As soon as these words were spoken, the court ministers’ faces showed expressions of relief, and they all nodded in agreement. Assistant Chancellor Ye Shi even stepped forward, saying: “If Lord Meng could deliver His Majesty’s imperial edict to the rebel troops, they would surely believe the court is sincere about pardoning their crimes.”

Although Meng Tinghui did not hold as high a position as the Two Departments’ ministers, when it came to the Emperor’s favor, perhaps no one in court could surpass her. Sending her as an envoy to the rebel troops would convince them of the court’s sincerity in pardoning their grave crimes. If the rebels opened their camp and surrendered their weapons, releasing Shen Zhishu from the city, then Meng Tinghui would merely be acting as the Emperor’s messenger—with no great merit to her name. If the rebels changed their minds and distrusted the imperial edict, capturing or killing Meng Tinghui as well, the court would not lose a loyal minister of the Two Departments.

Ordinarily, these high ministers could scarcely tolerate Meng Tinghui, but now they felt for the first time that having her at court might not be a bad thing. At once, everyone in the hall agreed with Ye Shi’s words. Even Gu Qin nodded slightly, saying: “Meng Tinghui entered office less than two years ago yet already holds a position in the palace, having never served in local government while remaining long at the Emperor’s side, which is not by court regulations. If she could go to the Northern Potian Road to conduct this pacification mission, the tide of criticism against her at court might temporarily subside.”

She stood motionless in place, lowering her eyes to look at her toes, listening to the discussion of several people beside her, while her mind wandered elsewhere.

Just now when she had tried to leave the hall, he had said it wasn’t necessary. Though this was an important matter of imperial guard mutiny being secretly discussed between the sovereign and his ministers, he didn’t exclude her, allowing her to hear every word. How could this be his usual approach? He must have anticipated how events would unfold when he first saw her, deliberately keeping her here so that the eleven ministers could suggest her as the imperial envoy.

Indeed, as the discussion around her concluded, she heard the Emperor nod and say: “Let Meng Tinghui be the envoy, carrying my imperial edict to the Northern Potian Road to pacify the Willow Banner rebels.”

She raised her eyes briefly to glance at his expression, then lowered them again, saying: “This humble servant obeys.” Despite her heavy thoughts, her words contained no trace of emotion.

Having decided to send her from the capital with the edict, this matter could hardly be resolved in just a few words. In the time it took for reports to travel thousands of miles back and forth, who knew what changes might occur? Moreover, this was the first time the court had dispatched a female official to deliver an imperial decree in border regions. Questions remained about whether she would stay at post stations along the way, how she would be received in various prefectures and counties, and how many Palace Guard infantry and cavalry should accompany her… Additionally, besides her, another person would need to be selected as deputy envoy.

By the time the ministers of the Two Departments had largely finished their discussion, night had fallen deeply. On one side, Minister of the Guards’ Office Tian Fu was still arguing with Fang Kai about who should be the new military supervisor for the Willow Banner regiment. Meanwhile, the Secretariat had already proposed that Drafting Official Deng Tong serve as deputy envoy, accompanying Meng Tinghui.

He listened to his ministers’ discussions with a dispassionate expression, delegating trivial matters to the Secretariat for further deliberation, but when he heard the proposal for Deng Tong to serve as deputy envoy, he frowned and said: “I wish to have Divine Guard Colonel Di Nian accompany Meng Tinghui, with eight hundred Palace Guards escorting them.”

The ministers of the Privy Council exchanged glances, their expressions slightly surprised.

The court had never before appointed a military official as deputy envoy for a pacification mission. Moreover, Di Nian’s identity was special—the only heir to continue the legacy of the late Military Duke. Nothing could be allowed to go wrong with him. No one had expected the Emperor to assign Di Nian to this task.

With bloodshot eyes and a weary face, seeming unwilling to spend more time on this matter, he said to Gu Qin: “After the Secretariat finalizes all matters tomorrow, draft a memorial to present to me. The Hanlin Academy will draft the edict, which I will write personally. Not even the slightest error is permitted in any aspect.” Then turning to Fang Kai, he instructed: “Minister Fang, please spend more effort on military matters tonight. Everything must be finalized and presented by dawn tomorrow.”

Everyone nodded in agreement. No one had been spared from fatigue since nightfall, and seeing him speak without prolonging the discussion in the hall, they all withdrew to their chambers.

He permitted the ministers to leave the hall, saying: “Meng Tinghui, stay behind.”

She knew he must have something to tell her, so she remained as instructed. Once everyone else had left the hall, she looked up at him, “Your Majesty.”

Outside, the autumn night wind rustled, with no human sounds remaining. His expression suddenly became severe, all traces of weariness gone, and when he spoke, his voice was cold and harsh: “Whether the Willow Banner rebels surrender or not, they are all to be slaughtered within the city.”

Her heart jolted violently, her shoulders trembling as she stared at him wide-eyed.

She could hardly believe her ears.

Just now, facing the eleven ministers in the hall, he had clearly said…

How could she have imagined he would be so ruthless? It seemed that not every soldier in that regiment was rebellious. If the goal was to punish those who had captured officials and occupied the city, why issue an order to exterminate thousands of lives?

Her hands and feet turned ice cold as she finally understood why he had calculated to send her to Northern Potian Road to pacify the rebels.

If the edict did not pardon the rebels’ crimes, they would never open the city and release Shen Zhishu; but if the rebels surrendered according to his edict only to be slaughtered anyway, his reputation as a benevolent and wise emperor would be destroyed. If a high minister from the Two Departments were sent as envoy, they would never comply with such a ruthless plan and would certainly kneel in remonstrance until the Emperor withdrew his intent. Only by sending her as envoy could he carry out this strategy while preserving his reputation for wisdom…

Her life had been saved by him; for him, she was willing even to die; she loved him so much that his wishes became her thoughts. How could she refuse to do this small thing for him?

She knew she would comply, and he knew it even better.

In the Ruisi Hall, the imperial desk stood high and noble, with two pillars behind the dragon throne inscribed with vigorous calligraphy. He still sat perfectly straight, his gaze cold and resolute as he looked at her.

After a very long time, she finally frowned slightly and responded: “…Your servant will respectfully comply with Your Majesty’s wishes.”

The hard lines of his face suddenly softened. He extended his palm to her and said: “Come here.”

With no one else in the hall, she walked to the front of the imperial desk, and looked up at him, not knowing what he intended.

He turned sideways with bent legs, his gaze softening slightly as he looked at her, curving his extended hand, and said again: “Come here.”

Understanding his meaning, she silently took two more steps forward, placing her hand in his palm, following his guidance to nestle into his embrace, her body held sitting upon his knees.

He wrapped his arms tightly around her, turning his head to kiss her face, then moving his lips to her ear, whispering: “When you go to Potian, leave all military matters to Di Nian. Just deliver the imperial edict and never go near the Willow Banner camp.”

She lowered her eyes without speaking.

Just now he had been so cold and ruthless, yet now he was so tender and affectionate. Unable to fathom his heart or discern his intentions, she increasingly felt his imperial mind was unfathomable, his sacred thoughts inscrutable.

Seeing her silence, he reached out to pinch her chin, lifting her face to look deeply into her eyes, narrowing his gaze to ask: “What’s wrong?”

She shook her head and forced a smile, reaching out to embrace his waist, burying her head against his chest, and saying softly: “Nothing. Your servant is just tired momentarily.”

He lowered his head to kiss the top of her hair, then asked: “Did you hear what I just said?”

She nodded, “Your servant understands. No matter what, I will not go within one step of the camp.”

His lips moved slightly as if wanting to say more, but ultimately he said nothing further, only raising his hand to turn her head, bending down to kiss her red lips.

Her body was somewhat stiff, yet she still closed her eyes to reciprocate his hot kiss, feeling him reach over to undo her official robes. The hands at his waist involuntarily tightened, but she still didn’t move, allowing him to forcefully knead her body.

He loved her body, loved that she could be used by him, loved that she was so compliant in everything… but had he ever truly loved her heart? Thinking about how he could disregard Shen Zhishu’s life and issue an edict to eliminate rebels who didn’t surrender, and then recall his previous harsh command to slaughter all rebels regardless of surrender, her heart suddenly ached. Her mind became confused, wondering if she too would someday be treated this way by him.

She had not cared before, not cared about the future, about life and death, about love and hate. But now he repeatedly gave her hope and desire, making her misunderstand… misunderstand that he might love her too, even if just a little.

Finally noticing her unusual behavior, his movements paused involuntarily. The warm palm pressing against her waist, he called to her: “Meng Tinghui.”

She looked at him, seeing his eyes full of desire while his face showed restrained hesitation. Suddenly not knowing what to do, she tightened her lips, unable to respond.

He watched her for a while, then suddenly withdrew his hand, refastening her official robes. His thin lips meticulously and slowly brushed against the corners of her eyes and eyebrows as he said word by word: “I know you are doubting me.” Then looking down at her, he said in a deep voice: “And have never truly believed my words.”

The tip of her nose suddenly reddened. “Your Majesty.”

He gazed at her. Once, this woman had been so vivacious and uninhibited, her eyes so clear and transparent that a single glance was enough for him to remember her. But now it had been a long time since he had seen that kind of smile, and those eyes were now obscured by worldly affairs and court politics. Only her heart remained as devoted to him as ever.

Touched by this look in his eyes, she suddenly remembered the words he had spoken that night. She raised her head to kiss his lips, hurriedly saying: “Your servant does not, does not distrust Your Majesty.”

He was the sovereign of a nation, the ruler of all under heaven. Though he might feel the pain of sacrifice, he would never show it before others. How could she judge him by ordinary standards? Even if he was cold and ruthless, even if his orders showed no mercy, she should understand his difficulties rather than doubt him. He trusted her enough to make her his envoy to Northern Potian Road—how could she betray that trust?

The fire sparked in his eyes as he seized her body, kissing her fiercely in return.

Meng Tinghui… Meng Tinghui… Meng Tinghui.

From that beautiful spring day years ago until this cold autumn night, these three syllables had rolled through his heart countless times, each one etched into his bones.

She loved him so much, willing to love him regardless of herself, obeying his every wish, never wanting to see him displeased. Even when he spoke little and explained less, she still trusted him. Even knowing his imperial position might cause him to disappoint her, she still loved him.

Such a woman…

How could he not love her?

As their tongues entwined and clothes loosened, she climbed onto him, leaning against his shoulder with shallow breaths.

Gripping her waist, he suddenly stood up, pressing her onto the imperial desk, sweeping aside the items with his sleeve, bending down to caress her tenderly, his voice hoarse as he said: “When you return to the capital, I will take you to the Western Mountains to see the snow… would you like that?”

The journey to Potian was nearly a thousand miles. By the time she returned to the capital, it would surely be a cold winter with flying snow and silver landscapes.

She nearly drowned in this rare tenderness from him, her eyes smiling brightly, her heart full of joy, as if for the first time glimpsing a corner of his heart. She nodded gently, “Yes.”

Seeing her smile like this, the corners of his mouth also lifted slightly. With his arms braced at her sides, he felt he could never look enough at her smiling face and curved eyes. Unable to resist, he kissed her again, “Meng Tinghui.”

She responded to him, reaching out to touch his face, his eyebrows, the corners of his eyes, his lips… never touching enough of his skin and features.

Outside, the autumn wind whistled, sweeping fallen leaves into swirling flight, the entire palace desolate.

In the hall, the warm candlelight swayed gently, reflecting brilliantly in his eyes, casting a rosy glow on her cheeks.

Ten zhang of imperial brocade, three inches of soft red, two hearts as one… in a room where deep passion had nowhere to go.

On the day Meng Tinghui left the capital carrying the imperial edict, she was first escorted by palace guards all the way to the northern gate before boarding the imperial carriage guarded by Palace Guards led by Di Nian. The entire procession with its yellow standards and clustered canopies made quite a spectacle, clearly demonstrating the Emperor’s favor toward her.

Female officials had never before been assigned to external posts, let alone sent to pacify rebels on the frontier while carrying an imperial edict. Although Meng Tinghui had previously been demoted, this time she again became the subject of attention and discussion among the capital’s gossips.

Outside the city, the official road presented a bleak and desolate scene. The eight hundred Palace Guards were already arrayed and equipped, waiting for Meng Tinghui and Di Nian to give the order to depart.

Seeing that all arrangements had been made, Di Nian rode his horse toward her carriage, calling out from a distance: “Lord Meng!”

Although Meng Tinghui had not met Di Nian many times, she had once been saved by him. Now traveling with him to Northern Potian Road, she felt particularly reassured. And because Di Nian had always been close to the Emperor, she genuinely welcomed this energetic and exceptional young commander. Hearing him call her, she lifted the carriage curtain, watching him approach before smiling and saying: “Thank you for your trouble, Colonel Di. If there’s nothing else, please give the order to depart.”

Di Nian also smiled, just about to turn back and give the command, when he saw someone on horseback rapidly galloping from the city gate. He frowned and stopped.

The rider wore fiery red robes with sleeves flying against the wind, bare wrists white as jade, and a slender waist. Though the riding posture was spirited, one could tell at a glance it was a woman.

Meng Tinghui also noticed the person and horse, wondering why anyone would be allowed out of the city on this official road at this time. She saw the woman turning her face toward them, riding straight for the carriage, calling out: “Lord Meng!”

She focused her gaze and recognized Shen Zhili, momentarily stunned.

Di Nian had already ridden forward to meet her, but Shen Zhili seemed not to see him, pulling her reins to gallop past. Di Nian could only helplessly curve around to follow behind her.

Meng Tinghui stepped out of the carriage and looked at her. “Why has Lady Shen come here?”

Shen Zhili dismounted and ran over, heedless of others’ gazes, grabbing Meng Tinghui’s hand as her eyes reddened: “Lord Meng has been avoiding visitors at the residence these past days. I had no other option but to come see Lord Meng this one time.”

Meng Tinghui frowned. Having departed in haste, she had spent little time at her residence in the previous days. To avoid being disturbed by irrelevant people, she had closed her doors to visitors. She hadn’t expected Shen Zhili would come looking for her here. She asked softly: “Does Lady Shen have an urgent business?”

Shen Zhili looked around, seeing no idle onlookers, then pulled Meng Tinghui a little to the side, her voice slightly choked: “Lord Meng, I beg you to save my brother’s life!”

Meng Tinghui’s brows furrowed tightly as she glanced sideways. “Why does Lady Shen say this? My journey to Northern Potian Road is precisely to pacify the rebel troops to surrender and open the city to release Governor Shen.”

Zhili raised her hand to wipe her eyes, then said: “I grew up with His Majesty since childhood. I know His Majesty’s temperament all too well. I dare not speak of what Lord Meng’s journey to Potian truly entails, but I beg Lord Meng to spare my brother’s life!”

Meng Tinghui bit her lip slightly, maintaining her composure as she withdrew her hand. She turned to Di Nian and said: “Colonel Di, please trouble yourself to escort Lady Shen back to the city, then rejoin us for our departure.”

Shen Zhili still refused to leave, but Di Nian took several large steps forward, grabbed her sleeve, and led her aside, coaxing: “You just need to eat and sleep well in the capital. I guarantee I’ll bring your brother out of the Willow Banner camp safe and sound! If he loses even a single hair, you can chop off one of my fingers!”

Shen Zhili struggled desperately, trying to break free from his grasp, but couldn’t match his strength. She was half-dragged, half-pulled away from the official road.

Meng Tinghui’s expression darkened as she walked back among the troops alone, quietly instructing the lead officer: “We shall proceed first. Colonel Di will catch up shortly.”

The officer acknowledged softly, watching her return to her carriage and lower the curtain. He then deftly cracked his whip, shouting for the eight hundred troops to form ranks and march.

As the carriages moved and horses advanced, autumn dust rose to the sky on the official road.

After the carriage had traveled far, she lifted the window curtain to look back, but could no longer see Shen Zhili’s fiery red figure.

Remembering what he had said that night in the great hall, she closed her eyes, furrowing her brow as she lowered her head and let the curtain fall.

Heading north, they received a proper welcome at every post station in the various prefectures. Although Meng Tinghui was merely of the fourth rank, she was treated as a third-rank or higher minister, with no one daring to show the slightest neglect.

By the time they reached Qingzhou City, twelve days had passed since receiving the northern military report. During these twelve days, there had been no orders from the capital, nor reports from the north, suggesting that the situation in Willow Banner remained the same as before, with no major changes.

Meng Tinghui had intended to bypass Qingzhou and proceed directly to the outskirts of Liuqi County, but Di Nian maintained a firm stance, insisting she rest in Qingzhou City for a day or half before planning their next move. Meanwhile, he rode without stopping to the Qingzhou garrison, handling the matter of assembling troops.

With Governor Shen Zhishu held captive in the rebel camp, all civil and military affairs in the city were managed by Deputy Magistrate Cao Ziong. Cao had served in the Privy Council for many years and was well-versed in military matters. After the previous deputy magistrate Wang Qi was demoted, he had been recommended by Fang Kai to leave the capital and serve as Qingzhou’s deputy magistrate.

Cao Ziong was cautious and thoughtful by nature. Although Shen Zhishu had been captured by the rebels, the civil affairs of Qingzhou remained orderly, and the Qingzhou garrison had not been affected at all by the imperial guard mutiny to the east. All military matters remained firmly under Cao Ziong’s control.

When Meng Tinghui’s party was still thirty li from Qingzhou, they were met by officials and troops sent by Cao Ziong to welcome them. They escorted her into the city’s post station, saying that Cao Ziong would personally visit her after closing office in the evening to discuss the matter of proclaiming the imperial edict at Liuqi County to pacify the rebels.

Meng Tinghui couldn’t help but sigh inwardly—this Cao Ziong was a capable official. Why had she never heard anyone mention him during her time in the capital?

Of the eight hundred troops accompanying them, besides the dozen or so with Di Nian at the Qingzhou garrison, the rest also entered the city to rest. But after less than an hour of settling in, a minor official from the post station came to inform Meng Tinghui that someone outside was looking for her, claiming to be an old acquaintance.

Meng Tinghui hadn’t even had time to change out of her official robes. Hearing this, she felt puzzled, not knowing what old acquaintance she might have in Qingzhou. She asked the minor official: “Do you know the visitor’s name?”

The official wore a reverent expression and said: “The visitor is the proprietor of the Yan family shop in Qingzhou, the eldest daughter of the Yan family from Chong Prefecture, Yan Fuzhi.”

Upon hearing this, Meng Tinghui’s eyes suddenly brightened, her face breaking into a smile as she hurriedly stood and said: “Quickly, invite her in.” After the official left to obey her order, she hurriedly adjusted her clothes in the mirror and anxiously rummaged through her baggage to see if she had brought anything suitable as a gift when leaving the capital. She hadn’t even thought about why Yan Fuzhi would be in Qingzhou.

Before long, a person came rushing in from outside, calling to her: “Tinghui!”

She looked up with a smile. “Your news network is quite effective…” The woman before her wore elaborate and costly attire, her features even more gorgeous than two years ago, with an exquisite hairstyle and transparent earrings—not a single flaw could be found in her entire appearance.

Yan Fuzhi’s lips curved only slightly as if she couldn’t quite smile. Her gaze swept Meng Tinghui from head to toe. “You haven’t changed at all…” Before finishing her words, her fine eyebrows furrowed tightly, her gaze fixed on the collar of Meng Tinghui’s official robe, her expression darkening.

Seeing Yan Fuzhi’s unusual expression, Meng Tinghui didn’t understand what was wrong. She smiled cautiously and asked: “Have you encountered something unpleasant?”

Yan Fuzhi closed the door behind her and walked directly to Meng Tinghui’s side. After some thought, she looked up, her large eyes filled with gloom, and asked: “You’ve come to Qingzhou to proclaim the imperial edict at Liuqi County to pacify the rebel troops?”

Meng Tinghui nodded, seeing that she hadn’t come to reminisce but seemed to have come directly for this matter. She grew increasingly puzzled, not understanding what connection Yan Fuzhi could have to this situation.

Yan Fuzhi lowered her long lashes, her lips moving for a long time before she finally lowered her body and said softly: “You will save him, won’t you?”

Meng Tinghui was stunned, taking a moment to realize who “him” referred to. Her heart skipped a beat as a thought suddenly flashed through her mind. “You… and Lord Shen?”