The moment Lin Chengyou’s lips touched Teng Yuyi’s, it was as if his chest caught fire. The sweetest wine in the world lay between her lips, and he chased after that rich fragrance with abandon. The intoxication seemed contagious – in an instant, his mind was filled only with her sweet, pure scent. Lost in the depths of his intoxication, he bit her lip and murmured, “A’Yu.”

Teng Yuyi, whether drunk or simply dazed, had a warm body as soft as a cat’s, nestling in his arms and obediently accepting his kisses.

Lin Chengyou wondered in his drunken state if she even knew what he was doing to her. But he could no longer stop himself, his body beyond control. He could only press against her lips and ask softly, “A’Yu?”

Teng Yuyi struggled slightly, like a child suddenly deprived of sweet syrup – more than just dissatisfied, she was ready to throw a tantrum. She pressed against his lips with frustration, biting without technique.

When Lin Chengyou gently sucked her tongue, she knocked against his teeth. When he turned to kiss the corner of her mouth, she sucked his lips.

This clumsy passion set Lin Chengyou ablaze. The flower bud in his heart, unable to contain such intense tremors, bloomed into the most brilliant flower in the world.

How could one person’s heart chamber contain such joy? The delightful breeze carried him high into the clouds, like a white crane soaring freely through the sky.

He caught her reaching hands and responded even more roughly, but Teng Yuyi’s body was extraordinarily soft. When he leaned forward slightly, she lost balance and fell backward.

In his panic, Lin Chengyou reached out to protect the back of Teng Yuyi’s head, but in that moment of passion and confusion, she fell onto the roof tiles.

As she fell, Teng Yuyi still held Lin Chengyou’s arm, pulling him down with her. He protected her head with one hand while bracing himself beside her head with the other.

The roof tiles compressed under their bodies with a sound that seemed especially harsh in the quiet night.

Immediately after came strange howling sounds from below.

Lin Chengyou’s hair stood on end. Lost in abandon and indulgence, he had completely forgotten about the people below. Their noses touched as their hot breaths intertwined. Each irregular breath invited imagination. Looking at the delicate face in his arms, blooming like a flower bud, despite his reluctance, he had to temporarily leave her rouge-red lips.

Propping himself up on his elbow, he listened to the courtyard, which was unusually quiet. Those people had hidden somewhere unknown.

It seemed only Jun Nu remained in the courtyard, but Lin Chengyou knew the servants must be nearby listening to the sounds from the roof. His heart pounding like thunder, he hurriedly embraced Teng Yuyi, but she, like a child who had her fill of sweet syrup, yawned against his chest and then went still.

Lin Chengyou’s feelings were indescribable. While his ears still burned and his heart raced, Teng Yuyi simply fell asleep.

Unconsciously wiping his mouth with the back of his hand, he realized his lips were already bitten through.

Tsk, tonight he hadn’t just been kissed – he’d been thoroughly gnawed on.

This kiss was like an indelible seal – once branded on him, it was a lifetime matter. From any angle, he, Lin Chengyou, was now her man, Teng Yuyi’s.

By the same logic, she, Teng Yuyi, had long been his person, Lin Chengyou’s.

If she forgot all this when she woke up tomorrow, who could he complain to?

Before they returned to the courtyard, he couldn’t help brushing the stray hairs on her cheeks, then gently pinched her nose, wanting to ask: Teng Yuyi, do you remember tonight when we— but the words changed at his lips to: “A’Yu? A’Yu?”

Seeing she couldn’t be woken, Lin Chengyou had no choice but to wrap her in his cloak, carry her up, return to the eaves, and leap down into the courtyard.

Below, indeed only Jun Nu remained – the others had run off somewhere.

Lin Chengyou cleared his throat thick-skinned.

As soon as he spoke, Steward Cheng emerged from the courtyard gate with the servants.

Lin Chengyou said in a casual tone, “She’s asleep. Take her back to her room to rest.”

“Thank you, Young Master. Quick, attend to her.” Steward Cheng’s usually kind face showed traces of awkwardness. Dan Fu’s face looked even more expressionless than usual, and the remaining maids either had blushing red faces or shifting gazes.

Bi Luo and Chun Rong hurried to take Teng Yuyi back to her room, quickly surrounding her, but as soon as they touched her arms, Teng Yuyi’s drunkenness surged again. First, she retched a few times, then pushed away the two maids’ hands: “No…”

Steward Cheng’s mouth twitched. The Young Miss squirming in the Prince of Cheng’s arms looked just like a worm. It was admirable that the Prince could tolerate this. A drunk person was heavier than usual – it wouldn’t be proper for him to approach, and though Dan Fu was a eunuch, there was no justification for him to carry the Young Miss into her chambers.

If they were to immediately fetch a sedan chair from the outer court, given its width, at most, it could only reach the corridor – it couldn’t enter the door no matter what.

“Lift her!” Steward Cheng made a quick decision, having Spring Rong and Bi Luo lift Teng Yuyi’s head and shoulders, another group of little maids responsible for her waist and hips, and the rest for her knees and legs.

It looked unseemly, but this was already the best solution.

Seeing the maids swarm up, Lin Chengyou stepped back with Teng Yuyi: “Eh, why make it so complicated? What if you drop her? Since she doesn’t want you touching her, I’ll take her in.”

The people in the courtyard looked at each other. He’d already carried her, already kissed her, sending her in didn’t seem too excessive. Besides, they’d all seen it was the Young Miss who initiated the bite – the Prince’s lips were even broken…

Ah, it was too embarrassing to keep staring.

Now the Young Miss refused to let go…

While they hesitated, Lin Chengyou had already carried her to the outer room’s door. Spring Rong and Bi Luo hurried to follow, opening the door to guide Lin Chengyou to the inner chamber.

It was Lin Chengyou’s first time entering Teng Yuyi’s private chambers. Though he kept his eyes straight ahead, he couldn’t help glimpsing several corners.

A black lacquered zither sat on the table – so she enjoyed playing? The bed curtains were hung with many small toys – little dolls, paper kites, sachets, fans… a delightfully lively array.

At the bedside, Lin Chengyou gently laid her down. Just as he was about to straighten up, unexpectedly, his front lapel was grabbed by Teng Yuyi.

Lin Chengyou’s face heated – this pull would drag him onto the bed. Bi Luo and Spring Rong thought quickly, hurriedly pulling out a doll from under the pillow and stuffing it into Teng Yuyi’s arms.

Teng Yuyi mumbled a few words while hugging the doll, then happily let go.

Lin Chengyou sighed in relief, turning to examine the doll in Teng Yuyi’s arms. This doll was left to her by her mother, and after so many years, she still treasured it.

He gently stroked the doll’s head but unexpectedly caught a whiff of an unpleasant smell.

This smell… he frowned. How could it be like saliva?

Sniffing again, he was certain it came from the doll. Others might not notice, but his sense of smell was more sensitive than most.

Teng Yuyi still drooled in her sleep at this age…

Bi Luo and Spring Rong hurriedly said, “This doll was left to the Young Miss by the Madam. Though it looks old, we servants wash it regularly.”

Lin Chengyou gazed at Teng Yuyi’s peaceful sleeping face for a moment, knowing it was improper to stay longer. He untied the jade pendant from his waist and placed it beside Teng Yuyi’s pillow, saying to the still-sleeping Teng Yuyi: “This is the jade pendant I’ve worn since childhood. With this, you can enter the palace directly. I’m leaving now. Take good care of yourself.”

These words only earned a series of impatient mumbles from Teng Yuyi.

Lin Chengyou lowered his head and smiled, straightened up, took out that pair of hair ornaments from his bosom and placed them beside Teng Yuyi’s pillow, then turned to walk out.

***

Department of Justice, Office Chamber.

A single lamp glowed inside. Though the hour was late, a young official still sat at his desk organizing case files – it was Director Yan.

In the lamplight, Director Yan’s face clearly showed signs of fatigue.

Lin Chengyou: “Elder Brother Yan.”

Director Yan rubbed his face to gather his spirits: “You’ve come at the right time. Here, all the case files are here.”

Lin Chengyou took them with a smile: “Thank you for your trouble, Elder Brother Yan.”

Opening them, he saw the files not only contained organized testimonies from the involved parties – Zhuang Mu, Master Jing Chen, Song Jian, Lu Zhao’an, Wu Qi, Madam Wang, and others – but also copied guest lists from Purple Cloud Tower the night the tree demon appeared, and even the guest list from the English Duke’s mansion the day Hu Jizhen’s incident occurred.

As for evidence like the “New Moon Mirror,” “Heaven’s Water Liberation Net,” “Silver Thread Weapons,” and other related items, they were all listed as well.

In other words, from the night of the Shangsi Festival when the tree demon suddenly appeared at Purple Cloud Tower, to E Ji’s death by poison in her residence in Pingkang Ward, the details of all related cases had been meticulously organized.

This was Director Yan, Lin Chengyou thought silently. From his first day reporting to the Department of Justice, Director Yan had been like this – whether it was an earth-shattering case or an unremarkable one, once it fell into Director Yan’s hands, it would never be treated carelessly.

Just as he was thinking this, Director Yan said: “Although the master behind the Bright Moon Hermit acts cautiously, it seems not without flaws. If we continue investigating like this, we’re not far from closing the net. By the way, Investigator Lin, is that residence in Moth Lane the ancestral property of Wang Jiu’en, that Confucian merchant from Yangzhou?”

Lin Chengyou nodded: “This person was an old acquaintance of Lu Zhao’an in Yangzhou. The love poison Lu Zhao’an used to bewitch women was given by Wang Jiu’en. Before coming to the capital for the examinations, Wang Jiu’en directed Lu Zhao’an to find E Ji in Pingkang Ward. After Lu Zhao’an won first place, they formally began to draw him in. That day, Wang Jiu’en had originally planned to introduce Lu Zhao’an to the behind-the-scenes master, but Young Master Hu Jizhen’s intrusion into Lu’s residence ruined the plan. Wang Jiu’en fled Chang’an on the day of the incident and his whereabouts are now unknown. A few days ago, I went to Wannian County to check the household registry and confirmed this residence has always been under Wang Jiu’en’s name.”

“Looking at it this way, this residence was one of their places for secret communications and planning?”

Lin Chengyou was silent for a moment: “Unfortunately, the old items in the residence have already been cleared out. Even if some traces remain, searching would take more than a day’s work. I had people temporarily seal off the residence and will investigate in detail later.”

Director Yan was about to respond when he suddenly noticed Investigator Lin’s broken lips. They didn’t look like they were broken in a fight, but rather like they had been bitten…

This wasn’t even the strangest part. The strangest was Investigator Lin’s indescribably troubled expression. Though they were discussing the case, his expression wasn’t as animated as usual, instead showing a kind of deliberate avoidance…

Director Yan suddenly remembered that Lin Chengyou had obtained the Emperor’s edict to visit the Yuzhen Daoist Convent in the evening.

“Investigator Lin, did you discover something at the convent?”

Since he had found a crucial lead to that behind-the-scenes master, why was Investigator Lin unwilling to continue?

But Lin Chengyou said: “It’s too late. Sister-in-law must be waiting for Elder Brother Yan at home. I need to enter the palace anyway, I’ll escort Elder Brother Yan home on the way.”

When Director Yan heard his wife mentioned, his expression immediately softened. He looked apologetically at the drain in the corner of the room, and turned to organize the case files: “Let’s go then.”

As they walked out, Lin Chengyou said: “I need to leave the capital tomorrow. These cases will have to be put aside for now. I’ll take the case files to the palace first and continue the investigation when I return to the capital.”

Director Yan didn’t know that Lin Chengyou was about to lead the Divine Strategy Army into battle, and was stunned: “When will Investigator Lin return? Why send the case files to the palace? While you’re away from the capital, I can walk around those streets and alleys more often. Given enough time, I might be able to gather some clues.”

Lin Chengyou said: “It’s useless. This person acts more cautiously than the Peng family, and the spies under their command are no fewer than the Peng family’s. If Elder Brother Yan discovers anything, I fear they might harm you. I have several other thorny cases in hand, and I’ll have to trouble Elder Brother Yan to help investigate those instead.”

Director Yan was stunned for a moment, then smiled bitterly: “Very well, we’ll wait until you return to discuss it.”

At Director Yan’s gate, servants hearing the sound came out with lanterns.

Director Yan’s salary couldn’t afford to buy a house; this narrow, humble residence was rented.

Director Yan dismounted and entered. Inside the gate, a young woman spoke in whispers. Lin Chengyou knew it was Director Yan’s wife’s voice. The couple shared deep affection – no matter how late Director Yan returned home, his wife would always come out personally to welcome him.

Director Yan spoke softly with his wife for a few moments, then soon returned, grabbing Lin Chengyou’s reins warmly: “My humble wife has prepared a late meal. Investigator Lin, please eat before you go.”

Lin Chengyou had never stood on ceremony. On previous nights when cases ran late, he had indeed taken late meals at their residence.

Lin Chengyou smiled: “Usually I wouldn’t hesitate to impose on my Sister-in-law for a meal, but today I really can’t spare the time. I still need to enter the palace to discuss several important matters with Uncle.”

Director Yan could only release the reins: “Then I won’t insist. There are no lights nearby – come, let Elder Brother Yan light your way to the alley entrance.”

He raised the lantern to lead the way.

Lin Chengyou declined: “No need, I can see in the dark. Elder Brother Yan, go back. While I’m away from the capital, take good care of yourself. Don’t investigate that case – wait until I return to discuss it.”

This was the third time tonight Lin Chengyou had urged him not to continue investigating. Director Yan was stunned for a moment, and though puzzled in his heart, could only agree.

Lin Chengyou felt somewhat relieved: “Then I’ll take my leave. Take care, Elder Brother Yan.”

“Be careful on your way.” Director Yan remained in place, watching Lin Chengyou leave.

Lin Chengyou cupped his hands in farewell. As he turned his horse at the alley’s end, he looked back to see Director Yan still holding the lantern high to light his way.

Military success depends on speed. Lin Chengyou delayed no further, spurring his horse forward, instantly galloping into the night.

***

In the Great Ming Palace, the Emperor and Daoist Master Qingxu were playing chess while waiting for news.

When the water clock pointed to the midnight hour, Lin Chengyou finally returned.

Chief Eunuch Guan brought in a late meal and quietly withdrew.

“Kuan Nu said you gave Jun Nu away,” Master Qingxu squinted at his grand-disciple. “Where did you send him?”

“I gave him to Miss Teng,” Lin Chengyou said frankly.

“It took until this late?”

Lin Chengyou’s expression remained unchanged: “I stopped by the Department of Justice to see Director Yan on the way.”

As he spoke, he sat down under the lamp. A Han and Master Qingxu saw Lin Chengyou’s face and both fell silent.

Lin Chengyou unconsciously covered his mouth with his hand, then felt this looked too guilty, so he simply drank his porridge without a word, using the bowl to hide his lips. However, the porridge was quite hot, scalding his wound. Afraid the two elders would notice something amiss, he could only endure.

Master Qingxu pushed a jade cup toward his grand disciple: “Drink slowly, don’t burn your mouth.”

Lin Chengyou nearly choked – it was a cup of ice.

A Han kindly changed the subject: “You went back to the Department of Justice to hand over your current cases?”

Lin Chengyou responded casually: “Director Yan has organized all the case files related to the Bright Moon Hermit group’s crimes. With the Huaixi Circuit raising the banner of rebellion, that person will certainly make a move. These pieces of evidence aren’t safe at the Department of Justice – better to have Uncle personally keep them.”

A Han took that stack of case reports, his expression growing increasingly grave as he read.

Lin Chengyou said: “This person has been preparing for a long time, already restless to act. If we can quickly suppress the rebellion, that would be best. If it drags on longer, I fear they may take advantage of the chaos to cause trouble…”

A Han considered: “Warfare requires knowing both yourself and your enemy. No matter how meticulously Peng Zhen prepared, he certainly couldn’t have imagined that Teng Shao received wind of it months ago. Not only that, he immediately told Lin Xiao. The Huaixi Circuit is now like a sieve leaking from all sides – before the war has even started, its details have been exposed. Uncle giving you a two-month time limit was also after careful consideration. Even if the suppression campaign extends to half a year, the drain on the court’s military strength won’t be great. Even if that person takes advantage of the chaos to plot rebellion, they can’t possibly succeed.”

Lin Chengyou remained silent. This was exactly what confused him.

The Peng family’s rebellion was a once-in-a-thousand-year opportunity for that person. For example, in the “previous life” Li Huaigu spoke of, the court took a full three years to successfully suppress the rebellion. The residual poison in Uncle’s body flares up every three years. If the rebellion coincided with Uncle’s old illness acting up, the rebellion would naturally have great odds of success. That’s why the Bright Moon Hermit’s group tried everything to force the Peng family to rebel within this year.

Now that news of the Peng family’s rebellion had leaked early, this meant the suppression campaign might be shortened. As long as military strength wasn’t greatly diminished, no matter how much that person prepared, they likely couldn’t stir up much trouble.

Did that person know about this?

Would they abandon this opportunity and continue waiting for the next “Peng family” to rebel? Or would they change to take other actions?

Abandonment was impossible, yet how easy would it be to wait for another rebel of equal strength to appear?

Taking other actions—

Lin Chengyou said: “Uncle, remember that day when your nephew reported to you that the Bright Moon Hermit had prophesied a great disaster would befall Chang’an…”

This conversation unconsciously took more than an hour.

A Han was silent for a long while, then said to Lin Chengyou: “Uncle understands. Your parents return to Chang’an in two days. I’ll discuss countermeasures with them thoroughly. It’s a pity you leave before dawn and won’t have time to see them…”

Daoist Master Qingxu sighed: “Go then, go. You’ve always had great fortune, child. Your master isn’t too worried. By the way, when you saw Miss Teng earlier, did you ask about the Error Hook Curse? Does she know she’s under this curse?”

Lin Chengyou, his heart already surging with intense unease, left his seat at these words and knelt, knocking his head several times before the two elders. “Speaking of this matter, there’s something I wish to ask of Master and Uncle.”

A Han and Master Qingxu exchanged glances, gradually understanding: “Go ahead.”

“My feelings for Miss Teng – Uncle and Master surely understand by now. On this campaign, she’s who I worry about most. As Master said, the curse-caster deliberately meant for her not to live past sixteen. And perhaps because there was more than one curse-caster, even the ‘life-borrowing’ technique couldn’t break it. So even though in the ‘previous life’ someone helped her borrow life, returning still left her cursed. As long as this curse remains unbroken for a day, Teng Yuyi will remain trapped in this maze. But – if the curse stems from the Battle of Nanyang, how is Teng Yuyi to blame?”

A Han and Master Qingxu sighed in unison.

Lin Chengyou spoke seriously: “Though I’ve known Teng Yuyi for only a few months, we’ve experienced countless things together, jointly resisting great demons rejected by heaven and earth, jointly capturing evil-doers. She always says I’m her life-saving benefactor, but hasn’t she saved me numerous times as well? Your disciple doesn’t fully know her experiences in the ‘previous life,’ but this life’s Teng Yuyi’s determination and courage, your disciple knows all too well. She fights so desperately only because she wants to live. When the rebels are suppressed, your disciple will return to help break her curse. No matter how difficult the method of breaking it, your disciple will risk his life to try.”

A Han’s expression changed slightly, and Master Qingxu’s long eyebrows stood on end: “You child—”

“While your disciple is away from Chang’an, I entrust Miss Teng’s safety to the elders.” Lin Chengyou kowtowed.

The hall’s atmosphere was heavy. A Han turned to look at his master, then sighed deeply: “Good child, set your mind at ease. Even without your entreaty, Uncle would work with your parents and master to carefully look after Miss Teng.”

Lin Chengyou still wouldn’t rise, clearly still waiting for his master’s promise.

Master Qingxu stared at his disciple with a stern face. Such a malicious curse – how could breaking it be so easy? This child had romance in his fate – he had thought it would be with the “Heartbreak Poison,” but this child’s heart moved when it was meant to move. Looking at it now, the so-called “tribulation” was meant to be with Miss Teng’s Error Hook Curse.

Seeing his disciple so heavy-hearted, Master Qingxu finally softened, sighing: “Go then, go.”

Lin Chengyou’s long eyebrows relaxed, and only after several heavy kowtows did he rise.

***

When Teng Yuyi woke, the sky was just beginning to brighten. Upon opening her eyes, she immediately felt dizzy and headaches.

She held her forehead – had she gotten drunk last night? It seemed she’d been quite drunk. After thinking hazily for a while, she couldn’t remember anything. She was about to lie back down when suddenly she heard strange howling sounds from outside the window, followed by the startled and frightened laughter of little maids: “Oh my, this little leopard has quite a temper—”

Leopard?

Then she heard Bi Luo scold: “Lower your voices! The Young Miss is still sleeping.”

Teng Yuyi confusedly put down the doll in her arms and lifted the covers to get up. Looking at the sky outside the window, it was about the fifth watch. Strange – why was the courtyard so lively? As she put on her shoes, from the corner of her eye she glimpsed something unfamiliar by her pillow.

Turning to look, it was a small lacquered box inlaid with flowers and birds in mother-of-pearl.

Beside the lacquered box was a cold, luminous jade pendant.

Teng Yuyi froze, calling out in puzzlement: “Chun Rong, Bi Luo.”

As she called, she picked up the jade pendant. Looking at it carefully, she was startled – wasn’t this the one Lin Chengyou usually wore at his waist?

When had it ended up on her bed?

Chun Rong and Bi Luo heard and entered: “Young Miss, you’re awake?”

Teng Yuyi asked in confusion and alarm: “Who brought this jade pendant?”

Chun Rong and Bi Luo exchanged awkward glances: “The Prince of Cheng left it last night.”

Teng Yuyi was completely bewildered. Last night? Lin Chengyou had come?

She had a vague sense of something amiss: “When did he come? Why don’t I know about it?”

“Young Miss, you were drunk and insisted the Prince of Cheng enter the courtyard.” Chun Rong cruelly revealed the truth.

“Young Miss, you don’t remember anything?” Bi Luo stammered.

Teng Yuyi held her head and thought hard for a while. Though her mind was like a paste, she managed to catch a few fragmentary images. As she thought, her scalp exploded, and she nearly fell off the bed.

It was over – she seemed to have done something terrible.

Chun Rong and Bi Luo took down outer garments from the purple sandalwood clothing rack and came forward to help Teng Yuyi dress. As Teng Yuyi got up, Bi Luo whispered several sentences in her ear.

Teng Yuyi’s body swayed again. What? Last night she had clung to Lin Chengyou and… cupped his face to kiss him.

She was like someone struck by lightning on the crown of her head. Her whole person was dazed. After a moment of chaos, first looking around blankly, she then turned and dove into the bedding, frantically covering her head, shouting from under the covers: “Impossible, I couldn’t possibly have done such a thing.”

Bi Luo and Chun Rong said with bitter faces: “How dare we make this up? Last night Young Miss was like a gourd vine, clinging desperately to the Prince of Cheng and refusing to let go. Not just us servants – even Steward Cheng and Dan Fu couldn’t pull you off him.”

Gourd vine? Teng Yuyi’s whole body trembled.

She squeezed her eyes shut and said shakily: “Nonsense, you’re talking nonsense.”

But in her heart, she knew Chun Rong and Bi Luo were telling the truth. Even if she’d forgotten everything else, she vaguely remembered cupping Lin Chengyou’s face…

She had never examined him from such a close distance before. If it had just been a dream, she couldn’t possibly have traced his features so clearly.

Teng Yuyi’s face and ears burned red. If there had been a hole in front of her, she would have jumped in without hesitation. Just covering her face wasn’t enough – she began writhing on the bed wrapped in the quilt. But even if she twisted herself into a rope, she couldn’t dispel that intense sense of shame that made her want to sink into the ground.

Chun Rong bent down to pull at the quilt covering Teng Yuyi’s head: “Young Miss, stop smothering yourself. Besides this jade pendant, the Prince of Cheng also sent a little black leopard. This leopard has quite a proud temper – now it’s lying in the corridor ignoring everyone. Young Miss, if you don’t believe it, just go out and see.”

Teng Yuyi didn’t move.

Finding that writhing around in bed was ineffective, she decided to play dead.

Bi Luo and Chun Rong looked at that motionless “snake” on the bed and spread their hands helplessly: “Young Miss, what’s done is done. What use is hiding?”

The way they said it made it sound like she had done something terrible to Lin Chengyou. Teng Yuyi awkwardly curled her fingers, only then discovering she was still holding Lin Chengyou’s jade pendant. She instinctively loosened her grip, then immediately gripped it tight again – this jade pendant was Lin Chengyou’s item. Right now she was under the covers, rolling around – what if she couldn’t find it later?

“The two young Daoist masters have also come, saying they’re waiting for Miss Teng to go send off their senior brother together.”

Teng Yuyi remained completely motionless.

“If you don’t go now, you won’t make it in time.”

Teng Yuyi squeezed her eyes shut even tighter in frustration. What could she say when she saw Lin Chengyou? Last night she had taken liberties with him first, kissing and embracing him in front of everyone in the courtyard – even the little leopard Jun Nu could testify to this. Just thinking about it made her wish she could die of shame right there.

She couldn’t face anyone. She decided not to leave her room all day.

Chun Rong held the small lacquered box from beside the pillow before the bedding: “Young Miss, this is also from the Prince of Cheng. Your servants think it looks like the one Young Miss lost at Yuzhen Daoist Convent some time ago.”

The quilt was quiet for a moment, then Teng Yuyi tumbled out.

A pearl hair ornament lay quietly in the lacquered box, looking incredibly familiar.

Teng Yuyi stared at the box in disbelief, picked up the hair ornament, and gently turned it between her fingers. There was no mistake – it was the one her mother had left her.

Back then this ornament had been lost in the underground palace. Afterward, she’d wanted to go to Yuzhen Daoist Convent to look for it, but now the convent couldn’t be entered without the Emperor’s edict. She hadn’t been able to go in as she wished, and with that underground palace’s thousand changes, such a small ornament lost within should have been impossible to find by any logic.

Lin Chengyou, he…

The ornament’s light reflected in Teng Yuyi’s black eyes. Her chest heaved, and despite her still-burning cheeks, she stuck her legs out toward the edge of the bed and listlessly put on her shoes: “Prepare my clothes. I’m going out immediately.”

Bi Luo and Chun Rong exchanged slightly surprised glances.

Teng Yuyi hurriedly finished washing up and sat at her dressing table to do her makeup, when she suddenly remembered something: “Bring over those boxes of fresh flower cakes I made a few days ago. Oh, and bring that summer robe in Buddha’s head blue that I made for Father.”

When she finished preparing and went out to the outer room, she indeed saw the little black leopard lying in the corridor.

“Jun Nu.” Teng Yuyi happily went forward.

Many curious little maids surrounded the black leopard. It lay with its two large paws crossed primly, its green eyes full of disdain. Hearing Teng Yuyi call, it lazily looked back.

Teng Yuyi handed the food box to Dan Fu at the steps, then squatted down to pat Jun Nu’s head: “Come, go out with me for a bit.”

Without another word, she took the gold thread leash on Jun Nu’s collar and quickly walked out.

Jun Nu was unusually obedient for once, getting up to docilely follow Teng Yuyi’s steps, departing proudly under the maids’ admiring gazes.

Jue Sheng and Qi Zhi had come early, and Kuan Nu was also waiting in the main hall. Lin Chengyou had great confidence in Jun Nu’s intelligence but also feared it might cause trouble in the Teng residence. Before leaving, he had specially instructed Kuan Nu to come guide the Teng household servants on how to feed this leopard.

“Miss Teng.” Jue Sheng and Qi Zhi happily surrounded her while Kuan Nu bowed respectfully nearby.

“Was Jun Nu well-behaved last night? Anyway, we’ll be staying at your residence these days, so leave the task of feeding it to us.”

“It’s very good,” Teng Yuyi spoke kindly. “Kuan Nu, I forgot to give something to the Young Master. Do you know approximately when your Young Master departs?”

Kuan Nu said brightly: “The Young Master already instructed that if Miss Teng wished to see him off personally, I should lead the way.”

Teng Yuyi was speechless. How could he have known she wanted to see him off personally? When would Lin Chengyou fix this overly confident bad habit?

If it weren’t for—

Never mind.

“Then quickly lead the way.” Teng Yuyi cleared her throat.

On the road, Jue Sheng and Qi Zhi said bashfully: “We’ll have to impose on Miss Teng again for a while. Senior Brother instructed that before he returns to Chang’an, we must stay by Miss Teng’s side without leaving a step.”

Teng Yuyi smiled and said: “What imposition? This is exactly what I wanted. I’ve been wanting to invite you to stay at the residence. I’ll have Steward Cheng clean up the small courtyard where you stayed last time. Make yourselves at home in the residence – just tell me whatever you want to eat or play.”

Qi Zhi smiled foolishly for a moment, then glimpsed the Mysterious Sound Bell on Teng Yuyi’s wrist and hurriedly took out a stone-like object from his bosom: “With Senior Brother leaving, we won’t be able to hear the Mysterious Sound Bell’s warnings anymore. Senior Brother wanted to give this Bell-Responding Stone to Master, but Master is too old. After thinking it over, he had to leave it with me. Senior Brother said I sleep more lightly than Jue Sheng, so with it on me, we can notice quickly if anything happens to Miss Teng.”

Jue Sheng said: “In the past, Senior Brother kept this Bell-Responding Stone in his bosom, so whenever anything happened to Miss Teng, Senior Brother would know immediately.”

Teng Yuyi took the Bell-Responding Stone and gently stroked it. The carriage was unusually quiet. Seeing her just staring at the stone without speaking, the two didn’t dare speak further.

Kuan Nu kept urging the driver: “Take the Fragrant Forest Gate.”

The Divine Strategy Army was stationed at Dragon Head Plain north of the city, so naturally they would depart from the north. The hour was still early and there weren’t many travelers on the road. The carriage sped along, flying toward Fragrant Forest Gate.

By the time they reached outside the city, they were still a step too late. The Divine Strategy Army was stationed throughout the capital region and Within the Passes Circuit. Besides Chang’an, they were also distributed among various garrisons like Fengtian, Fufeng, Hu County, and Shanzhou. This campaign would take fifty thousand troops, and although the Emperor had issued secret summons days ago, it would take at least two or three days to gather all the subordinate soldiers.

As commander of the Divine Strategy Army, Lin Chengyou must have departed before dawn.

Fortunately, the current Emperor’s government was enlightened. As long as it wasn’t a secret military operation, the court allowed commanders’ family members to watch and send them off outside the city gates. Teng Yuyi couldn’t mix in with the seeing-off family members, so she could only stop the carriage at a hill not far outside the city.

When they climbed the hill, they just caught sight of the gradually distancing large military formation.

The court intended to let the Huaixi Circuit mistakenly believe the Divine Strategy Army was the main force for suppressing the rebellion, so this campaign’s display was magnificent. The summer morning light illuminated their weapons and armor, casting a great expanse of dazzling radiance. That boundless golden brilliance rivaled the rising sun. It was early summer, and a cool breeze blew across Dragon Head Plain, making the military banners flutter proudly in the wind.

Teng Yuyi hurriedly chased up the steep hillside, only regretting that she couldn’t see Lin Chengyou’s figure. Jue Sheng and Qi Zhi craned their necks to look while stamping their feet: “What can we do?”

Teng Yuyi stood on tiptoe holding her food box and looked into the distance, when suddenly she saw a cavalry unit gallop out from the city.

At the front was a young commander of vigorous bearing, in military dress with a bow case and whip, a red cloth tied around his forehead, and a golden longbow on his back (Note 1).

This youth rode past laughing and talking freely in the golden morning sun, truly as beautiful as a god. His appearance immediately drew low exclamations from the women below the city wall: “Look, that’s the Prince of Cheng’s son.”

“Lin Chengyou!” Teng Yuyi cried out in surprise and joy, quickly turning to run down, but her soft call was instantly drowned out by the rising drum beats.

The drums thundered, clearly raising the spirits of the departing warriors.

Perhaps due to urgent military matters ahead, Lin Chengyou didn’t stop when passing below the city wall, heading straight for the vast plain ahead.

In an instant, dust rolled and drums shook the earth.

Teng Yuyi chased for a while, but seeing Lin Chengyou’s figure about to disappear into the main army formation, she had to stop, holding her food box.

At this moment, Lin Chengyou seemed to sense something and suddenly reined in his horse, looking back.

Teng Yuyi was overjoyed and again desperately climbed toward the hilltop, but the distance was too great to see Lin Chengyou’s expression.

Lin Chengyou indeed couldn’t see anything, as he was looking toward Fragrant Forest Gate. According to custom, family members usually saw people off below the city wall.

He looked back carefully for a long while but couldn’t catch any familiar figure, feeling somewhat disappointed. But this couldn’t discourage him – last night Teng Yuyi had been very drunk, and likely hadn’t even risen yet. Once she woke, she would certainly come to see him off.

Unfortunately, with changing military situation he had to reach Shanzhou before tonight and couldn’t wait any longer. He quickly collected his thoughts and was about to turn back when he suddenly realized something. His gaze shifted to an unremarkable hill in the distance.

Then he saw several small black dots on the hill.

A smile brighter than the morning sun spread across Lin Chengyou’s lips. Although he couldn’t see those people’s appearances, he confidently determined that Teng Yuyi was among them.

As he looked back, the frontmost figure suddenly began moving quickly, and as the wind blew, a distant splash of brilliant color flew up behind that person.

It was the young lady’s armful of silk.

Lin Chengyou was now even more certain – that was Teng Yuyi. This glimpse was sweeter than honey to him. No words, no meeting face to face, not even being able to see expressions clearly, but this scene was like a painting deeply branded in his heart. After gazing for a moment, he cast a lingering glance at that figure, then decisively pulled his reins and turned his horse to go.

Teng Yuyi remained in place, watching that figure depart. Lin Chengyou must have seen them, though she wasn’t quite certain. Even more regrettable was that the rose cakes he had looked forward to for so long couldn’t reach his hands – they had come too late, and sending them now would risk disrupting military discipline.

The sun gradually rose higher. The summer wind felt refreshing across one’s body. As the banners disappeared, Dragon Head Plain gradually returned to tranquility. Teng Yuyi gazed toward where the army had disappeared, not moving for a long while, when suddenly she heard someone below the hill say: “Jun Nu?”

“Jue Sheng? Qi Zhi?”

Teng Yuyi looked down in surprise. On a small road leading into the city below the hill, a line of ornate carriages approached. Just looking at the baggage train and servants, one could tell the travelers were of noble status.

A young master on one of the carriages was lifting the curtain to look out – it was he who had spoken: “Father, Mother, look, that’s Kuan Nu and Jun Nu on the hillside.”

At a glance, Teng Yuyi guessed these travelers’ identity. Sure enough, she heard Kuan Nu cry out happily: “Your Highness, Your Ladyship, Second Young Master.”

Jue Sheng and Qi Zhi also ran down the hill happily.

After running a while they turned back: “Miss Teng, those are Senior Brother’s parents.”

Teng Yuyi had no choice but to go down the hill with Dan Fu and Jun Nu. Before the carriages stood a fine steed, upon which sat a man wearing a grayish-blue round-collared robe, about thirty-some years old, with transcendent bearing, as pure as ice and jade. Those eyes as clear as mountain springs immediately made Teng Yuyi think of Lin Chengyou.

Half of Lin Chengyou’s beauty came from this man.

Kuan Nu was already making introductions for his master nearby.

Hearing Kuan Nu’s report, the Prince of Cheng began carefully examining the child before him.

“You are Miss Teng?”

Teng Yuyi bowed respectfully.

“Good child, no need for such ceremony.” The Prince of Cheng’s features were serene, but his gaze was very warm. After examining Teng Yuyi for a moment, he turned his head and spoke gently toward the carriage, “Yao Yao, this child is General Teng’s daughter.”

Teng Yuyi thought privately that the Prince of Cheng’s voice was deep and gentle, like her father’s – as soon as he spoke, it had the power to calm people’s hearts. That mountain-like character wasn’t innate, but rather had slowly settled into his bones with experience and years. Every word and action commanded admiration as if no matter what great matters of the world came before them, there was nothing to fear.

The carriage immediately stirred. The curtain lifted and first emerged a young master in crimson robes with a gold crown, about thirteen or fourteen years old. He somewhat resembled Lin Chengyou in appearance, though his features weren’t yet fully developed and his frame was rather thin.

But that brilliantly clever expression was exactly like Lin Chengyou’s. When the young master smiled, it was like a spring breeze. He looked friendlily at Teng Yuyi, then curiously at Jun Nu by her feet, gave her a proper bow, and turned back to lift the carriage curtain.

Soon after, a beautiful young woman alighted – this was the Princess Consort of Cheng. This princess had no airs at all, getting down as soon as mentioned.

Teng Yuyi felt somehow awkward. She had seen her before, but too far away. Now up close, she discovered the Princess Consort’s skin was pure as snow, and her eyes were especially exquisite. Teng Yuyi recalled those rumors about the Prince and Princess of Cheng’s couple, and really couldn’t imagine this princess personally disciplining her son.

The Princess Consort of Cheng moved nimbly, stopping after alighting. Seeing Teng Yuyi, her eyes brightened. She exchanged a smiling glance with her husband, then beckoned to Teng Yuyi: “Your name is Yuyi, right? I’m Lin Chengyou’s mother. Come, let me have a good look at you.”

Warmth filled Teng Yuyi’s chest. The Princess Consort’s smile was sincere – that smile seemed able to warm one’s heart. Looking again at Prince Lin Xiao sitting on horseback, though he wasn’t smiling as broadly as his wife, the warmth in his gaze could melt early snow.

Teng Yuyi felt great affection, smiled showing her dimples, and stepped forward to curtsy: “Greetings, Princess Consort.”

***

Two months later.

The war situation in Huaixi grew increasingly intense.

Since establishing themselves in Huaixi, the Peng family had spared no effort in encouraging their soldiers to marry local people. In the blink of several years, many soldiers in the army had settled down in Huaixi. To better serve their parents and elders, some commanders had even brought relatives from the Longyou region to live together.

When Peng Zhen rebelled, whether the soldiers were willing or not, they had to fight for the Peng family, because their relatives’ lives were in the Peng family’s hands. Anyone who dared oppose the Peng family would have three generations of their family exterminated.

In terms of winning the army’s hearts, the Peng family had always done things very properly. Since last year they had frequently rewarded the troops, and in the past they often gave rewards based on merit in the army. Just for these generous rewards, many people followed Peng Zhen wholeheartedly.

With threats plus inducements, when the war drums sounded, Huaixi was truly united from top to bottom.

Beyond this, years ago, Peng Zhen had used the argument that “if Huaixi’s military strength is diminished, Ziqing and Shannan East Circuit will surely be endangered” to constantly persuade neighboring frontier circuit military governors to secretly support each other. Over several years, the four garrisons within the passes had developed a posture of watching out for each other.

First, the Divine Strategy Army and Sea Guardian Army routed fifty thousand Peng troops stationed at Taiyin Granary, then Liu Zhengwei of Ziqing and Wang Shibiao of Shannan East Circuit successively raised the banner of rebellion.

Liu Zhengwei blocked troops at Xiangyang, while Wang Shibiao sent troops to help Peng Zhen hold Guokou in Xuzhou.

This line from Dengxiang, from Dengzhou down to Guokou, cut across the central region, holding key strategic points. Compared to the Chenying waterway, its geographical position was even more crucial. Once the rebels succeeded, not only would the rebellion suppression campaign be greatly impacted, but the entire north-south transport route would also fall into a difficult situation.

According to Peng Zhen’s meticulous planning, they should have been unstoppable, but unfortunately, he encountered his longtime formidable opponent – this dynasty’s first war god Teng Shao. Not only that, but he also ran into the young general Lin Chengyou, who used troops like a god and never stuck to conventional rules.

Moreover, someone had leaked intelligence in advance, and Peng Zhen’s pre-laid chess moves were all seen through one by one.

The change from having the advantage to being forced into defensive often happened in just one battle. The Peng family suffered consecutive defeats. In less than two months, Teng Shao successfully captured Xiangzhou and Xuzhou, while the Divine Strategy Army led by Lin Chengyou also successively recaptured Yongqiao and Guokou.

With his spear sunk and lost, Peng Zhen had no choice but to retreat with his remnant forces to Caizhou. The troops Liu Zhengwei and Wang Shibiao had sent to support Huaixi Circuit were already old, weak, sick, and injured. After suffering several defeats, whenever they saw the banners of the Divine Strategy Army and Sea Guardian Army, they would all flee at the sight. To avoid being implicated, Liu Zhengwei and Wang Shibiao took the initiative to submit “self-blame memorials” to the court, saying they had no intention of rebellion, and the only reason they had lent troops to Huaixi Circuit earlier was because they had been deceived by Peng Zhen’s lies.

In mid-July, Liu Yunhao, Peng Zhen’s deputy commander guarding Songzhou, was killed by his camp’s soldiers. The soldiers sent his head to the capital, and the entire prefecture surrendered to the court.

With Songzhou’s surrender, Caizhou’s one prefecture and seven counties were all exposed under the hooves of the Sea Guardian Army and Divine Strategy Army. They only needed to capture Caizhou, and the realm could be pacified in days.

When this news arrived, both the court and commons were greatly encouraged.

The first thing Teng Yuyi did each day was inquire about the war situation in Huaixi. Whenever she heard the war was going poorly, she would feel anxious, but if she heard news of victory, she would be happy all day.

These two months, she hadn’t attended Xiang Xiang Academy. Thinking of his daughter’s safety, Teng Shao had requested leave for his daughter from the academy before departing for war. Teng Yuyi had lots of free time during the day and often went out with Jue Sheng and Qi Zhi to eliminate evil spirits.

Recently, strange evil spirits often appeared outside Chang’an city. For example, that rare Seven Desires Formation had appeared again outside the south city, though this time the one occupying the formation center wasn’t a python spirit but a flower demon. Almost all merchants passing that place had fallen victim.

That day, when the Princess Consort of Cheng heard of this, she went with Daoist Master Qingxu to capture the demon. By coincidence, Teng Yuyi had been invited by A Zhi to play at the Prince of Cheng’s mansion, so the Princess Consort also brought along Teng Yuyi, Jue Sheng, and Qi Zhi.

Teng Yuyi excitedly tucked her Little Cliff Sword into her belt and got into the carriage.

But when it came time to kill the demon, Teng Yuyi was far less at ease than when with Lin Chengyou. No matter how easygoing the Princess Consort’s temperament, she was still an elder. No matter how generous Teng Yuyi’s nature, she naturally feels constrained before her elders.

Jue Sheng and Qi Zhi helped capture the demon while panting, then looked back finding it strange. Miss Teng was both wise and brave, usually showing a fierce countenance when killing evil creatures, but today was different – she was being proper and refined, looking as if she could barely lift her sword.

“Miss Teng, are you sick?”

“Miss Teng, you used to be full of killing intent, why are you so delicate today?”

Teng Yuyi’s temple twitched. She used to always see Lin Chengyou scolding his junior brothers, and today she finally understood why. In front of the Princess Consort and Daoist Master Qingxu, how could she “bare her teeth and show her fangs” while killing demons?

The Princess Consort said nothing, walked over, and gripped Teng Yuyi’s sword hilt, helping her thrust forward forcefully.

With a splat, the move was clean and decisive. The spider demon that had eaten many people instantly turned into a puddle of pus.

Teng Yuyi suddenly felt her “affected restraint” was rather unnecessary.

“Jue Sheng and Qi Zhi told me – not only did you once personally chop off a tree demon’s claw, but you also helped Youer saw off a corpse demon’s fangs?” The Princess Consort smiled while watching the child before her.

Teng Yuyi sheepishly said yes.

“Very good.” The Princess Consort patted Teng Yuyi’s shoulder approvingly. Both her tone and actions were full of encouragement, just short of directly saying “I admire you.” After doing all this, the Princess Consort neatly returned to Daoist Master Qingxu’s side.

Jue Sheng and Qi Zhi covered their mouths to hide their amusement. Teng Yuyi glared at them smiling. After this episode, she was too embarrassed to keep pretending to be refined. With the sword rising and falling, she cleared out quite a few minor evil creatures in one go.

After this wave of monsters was eliminated, Chang’an city’s surface became much quieter. Afterward, A Zhi often invited Teng Yuyi to play at the Prince of Cheng’s mansion, and Teng Yuyi often invited A Zhi to dine at the Teng residence.

In her leisure time, Teng Yuyi would rack her brains to make exquisite snacks. Besides regularly having her aunt and sister taste them, she didn’t forget to make some for Qingyun Temple and the Prince of Cheng’s mansion. She would put them in brocade boxes, carefully package them, and either entrust A Zhi to take them back or personally deliver them as return gifts to the Prince’s mansion and Qingyun Temple. After several times, even Daoist Master Qingxu praised Teng Yuyi’s skills endlessly.

On this day, Teng Yuyi and Du Tinglan were invited to attend a poetry gathering at the Prince of Cheng’s mansion.

Since the corpse demon had intruded into the Prince of Cheng’s mansion last time, Princess A Zhi’s poetry gatherings had been suspended. After several months’ rest, A Zhi had again become interested in composing poetry. Coinciding with her parents and second brother being home, this poetry gathering was unprecedentedly lively. Besides the poetry gathering members, students from Xiang Xiang Academy were invited, and even several foreign princes from the Imperial Academy were among the invited.

Halfway through the poetry gathering, the Nanzhao Kingdom’s Crown Prince Gu Xian suddenly left his seat. Teng Yuyi’s wine cup stopped at her lips, and she gave Dan Fu outside the pavilion a look. Dan Fu understood and quietly withdrew.

***

At midnight, in an exquisitely laid out residence.

A lotus fiber lamp burned in the corner, its romantic light dimly illuminating the room’s furnishings. The window was tightly shut, and fragrant smoke curled up from a golden chimera incense burner. No one spoke in the room, but ambiguous and urgent sounds occasionally came from the bed. After a long while, the sounds behind the screen ceased like rain stopping and wind dying down.

After a brief quiet, a man spoke breathlessly for a few sentences, earning an embarrassed cry of surprise from a woman.

Someone stumbled out from behind the screen – it was none other than Gu Xian.

His gaze was scattered, his face seemed somewhat drunk, his python robe wide open, the meditation robe inside also half open.

He rushed to the table while putting on his boots, remorsefully pondering something. After dressing, he didn’t leave but stood dazed by the table. When he came to his senses, he again went around the screen and knelt halfway, saying something in a low voice to the woman on the bed.

The bed frame creaked slightly as the woman seemed to roll over languidly.

After a moment, the woman spoke haltingly.

“You should go.” The woman’s voice was softer than a young girl’s, still somewhat breathless when speaking. “I was originally happy you came to visit me. If not for entertaining you, I wouldn’t have drunk these extra cups. Who knew you would— I’ll just consider tonight your drunken misconduct. Don’t come find me again in the future.”

By the end, she had begun softly sobbing.

Gu Xian seemed somewhat at a loss, speaking in gentle tones for several sentences when suddenly a maid outside the door timidly said: “Your Highness the Crown Prince, A Chisai has urgent business.”

The room fell silent. Gu Xian said apologetically to the woman on the bed: “Don’t be afraid, I’ll take care of everything. I’ll come see you tomorrow morning.”

With that he came out from behind the screen, walked to the door, looked back longingly, then hurriedly left.

After Gu Xian left, the woman didn’t immediately get out of bed but called coquettishly for maids to bring water. The maids brought in a washing basin and toiletries with red faces. The woman didn’t want their help, telling them to put everything aside and all withdraw.

After tidying herself up, the woman emerged gracefully from behind the screen. The lamplight flowed like water, illuminating her languid figure. Her hair was disheveled, her eyes soft and lips red, the snow-white abundant curves of her chest faintly visible, inviting endless imagination.

Though her eyes held tears, the corners of her mouth turned up slightly as if she had accomplished something she’d set her heart on, or like a hunter who had finally caught satisfying prey.

After drinking half a cup of tea, the woman bent to blow out the lotus fiber lamp on the table. As she was about to return to bed to rest, the lamp behind her suddenly lit again.

Seeing the light suddenly projected onto the curtains, the woman was greatly startled. Looking back, she saw a young lady had appeared in the room.

The young lady sat properly at the table, watching her with an ambiguous smile. The lamp that had been extinguished was somehow lit again.

Just as the woman was about to cry out in alarm, a tall dark shadow approached like a ghost and instantly sealed her pressure points. Then, a cold glinting dagger was placed against her throat.

“Long time no see, Wu Yingying.” The young lady greeted her pleasantly.

Wu Yingying stared at the young lady in alarm and uncertainty.

The young lady kindly reminded her: “Don’t shout. If you shout, this dagger will immediately take your life.”

Wu Yingying was sensible and hurriedly nodded, breathing heavily.

Teng Yuyi gestured for Dan Fu to release Wu Yingying’s pressure points.

Wu Yingying said breathlessly: “You’re— General Teng’s daughter?”

Teng Yuyi smiled: “Good memory. I wanted to visit an old acquaintance, but didn’t expect to stumble upon such a romantic scene.”

Wu Yingying’s face alternated between red and blue as she looked around the room while saying: “No, you were clearly hiding in the room already.”

In other words, everything between her and Gu Xian tonight had been witnessed by Miss Teng.

She was furiously resentful: “What exactly do you want to do?”

Teng Yuyi shrugged: “I came to see what our old friend has been busy with lately. It wasn’t in vain that I had people secretly watch you for almost two months – as soon as I came, I saw something extraordinary. If I remember correctly, the Prince of Xinchang is Gu Xian’s young uncle, which means you are Gu Xian’s aunt?”

Wu Yingying had been extremely embarrassed and angry, but suddenly smiled, thinking of something: “What does that have to do with you?”

Teng Yuyi examined the items in the room on her own: cormorant cups, phoenix-dance green mirrors, auspicious light curtains… these were all rare and valuable items. No matter how much wealth the Prince of Xinchang had left behind, it probably couldn’t withstand Wu Yingying’s extravagance.

It was said that Nanzhao Kingdom’s annual allowance for royal women was limited. Wu Yingying had no children, and with her husband dead, her treatment in Nanzhao would only decline further.

If Wu Yingying was used to her previous extravagant lifestyle, she would need to plan well for her future.

Teng Yuyi moved her gaze back to Wu Yingying’s face, having to admit that Wu Yingying’s beauty surpassed most women in the world. Perhaps because she had never given birth, her skin was still as delicate as a young girl’s, and her figure was more voluptuous and alluring than ordinary women.

She remembered that time Wu Yingying was buying incense at the Butterfly Pavilion in the Western Market, and Gu Xian had specially come to pick her up. She had found it strange then – no matter how courteous, a nephew rarely showed such attentiveness to his aunt.

She should have guessed that Gu Xian was in love with Wu Yingying.

Wu Yingying was in her twenties, not much older than Gu Xian.

“Gu Xian has come to find you seven times these two months, each time coming alone, not even bringing escorts. Tonight, he stayed for over an hour before leaving.” Teng Yuyi smiled, “I had guessed all this was with your tacit consent, and tonight I indeed saw you yielding half-heartedly before him. Gu Xian is the Nanzhao King’s only son and will inherit his father’s throne. He’s only twenty this year but has loved you for some time. Having this relationship with him, when he becomes king in the future, he will secretly take care of you. The glory and wealth you want will always have someone to maintain them for you.”

Wu Yingying stared at Teng Yuyi. By now she had seen that the other party came prepared. Mere denial would only force the other party to produce more evidence. To know the other party’s purpose, it was better to frankly admit it, so she simply smiled faintly: “Since you came early tonight, you should know that from beginning to end it was Gu Xian who sought my favor. Men, regardless of age, are all like this. This world is too unfair to women – men can have three wives and four concubines, but women who lose their husbands aren’t allowed to remarry. I’m still so young, why should I live like a wooden block? Male and female love, willing hearts on both sides – even if I didn’t seek glory and wealth, I would still want a lord to warm my bed. He came to my door himself, I never took the initiative.”

These words made one blush to hear. Teng Yuyi couldn’t help clearing her throat. Though she detested Wu Yingying, these words made quite a bit of sense.

Wu Yingying discreetly glanced out the window.

“I’m not interested in any of these matters of yours,” Teng Yuyi said mockingly. “But I must warn you, right now this residence is surrounded by my forces. Before coming, I already told Father about this in a letter. If you dare try any tricks, tomorrow someone will send word of your affairs to Nanzhao. These days it wasn’t just our Teng family watching you – there are as many witnesses as needed. Of course, as long as you cooperate obediently with me, this matter will stop with me.”

Wu Yingying’s expression changed unpredictably, clearly weighing advantages and disadvantages. After much thought, helpless with the other party holding her weakness, she glanced at Teng Yuyi and smiled with a sigh: “Such skill at such a young age – I’m truly afraid of you now. Tell me, what do you want to know?”

Teng Yuyi’s expression darkened: “What did my father come to ask you about that day?”

Wu Yingying bit her lip lightly, seeming to hesitate how to speak.

“About the Battle of Nanyang?”

Wu Yingying’s face suddenly became very ugly: “You know about the Battle of Nanyang?”

Feeling her skin turn cold, Wu Yingying only then realized there was still a dagger at her neck. Just half an inch forward and the blade would cut her throat.

“Yuyi, I am after all your elder.” Wu Yingying forced a smile. “I have no old grudges or recent enmity with you, why must we meet as enemies? Quick, tell this warrior to remove the dagger.”

“What kind of elder are you to me?” Teng Yuyi smiled coldly. “Even if we killed you tonight, no one could trace it to us. If you don’t want to die, you’d better speak up quickly. Speak – what did my father come to verify with you?”

Wu Yingying was silent for a long while, then sighed softly: “It’s not that I don’t want to tell you, but this matter is too cruel. You are Old General Teng’s descendant – hearing it may not be easy to bear—”

The dagger pressed forward another fraction, and Wu Yingying’s beautiful face lost its color: “I’ll tell you, I’ll tell you. Your father asked me if I had told your mother the truth about the Battle of Nanyang.”

***

When Teng Yuyi left the residence, her whole person was as disordered as if she had just crawled up from purgatory.

Wu Yingying’s words carved into her heart one by one.

“Before I came to your home, your mother had been ill for many days. I heard she couldn’t sleep well at night, always having frightening strange dreams.”

“How could they not have tried solutions? General Teng invited all the monks and Daoists in Yangzhou, but no matter how they looked, they all said there were no evil spirits around your mother. I heard your mother had similar nightmares when she was pregnant with you, but they stopped after giving birth to you. Your mother saw you were healthy and strong, so she didn’t take it to heart. Who knew that during the Ghost Festival that year, your mother went to Baolian Temple to light two disaster-dispelling blessing lamps for you both, and somehow something was provoked – the nightmares came back. After several rituals, your mother stopped having nightmares, but her spirits were still poor.”

“How would I know these things? No, no, no, I never stooped to eavesdropping – I went to visit your mother once and accidentally overheard her managing matron talking about it.”

“What dreams? A crowd of common people, men, and women, old and young, all in rags, surrounding your mother’s bed demanding her life. In a moment, these people would disappear, leaving only a pile of white bones before your mother— if your mother hadn’t talked in her sleep one night, the servants wouldn’t have known her dreams were so terrifying.”

“Hearing this, I was quite frightened too, because the scene in Madam Teng’s dreams was strangely similar to a past event I had heard about from my father. Yes, the tragic events when your grandfather and the Nanyang soldiers were trapped in the city.”

“Of course, I didn’t tell your mother.”

“How can you call this quibbling? Things I haven’t done, I naturally won’t admit to, but after hearing about your mother’s dream state, I began to suspect your father knew this secret. The reason your mother had nightmares was because she was traumatized by this matter. By rights, only the Wu family should have known about this matter. I went to find your father alone because I wanted to probe where he had heard it from, but your father’s expression was extremely shocked, showing this was the first time he had heard of this matter.”

“Your mother must have glimpsed the truth in her dreams, that’s why she was so tormented. Yes, your mother’s miscarriage had nothing to do with me. The child in her womb couldn’t be saved anyway – she had miscarried once the previous year, that was already the second miscarriage.”

“You were so young then, of course, you didn’t know these things. Your father was busy establishing merit and career, and probably wouldn’t think much of it beyond considering it an accident. He feared your mother would worry, and would only invite the best medical masters to care for her, but you must still remember your mother liked to use a personal fragrance called ‘Rain Eaves Falling Flowers’ – I had noticed early on that the fragrance wasn’t quite right, the scent much stronger than when first smelled. Later I tried to match the formula and discovered several pregnancy-preserving herbs mixed in. A few days ago I went to the Butterfly Pavilion to blend it again, confirming my suspicions once more.”

“Yes, things like mugwort were added. Your mother seemed determined to fight against something, desperately wanting to keep the child. Burning mugwort alone would be easily detected by others (Note 2), so she had to mix it with the fragrances. But still couldn’t keep it. When I went to visit your mother, her heartbroken appearance would move anyone to pity.”

“It was your mother who asked first.”

“She asked why I went to find your father in the study. I feared your mother would misunderstand, so had to tell her what happened that day. After hearing my words, your mother wasn’t very surprised, only sighed: ‘So it was true.’ She thanked me for telling her the truth and sent someone to escort me back to the new residence to await marriage. When I was leaving I accidentally left behind my handkerchief. When I went back to retrieve it, I happened to see her holding you, softly sobbing: ‘It’s useless.'”

“Why did I play the zither for your father in the study? Heh, I had always prided myself on my beauty, but General Teng had never properly looked at me. About to be married, I had to find a way to make your father remember me. Unfortunately, before I could finish that piece, your father drove me out of the study.”

“Thinking about it now, it was truly pathetic. Every man who dealt with me looked at me differently, except your father.”

“No, no, no, I never thought of having any entanglement with your father. From childhood, I wandered with my parents, and early on vowed to marry nothing less than a prince or high official. Your father already had your mother – I would never be someone’s concubine. However, even if I didn’t want any involvement with your father, I still wanted him to remember me.”

“You don’t need to glare at me like that. Men can break women’s hearts, so why can’t women spread their affections? I just enjoy seeing men lose their heads over me. Think about it – if your father could be so easily distracted by a new face, would he be worth your mother’s constant worry?”

“It’s truly regrettable – such a towering hero, and he didn’t retain a single good impression of me. I suppose now when he thinks of me, he only remembers the nightmare of Nanyang.”

“Your mother was the most beautiful and intelligent woman I’ve ever met. She loved you and your father deeply – I can testify to that. When I heard of her passing, I too felt great sorrow.”

“Yes, I haven’t returned to the Central Plains these years, but I’ve kept thinking – could your mother’s death have been because those vengeful spirits claimed her life? Last year I suddenly dreamed of your mother. Upon waking, I felt quite emotional. It happened that my old servant Wu Si was returning to the Central Plains to buy things for me, so I wrote a letter and had Wu Si personally deliver it to General Teng. Unfortunately, your father probably still thought I was making things up – he never replied at all. But his disbelief isn’t strange – after all, I only heard it once from my father’s mouth.”

***

Teng Yuyi didn’t even know how she had walked to the alley.

By now, she finally understood why her father had remained silent. Wu Yingying’s words not only shocked her but inspired deep terror.

Her body was so cold it trembled, each step extremely difficult.

“Young Miss.” Steward Cheng and others quietly emerged from the shadows, clasping their hands while awaiting Teng Yuyi’s instructions. Tonight’s matter was neither large nor small, and fearing something might go wrong, he had come personally.

Teng Yuyi waved her hand listlessly: “Withdraw.”

Steward Cheng worried anxiously, turning to order all the hidden guards to withdraw.

“Wait.” Teng Yuyi suddenly said.

Steward Cheng awaited her command.

“Recently Father hasn’t been in the city, ostensibly staying at the Western Camp and Memorial Office. But did he visit Bodhi Temple?”

“Bodhi Temple?”

“The one near Wei River. A few months ago when I returned to Chang’an, I fell into the water there and was rescued. Afterward, I found the Little Cliff Sword in my hand. Father said that when I was young and passed by that Bodhi Temple, Mother had taken me ashore to burn incense.”

Steward Cheng was stunned: “The Master did indeed go there. That time when Young Miss was trapped in the Great Seclusion Temple when Master went to visit you there, he happened to mention to Abbot Yuanjue about Young Miss’s repeated encounters with evil spirits. I don’t know what Abbot Yuanjue said, but after leaving the temple, Master left Chang’an that night. According to Lu Yan, the Master found the Bodhi Temple’s abbot from those years and asked the old abbot many questions.”

Teng Yuyi’s heart churned. Her father had indeed grown suspicious because of her encounters and, prompted by Abbot Yuanjue’s reminder, began actively investigating past events.

Bodhi Temple, Bodhi Temple…

Supreme enlightenment, wisdom bestowed on all beings.

She stared blankly at the Little Cliff Sword in her hand. These past months she had often wondered about one thing – why would such an ancient divine sword suddenly appear by her side? So this wasn’t a chance encounter that came from nowhere.

Little Cliff had said someone had helped borrow life for her, but in her previous life, her parents were already gone when she met with harm. Learning that Lin Chengyou had come to rescue her that night, these days she had been thinking – could the person who changed her fate be Lin Chengyou? Perhaps the curse was too terrible – even though Lin Chengyou had changed her fate for her, after waking she and her father were still trapped in this strange maze.

Going round and round, unable to escape the same doom.

Different from her previous life, this time she had a divine sword in hand. Little Cliff helped her cross tribulations and subdue demons, and even let her meet Lin Chengyou early—

These experiences might be the only thread of hope she and her father could currently grasp.

Had her mother prayed before Buddha for this? Teng Yuyi’s tears fell silently. When her father discovered the truth, his heart must have shattered.

Suddenly she heard someone calling her: “Miss Teng.”

It was Jue Sheng and Qi Zhi.

They had heard Teng Yuyi’s voice long ago but hadn’t seen her get in the carriage. Looking out past the curtain, they saw Teng Yuyi leaning against the wall, standing woodenly in the alley, her whole person sunk in shadow as if frozen in place.

Teng Yuyi walked slowly toward the carriage. The carriage shaft that she could usually step up easily now seemed as high as a cliff. In the end, Dan Fu had to support her arm, using his strength to help push her up.

Jue Sheng and Qi Zhi grew increasingly anxious. Miss Teng’s complexion was as awful as if she had fallen seriously ill: “Miss Teng, has something happened?”

Teng Yuyi collapsed into her seat. The truth was even more cruel than she had imagined. She was cold and very uncomfortable, but she knew she had to sort out all these matters as quickly as possible.

“Miss Teng, let’s quickly return home. Recently many evil spirits have surged into the city. Look outside – the yin energy is very heavy, and the heavenly signs are not right.”

Teng Yuyi came to her senses and said resolutely: “We’ll return to Qingyun Temple immediately to find the Master. Earlier the Master spoke to me about a curse called the ‘Error Hook Curse’ and asked if any of my Teng family ancestors had offended anyone. That time I said I didn’t know, but tonight… I think I know the answer.”

***

Outside Caizhou city.

Amid thunderous shouts, arrows like locusts and giant stones and wooden rams were hurled down from the city walls.

This was the final point of this rebellion suppression campaign.

This was also Peng Zhen’s last stand of desperate resistance.

Only by holding Caizhou would Peng Zhen have a chance to break out of the encirclement before the Sea Guardian Army’s reinforcements arrived. If he could lead his remaining twenty thousand troops to join the Uyghurs, after reorganizing there might be a chance to fight back. But if he lost this city, he would truly be finished.

The weather was scorching, troop morale unstable. On one side were the court’s continuously victorious armies, on the other Peng family troops fighting for their lives. In terms of fighting spirit, Peng Zhen was superior. For several days, both sides remained in stalemate.

At midnight, hail suddenly began falling from the sky. This phenomenon was extremely strange – it was clearly the height of summer, this hail could only be magic used by the strange practitioners at Peng Zhen’s side.

Compared to the soldiers’ anxiety, Lin Chengyou appeared composed and unruffled. He stood before his tent with the golden bow on his back, gazing toward Caizhou City.

Teng Shao’s Sea Guardian Army was rushing from the direction of Xuzhou. When the two armies joined forces, tonight would be when they broke the city.

At this moment a vice commander came running: “Report! A fire has broken out in Caizhou city, looks to be in the direction of the armory. The soldiers on the city walls are all busy fighting the fire, and the hail has stopped too.”

A bad smile appeared at the corners of Lin Chengyou’s mouth: “Raise the cloud ladders, add more fire for them.”

But then there was a commotion from the tent behind him, someone saying urgently: “Young Master, General Liu from the Sea Guardian Army has come.”

They saw a middle-aged commander gallop up, his head covered in sweat: “Young Master, terrible news – General Teng was ambushed on the way.”

Author’s Note:

Note 1: The bow case and whip outfit with red headband was a very common military dress in the Tang Dynasty. The “Kaiyuan Rites” had such regulations: “The Left and Right Generals of the Golden Guards when entering to report peace should be fully equipped in military dress, wearing evil-repelling embroidered robes and crimson headbands with bow cases and whips.”

This “crimson cloth” refers to the red headband.

The “New Tang History” Volume 108 “Biography of Lou Shide” says that during Emperor Gaozong’s time “when recruiting brave warriors to fight the Tibetans, Lou Shide roused himself, wearing a red headband to respond to the edict.”

From this, we can see that throughout the Tang Dynasty, this distinctive military dress was very widespread, and even Song Dynasty people had phrases like “many famous generals wear bow cases and headbands,” as seen in Song Dynasty poet Wang Bai’s “Fragrant Wind Song for the Fast Day Celebration.”

Note 2: Tang Dynasty people were very fond of using “moxibustion” to diagnose their illnesses.