The Chief Eunuch knelt before the dragon-decorated desk, adding a few strips of green aromatic turmeric to the incense burner shaped like a mythical beast. The fragrant smoke swirled, its subtle bitter scent drifting through the air.
Li De gazed in the direction where Yao Ying had departed, lost in thought for a moment, then suddenly asked, “Don’t you think Seventh Miss resembles someone?”
The eunuch set down the gilt silver spoon and answered carefully, “The Seventh Princess possesses heavenly beauty, bearing some resemblance to Your Majesty in your younger years.”
Speaking of appearances, the Seventh Princess resembled no one – among all the princes and princesses, only she had those large, elongated, bewitching eyes.
Li De’s lips twitched. “Fu Nian, who do you think understands me best in this world?”
The eunuch pondered for a moment: “Naturally, it would be the late Empress.”
Li De’s face creased with fine wrinkles as he smiled, his phoenix eyes flashing with melancholy.
In his life, he had only loved one woman – Tang Ying. But Tang Ying had never truly understood him. What she wanted was a devoted husband and a warm, complete family, not an emperor.
“The person who understands me best in this world is Xie Wuliang.”
A flash of surprise crossed the eunuch’s face.
Li De understood what the eunuch was thinking: If Xie Wuliang understood you best, why are you so cold toward Noble Consort Xie and her children?
Just as Tang Ying had questioned him repeatedly back then: My lord loves and respects me, so why take other women?
Because he wasn’t just Li De – he was also the Great General of Wei County, to whom countless soldiers pledged their loyalty.
After Tang Ying’s death, many asked Li De: Do you regret it?
The newly bereaved Li De certainly did regret it. His hair turned white overnight, and in his thunderous rage, he directed all his fury at Xie Man Yuan and Li Zhong Qian.
Only one person never asked Li De if he regretted it.
That person calmly helped arrange Xie Man Yuan’s departure to avoid disaster and demanded Li Zhong Qian abandon martial pursuits for scholarly ones and never touch those paired war drums and golden hammers again.
After handling everything, he returned to Jingnan and never stepped foot outside it again.
He died there in Jingnan.
The only person who truly understood Li De was gone.
The only woman he had ever truly loved had turned to bones.
His only favored and beloved son was mercurial and brooding. Once his wings were fully grown, he would surely kill his father to avenge his mother.
Li De knew he would forever feel guilt and pain over Tang Ying’s death.
But he had no regrets.
The Wei army had recovered most of the realm and established the Wei Dynasty, and given time, he and his descendants would surely complete the great enterprise of unifying the realm and commanding respect from all under heaven.
Rivers clear and seas calm, the nation prosperous and people at peace.
This path was destined to be difficult, destined to be lonely.
He could walk it alone.
Even if it meant being betrayed by all, abandoned by kin, and solitary for life.
Such was the fate of one who rules.
Li De opened a memorial: “Only today did I realize that among all my children, the one who understands me best is Seventh Miss.”
A trace of joy flickered in the eunuch’s eyes: Was His Majesty going to treat the Seventh Princess well now?
Li De caught his expression, his eyes showing mockery.
He was about to issue an edict arranging Seventh Miss’s marriage alliance with the barbarians.
If she weren’t Xie Man Yuan’s daughter, weren’t Li Zhong Qian’s sister, perhaps he would have kept her by his side, given her insight.
But she was.
He wouldn’t leave any hidden dangers for Li Xuan Zhen. The more Seven Miss understood him, the more he couldn’t keep her.
……
Yao Ying slept for a day and a night.
The next morning, the Eastern Palace sent someone to inquire about her condition, but they were driven away by Commander Xu Biao, who brandished his long spear.
Half an hour later, Li Xuan Zhen came personally.
Chief Secretary Hu blocked the door, sneering: “Would Your Highness the Crown Prince mind waiting until our mistress can stand before visiting?”
Li Xuan Zhen’s brows furrowed slightly.
Wei Ming stood behind him, smiling as he asked: “Is the Seventh Princess truly so gravely ill? I have some medical knowledge – perhaps I could check her pulse.”
How strange that right after agreeing to the arrangement, Li Yao Ying had fallen ill – wasn’t the timing rather peculiar?
The Chief Secretary clenched his fists, face full of hatred, about to burst into curses when a door opened behind him.
Xie Qing pulled open the door, his eyes signaling there was no need to block them.
The Chief Secretary bit his lip and stepped aside.
Li Xuan Zhen entered the inner chamber, hearing Wei Ming’s light sniffing.
There was no medicinal smell in the room.
Wei Ming whispered: “How strange indeed! The Seventh Princess must be pretending to be ill…”
He spoke with great certainty.
But when his gaze fell on Li Yao Ying, who was half-reclining on the bed, his tone immediately became uncertain, and he gradually fell silent.
Yao Ying’s face was pale, her lips tinged blue, without a trace of color – she truly looked gravely ill.
Wei Ming’s heart wavered: Was the Seventh Princess genuinely sick?
Li Xuan Zhen stood at the foot of the bed, quite far from it, his gaze lingering on Yao Ying’s face for a moment.
Sunlight filtered into the room, screened by the tall floor screen embroidered with landscapes and figures, settling on his shoulders. In the flowing golden light, his handsome face was hidden in a mix of light and shadow.
His narrow phoenix eyes were cold and dark.
Yao Ying’s thoughts seemed distant as she met Li Xuan Zhen’s gaze. Suddenly, she called out softly: “Brother…”
Everyone in the room froze.
Yao Ying breathed faintly, her gaze fixed on Li Xuan Zhen’s face as she murmured: “Brother has returned.”
The Chief Secretary lowered his head, wiping away tears.
Li Xuan Zhen remained silent.
Xie Qing stepped forward, bowing as he said: “Princess, this is His Highness the Crown Prince.”
Yao Ying looked confused, blanking for a moment before the haziness in her eyes gradually cleared, her pupils becoming sharp and distinct, like autumn waters rippling.
She looked at Li Xuan Zhen, slowly recognizing him, her expression growing cold.
“Brother Chang Sheng, how did you become like this?”
The sigh was so faint it might have been Li Xuan Zhen’s imagination.
He raised his eyes, feeling as if someone had gently dropped a stone into his heart, creating ripples that spread outward in circles.
By the time he came back to himself, Yao Ying had regained her usual demeanor, saying coolly: “I have already informed His Majesty of my intention to take her place in marriage. The edict will be issued in a few days. Your Highness need not worry about me going back on my word.”
Her voice was weak and breathy, sounding both delicate and soft, yet carrying a sense of distance.
Li Xuan Zhen silently watched her.
Wei Ming couldn’t help saying: “I dare to ask the Princess to provide some token that can serve as proof, otherwise the mounted scouts won’t set foot in Huangzhou.”
Yao Ying’s lips curved slightly in mockery: “This token is meant to be sent to Chieftain Yelu, I presume?”
They feared she would change her mind.
Wei Ming smiled without warmth: “The Princess is clever as ice and snow.”
In his opinion, the Eastern Palace shouldn’t save Li Zhong Qian, but Li Xuan Zhen was determined to save Zhu Lu Yun. After weighing the options, he felt this arrangement was acceptable – with the Seventh Princess married off to an ally, Li Zhong Qian would lose his right arm and no longer be a concern.
Perhaps Li Zhong Qian would then fly into a rage and bring about his destruction… that would be even better.
Wei Ming had come to the prince’s mansion to get a token from Li Yao Ying, ensuring she couldn’t go back on her word.
The Chief Secretary trembled with anger: The Princess was so ill, yet they still came to pressure her!
Yao Ying’s expression remained calm as she coughed lightly, looking toward a small box beside the bed.
Xie Qing understood and handed the box to Wei Ming.
Wei Ming took the box and opened it, his face showing pleasure.
Inside was a letter in Yao Ying’s hand, along with her ornaments – these items were sufficient as tokens.
Yao Ying covered her mouth as she coughed, looking at Li Xuan Zhen weakly: “Is Your Highness satisfied? Or does Your Highness need to deliver me to Chieftain Yelu’s bed immediately to feel at ease?”
The tone was delicate, but the question was biting.
Even Wei Ming frowned at this, laughing awkwardly, “We won’t disturb the Princess’s rest any longer.”
He glanced at Li Xuan Zhen.
Li Xuan Zhen shifted his gaze away and turned to leave.
The Chief Secretary’s eyes bulged as he shouted: “Wait! What about your token? How do we know you’ll keep your word? The Princess has given you her token, you must provide one too!”
Wei Ming’s brows furrowed deeply as he looked at Li Xuan Zhen.
Li Xuan Zhen turned back, staring at Yao Ying for a moment: “What proof do you want?”
Yao Ying smiled, her breath floating like gossamer, though her eyes were bright and clear: “Your Highness’s word is worth nine tripods – what need is there for proof?”
Wei Ming was taken aback, his face flushing.
Li Xuan Zhen’s thin lips pressed together, dark currents crossing his eyes. He stood for a moment, then turned and left.
The Chief Secretary immediately ordered the maids to hang the curtains, then rushed to the bedside, worriedly saying: “My lady, do we not need to get a token from the Crown Prince? What if he doesn’t keep his word?”
Yao Ying took several breaths and shook her head.
“The Crown Prince won’t break his promise.”
When Li Xuan Zhen agreed to save someone, he would do it, even if that person was his mortal enemy – she didn’t worry about this.
……
After leaving the prince’s mansion, Wei Ming suggested immediately sending Li Yao Ying’s tokens to the residence where Chieftain Yelu was staying.
“This way, even if the Seventh Princess wants to change her mind, she can’t.”
Li Xuan Zhen said nothing, reaching out to grasp the box.
Wei Ming was startled and looked up.
Li Xuan Zhen said: “Keep it for now. Wait until we have news from Huangzhou.”
Wei Ming’s eyes flickered for a moment before he lowered his head in agreement.
Back at the Eastern Palace, a servant came to report: “Your Highness, the lady has been waiting for you for some time.”
Li Xuan Zhen changed his clothes and went to the inner courtyard to see Zheng Bi Yu.
Zheng Bi Yu’s face was full of worry: “Your Highness, must it be the Seventh Princess who takes her place? Couldn’t someone else do it?”
Li Xuan Zhen rubbed his brow, “No.”
Zheng Bi Yu bit her lip, her eyes reddening slightly: “The Seventh Princess is only fourteen! She’s your sister – even though you have different mothers, she’s still your flesh and blood. Your Highness, how can you let the Seventh Princess suffer in Zhu Lu Yun’s place? If His Majesty insisted on a marriage alliance, that would be one thing. But this marriage was Zhu Lu Yun’s own doing – you shouldn’t use it to bargain with the Seventh Princess!”
Li Xuan Zhen suddenly raised his head, his gaze icy, his voice sinking: “If not her, then it would have to be Yun’er. Do you want to watch Yun’er marry into the barbarians?”
Zheng Bi Yu was stunned, her lovely face instantly filling with anger: “What does Your Highness mean? Does Your Highness think I’m trying to stop you so that Zhu Lu Yun will be married off?”
Li Xuan Zhen lowered his eyes and remained silent.
Zheng Bi Yu’s body trembled, too angry to speak.
After a moment, she smiled with a hint of mockery: “Your Highness, I am a legitimate daughter of the Zheng family, raised from childhood on poetry and literature, known for my feminine virtues. While I have indeed complained about Your Highness’s numerous inappropriate actions for Zhu Lu Yun’s sake over the years, I have never envied her. I am Your Highness’s wife – whoever Your Highness cherishes, I will cherish and care for as you do, only hoping she can bring Your Highness happiness and peace of mind.”
Li Xuan Zhen’s gaze grew distant as he said quietly: “The Crown Princess has always been virtuous… then why do you plead for the Seventh Princess?”
Zheng Bi Yu fell silent.
Yes, why did she speak up for Li Yao Ying?
Li Xuan Zhen understood her – she was the legitimate daughter of a noble family, immersed since childhood in putting family interests first.
Cool-headed, rational, self-serving.
When chaos engulfed the realm, different branches of the Zheng family pledged allegiance to different factions. Zheng Yu became Li De’s advisor, while her father chose to assist Li De’s mortal enemy.
This was how noble families survived – no matter which side emerged victorious, the Zheng clan would continue to flourish in the new dynasty.
Great causes and the common people’s suffering were not their concern; they cared only for their own families.
Families like the Xie clan, who took responsibility for the realm as their own, were anomalies – that’s why the Xie family’s bloodline was thin, finally disappearing completely in the chaos of war.
They were looked up to by the world, yet not understood by it.
Only clans like the Zheng family, who always put family interests first, could continue to prosper generation after generation.
As a noble family’s daughter, Zheng Bi Yu was skilled at calculation, always planning for herself and her family.
At fifteen, she married the son of Li De’s mortal enemy, with the Zhao family promising to make her Crown Princess in the future. Several years later, when the Zhao family was defeated, her father sent her to Li De.
Li De asked if Zheng Bi Yu would be willing to remarry to Li Xuan Zhen.
Zheng Bi Yu agreed without hesitation – before her first husband’s corpse had grown cold, she was ready to marry again.
Such a person – why would she speak up for the Seventh Princess?
Zheng Bi Yu gave a bitter smile and slowly said: “The first time I met the Seventh Princess, she was only ten. That year, when the Zhao family was defeated and Wei troops surrounded the Zhao mansion, the Zhao and Li families were mortal enemies, and they had killed His Majesty’s younger brother. The Old Madam knew the Li family wouldn’t spare them once the city fell, so she had poison wine prepared.”
……
At that time, Zheng Bi Yu was also by the Old Madam’s side.
The Old Madam’s eyes filled with tears as she said to her: “Yu’er, you are a legitimate daughter of the Zheng family, known for your virtues. The Li family won’t kill you, but our several dozen members of the Zhao household cannot escape this fate. You and I have been mother and daughter-in-law – it was fate. Today we part, divided by life and death. If you can see your uncle, I hope you’ll speak a few kind words for the Zhao women, considering our past relationship – at least ask them not to desecrate our corpses.”
Zheng Bi Yu choked back tears and nodded.
Outside the high walls, flames blazed and the sounds of killing drew closer.
Lady Zhao led all the women to hide in the Zhao family ancestral hall – the first, second, and third ladies, the concubines of several young masters, the mansion’s maids, young ladies, and nursing infant girls. Everyone knelt, covering their faces as they wept and trembled.
“A’Luo, don’t be afraid.” Lady Zhao comforted her most beloved granddaughter, trembling as she offered the poisoned wine. “After drinking this cup, you won’t have to fear anything.”
A’Luo was already fifteen and understood what her grandmother was offering was poison. She burst into loud sobs.
All the women in the room joined in the weeping, creating a scene of utter desolation.
Just then, there came the sound of someone kicking the main door, with soldiers outside shouting and yelling about breaking into the ancestral hall, their crude vulgarities rising one after another.
The women cried out in terror.
Zheng Bi Yu and her servants stood to one side, not stepping forward.
From the moment the Zhao family fell, she had nothing more to do with them.
Lady Zhao’s face turned white as she grabbed A’Luo, forcing open her mouth, crying: “A’Luo, be good, drink it, and you won’t have to suffer.”
A’Luo kept crying but understood her grandmother didn’t want to see her violated by the soldiers. Slowly, she opened her mouth.
“Lady Zhao, wait!”
A young voice suddenly rang out, sweet and clear like early summer fruit.
Zheng Bi Yu looked toward the sound.
The commotion outside the door had stopped at some point, and the door opened to reveal a youth wearing a pale round-collared brocade robe and a lotus jade crown.
As the youth approached, Zheng Bi Yu realized it was a delicate, radiant young lady with skin like snow.
The young lady walked to Lady Zhao, bowed to her, and said: “Greetings, Old Madam. I apologize for frightening you earlier. I’ve had the outsiders withdraw from the ancestral hall – they won’t return.”
Lady Zhao stared blankly at the young lady.
The young lady glanced at A’Luo, who was crying heart-rendingly: “Sister is in the prime of her youth – Old Madam, do you have the heart to let her die for the Zhao family?”
Lady Zhao looked down at A’Luo, and grandmother and granddaughter embraced, weeping.
The young lady said: “Old Madam, rest assured. Today I stand guard here – no one will dare disrespect you all.”
She gestured to her attendants.
The attendants entered, collected all the poison wine from before the women, and respectfully withdrew.
The young lady also went outside. Attendants brought a chair, and she swept aside her robe to sit astride it, though her toes dangled in the air, not reaching the ground.
She coughed once.
An attendant placed a footstool beneath her feet, and the young lady, now properly supported, sat formally upright.
Beyond the high walls, soldiers shouting battle cries were everywhere. In the night, with smoke rolling everywhere, the young lady sat until midnight.
During this time, various unruly soldiers would charge into the ancestral hall wearing lecherous grins, but the young lady’s attendants would immediately step forward: “The Young Lady is here – who dares act improperly?”
The soldiers would flee in terror.
In the late night, a crowd of footsteps approached from outside, and a group of burly soldiers escorted a young man carrying golden hammers.
The young man was tall and strong, his muscles rippling beneath his military dress as he strode to the young lady.
The Zhao women in the ancestral hall trembled at the sight of him.
Zheng Bi Yu recognized him – the Li family’s young tyrant who killed as easily as breathing, his evil reputation spreading far and wide. The Zhao family’s young master had died under his twin hammers.
Li Zhong Qian went straight to the corridor, covered in blood, his face grim, yet when he spoke, his tone was gentle: “What are you doing here?”
The young lady stood up: “Brother, you’re injured?”
Li Zhong Qian casually wiped the blood from his sleeve: “Someone else’s blood… It’s chaotic here, don’t stay. I’ll have Xie Chao escort you back.”
The young lady shook her head, “The Zhao women are all in the ancestral hall. I must guard them.”
Zheng Bi Yu thought Li Zhong Qian would scold the young lady for being foolish, but he didn’t say a single word of reproach. He nodded and ordered his subordinates: “Xie Chao stays. Anyone who offends Seven Miss – kill without question.”
After giving these instructions, Li Zhong Qian hurriedly left with his blood-stained hammers.
The young lady sat back in her chair and kept watch until dawn.
The next day, Zheng Bi Yu left with the people the Zheng family had sent to fetch her.
Later, her mother told her that the Zhao women had preserved their chastity and hadn’t taken their lives. The Li family hadn’t exterminated the Zhao family completely, returning their old mansion and servants, and letting them settle in their hometown.
……
Zheng Bi Yu finished recounting the past and looked at Li Xuan Zhen.
“Your Highness, the Seventh Princess saved the Zhao women, yet never mentioned it. Later, she also saved the women of the Lu, Lü, and Sun families…”
“That year when I was in labor, Your Highness was away campaigning. Rebels appeared in the city and blocked the gates. The city was in a panic. The eleven-year-old Seventh Princess had people care for me and other women and children while she led guards onto the city walls to persuade and intimidate the rebels.”
Zheng Bi Yu would never forget the heavy, oppressive atmosphere of despair that hung over the city then.
The household was in chaos, Li De’s concubines could only weep, and some wanted to surrender. Li Yao Ying ordered the execution of conspirators who tried to open the gates, gathered the city’s forces in her capacity as the Li family’s young lady, and held the city walls for over ten days.
After giving birth, Zheng Bi Yu gritted her teeth and got out of bed, planning to go guard the walls too – she was Li Xuan Zhen’s wife and couldn’t let Li Zhong Qian’s sister steal all the glory.
Maids supported her to the base of the city wall, where she looked up and saw that young girl in hunting clothes bathed in brilliant sunlight. Suddenly, she remembered the first time she’d seen Li Yao Ying.
After marrying Li Xuan Zhen, Zheng Bi Yu asked Li Yao Ying: “Seven Miss had no connection to the Zhao family – why did you save the Zhao women?”
Li Yao Ying had replied carelessly: “It was nothing much.”
Zheng Bi Yu was a noble family’s daughter, clear-headed and rational. After marrying Li Xuan Zhen, she devoted herself to planning for his benefit – what did it matter how much trouble Zhu Lu Yun caused? She would always be Li Xuan Zhen’s principal wife.
The calculating Zheng Bi Yu stood at the base of the city wall, looking up at Li Yao Ying’s small but determined figure, lost in thought for a long while before turning back to her room.
Zheng Bi Yu knew Seven Miss wasn’t trying to win the hearts of Li Zhong Qian – she simply wanted to protect the city’s common people and the Li family’s women and children.
Just as she had protected the Zhao women. As women who couldn’t even kill a chicken themselves, if they could lend a hand to spare others from a tragic fate of violation, why not help?
Tears welled up in Zheng Bi Yu’s eyes.
“Your Highness asks why I speak for the Seventh Princess – the reason is simple: because I still have some conscience.”
Li Xuan Zhen closed his eyes, his hands trembling slightly, veins bulging on his forehead: “She came to me herself! She came to make this deal! She is the daughter of the Xie woman – her life and death are nothing to me!”
Zheng Bi Yu looked at Li Xuan Zhen, eyes tightly shut, expression verging on madness, and sighed deeply.
“Da Lang… you will regret this.”
“No!” Li Xuan Zhen’s eyes flew open, dark currents churning in their depths. “I won’t regret it.”
Never.
……
Two days later, news came from the mounted scouts.
They had found Li Zhong Qian. He was still unconscious, with only five or six loyal guards protecting him. Though the situation was urgent, his life wasn’t in danger.
The mounted scouts were already on their way back with Li Zhong Qian.
Li Xuan Zhen had the news sent to the prince’s mansion.
Yao Ying had just regained clarity from her stupor. She clutched the message tightly, tears falling freely.
Brother was indeed still alive.
As long as Brother returned safely, she feared nothing.
The messenger reminded Yao Ying: “My lady, the Chief Secretary says it’s time to fulfill your promise.”
Yao Ying gripped the message, wiped away her tears, and gave a faint “mm” of acknowledgment.
Three days later, there was a grand banquet at the palace. Li De once again hosted Chieftain Yelu and other tribal leaders and princes, along with envoys from various countries, court officials, imperial consorts, and noble clan members.
The palace sent guards to escort Yao Ying to the banquet.
Yao Ying dressed in magnificent formal attire and, supported by Xie Qing, stepped into the carriage, her palm tightly gripping that bright moon pearl.