Zhang Zhe had actually said he remembered her birthday.

Jiang Xuening felt that even in her previous life during their most peaceful times, this person had never been so pleasant and amiable toward her. After being stunned for a moment, an irrepressible joy welled up in her heart.

However, in the next instant, her eyes slowly lowered.

It wasn’t appropriate for the Heavenly Doctrine to linger here too long. After everything was properly settled, they would need to leave with everyone.

There weren’t many horses.

But Zhang Zhe had already essentially gained the Heavenly Doctrine’s trust. He also claimed to represent Mountain Man Du Jun, so they didn’t dare show the slightest negligence and had someone allocate a horse for him as well.

Xiao Dingfei had arrived riding a horse.

Now sitting high atop his steed, he extended his palm toward Jiang Xuening with a rather flippant smile: “The journey to Tongzhou is long and distant. For someone as delicate as you, young lady, why don’t I take you along?”

He was actually inviting her to share his mount.

Jiang Xuening knew this person was a lecher who only judged people by their faces. Combined with her suddenly sour mood at the moment, she glanced at him and couldn’t be bothered to respond.

Xiao Dingfei raised an eyebrow: “Are you going to share a mount with your ‘elder brother’?”

Jiang Xuening replied listlessly: “What business is it of yours?”

Just these four words revealed a certain sharpness, lacking the delicate and gentle impression given by the young woman’s features and appearance. However, Xiao Dingfei was naturally wicked at heart—the more thorny the flower in the briar patch, the more his eager-to-try spirit was aroused. Hearing her words, he wasn’t discouraged in the slightest. Instead, he cast a gaze full of mockery and scrutiny toward Zhang Zhe, who was leading his horse not far away.

Zhang Zhe: “…”

He said nothing, merely lowering his eyes to adjust the saddle.

After quite a while, when everyone was about to depart, he finally extended his hand toward Jiang Xuening. His Adam’s apple rolled gently as if he hesitated for a moment before slowly saying: “Mount up.”

Xiao Dingfei wasn’t wrong—the journey to Tongzhou wasn’t short. Although they could reach a market town before long, there would be no carriages available. Was Jiang Xuening, a young lady from a respectable family, supposed to walk on foot?

Thus, though it violated propriety in many ways, they had no choice but to make do with expedient arrangements.

Seeing this, Jiang Xuening smiled lightly and passed her hand over. Helped by Zhang Zhe, she mounted the horse. Looking up, she met Xiao Dingfei’s rather displeased gaze and deliberately returned a provocative look.

Xiao Dingfei had always been skilled at coaxing women. Not to mention that with his good looks, he had met with success everywhere in pleasure quarters and brothels, never encountering someone who gave him so little face. Looking again at this Zhang Zhe with his bland expression showing not a hint of romantic interest, looking exactly like some grim magistrate judging the dead in the King of Hell’s palace—what normal young lady would actually like such a person?

The more he pondered it, the more irritating it became.

He bit his teeth slightly and merely let out a sardonic sound through his nose: “Hmph, siblings!”

But in the end, he didn’t offer any more sarcasm.

Xiao Dingfei simply looked at Zhang Zhe’s seemingly emotionless face with a laugh, then flicked his riding crop and, paying no mind to others, took the lead galloping up the mountain path outside the dilapidated temple.

Everyone else fell behind him.

Only then did Zhang Zhe mount the horse.

He sat behind Jiang Xuening. When his hands grasped the saddle in front, it was as if he naturally embraced her in his arms.

That cool, crisp scent belonging to him easily enveloped her.

Jiang Xuening’s body stiffened slightly. Unable to see what expression Zhang Zhe wore behind her, she could only see the pair of hands before her that weren’t particularly beautiful. His fingers were long with distinct joints, making one involuntarily think that the owner of these hands was definitely not someone who lived in pampered comfort but must have suffered hardships.

She didn’t dare lean back against him, only gripping the edge of the saddle in front with a bit more force.

The horse headed forward, following the others.

The mountain ranges in winter held a particularly fierce and desolate silence.

Wilderness stretched in all directions.

Not a single bird call could be heard—only the howling wind rushing past her ears and the thunderous sound of hooves trampling through snowy mud.

Sharing a mount with Zhang Zhe was a decidedly different feeling from being with Yan Lin.

That young man was ardent and proud, having practiced martial arts since childhood, galloping freely along the broad roads of the capital as if nothing ahead could obstruct him. Everything that flashed swiftly past both sides of her vision was without exception the prosperous world.

But the person behind her was restrained and steady, silent and taciturn. The winding mountain path was full of rough obstacles. Looking out from this horse, she couldn’t see to the ends of heaven. Wind and snow covered the verdant trees and grass, draining them of color. In the biting cold wind scraping her face, only the embrace behind her—holding yet not quite holding—still radiated a faint warmth.

Jiang Xuening’s state of mind gradually settled along with the journey.

Zhang Zhe behind her likewise couldn’t see her expression.

Yet he sensed her unusual quietness.

That attitude of silently gazing ahead actually reminded him of the circumstances and demeanor on the night of her birthday in the previous life. Then he finally recalled those rumors about her background that had circulated in the capital during the previous life.

Originally, she was the legitimate daughter born to Jiang Boyou’s wife, Meng Shi. But on the very day of her birth, she had been secretly switched with their own daughter by a concubine in the rear quarters who bore a grudge against Meng Shi. Through this twist of fate, she was expelled to a farm estate along with that concubine, raised by her for a full fourteen years before finally, after much hardship and wandering, returning to the capital.

Many people said that her sharp and cunning temperament, so incompatible with proper young ladies, had been corrupted by that lowly concubine.

Originally, not many people knew about this matter.

Even the Jiang household claimed publicly that she simply had an unfortunate fate and had to be fostered outside for fourteen years to avert disaster. But unexpectedly, after she became empress, various rumors and gossip about her background somehow spread like wildfire throughout the capital’s streets and alleys.

So then, what did Jiang Xuening think of each year when her birthday arrived?

Compared to an adult man, a young woman was ultimately petite and delicate.

Even sitting in front of him, her head barely reached his chin. Her slender, tender neck was exposed for a small section, skin white as snow. But in this desolate mountain wilderness, it gave one an especially fragile feeling.

Zhang Zhe suddenly felt as if something struck his heart.

A hidden, throbbing pain.

For that brief instant, he desperately wanted to pull her into his embrace regardless of everything. But even as the horse’s hooves continued trampling forward through the mud, he made no move. He only used his wide sleeves to silently and wordlessly shield her from the cold wind blowing into her face.

Tongzhou was only fifty li from the capital. With good horses, one could arrive in half a shichen.

But this group didn’t all have horses, and among them were quite a few fugitives with criminal records who didn’t even have clean clothes to change into. They didn’t dare swagger into the city at top speed.

The Heavenly Doctrine people had obviously considered this point.

Midway through their journey, they actually stopped outside a small village by a river.

It was now midday. The sun shone down, dispelling some of the cold. Inside the village, thatched cottages were built one after another. Occasionally, they could hear dogs barking from a few households. From outside, they could see wisps of cooking smoke slowly rising.

That Huang Qian whistled outside the village. Without any apparent action, several robust young men in coarse cloth emerged from inside.

The two sides began conversing.

Jiang Xuening dismounted with Zhang Zhe’s assistance. Looking up, she witnessed this scene. Seeing that the surrounding people had all stopped to rest—some talking with others, some surveying the situation—and weren’t paying attention to them, she lowered her voice to ask: “Lord Zhang, what exactly is going on?”

She had wanted to ask for ages.

But along the way, they were mostly together with everyone else. There really was no opportunity to communicate under everyone’s watchful eyes. Even though she had doubts in her heart, she couldn’t find a chance to inquire.

Zhang Zhe knew his actions this time were inherently dangerous, and he intended to explain the full story to her. However, just as he was about to speak, his gaze shifted and he actually saw that Heavenly Doctrine hall master Feng Mingyu approaching them with a smile hanging on his wrinkled face.

So the words on the tip of his tongue were swallowed back.

He looked toward Feng Mingyu: “Are the people in this village trustworthy? Can we lodge here?”

Feng Mingyu smiled: “Our Heavenly Doctrine followers are spread across the four seas and five lakes—brothers everywhere. People have long been arranged here to receive us. These great villains who came out of the imperial prison—if they don’t change their clothes and disguise themselves, they probably won’t even be able to enter Tongzhou city. We can also conveniently have a meal here and rest for the afternoon before setting out again.”

Zhang Zhe nodded: “Excellent.”

Feng Mingyu offered a few more words of concern, even asking about Jiang Xuening’s situation, before taking his leave.

Everyone rested outside the village.

The villagers actually brought out the midday meals they’d prepared for their own families—some more sumptuous, some simpler—treating these “Heavenly Doctrine rebels” (as the court called them) warmly and affectionately like brothers.

The group hadn’t eaten anything the previous night, and most of them had been surviving on prison rations besides. Naturally, they all ate happily.

Jiang Xuening also made do with eating some.

Those villagers had also prepared some clean, ordinary clothes. However, they clearly hadn’t anticipated there would be a young lady in the group. They turned back to call a village woman to bring a set of clean clothes for her.

The other men were used to being rough and unrestrained. Quite a few changed clothes right then and there.

Zhang Zhe’s expression grew rather unpleasant.

Naturally, Jiang Xuening couldn’t do the same as them. After informing Zhang Zhe, she found a grove of trees nearby and walked deep inside to change into the robe.

But she’d been gone a long time without returning.

Zhang Zhe’s brow slowly furrowed.

After waiting a while longer still without seeing her, he said to Huang Qian and Feng Mingyu beside him: “Please wait here, everyone. I’ll go check.”

Huang Qian and Feng Mingyu naturally didn’t dare say anything. Who knew whether a young lady might have encountered some accident inside this desolate wilderness?

But they didn’t dare go look.

Since Zhang Zhe had brought her, naturally it should be Zhang Zhe who went to check. No one suspected anything.

This grove of trees in the winter wilderness wasn’t particularly deep, but with layers of obstruction, one couldn’t see clearly what the situation inside was.

Zhang Zhe was truly somewhat worried.

But walking to the depths without seeing anyone, after just a few more steps, he suddenly saw the light ahead brighten. He had actually walked straight through this grove and now caught sight of Jiang Xuening standing outside.

Beyond this grove was actually a river. In winter with little water source, it all lay quietly in the sunken riverbed.

Sunlight fell from above, and mist dispersed from between the trees.

The water surface reflected the brilliant white sunlight, which then flowed and spread over people’s bodies.

She had already changed into that rather simple farmwoman’s garment. The clothes she’d changed out of—originally his—were set on a large rock by the river. The light blue fabric wrapped around her body had no real style or color to speak of, really not quite matching this pretty face.

Some women in this world seemed destined to be born in wealthy villages.

But Jiang Xuening herself was completely at ease, appearing to have no opinion about this outfit, as if she’d long anticipated he would come looking. She actually blinked at him with a smile: “Do we have time to talk now?”

Zhang Zhe was slightly stunned, then understood.

Naturally, since Jiang Xuening, a woman, had gone off alone to change clothes away from everyone, others who had no relationship with her wouldn’t feel comfortable coming to check on the situation. They could only let him come alone to find her.

And he would certainly come.

But he’d been too concerned to think clearly just now, not considering this layer.

Jiang Xuening then asked: “How did Lord Zhang come to be here?”

Zhang Zhe replied concisely: “The Heavenly Doctrine’s collusion with Prince Pingnan’s rebellious faction offended His Majesty’s taboo. When the court side exterminated the Heavenly Doctrine, they killed one of their leaders named Gongyi Cheng and learned some information about the Heavenly Doctrine’s inner workings. So I made a plan to pretend to be the Heavenly Doctrine’s Mountain Man Du Jun, whose identity is known to very few, to investigate the situation inside the Heavenly Doctrine so it can be eradicated. The prison break was also known about early on. It’s just that… I didn’t expect Miss Jiang would also be there at the time…”

Naturally, Jiang Xuening had been there to visit Yan Lin.

She thought to herself that the matter of the Marquis of Yongyi’s household was no small thing. If she dragged Zhang Zhe into it, she would feel uneasy in her conscience. Moreover, Zhang Zhe hadn’t asked directly, so she didn’t explain. She just looked at him this way, appearing ready to muddle through.

Actually, Zhang Zhe had already thought it through the previous night.

Who else could make Jiang Xuening risk infiltrating the imperial prison in the dead of night wearing a black cloak?

Probably still Yan Lin.

Zhang Zhe didn’t pursue the matter, only saying: “Your sudden disappearance will surely worry Lord Jiang. Moreover, this journey is truly dangerous. This Zhang should promptly help Miss Jiang escape danger. However, this village is also a Heavenly Doctrine stronghold, so I don’t dare leave you here. The Heavenly Doctrine has an important branch hall in Tongzhou—their largest stronghold in the north. When we discover their lair, there will likely be a fierce battle. Inside Tongzhou city, the Yongding Medicine Shop is the court’s reception point. So when the time comes, please feign illness, Miss. I can use this as an excuse to send you to safety and return you to the capital.”

Jiang Xuening listened with her heart trembling. However, her gaze cast across this vast expanse of water toward the boundless world outside, and a thought that had been circling in her mind throughout the journey took root—

Why should she return to the capital?

This was simply a heaven-sent, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!

Since her rebirth, everything she’d actively done or been forced to do was all for the purpose of leaving the capital, to escape far from the prison of her previous life.

Those four high walls of the imperial palace had truly become her nightmare.

How many times in the dead of night had she dreamed of becoming the bird she’d seen in childhood sitting under that leaking eave, flying over the nine-layered palace towers, past previous life’s nightmares, reaching those rivers, lakes, and seas that You Fangying had visited in her past life and Yan Lin had spoken of in this life—to gallop freely?

Now she had already left the capital.

If she didn’t return and just fled far away from here, who could know her whereabouts?

Although she hadn’t brought much silver, she could first make her way to Shu. There were still You Fangying and the Ren family salt works there. At least she needn’t worry about livelihood. Where to go afterward, she could think about later.

She didn’t want to go back.

Not one bit.

She lowered her head to look at the flat riverbed before her, not knowing how to respond to Zhang Zhe’s words. Her heart felt stuffy. After a long time, she finally said in a low voice: “But Lord Zhang, what if I don’t want to go back?”

Zhang Zhe froze.

Jiang Xuening finally turned to look directly at him, not avoiding the topic at all: “The days in the palace, the days in the capital—they’re not pleasant. I don’t want to go back.”

For anyone, these words would be shocking.

A young lady from the inner quarters, a daughter of a great family, stranded outside—how could she not want to return but instead be willing to wander outside?

Yet Zhang Zhe remained silent.

Her bright, clear gaze seemed to plunge straight into the depths of his heart, making him feel he was going mad.

Seeing him say nothing, Jiang Xuening assumed he thought her unbound by propriety and improper in conduct. So she dejectedly lowered her head: “I was just joking, Lord Zhang—”

“If you don’t want to, then don’t return.”

Before she could finish, Zhang Zhe’s voice drifted over faintly.

Jiang Xuening looked up in shock: “Lord Zhang?”

Her gaze met Zhang Zhe’s, but Zhang Zhe looked somewhat uncomfortable and averted his eyes, saying: “No one in Tongzhou knows your identity. After arriving there, find an opportunity to hide yourself. Leave the city before the court besieges the Heavenly Doctrine—it’s the same.”

Jiang Xuening’s shock instantly transformed into delight.

Like the dark clouds pressing on her head suddenly dispersed completely, her mood became like the water spread flat on this riverbed—suddenly clear and bright all at once. She felt unspeakably happy.

She nearly jumped up with a smile: “Lord Zhang is truly wonderful!”

Her previously knitted brows and eyes stretched open. That palm-sized face, though without powder or rouge, possessed more radiant brilliance than on ordinary days. Catching the reflected and rippling light from the river surface, it was dazzling and mesmerizing.

Zhang Zhe gazed at this scene almost reverently.

Whether in the previous life or this life, he had rarely seen her so freely delighted…

In good spirits, Jiang Xuening stepped on this riverbed and caught sight of several flat stones worn smooth by years of river water. Something occurred to her. She turned and tugged at his sleeve, blinking shrewdly: “Lord Zhang, do you believe this stone won’t sink immediately if I throw it?”

Those stones were all flat and relatively thin. Perhaps calling them “stone slices” would be more appropriate.

He saw them, but his gaze dimmed slightly. He said nothing.

Jiang Xuening simply assumed he didn’t believe her. After all, in her previous life when she’d playfully teased him like this, he hadn’t quite believed her either.

So she raised her hand and really threw that thin stone out.

This was a game she often played with companions in childhood.

In the countryside, it was called “skipping stones.”

The flat stone flew from between her fingers, touched the water surface, and instantly made a “pah” sound, splashing up some water. But it didn’t sink immediately. Instead, after grazing the water surface, it flew forward again, going “pah pah” across the water surface twice more before exhausting its momentum and sinking into the river.

On the originally calm winter river surface, near and far, three rings of ripples slowly bloomed.

Layer upon layer.

Wrinkling the entire lake’s wavering light.

Jiang Xuening had thought she’d be rusty after not playing for so long, but unexpectedly her childhood skills that had dominated the countryside still remained. Even she thought herself impressive. Turning back to look at Zhang Zhe, she chuckled secretly and stuffed the remaining two stones into his hand: “Would Lord Zhang like to try?”

Those two stones settled in Zhang Zhe’s dry palm.

Still stained with a bit of mud and sand.

He silently looked at them, gently picked up one, paused when raising his hand, then threw it out.

“Kerplunk.”

The stone, as if drunk, plunged headfirst into the river.

Seeing this, Jiang Xuening secretly laughed until she nearly choked.

Though this Lord Zhang certainly didn’t come from a good background and could endure hardship, when it came to amusement, he knew nothing at all—not to mention this kind of game played by unschooled rural children.

In her previous life, even teaching him for ages hadn’t worked.

Zhang Zhe really didn’t want to learn.

But he couldn’t withstand the fact that she was the empress. She just wanted to see him make a fool of himself, to amuse herself and relieve boredom. Even if Zhang Zhe was unwilling, he had to endure with that not-particularly-pleasant expression and let her fool around.

Now, seeing this scene again across two lifetimes, Jiang Xuening felt truly indescribably satisfied. However, seeing Zhang Zhe lower his head to look at the remaining stone in his palm, and remembering that in the previous life he’d seemed uninterested and unhappy about this, she finally stuck out her tongue and restrained herself somewhat.

Just then, someone called out loudly from the other side of the grove.

Probably since both of them had vanished without a trace, the Heavenly Doctrine people were getting worried.

Jiang Xuening shrugged, knowing they’d been out too long and might arouse suspicion. So she said: “I’ll go back first and say I was on the other side and didn’t see you.”

Saying this, she picked up the clothes on the ground and walked back.

Zhang Zhe watched her figure enter the grove and gradually disappear before slowly lowering his gaze back to look at the stone in his palm.

Distant mountains covered in white snow.

The noonday sun illuminating the river surface.

He stood among the scattered stones on this riverbed for a long time, his face showing no fluctuation of emotion. His long, jointed fingers held that flat stone and gently cast it toward the river surface. The stone went “pah pah” skipping across the river surface three or four times before sinking to the river bottom.

Ripples spread, overlapping into patterns.

Holding the stone, his hand felt heavy and solid. But throwing it out, he felt empty.

The river surface gradually calmed.

Zhang Zhe watched for a while, then gradually wiped away the dirt staining his palm and turned to walk back.