Ji Zeyu had truly made up his mind. The next day at court, he submitted his memorial.

But Pang Xiao still said the same words: “A’lan, if you want to travel around, then go ahead, but don’t forget to return. You have a home in the capital – your ducal mansion, title, and official position, I’ll keep them all for you.”

The lofty emperor, when speaking these words to Ji Zeyu, still referred to himself as “I.”

He wasn’t putting on an intimate act, nor displaying approachability to show his magnanimity. Ji Zeyu knew that Pang Xiao’s trust and closeness toward him had always been genuine. Unlike Li Qitian, who had become high and mighty after ascending the throne, even intimate conversations were performed for others to see.

Ji Zeyu’s eyes grew warm. Such a good Pang Xiao…

He quickly lowered his head to hide his surging emotions, and after a long while, hoarsely bowed: “Thank you, Your Majesty. This subject is infinitely grateful.”

“Why be so formal?” Pang Xiao quickly helped him up with both hands, sighing: “Have you decided which day to depart? Where do you want to go first? I’ll come see you off when the time comes.”

“Your Majesty has numerous court affairs…”

“No matter how busy, I have time for this.” Pang Xiao didn’t let Ji Zeyu finish his refusal before dominantly making the decision.

Ji Zeyu felt both sweet and bitter in his heart, suddenly somewhat reluctant to leave.

But he didn’t speak, only lowered his head in silent agreement.

After the grand court session, colleagues all expressed regret over Ji Zeyu’s decision. Though he had resigned from office, seeing the emperor’s attitude, they knew that even as a free man, he was still the emperor’s sworn brother – the most noble of free men. So their attitude toward Ji Zeyu only became more intimate and respectful, not daring the slightest negligence.

When Ji Zeyu returned to the ducal mansion and looked at the vast estate, he felt at a loss.

Having carried heavy burdens on his shoulders for too long, suddenly removing them left him unsure how to live his own life well.

Ji Zeyu wandered aimlessly through the mansion. When he came to his senses, he was at the stables again.

The snow-white horse was proudly tethered in the stable. Just looking at its bone structure, one could tell it was extraordinary. It seemed to have intelligence – seeing Ji Zeyu, it raised its head. Its lustrous coat gleamed with a subtle matte sheen in the sunlight, appearing especially beautiful.

Ji Zeyu walked forward, and Baiyun came close, lowering its head and affectionately nuzzling Ji Zeyu’s face.

Wearily extending his arms to embrace the horse’s neck, Ji Zeyu closed his eyes and buried his face in it.

So be it. Let it be this way.

The next day, the Court of State Ceremonial received envoys who had traveled far from Southern Yan. The envoys respectfully presented a bloody “generous gift” that could truly be called shocking to court and country.

In the Golden Throne Hall, two exquisite brocade boxes contained specially preserved human heads – one old, one young, with peaceful death expressions that everyone could see clearly.

They were Gu Shixiong and Yuchi Yan.

“Greetings to the Son of Heaven of Da Xin! Our emperor has always admired the Son of Heaven of Da Xin’s talent and virtue. Even in casual conversations with ministers, he invariably mentions the heroic deeds of Da Xin’s Son of Heaven pacifying the realm. This Yuchi Yan and Gu Shixiong are remnants of Great Yan who recently fled to Southern Yan and actually intended to contact their former subordinates!

“Now under Da Xin’s rule, the country enjoys peace and prosperity with favorable weather and abundant harvests. The people have finally achieved stable lives – how could we allow such people to cause trouble? Our emperor acted decisively, presenting their heads to demonstrate both our commitment to stabilizing the realm and our sincere heart for friendly relations with Da Xin. We hope Da Xin’s emperor will understand our intentions.”

Pang Xiao looked down at the heads of Yuchi Yan and Gu Shixiong in the brocade boxes, silent for a long time before saying: “Though Yuchi Yan was a fallen monarch, he was still a ruler. The Yan dynasty’s imperial mausoleum and burial sites still exist – send Yuchi Yan back to the Yan dynasty’s old capital mausoleum. As for Elder Gu Shixiong, he served three emperors. Though our positions differed, we cannot deny his loyal heart and righteousness. This elder deserves respect – give him a proper burial as well.”

“Your Majesty is sage!” The ministers all cried “Long live!” in unison. Pang Xiao’s action impressed them greatly. After Yuchi Yan allied with Li Qitian, he had often opposed the emperor when he was still Prince Zhongshun. Yet now the emperor was willing to let him be buried in the Yuchi family’s imperial mausoleum and give both Yuchi Yan and Gu Shixiong dignity – such benevolence was remarkable.

Seeing Pang Xiao’s attitude, the Southern Yan envoy broke into cold sweat and continued: “Your Majesty, Southern Yan occupies only a coastal corner with a small, weak nation. We truly have no intention of stirring any further conflicts. Over these years, our country has only sought stable development.”

Pang Xiao smiled and merely nodded.

The Southern Yan envoy lowered his head, not daring to look directly at the imperial countenance, and continued: “Therefore, Da Xin’s emperor truly need not be so cautious. Even without the Pingnan Army at Southern Yan’s borders and dozens of warships aimed at our coastal defenses, Southern Yan would never harbor disloyal thoughts toward Da Xin!”

The Pingnan Army now guarded the southern border between the two countries. Those men fresh from the battlefield had a different spirit even from ordinary soldiers. When they stood there with killing intent, even a casual shout would terrify Southern Yan’s border troops, fearing they would attack directly.

Southern Yan relied on the sea, thinking they controlled maritime affairs, but somehow dozens of large and small warships had appeared, completely surrounding Southern Yan’s territorial waters.

Southern Yan’s ruler and ministers truly couldn’t think of other solutions, so they deceived Yuchi Yan and Gu Shixiong who had fled to Southern Yan, killed them, and presented their heads to show sincerity, seeking only peace.

Hearing about dozens of warships surrounding Southern Yan’s coastal defenses, the ministers weren’t entirely clear about the situation.

Pang Xiao smiled: “These warships were originally from the Northern Ji Kingdom, docked at Jingang Port. The late emperor intended to dismantle them to build imperial mausoleums. Thanks to Master Lu Yun’s various efforts, these warships were preserved. Otherwise, Da Xin’s coastal defense would still be a major concern. To allocate funds for new warship construction would be difficult – skilled craftsmen are hard to find, and costs would be enormous. I’m truly grateful for Master Lu’s righteousness.”

The ministers all understood. Those with simpler minds thought Lu Yun had devoted himself entirely to protecting these warships. But those with more active minds guessed that the current emperor must have made considerable efforts as well – otherwise, Lu Yun alone, even with his family’s vast influence, probably couldn’t have moved the warships from Jingang Port.

While the court ministers discussed, the Southern Yan envoy was already drenched in sweat. Seeing Pang Xiao ignore him, he urgently continued: “Da Xin’s emperor, our Southern Yan emperor has always remembered your life-saving grace and deeply understands Da Xin’s formidable capabilities. Southern Yan is willing to pay annual tribute and pledge eternal vassalage, gladly serving as Da Xin’s subordinate.”

Speaking thus, he pressed his forehead tightly to the ground, fearing Pang Xiao wouldn’t agree and would attack immediately.

In fact, armies fresh from war’s baptism were most formidable. If real conflict erupted, the common people would suffer most.

Pang Xiao smiled briefly, reassured the envoy with a few words, instructed proper hospitality without negligence, but made no clear statement.

The more Pang Xiao showed such an attitude, the more uneasy the envoy became. When leaving the capital to return to Southern Yan, he remained anxious throughout the journey, fearing Pang Xiao would order an attack.

Regarding Southern Yan, court ministers also split into two factions – those favoring war and those believing they should postpone and discuss further.

This topic was debated for half a month without resolution.

Meanwhile, Qin Huaiyuan’s party had prepared everything during this period.

Thirty li outside the capital, Qin Yining dressed as an ordinary noblewoman, tears in her eyes as she knelt before Qin Huaiyuan, Sun Shi, and Zheng Shi, solemnly kowtowing.

“Father, Mother, Grandmother. With this departure, I don’t know when we’ll meet again. Please take care of your health. Don’t overwork yourselves with state affairs. Your daughter here will constantly pray for your good health. When matters stabilize here, your daughter will come see you.”

Qin Huaiyuan smiled as he came forward to help Qin Yining up.

But Qin Yining refused to rise, choking: “If not for me, Father and Mother wouldn’t have decided to stay in such a place to suffer. Your daughter cannot serve filially at your side and even burdens Father and Mother – your daughter feels truly guilty.”

“Silly child.” Qin Huaiyuan helped Qin Yining to her feet, his large hand patting her back. “Just stay here to assist your husband and teach your children. Father’s decision isn’t purely for you. This is also what Father truly wants to do. There Father can find direction for effort, willingly striving – this sense of achievement is sweet as honey. You needn’t bear such heavy psychological burden.”

Qin Yining nodded, holding back tears from falling.

Cao Yuqing embraced Zhao Ge’er’s shoulder, smiling: “Don’t worry, we’ll take good care of Zhao Ge’er. I guarantee next time you see him, he’ll be a upstanding little man.”

Mentioning the child they’d part from, Qin Yining nearly couldn’t hold back her tears.

But Zhao Ge’er looked up like a little adult: “Mother.”

Qin Yining squatted before Zhao Ge’er, touching his fair little face and tapping the small red mole between his brows, smiling.

Zhao Ge’er also smiled: “Mother, if anyone bullies you, come find me.”

Han Ge’er beside them protested: “With me here, no one will bully Mother!”

The two children stuck out their tongues and made faces at each other, immediately lightening the originally sad atmosphere.

Pang Xiao then respectfully bowed to Qin Huaiyuan and other elders: “Father-in-law, please rest assured. I will never break my word – this lifetime I’ll only be good to Sister Yi. Whatever I say now is futile, but fortunately time will prove everything I’ve said.”

Qin Huaiyuan smiled broadly without answering, only saying: “Take care.”

“Take care.”

Liao Zhibing and others with Qingtian Alliance brothers had waited long, helping Qin Huaiyuan’s party board carriages.

Pang Xiao patted Mu Jinghu’s shoulder: “Mutou, thank you for your trouble.”

“No trouble. Rest assured – I’ll escort Uncle Qin’s party to safety, then we’ll return to Tianji Valley.”

Pang Xiao smiled: “With you there, I’m naturally at ease.”

Qiu Feishan beside Mu Jinghu held Yan Ge’er while Fang Hailing held Lian Xiaozhou’s hand, all bowing to Pang Xiao and Qin Yining.

“Sister, we’re leaving.” Lian Xiaozhou’s eyes were swollen like walnuts as she came forward to embrace Qin Yining.

Qin Yining patted her back, still forcing herself not to cry, smiling: “Silly girl, don’t cry. From now on it’s your own life – live it well. If things don’t go well, come back. I’ve said it – this will always be your natal home.”

“Mm!” Lian Xiaozhou nodded emphatically, then embraced Bingtang and Ji Yun: “Sister Bingtang, Sister Ji Yun, take care.”

“You too.” Bingtang sobbed. After Lian Xiaozhou was brought back by Qin Yining, she’d always liked following her around, and she especially cherished the little girl who couldn’t even speak then. Now they’d all married and had their own lives.

Who knew when they’d meet again after this parting.

Everyone boarded carriages separately. Qiu Feishan also boarded with Yan Ge’er in her arms. Mu Jinghu rode alongside the convoy, smiling and waving goodbye to Qin Yining and Pang Xiao.

“Giddyup!” The drivers cracked their whips, and the convoy departed toward the main road.

Qin Yining and Pang Xiao stood in place with Han Ge’er.

Zhao Ge’er leaned out half his little body from the carriage window, vigorously waving his small hand toward Qin Yining and Pang Xiao.

Seeing they were truly parting, Han Ge’er, who had just been smiling and making faces, finally burst into loud tears.

“Brother! Brother!” Han Ge’er chased after them for two steps but forced himself to stop, covering his face and crying loudly.

Responding to him was Zhao Ge’er’s equally sorrowful crying from the carriage.

The tears Qin Yining had held back all morning finally fell, but she still wouldn’t lower her waving hand until the convoy completely disappeared from view.

This was a quiet mountain valley. Everywhere the eye could see was lush green. When wind suddenly rose, it brought waves of unique fragrance from green grass.

A large mansion was built in the valley against mountains and beside water.

At this moment, a rotund woman with shoulder-length hair, wearing a loose Daoist robe, sat in a drunken old man’s chair fanning herself. Two small stools were placed before her, with a man and woman sitting left and right facing her. The scene was somewhat solemn.

“This immortal lady has abilities reaching heaven and earth, knowing five hundred years past and five hundred years future. With a finger calculation, how could I not know what’s in the emperor’s heart? If I lived, he wouldn’t tolerate me! Better to sell him a favor. Look, this immortal lady’s life now is so comfortable – no more meddling in those rotten affairs!”

“Master, you… you really are… you deceived me so painfully, making me shed so many tears!”

Mu Jinghu’s face was iron-blue. Just after complaining, he was smacked on the forehead with a fan by Tianji Zi.

“Little brat, this old lady hasn’t blamed you for only caring about your good brother and ignoring my life and death, yet you blame me for not dying thoroughly? To save the Qin family, I lost half my reputation. Even though I schemed against her and wanted to kill her, I’ve repaid what I owed. Her man has also ascended to emperor – what more do you want? Must this old lady actually die before you’re satisfied?”

“I don’t mean that. But isn’t deceiving Zhixi wrong?”

“Wrong?” Tianji Zi suddenly sat up straight: “Do you know how hard it was for me to fake death? That Qin woman is sharp as a monkey – one small flaw and I couldn’t escape. I tell you, it wasn’t easy getting my current peaceful days. If you dare reveal this, you’re no longer a Tianji Gate disciple!”

Mu Jinghu fell silent.

After all, he owed great kindness to Tianji Gate and didn’t want to betray his sect.

Qiu Feishan said: “Just listen to Master. Besides, concealing Master’s life and death has no impact on the emperor and empress, right?”

Mu Jinghu looked up at Tianji Zi. After long internal struggle, he finally nodded.

With him watching anyway, after faking death Tianji Zi couldn’t conveniently go out to continue swindling, so there probably wouldn’t be major problems, right?

Tianji Zi leaned back in the drunken old man’s chair, swaying leisurely.

“Ah, you shouldn’t think the current emperor is a fool. He’s much shrewder than that Li Qitian fellow. Li Qitian wasn’t emperor material but insisted on putting green onions in a pig’s nose. Look what became of him? Life imprisonment – can’t live, can’t die! This is the bitter fruit of his forced demands!

“Like the Lu family back then – such an entrenched great family, yet that fool Li Qitian actually allowed it to exist? When aristocratic families become so powerful, they’re a great threat to imperial authority! Li Qitian didn’t think about dismantling and eliminating them but actually relied on aristocratic families – simply pushing himself toward being a puppet. Bah!”

Tianji Zi spat, then turned to look at Qiu Feishan.

She slowed her speech but spoke with ringing force: “The current emperor won’t allow families like the Lu family to exist. He won’t tolerate aristocratic families growing so large they can infiltrate the court, because he’s already witnessed firsthand such families’ harm to the dynasty.”

Qiu Feishan’s expression stiffened somewhat.

Tianji Zi rolled her eyes at her without courtesy: “Ah, some people think they’re clever but end up digging their own graves. Even deceiving fools should be done in moderation.”

Mu Jinghu blinked: “Master, she’s already severed relations with the Qiu family. Even if the emperor settles accounts with the Qiu family, it has nothing to do with her.”

“Is that so? That’s good then.” Tianji Zi smiled, fanning herself: “I want watermelon, sweet and sour pork, and Dongpo pork shoulder!”

The topic changed too quickly, leaving Mu Jinghu stunned again.

Qiu Feishan quickly stood up, dropping the words “I’ll go prepare in the kitchen” before hurrying away.

The courtyard fell silent again. Tianji Zi covered her face with the fan as if sleeping.

Mu Jinghu stood up and walked toward the kitchen.

A red sun slowly emerged from the clouds, morning clouds surging across the sky, almost connecting with the distant golden sea surface.

Qin Yining looked at the two men not far away without speaking.

Pang Xiao frowned at Ji Zeyu in wide-sleeved white clothes: “A’lan, you really plan to go to sea with merchant ships? If you want to relax, where can’t you go? The sea has big waves and is very dangerous. If you encounter foreigners and can’t understand what they’re saying, and at sea everywhere you look is water – what’s fun about that?”

Ji Zeyu smiled, raising his whip: “Even going to sea, I’m taking this whip. If I don’t return, when you find this whip in the future, it means…”

“Nonsense!” Pang Xiao angrily rebuked.

Years ago when searching for Qin Yining in the most critical situation, Ji Zeyu had given him his whip to facilitate commanding his subordinates – the Longxiang Army soldiers in Northern Frontier all recognized that whip. In exchange, Pang Xiao had also given Ji Zeyu his whip, and Ji Zeyu had used Pang Xiao’s whip ever since.

Ji Zeyu looked back at Qin Yining in the distance, smiled, took reins from a servant behind him, and slowly led the lustrous white horse over.

Qin Yining watched Ji Zeyu with complex emotions.

“Your Majesty Empress. I originally took this horse from you, and it has followed me through southern campaigns and northern battles ever since. Now that I’m going to sea, I return it to you. Please take good care of it.”

He handed the reins to Qin Yining.

In the morning light, Ji Zeyu’s well-defined hand was half hidden in wide sleeves as he offered the reins to Qin Yining.

Qin Yining slowly raised her hand to take them.

Baiyun seemed to know its master was leaving. It lowered its elegant neck, nuzzling Ji Zeyu with attachment. Ji Zeyu smiled and patted it, his gentle smile like treating his own child.

Ji Zeyu smiled.

“Your Majesty Empress, what’s yours will ultimately be yours. Now it’s returned to its rightful owner.”

“Take care.” Qin Yining’s throat seemed blocked by something – she could only say this one sentence.

Ji Zeyu smiled and nodded, turned to pat Pang Xiao’s shoulder, then lifted his whip and strode toward the small boat docked at Jingang Port, borrowing its help to reach the large merchant ship. Several accompanying servants and guards quickly bowed to Pang Xiao and Qin Yining before hurrying to follow.

Watching his tall figure elegantly leap from the small boat onto rope ladders, stepping up planks to board the large ship in a few steps, Pang Xiao’s tightly furrowed brow gradually relaxed as he called loudly: “Be safe and return soon!”

Ji Zeyu on the ship’s rail didn’t know if he heard, only waving at him.

Boatmen called out work songs as the merchant ship raised sails. With good wind filling them, it sailed toward the sea bathed in morning light.

Qin Yining led the white horse standing beside Pang Xiao, watching the sailing ship grow more distant until it became a black dot on the horizon before they looked at each other.

Pang Xiao smiled: “Let’s go. It’s been a while since we’ve been to Jingang – I’ll take you to play for a couple days before returning.”

Qin Yining raised an eyebrow, her bright eyes full of teasing: “Accompanying me to play – aren’t you afraid censors will impeach you again for neglecting state affairs?”

“Let them. When I actually neglect state affairs, it won’t be too late to worry about that.” Speaking thus, his domineering large hand swept around her, embracing Qin Yining as they walked toward Jingang City.

Behind them, Huzi quickly led several elite Huben Guards, grinning as they hurried to follow.

A summer breeze carrying sea scent swept toward them, brushing past loose hair at Qin Yining’s temples, past Pang Xiao’s smiling handsome face, past the grass behind them marked with faint footprints, making cheerful rustling sounds.

The morning sun had risen.

It was a brand new day.