Amidst the crowd, the man in blue robes with wide sleeves was like a splendid scene from spring, making even the night appear gentler.

He Yan never expected that she would encounter Chu Zhao here.

His appearance was elegant, his expression as gentle as always. Compared to many years ago, he had grown thinner, but there seemed to be something missing in his eyes—like a pearl that had lost its luster, silent and serene.

He Yan walked a few steps toward him and, after stopping, asked, “Fourth Young Master Chu… how are you here?”

Years ago, after the Crown Prince was charged with crimes and the Fourth Prince ascended the throne, there had been no more news of Chu Zhao. There were rumors that some had seen him outside the city, speculating that he had left Shuo Capital. After Emperor Zhaogang ascended the throne, he intended to purge Xu Jingfu’s old subordinates. The Chu family, naturally, was among those suppressed. Over these years, the Chu family had fallen into decay. Chu Linfeng had even dismissed his nineteen concubines and lived off his wife’s family. As for Chu Zhao, everyone had gradually forgotten him.

After all, Grand Secretary Xu seemed to be a name from a very, very long time ago.

Handsome and valiant young men emerged year after year in the capital. Among the dream lovers of Great Wei’s women, the Xiao brothers had long since married and had children. This Fourth Young Master Chu, like a secluded orchid, was like a beautiful dream in a desolate valley—appearing briefly before vanishing in the river of time.

Yet he appeared before her now, making He Yan feel as if she had returned to that Ji Yang from many years ago.

Chu Zhao smiled and said, “I’ve been in Ji Yang all along.”

He Yan remained silent.

If he were in Ji Yang, it was understandable that no one in the world could find his whereabouts. Or perhaps the Emperor wasn’t truly unable to find him—having him here might be better.

He Yan couldn’t say what she felt about Chu Zhao. Although he was Xu Jingfu’s student, he had never truly harmed her in the past. It was merely a difference in stance. He Yan knew that Chu Zhao was a person with considerable schemes, not as harmless as he appeared on the surface. But many years had passed, and both love and hatred had gradually faded. Meeting him again here, they were neither friends nor enemies, but merely… acquaintances from the past.

She noticed that the beautifully charming maid was no longer by Chu Zhao’s side. Having already guessed somewhat, after a pause, she asked, “Fourth Young Master Chu, what do you do in Ji Yang now?”

“I’ve opened a calligraphy and painting shop here, making a living,” Chu Zhao answered with a smile. “What about you, A’He? Why have you suddenly come to Ji Yang?”

“The Princess is getting married. My family and I have come to attend the ceremony.” He Yan didn’t conceal anything. Mu Xiaolou’s marriage was a major event in Ji Yang, known to all its citizens.

“Has Marshal Xiao come as well?” he asked.

He Yan nodded.

Chu Zhao smiled as he looked at He Yan. The woman before him still had a cheerful expression. Later, he had met many people, many women, but such an open and vibrant expression had only appeared on her face. His gaze fell on the sugar tiger in He Yan’s hand. He paused and softly asked, “A’He… do you have a child now?”

“Yes,” He Yan said. “A daughter, almost four years old now, named Xiao Yao.”

“…Xiao Yao?”

“I chose the name. Isn’t it nice?” He Yan said proudly. “I don’t have many expectations for her. As long as she is safe, healthy, and lives a carefree and unrestrained life, I’ll be satisfied.”

She had no real talent for poetry or literature, but everyone agreed that the name “Xiao Yao” was well-chosen.

“White clouds fill the ground, rivers and lakes are vast, let me walk freely and at ease,” Chu Zhao looked at her and smiled. “A’He is good at naming.”

“Thank you,” He Yan smiled and asked, “Fourth Young Master Chu, do you have someone you love now?”

Years ago, Chu Zhao had tricked her out at night and made an extremely sentimental confession, which eventually enraged Xiao Jue, and she had to spend a long time appeasing him. Now, with time having passed and many things forgiven, although he was “Fourth Young Master Chu,” in reality, he should simply be “Chu Zhao” now.

Fourth Young Master Chu would make seemingly sincere confessions to her due to interests and stance, but who would the real Chu Zhao love? With his intelligence and talent, he would never lack admirers.

Hearing this, Chu Zhao was stunned for a moment, then lowered his head and smiled. “Not everyone is as fortunate as Marshal Xiao.”

Just as He Yan was about to speak, suddenly, someone’s voice came through.

“What are you doing here?”

She turned around and saw Xiao Jue approaching from the darkness, his face slightly cold, his gaze sharp as a knife.

“Marshal Xiao,” Chu Zhao was also surprised, then smiled and said, “It’s been a long time.”

At a nearby cosmetics stall, Fourth Concubine trembled with fear. Earlier, He Yan had gone to buy sugar figurines, and after buying them, she had met a handsome young man. The two stood to one side, talking. This would normally be fine—perhaps they were old acquaintances. But as Fourth Concubine watched, she noticed something amiss. Madam Xiao’s expression was open and forthright, but the handsome young man’s gaze seemed to hold feelings for her.

But it wasn’t the kind of infatuated longing. How to describe it? It was like the desolate, lonely feeling of someone who had once loved deeply but had been abandoned.

Having spent much time with Second Concubine, Fourth Concubine prided herself on her discerning eye. She only wished she had a plate of melon seeds; she could have sat there cracking them for hours. A handsome young man who had suffered heartbreak was generally someone who evoked sympathy. Just as Fourth Concubine was wildly speculating about what entanglements these two had in the past and how Madam Xiao had let down this talented young man, she suddenly felt a presence beside her. Looking up, she nearly lost her soul in fright.

Marshal Xiao had arrived at her side without her noticing!

He stood beside her, calmly watching the two people in the distance, his eyes slightly narrowed.

Fourth Concubine swore she saw Marshal Xiao’s fingers, resting on the sword at his waist, turn slightly white.

In Ji Yang, many men fought for the affection of young women they loved, which wasn’t uncommon. But… looking at the fragile, gentle young man in blue, she feared he might be killed by Marshal Xiao. And then there was Madam Xiao… she had heard that Central Plains people attached great importance to women’s virtue. Could Madam Xiao bear the accusation of infidelity?

Fourth Concubine wanted to warn them but feared the imposing presence beside her, ultimately taking two steps back. She saw Madam Xiao say something, and the young man in blue looked even more desolate.

Then, Marshal Xiao approached them—

The moment He Yan saw Xiao Jue appear, she thought to herself, “This is bad.” For some reason, he always appeared at the most inconvenient times in such situations. Years ago, he had held a grudge against Chu Zhao, and judging by his expression now, after all these years, he probably hadn’t become much more magnanimous.

“I was buying a sugar figurine and happened to meet Fourth Young Master Chu, so we exchanged a few words,” He Yan explained diplomatically. “We had barely spoken when you arrived.”

Xiao Jue merely glanced at Chu Zhao once, then fixed his gaze on He Yan and said, “Let’s go.”

Two words, each as cold as ice.

He Yan then bid farewell to Chu Zhao: “Well then, Fourth Young Master Chu, we’ll take our leave first.”

Chu Zhao nodded with a smile, watching as the two walked away until their figures disappeared into the crowd. Only then did he withdraw his gaze.

Ji Yang’s waters were still crystal clear. He had thought that after so many years, he would be indifferent toward old acquaintances, but seeing her in that instant, he realized he had never truly let go.

But this was all there could be.

The crowd in front of the sugar figurine vendor was bustling. The young man in blue robes walked in, lowered his eyes, and said softly, “Young man, I want a flower basket.”

……

Xiao Jue walked quickly.

He Yan followed behind him, greatly troubled, calling out, “Wait, Xiao Jue, Fourth Concubine is still behind…”

“She’s already gone back.”

He Yan: “?”

How disloyal of Fourth Concubine to abandon her like this, leaving a firecracker at her feet. Now she had to appease him herself.

He Yan caught up to Xiao Jue in a few quick steps and, regardless of whether he was willing or what his expression was, took his arm. “Xiao Jue…”

“What? Don’t you want to continue reminiscing with your Fourth Young Master Chu?” His tone was sarcastic.

“We weren’t reminiscing, just exchanging greetings,” He Yan thought to herself that Xiao Jue and Chu Zhao must have had some karmic connection in their previous lives—he became particularly agitated whenever he encountered Chu Zhao. In life, one should guard against three things: fire, theft, and Chu Zhao.

“No matter how capable I am, I can’t predict the future,” He Yan looked at him. “I didn’t expect him to be in Ji Yang now. Tell me, does the Emperor know about this?”

Xiao Jue sneered, “He’s known for a long time.”

Although she had vaguely guessed it, hearing it from Xiao Jue made He Yan feel somewhat melancholic. Since Chu Zhao had entered Ji Yang, it seemed he would never be able to leave again. The rest of his life would be like being imprisoned here. But… for him, this might not be a bad ending.

Noticing her expression, Xiao Jue gave a cold laugh. “You seem very concerned about him.”

Here we go again. He Yan helplessly said, “Brother, how many years has it been, and you’re still holding a grudge? I’m thinking of you all the time. Look,” she opportunistically brought the sugar tiger to his lips, “I spent a lot of money buying this sugar figurine for you as an apology—”

Xiao Jue brushed her hand away, both annoyed and amused by her brazen lie. “Don’t you even try to lie convincingly anymore?”

“Who’s lying to you? Should I stand on the rooftop and shout, ‘I, He Yan, like Marshal Xiao the most. We’ve looked at pictures together—”

“He Yan—”

He Yan grinned and said, “You know it all in your heart…”

Xiao Jue looked at her for a long moment and finally conceded defeat. Fine, she always had ten thousand ways to appease him, even if sometimes her methods lacked sincerity.

He warned, “I’ll let it go this time, He Yan, but if you meet with him privately again…”

He Yan thought to herself that it wasn’t as if she would come to Ji Yang often. After this visit, who knew when she would come here again?

“However,” Xiao Jue glanced at the sugar figurine in her hand, “I don’t accept this as an apology.”

“Then how do you want me to apologize?” she asked.

He raised an eyebrow, saying nothing, staring at her intently.

He Yan: “…”

She gritted her teeth and said, “Xiao Jue, you just covet my beauty and desire my body!”

Xiao Jue responded with an “Mm,” answering readily, “Exactly.”

He Yan was speechless.

……

That night passed in a blur.

Early the next morning, Xiao Yao woke up. The sugar tiger had melted into a puddle of syrup during the night. He Yan held the bare bamboo stick and earnestly said to Xiao Yao, “Ti-ger— Do you see it? This is a tiger—”

Xiao Yao looked at her in bewilderment.

Xiao Jue walked in from outside. Seeing her teasing Xiao Yao again, he remained silent for a moment, then came over to pick up Xiao Yao, saying, “It’s time to eat.”

The Cui family’s breakfast was as sumptuous as ever. After breakfast, Cui Yuezhi had to go to the Royal Palace to help with preparations. Ji Yang’s customs differed from those of the Central Plains—the formal wedding ceremony was held in the evening.

While Xiao Jue was taking care of their little one, he didn’t forget to push the dishes He Yan liked in front of her. Passing by, Fourth Concubine saw this and stood there stunned for a moment. After the meal, she secretly pulled He Yan aside and, after hesitating for a while, finally asked in a low voice, “Madam Xiao, could you teach me a bit of your husband-taming technique?”

He Yan almost thought she had misheard and asked, “What technique did you say?”

“The husband-taming technique!” Fourth Concubine opened up somewhat embarrassedly. “Last night, it wasn’t that I wanted to leave first. It was because Marshal Xiao had already arrived, and I didn’t want to intrude. I didn’t abandon you out of disloyalty! But… at that time, Marshal Xiao seemed quite displeased, yet this morning he’s back to his usual self. I just wanted to ask, how did you manage it?”

How did she manage it? She would have to ask her waist about that.

He Yan laughed awkwardly twice. “I don’t have any husband-taming technique…”

“How could that be?” Fourth Concubine became anxious. “I still remember what you said to Miss Ling and the others at the residence years ago. After all these years, Madam’s husband-taming skills must have improved greatly. If you could teach me a thing or two, I promise not to share it with others.”

As if it were some secret manual that shouldn’t be shared! He Yan never expected that her random fabrications at the Cui residence years ago would still be considered classic by others.

But facing Fourth Concubine’s eager gaze, He Yan didn’t want to disappoint her, so she began to improvise again: “This husband-taming technique seems to be about control, but it’s actually about freedom. You should… maintain balance, be neither too close nor too distant, sometimes cold as ice, sometimes passionate and clingy. Ahem, perhaps with practice, you’ll naturally become skilled.”

“Maintain balance?” Fourth Concubine murmured.

He Yan patted her shoulder. “Ponder it slowly. I need to go now.” She fled, leaving Fourth Concubine standing there, carefully contemplating.

When she returned to the room, Lin Shuanghe was standing at the door. As soon as he saw He Yan, he urged, “Sister He, where did you go? We need to head to the Royal Palace immediately. Given the day, before the wedding begins, let’s go see the Princess first.”

He Yan quickly agreed.

After hurriedly getting ready, they boarded carriages and went to the Royal Palace with Cui Yuezhi.

Perhaps because of Mu Xiaolou’s wedding, today’s Royal Palace looked much livelier than before. Everywhere was decorated with lanterns and ornaments, with paper-cut “happiness” characters pasted all around. Thus, the palace, which originally seemed desolate due to its vastness, now appeared magnificent.

As soon as they entered, a maid welcomed them, smiling, “Lord Cui, Marshal Xiao, Lady He, Young Master Lin, the Princess has been waiting for you.”

He Yan’s group followed the maid inside. As they reached the main hall, they heard a smiling voice: “You’ve arrived.”

He Yan looked up.

Mu Hongjin walked out from behind the hall.

She wore the Ji Yang royal ceremonial attire. Today was Mu Xiaolou’s wedding, so naturally, she wore red. However, this red differed from the vibrant true red of years past, having a deeper tone that made her face appear less stern and cold than before, with added gentleness.

The woman’s long braided hair was coiled at the back of her head. She wore no crown—she was no longer the Princess—but had only inserted a dark red velvet flower. Her features were still beautiful, but looking closely, there were specks of white in her braided hair. She had aged and become gentler. Her gaze upon them was like seeing long-lost friends, with a touch of long-awaited joy.

“Your Highness,” He Yan and the others greeted her respectfully.

“This place hasn’t been as lively as today for a long time. I’m very happy that you could come to attend Xiaolou’s wedding,” she said.

Lin Shuanghe smiled warmly: “After many years, Your Highness is still as radiant as spring blossoms, with divine beauty.”

His skill at pleasing women had grown over the years. Mu Hongjin let out a “pfft” of laughter, then shook her head, smoothing her temples, and sighed, “I’m old now, what divine beauty are you talking about?” Her gaze was drawn to Xiao Yao in Xiao Jue’s arms, and she asked softly, “Is this Marshal Xiao’s daughter? How old is she now?”

He Yan replied, “She’s called Xiao Yao, almost three years old.”

Mu Hongjin reached out to Xiao Yao, who hesitated for a moment before extending her chubby arms, indicating she could be held. Mu Hongjin took her into her arms, and Xiao Yao seemed to take to her immediately, giggling and calling out “Auntie…” before planting a kiss on Mu Hongjin’s cheek with a “mwah.”

He Yan calculated in her mind that if Liu Buwang and Mu Hongjin hadn’t been star-crossed, Xiao Yao would have properly addressed Mu Hongjin as “Ancestral Master,” but calling her “Auntie” crossed several generations.

However, Mu Hongjin didn’t mind Xiao Yao’s improper address and seemed quite pleased. She slipped a gemstone ring from her finger and placed it in Xiao Yao’s hand, saying, “For calling me ‘Auntie,’ I should give Yao a little gift. Do you like it?”

Xiao Yao’s eyes lit up, and she nodded vigorously, saying in a crisp voice, “I like it!”

He Yan couldn’t bear to watch. Although Xiao Yao was the apple of the Xiao family’s eye and never lacked for anything, how could she be so greedy? It was embarrassing.

As Mu Hongjin held Xiao Yao and chatted with them, another guard arrived, saying, “Your Highness, the Qin family is almost here.”

He Yan found this guard somewhat familiar and couldn’t help but look more closely. Cui Yuezhi smiled and said, “Madam Xiao, do you still recognize Mu Yi?”

Mu Yi? He Yan recalled that during the battle in Ji Yang years ago, she had fought alongside a Ji Yang soldier named Mu Yi. When they left, the young man had even given her a wooden painting, which she still carefully preserved. However, the Mu Yi before her now was vastly different from the Mu Yi of those days. All his naivety and immaturity had vanished; he now appeared to be a mature man.

Yet, upon seeing He Yan, that maturity and composure quickly dissipated, turning into hesitation and excitement. He seemed to want to look but didn’t dare, somehow becoming unusually shy.

Cui Yuezhi then said, “Mu Yi is now the head of the Princess’s guards in the Royal Palace, not the green boy he once was. Mu Yi, do you still remember Madam Xiao, the former Miss He?”

Mu Yi scratched his head and said softly, “I remember.”

Xiao Jue watched them coldly. Lin Shuanghe coughed “ahem, ahem, ahem” several times and quickly changed the subject, preventing the young guard captain from stepping on Xiao Jue’s sore spot. He pretended to be curious and asked, “What about the young Princess? We’ve been here for so long but haven’t seen her. Back then, the young Princess barely reached my chest. I wonder how much taller she’s grown now?”

Mu Hongjin smiled and said, “Go see why Xiaolou hasn’t come yet.”

Just as she spoke, a woman’s voice came from behind the hall: “Grandmother, what’s the rush? I’m here now.”

The girl who walked out wore a fiery wedding dress. Made by Ji Yang’s finest embroiderers, the wedding dress was adorned with delicate tassels and bells that jingled as she walked. The skirt was extremely long, like a blooming flower. Even more vibrant than the wedding dress was the girl’s face. The golden crown accentuated her clean, delicate features. She resembled Mu Hongjin greatly, with red-lined eyes, exquisite and striking, but with added vivacity and liveliness.

One look, and it was clear she was a girl who had grown up wild and free in Ji Yang.

Spotting He Yan’s group, a flash of joy quickly crossed her eyes, yet she maintained a proud posture, pretending to be nonchalant as she said, “So, you’ve arrived.”

“It’s been many years. The young Princess has grown into a fine young woman,” Lin Shuanghe looked at her with what seemed like a father’s pride, but then sighed, “I never thought the young Princess would be getting married while I’m still alone.”

Mu Hongjin laughed: “If Master Lin feels lonely, perhaps you could stay in Ji Yang for a while. There are many fine young women in the city. Who knows, you might meet your destiny.”

“Destiny is not something one can force,” Lin Shuanghe said, opening his fan. “Besides, that’s not my aspiration. If it comes, I’m fortunate; if not, it’s fate. Heaven has its arrangements; why rush?”

Mu Hongjin said, “Master Lin is open-minded.”

There wasn’t much time for reminiscing. The Ji Yang royal wedding ceremony was complex and elaborate. The Qin family would arrive soon, so Mu Hongjin and Mu Xiaolou went to the ceremonial platform outside. He Yan’s group was led by a maid to rest first.

By evening, as darkness fell, lanterns in the Royal Palace lit up one by one. The once-empty ceremonial platform now had red silk covering the long stairs, and the lanterns illuminated the high platform, making it look both magnificent and solemn. Surrounding it were ceremonial officials. A beautiful couple, supporting each other, walked toward the high platform.

He Yan saw the eldest son of the Qin family, a young man with thick eyebrows and big eyes who looked valiant even in wedding attire. However, he was also attentive, helping Mu Xiaolou arrange her long skirt, looking at her with sincere love.

From this day forward, the world gained another couple. They would become the guardians of Ji Yang, protecting this land and its people.

He Yan couldn’t help but look at Mu Hongjin below the platform.

The beautiful woman smiled as she watched the young couple on the platform. Her lips were smiling, but there were tears in her eyes.

Perhaps, when she had worn this wedding dress years ago, she was filled with reluctance and anger at fate’s twists. But now, Mu Xiaolou walked up the stairs, at least in this moment, Mu Xiaolou was happy, genuinely in love with the man before her.

Being able to witness the birth of happiness was itself a happiness. Her past regrets and dissatisfaction seemed to reach fulfillment through Mu Xiaolou.

He Yan quietly gripped Xiao Jue’s hand. Xiao Jue glanced up, the corners of his lips turning slightly upward.

Lin Shuanghe loved festivities; he enjoyed watching others get married more than the prospect of his wedding. Following the completion of the ceremony, he happily sought people to drink with. But his alcohol tolerance wasn’t great; after a few cups, he was drunk, complaining loudly about heaven’s unfairness—that despite his handsome and graceful appearance, he was still all alone, which was quite vexing.

He Yan found his behavior speechless. When he was so drunk that he started looking for people under the table, she finally asked Cui Manor’s servants to help carry him to the carriage and send him back.

Congratulatory cheers echoed all around. He Yan also drank a few cups with acquaintances. Her alcohol tolerance was now better than when she was in Liangzhou Guard, though not comparable to her previous life as the Flying Phoenix General. At least she didn’t start reciting books after one cup now. However, with Xiao Yao present, He Yan didn’t dare drink much. Xiao Jue, on the other hand, was repeatedly toasted, yet his expression remained unchanged, truly living up to being able to drink a thousand cups without getting drunk.

Xiao Yao was young, and as the hour grew late, she became drowsy, her head nodding like a pecking chicken. He Yan looked outside—it was deep into the night. She explained the situation to Mu Hongjin and took Xiao Yao back first.

Mu Hongjin was very fond of Xiao Yao and gently stroked her head, saying, “Go back then.”

He Yan thought for a moment and finally smiled, “The young Princess and Young Master Qin are now united in marriage. Your Highness, please take care of yourself too.”

Mu Hongjin, having drunk quite a bit, her face slightly flushed, laughed upon hearing this and said, “I will.”

After they left, Mu Hongjin held her wine cup and walked to the window in the hall. Outside, willows swayed gently in the wind, reminiscent of a spring day many years ago, as if a young man in white would gracefully approach, step by step, with clear music and an elegant sword, as vivid as yesterday.

In the bustling hall, the noisy music seemed to gradually fade away. This should be a rare, beautiful dream. Mu Hongjin found a comfortable position, rested her head on a cloth pillow on the soft couch, and slowly closed her eyes.

From her wide sleeves, a section of her fair wrist was visible, adorned with a rough silver bracelet. The edges of the bracelet were carved with tiny wild daisies, layer upon layer, fresh and vibrant.

A maid tiptoed near and, seeing the woman with closed eyes, seemingly in a pleasant dream, made a “shh” sound and instructed those behind her: “The Princess is asleep. Don’t disturb her.” She gently covered her with a thin blanket and tiptoed away.

……

Outside, He Yan and Xiao Jue walked toward the carriage.

Ji Yang seemed to have no autumn or winter, eternally as long as summer. The river breeze brought a crisp coolness. He Yan and Xiao Jue walked side by side, with Xiao Yao lying on Xiao Jue’s shoulder, breathing steadily, sound asleep.

They could faintly hear the sounds of singing and laughter from the Royal Palace.

She lowered her head, feeling a calmness she had never experienced before.

Things once thought luxurious and unattainable were now all around her. She had never asked for much, just a simple life.

“This life, carefree, heaven need not be questioned; since ancient times, all things flow eastward like water.”

Nothing compared to this moment—free and at ease.

Perhaps dreaming of something delicious, Xiao Yao smacked her lips in her sleep.

He Yan looked at her for a moment and smiled, asking, “Xiao Jue, would you like to eat some candied hawthorn?” —

The End —

Ah, even at the end, no one discovered that the meaning of daisies is love hidden in the heart [covering face]