “Later, I’ll make you fish soup.” That brilliant smiling handsome face made the bright moon instantly pale.

Rong Luo’s fourth move: Dark Night Udumbara Suddenly Blooms. Huangfu Wushuang’s fourth move: Fireworks Bursting.

Hua Zhuyu remembered him saying firmly in her ear, “You live, I live; you die, I die. If you ascend to heaven, I absolutely won’t enter hell; if I enter hell, you absolutely cannot ascend to heaven. Wherever you are, I’ll follow, but while I’m here, you absolutely cannot leave.”

Fifth move. Sixth move. Seventh move…

Hua Zhuyu didn’t understand why, watching Rong Luo and Huangfu Wushuang’s intense battle, all that flashed through her mind was Ji Fengli. His smile, his anger, his goodness, his dominance, his tenderness, his embrace…

The thirtieth move.

Before the thirtieth move was finished, Hua Zhuyu suddenly rushed over, charging directly into the two men’s battle zone, shouting loudly, “Wushuang! Give up!”

Huangfu Wushuang’s heart shook violently, his movements pausing slightly. In that instant, Ji Fengli struck his chest with a palm. Huangfu Wushuang groaned and fell heavily to the ground, his face deathly pale, blood slowly flowing from the corner of his lips.

Hua Zhuyu’s heart trembled. In her mind suddenly flashed a scene from the Inner Punishment Court when Huangfu Wushuang first learned she was a woman – his lips held a smile of extreme happiness. That smile was truly joyful, so dazzling, as if light had shone into his heart, like a person poor all his life suddenly finding treasure. Such a smile was unexpected joy, from inside out, so obvious. His entire handsome countenance, reflected in that smile, became even more pure and holy.

Huangfu Wushuang – he should have been that kind of pure, innocent person. What exactly had brought him to this point?

“Wushuang! Won’t you give up yet?” Hua Zhuyu said with heartbreak.

Huangfu Wushuang looked at Hua Zhuyu. He was momentarily dazed, as if seeing again that little eunuch in apricot-yellow court robes by his side, grooming him, helping him dress, assisting his ascension… day by day, day after day, she had thus merged into his life, carved into his heart, becoming part of his flesh and blood, causing him to sink into this lifetime’s perdition.

“Little Bao’er, if you’re willing to leave with me, I’ll give up,” Huangfu Wushuang looked at Hua Zhuyu with obsession flashing in his eyes. He staggered backward and suddenly grabbed Hua Zhuyu’s grandmother’s throat.

Huangfu Wushuang had been struck by Ji Fengli’s palm, blood still flowing from the corner of his lips. Every time he moved his inner energy slightly, his chest ached unbearably, but he no longer cared.

“Wushuang, release my grandmother and I’ll go with you!” Hua Zhuyu threw her precious sword to the ground, looking at him and speaking word by word.

Hearing this, Huangfu Wushuang’s beautiful face bloomed like a flower, with two dimples on his cheeks that seemed to hold wine in the moonlight.

When Hua Zhuyu walked close to him, he pushed away the old lady and wrapped his arm around Hua Zhuyu’s throat, slowly retreating.

In the vast night, their figures gradually disappeared into the mist formed by condensed moonlight.

“Huangfu Wushuang, this entire mountain has been surrounded. Do you think you can still escape? It’s still not too late to give up now,” Rong Luo’s voice echoed from behind.

Huangfu Wushuang didn’t stop, holding Hua Zhuyu hostage as he retreated bit by bit. Suddenly the ground gave way beneath his feet. Hua Zhuyu looked back and saw beneath the sky-covering vines was actually a deep cliff with no visible bottom.

“Little Bao’er, do you know that to prevent you from being with Ji Fengli, I had my spies remaining in the palace spread news that you were Hua Mu’s daughter? But Ji Fengli still wanted to marry you despite the ministers’ opposition. When I heard you and Ji Fengli were going to have a grand wedding, do you know how anxious I was?” Huangfu Wushuang’s voice whispered low around Hua Zhuyu’s ear. “I had someone kill the Grand Emperor.”

Hua Zhuyu was indescribably shocked. So Grand Emperor Yan’s death was Huangfu Wushuang’s doing. Just to prevent her from marrying Ji Fengli, he had killed the father emperor he had called Father for many years.

“Little Bao’er, Yu’er, I said before that between you and me is a dead end that can never be resolved in this lifetime,” he said word by word. Hua Zhuyu seemed to sense the breath of death in his voice.

Huangfu Wushuang was determined to die together with her.

She wasn’t afraid of death, but she carried a child in her womb – how could she let an innocent child perish?

“Wushuang, we haven’t reached a dead end yet. As long as I’m in your hands, they won’t kill us. We can still escape. Though Southern Dynasty can no longer tolerate you, we can go to Eastern Yan. I’m Mo Kingdom’s princess, and Eastern Yan’s empress is my aunt – we can go there,” Hua Zhuyu said slowly word by word, her hand secretly drawing a hairpin from her hair bun. She suddenly turned and stabbed it into Huangfu Wushuang’s lower abdomen.

With a soft sound, a brilliant rose instantly bloomed on Huangfu Wushuang’s robes.

In this instant, Hua Zhuyu felt somewhat dazed. She had never imagined that one day she would kill Huangfu Wushuang.

She suddenly remembered when she returned from the northern frontier, seeing from afar Huangfu Wushuang standing against the wind at the end of the white jade steps. Seeing her darkened and thinned by northern winds and frost, he gazed down at her for a long time, then showed her a smile full of heartache and pity, “Little Bao’er! You’ve lost so much weight.”

Her heart felt as if pierced by a sharp blade, pain almost suffocating her.

“Little Bao’er, are you finally shedding tears for me?” He reached out and caught a teardrop falling from Hua Zhuyu.

“Little Bao’er, don’t cry. Smile for me one last time! I love your smile,” Huangfu Wushuang said hoarsely.

No matter what, Hua Zhuyu couldn’t smile. Tears fell like broken pearls.

The soil beneath their feet suddenly loosened with a cracking sound. Hua Zhuyu’s heart leaped in alarm. She felt her body suddenly plummeting, then abruptly lightening – Huangfu Wushuang had used his strength to throw her entire body back up. But he, because of exerting force, fell through the air toward the cliff below.

In the wind, his faint sigh could be heard, “Little Bao’er, how could I bear to drag you to death with me!”

Hua Zhuyu was thrown back to the clifftop by Huangfu Wushuang. Before she could land, a white figure flashed before her eyes. Her waist was embraced by a pair of powerful arms, held so tightly she momentarily couldn’t breathe.

Hua Zhuyu looked up to see Rong Luo’s veil hanging from his bamboo hat fluttering in the wind. His faint udumbara flower fragrance drifted over, mixed with a subtle bamboo scent.

Rong Luo set her on the ground and said in a hoarse, calm voice, “Young Master Ying, be careful.” After speaking, he slowly retreated.

A bitter smile suddenly appeared at the corner of Hua Zhuyu’s lips.

She stood dazed at the cliff edge for a long time, so long she almost became a wooden carving. Night was about to pass.

That youth who made her both hate and pity would never return.

She often thought that if Wushuang had had a loving father emperor and a mother who cherished him, perhaps he wouldn’t have been so willful. Perhaps now he would be living happily.

But ultimately, everything was irreversible.

Hua Zhuyu slowly turned around, walking back on somewhat numb legs.

Behind her, Rong Luo stood not far away. Xiao Yin had changed to lean against a tree closer to her. Ping and An saw her walking over and hurried to support her. Kang and Tai were guarding her grandmother. Huangfu Wushang leaned against a tree, still shaken.

Hua Zhuyu first went to her grandmother’s side, then checked Xiao Yin’s wounds.

“Girl, I’ve thought it through. No matter who you’re with, as long as you can be happy, I’ll bless you,” Xiao Yin lowered his long lashes, covering the deep pain in his eyes, a smile appearing at the corner of his lips.

“No, Big Brother, I’ll accompany you to Northern Dynasty!” Hua Zhuyu said quietly. Xiao Yin’s wounds were serious – she wouldn’t feel at ease.

“Girl…” Xiao Yin gripped Hua Zhuyu’s hand tightly, his eyes overflowing with tender affection and wild joy.

“Big Brother, let me help you up!” She wrapped her arms around Xiao Yin’s waist, letting his arm rest on her shoulder, slowly helping him stand.

The image of them supporting each other was reflected in everyone’s eyes, so sweet.

“Young Master Rong, thank you for your assistance tonight. Farewell,” Hua Zhuyu smiled charmingly at Rong Luo.

Rong Luo’s solitary figure seemed to tremble, an indescribable emotion pouring out from his entire being. He walked slowly to stand not far in front of them, his spine so rigid, so straight. His hoarse voice came from beneath the veil, “Farewell!”

Hua Zhuyu, supporting Xiao Yin’s body, slowly walked past him with a smile and lowered head. From the corner of her eye, she saw Rong Luo’s body tremble again, and her lips slowly curved in a bitter smile.

Rong Luo! Though you deliberately didn’t use your silk fan when fighting, though you covered your face with a bamboo hat, though you specially wore udumbara incense to mask your natural light fragrance, though your voice was hoarse, I still recognized you – Ji Fengli.

No wonder that day in Qing City, Rong Luo went to the brothel to bid for that fake Dan Hong, seeking information about Ying Shuxie. No wonder West River Moon would deliver grain to Southern Dynasty. It turned out Ji Fengli was Rong Luo.

The last thing she could do for him, she had accomplished.

This war had been invisibly resolved. From now on, he could peacefully be his supreme ruler, while she would wander the world alone.