The King of Henyang refused to meet with the Lu family, ultimately sneering at them and not bothering to send any congratulatory gifts. Lu Saniang also casually made an excuse, declaring his claim over Luo Lingyu while warning Liu Mu to stay away. He wasn’t concerned about gifts anyway.

What mattered more now was that since he had essentially figured out what his death crisis corresponded to, the next step was naturally to devise countermeasures.

Regarding the court situation, he had someone rush a message to Jianye, requesting Chen Wang to expedite sending grain and people without further delay.

As for Nanyang, the vanguard forces that had been training for many months could now be utilized for the rescue mission.

In his dream, his defeat had various causes. In reality, Lu Yun addressed these gaps one by one. Since ancient times, in border regions, the court had always been wary of local governors and stationed troops communicating privately. Thus, even after Lu Saniang arrived in Nanyang, the surrounding commanderies barely cooperated. In the dream, Lu Yun’s death was partly due to having no support.

But now things were different.

The King of Henyang was also an outsider. Like Lu Yun, Liu Mu wasn’t afraid of the court’s suspicions. While other commanderies needed time for discussion and deliberation, Liu Mu could make decisions after analyzing the advantages and disadvantages.

The young commandery king harbored pride in his heart and possessed the decisiveness of a great general. The life-and-death experiences at the border over the past few months had significantly diminished the fierce look in his eyes. His youthful days of fine clothes and spirited horses were gradually fading, as he became increasingly silent and stern.

Standing with Lu Yun and Luo Yan in the tent with its felt curtains rolled up, they studied the terrain map spread across the large table. Lu Yun discussed the plan to rescue the master and scholars: “…Now that the battle situation has shifted in their favor, we cannot allow the Fire Master to be used by the northern country. The master is currently under house arrest, feeling very unwilling. As a contemporary scholar, if I go personally, I should be able to convince the master to come with me. We must also rescue other true scholars who write articles criticizing the northern country. Since we need to strike quickly, the vanguard army is best suited. As it’s the vanguard, there should be supporting forces behind…”

In the dream, General Wei must have sent supporting forces. But at that time, Nanyang was besieged, and General Wei was stretched thin, unable to attend to everything.

In reality… Liu Mu’s finger tapped on the map on the table as he pondered: “My troops are originally at the mountain’s base, engaging with the northern army. If you enter from this point, I can provide support.”

Lu Yun made a sound of agreement, then used cinnabar to mark and discuss details with the King of Henyang. When the discussion turned to Luoyang, where the scholars were trapped, Lu Yun fell into contemplation. Luoyang was a major commandery, all the northern army’s rear supplies had to pass through there, and security was strict, making it difficult to enter and exit. Rescuing people in Luoyang would require considerable effort.

Luo Yan provided valuable information: “The Governor of Luoyang maintains strict control and has built considerable influence over five years. However, the governor has a little-known weakness – he’s fond of women but is impotent. During my time in Luoyang, I was treated as an honored guest by the governor and saved a young woman who had suffered at his hands. That’s how I learned he kills the beauties he violates, fearing his condition would become known. He has imprisoned countless beauties in his mansion.”

Lu Yun’s gaze flickered slightly.

Suddenly, they heard a lady’s clear and gentle voice speaking.

The men standing under the tent looked outside to see Miss Luo coordinating with soldiers, distributing winter clothing. The lady spoke softly, her beautiful eyes rippling with charm as she turned to look back, causing every man she glanced at or spoke to either to blush or stare back enchanted. Men appreciate beauty, and who wouldn’t enjoy looking at such a lovely person?

Luo Lingyu noticed the gazes from their direction and turned to smile gracefully.

As she was his cousin, Luo Yan felt nothing unusual, though he noticed Yuer had grown much more beautiful than when she was young. Lu Yun’s gaze flickered, momentarily dazzled by her alluring beauty, but his self-control was exceptional and his expression remained unchanged. Liu Mu, however, was truly captivated by the lady’s fleeting glance, followed by a feeling of melancholy and regret.

Liu Mu murmured: “The governor loves beauty and has imprisoned many beauties in his mansion. But what beauty could be more suitable than Miss Luo for this role?”

With both incredible beauty and clever wit, why not make good use of her advantages? Based on Liu Mu’s understanding of Luo Lingyu, this woman had somewhat viperous thoughts and might not be unwilling…

Luo Yan’s gaze shifted, somewhat agreeing with Liu Mu’s words. His cousin was indeed exceptionally beautiful…

However, Lu Yun immediately refused: “Absolutely not.”

Liu Mu glanced at him: “I know you consider her your woman and don’t want her to display her beauty before other men, arousing their desire. But how can a great man’s actions be hindered by private romance? Throughout history, Xi Shi and Diao Chan all served their lords’ causes. Why can’t Miss Luo do the same?”

Lu Yun said calmly: “No need to say more, absolutely not.”

Liu Mu’s feelings for Luo Lingyu weren’t deep, and in his heart was a trace of inexplicable vengeful satisfaction, wanting to see Lu Yun betray and abandon Luo Lingyu. It seemed that would prove Lu Yun was nothing special. This young commandery king who had always been at odds with Lu Yun narrowed his eyes, sneering: “Perhaps we should let Miss Luo know and let her make her own choice? Surely Miss Luo would be willing to make this small sacrifice for the greater good?”

Lu Yun raised his gaze to look at Liu Mu.

The contempt in Liu Mu’s eyes didn’t diminish.

Sharp gazes met, sparks flying between their four eyes as the young man and youth stood in opposition, both standing tall. One like a courtyard’s orchid and jade tree, unmatched in refinement; one like a cliff at the road’s end, with iron-hard integrity. Liu Mu’s expression became serious as Lu Yun stared at him: “I’ll say this one last time – no. If you dare put her at risk, I absolutely won’t let you off. National affairs are national affairs, but you know me – I’m willing to help because I choose to, and I can also choose not to care.”

“This Southern Kingdom isn’t mine anyway. It doesn’t bear the surname Lu, it bears the surname Liu.”

Lu Yun said softly: “If you wrong her, I’ll make sure your Liu family’s empire won’t know peace until death.”

Liu Mu: “How dare you! Who do you think you are, what do you think you’re saying? Are you threatening rebellion?!”

A hint of a smile appeared in Lu Yun’s eyes: “Do you think I wouldn’t dare?”

At this, Liu Mu’s inner rage burned, yet he was too wary to speak. He inwardly gnashed his teeth, thinking how terrible these noble families were! It was exactly this kind of transcendent position of the noble families that had dragged the Southern Kingdom into the mire, and now with their power too great to control, they could only sink together. Lu Yun was threatening him… He understood Lu Yun’s character – he acted pure and lofty, seeming to have his heart full of national righteousness… but the man was selfish!

As the two faced off, Luo Yan stood aside hesitantly and awkwardly: “…Why are you both angry? If my cousin isn’t allowed to go, surely my cousin-in-law has other methods. Are you ready to fight before he’s even finished speaking? Did I miss something?”

But neither Lu Yun nor Liu Mu spoke further.

Turning to other matters, they directly skipped the topic of Luo Lingyu and discussed the next steps. Liu Mu didn’t mention Luo Lingyu again, and Lu Yun didn’t explain how he planned to gain the Luoyang governor’s trust. But Lu Yun was suppressing himself inside, struggling to maintain control. Being so perceptive, he immediately noticed Liu Mu’s fondness for Luo Lingyu.

Liu Mu was in love with Luo Lingyu!

In Lu Er’s dream, Liu Mu had even married Luo Lingyu!

Lu Yun’s heart was filled with jealousy, yet he couldn’t speak of it, couldn’t make it clear, fearing it might cause real feelings to develop between those two.

Such frustration!

He had to endure!

If there were any other more trustworthy people, Lu Yun would have wanted Liu Mu to get lost and stop hovering around Luo Lingyu.

…

While Lu Yun and Liu Mu competed secretly, their outward behavior showed excessive care for Luo Lingyu. Whenever possible, he would subtly show affection for Luo Lingyu in public, holding hands became normal, and he even took the opportunity during meals to feed her one bite at a time.

Liu Mu’s face darkened as he snorted coldly and turned to leave.

Luo Yan: “…?”

After his surprise, he seemed to realize something but could only pretend not to know. He just looked at Luo Lingyu with much emotion: who could have imagined that a little girl from childhood would grow up to be so captivating to men? Though with Yuer being so lively and clever, sweet-tongued and deft-handed, it was normal for her to be well-liked.

Luo Lingyu enjoyed Lu Yun’s unexpected affectionate treatment for several days until the battle situation became increasingly severe. After the plans were settled, Lu Yun came to tell her about his guesses regarding the crisis from his dream.

That night, stars were sparse and fog rose in the mountains.

Miss Luo, being clever and skilled, was originally holding a diagram to study how to provide warmer robes for the soldiers and how to get money from Nanyang’s noble families. As Lu Yun slowly explained, her heart emptied and her hand was suddenly pricked by a needle. She didn’t even notice, immediately saying: “That’s great! Now that we know what will cause your death, we can let someone else do it.”

Let others die instead.

Lu Yun crouched down and wrapped her hand with a handkerchief, but shook his head. Seeing his expression, Luo Lingyu’s heart sank and her face paled. Sure enough, Lu Yun said casually: “The best way to deal with a crisis is to face it, not avoid it. You can never escape by running away – retreat one step and variables multiply tenfold. I won’t take the path of avoidance.”

He briefly explained his plan, just to reassure Luo Lingyu: “…With so many preparations, I won’t die. Trust me, Lingyu.”

Luo Lingyu’s pupils contracted sharply as she suddenly pulled her hand away.

Her face turned cold as she rose to leave. Lu Yun had anticipated this and rose with her, reaching out to embrace her. But Luo Lingyu had also anticipated this – she turned and struck his chest, trembling all over: “You just have to be noble and righteous! While I’m just a cautious person, not worthy of respect! I just don’t care whether others live or die, I only care about you. You must think I’m selfish again…”

“No, no,” Lu Yun held her and tried to comfort her, lowering his head to kiss her face but she avoided it, as he continued, “I know you only care about me, and that makes me happy…”

Luo Lingyu’s eyelashes were wet with tears as she choked: “What use is your happiness if you’re still going to die?”

Lu Yun smiled: “What are you saying? Your brother hasn’t married you yet, hasn’t had children and grandchildren yet, how could I bear to die? I already said I wouldn’t lie to you about matters of life and death anymore, but look – I tell you the truth and you’re still unhappy. Ah, Lingyu, Lingyu…”

He sighed softly, holding the displeased lady close. His hand slipped into her flowing black hair as he brought his face close to hers, letting her see his focused eyes.

Lu Yun sighed softly: “Lingyu, Lingyu…”

Each call was gentle, tender, and lingering. Just breathing together like this, calling softly, eyes deep with emotion, the lady in his embrace felt shivers down her spine, her blood growing hot as his teasing made her face flush.

Luo Lingyu pouted: “Are you calling spirits?!”

Lu Yun laughed once, pecking her lips briefly before pulling away.

At that light touch, Luo Lingyu suddenly raised her eyes, stood on tiptoe, wrapped her arms around his neck, and kissed him passionately. Her sudden fervor made the young lord shudder deeply, letting out a hoarse hiss as his arms tightened around her waist. He couldn’t suppress a gravelly sound. Lu Yun stepped backward, leaning against a tent pole.

He raised his hand to cover the back of her head.

Unhurriedly, his fingers curled, pressing against her hair.

…

The mountain air grew colder as the guards changed shifts according to schedule. A full moon shone high above, its clear, cold light carried by the wind through gaps in the felt curtains, creating faint, delicate streams that fell upon the faces of the young man and woman as they held each other.

Flowing like water, beautiful like peach blossoms.

That restrained, passionate, trembling kiss.

That pursuit and longing, that desperate intimacy. That silence, with only the faintest sounds.

The fire burning in the tent’s brazier leaped high, burning in both their hearts. His sleeves flowed like clouds around her cheeks, and the red of her cheeks seemed to dye his sleeves pink. From their initial standing position to their uncontrollable passion, to gradually removing outer garments while embracing, they fell sideways onto the bed.

The lady’s long hair cascaded like a waterfall. Her eyes were crimson at the corners, her gaze flowing like autumn waters, enchanting. She clung to him like a vine, embracing him. When he tilted his head back, she kissed his neck; when he moved away, she sought his lips.

A crow’s call from outside suddenly jolted Lu Yun from his dazed state.

He became instantly alert, seeing their situation. Holding the lady’s rounded shoulders, he turned his face away in embarrassment, not daring to look more. This scene, ever since he had first accidentally glimpsed her unclothed, he had thought of countless times. However… however… Lu Yun said hoarsely: “We can’t! Lingyu, get up, don’t tempt me…”

But Luo Lingyu held him, nuzzling against him. Her eyes filled with mischievous laughter as she crept into his burning, rigid embrace, lifting her head to touch his chin: “No, I want to tempt you.”

She moved upward, pressing her forehead against his, then capturing his lips. She was like a divine maiden from Wushan entering his dreams, shrouded in clouds and mist, seeming both immortal and enchanting. Lu Yun’s desire grew stronger, though his words protested, his eyes burned bright with intensity as his hands caressed the delicate skin of her inner wrists.

Smooth and fragrant, like snow and silk.

The lady smiled: “Brother Xuehen, you think I don’t know? You won’t touch me because you fear I’ll bear your child while caught in the flames of war, unable to protect myself, and you unable to protect me. Hmph, but I want to be with you, to bear your child. If you’re gone, I’ll be at the mercy of those wolfish villains.”

“I’m just a fragile maiden in these chaotic times… If you’re in the afterlife, you’ll watch your poor beloved being mistreated to death.”

She acted delicate and weak, on the verge of tears, nestling against his neck, deliberately being difficult.

Lu Yun’s grip on her slender wrist tightened, and she cried out: “Brother, you’re hurting me!”

Lu Yun: “…”

Both sighing and smiling, the fire in his eyes wouldn’t die down.

This was truly maddening… whenever she raised this topic, he lost all defenses, unable to resist… Lu Yun turned over, pressing her beneath him. As he kissed her, he said breathlessly: “I told you I won’t die, so I won’t die! You fool!”

Luo Lingyu: “…” He called her a fool!

She immediately began making soft sounds of protest, clinging and enticing, suddenly seeming to take half his life away. He felt suddenly weak, then suddenly excited, his gaze dark and deep as he stared at her.

…

Like phoenixes in flight.

The yellowed books were thrown to the ground, the candles and brazier fires extinguished, the night filled with unrestrained passion.

The pine wood cushions were scattered on the floor, and all the bedding was swept aside. They feared being heard from outside, suppressing their voices. Their bodies were covered in sweat, trembling. Whenever the lady couldn’t suppress her soft sounds, the young lord silenced her with his lips. And as their lips and teeth entangled, the kisses gradually turned more intimate.

He truly loved her.

Her waist.

Her legs.

Her chest.

He lingered endlessly, lost in her, unlike his usual composed self.

The night always reveals one’s deepest desires, and she was his desire. Like a fierce storm, he held her tight, listening to her cry, listening to her plead, while his heart raced with excitement—

Wanting to be eternally entwined with her was no lie.

In all his years, he had only loved this enchanting woman.

Yet Luo Lingyu was troublesome. Come morning, her cheeks were flushed with spring color, and black hair spread across the pillow. The lady lay listlessly in bed, her shoulders covered in bruises, her arms too numb to lift. She lay in bed with a reproachful look, watching Lu Yun rise in the dim light, staring at the obvious scratches a woman had left on his back. Seeing his smooth spine marked with scratches like footprints in the snow on a mountain, Luo Lingyu felt happy again.

Seeing him fully dressed and preparing to slip out before dawn, she snorted: “Satisfied and full, then turned to leave. Even courtesans get paid, but you give me nothing.”

Lu Yun’s steps paused.

Looking back, he smiled, his eyes sparkling like stars reflected in a lake: “Then who did brother’s essence nourish?”

Luo Lingyu threw a pillow at him: “…Scoundrel!”

Lu Yun chuckled, throwing the pillow back to her. As he turned to leave again, Luo Lingyu called out: “Lu Xuehen!”

Lu Yun: “Hmm?”

Luo Lingyu was quiet for a moment, then said softly: “Don’t turn around, listen to me. I’m afraid I’ll cry if you turn around. I just want to tell you… I could be another man’s widow, but I won’t be your widow. Do… do you understand?”

Lu Yun’s heart trembled violently. Being so intelligent, how could he not understand? He was always different in her heart… in love and hate, in showing no mercy, in everything.

He said hoarsely: “I understand. You… don’t worry.”

…

That was Lu Yun and Luo Lingyu’s last intimate moment before his departure. Afterward, he was constantly busy with arrangements, and Luo Lingyu had backup matters to attend to, leaving them no time to speak much together. When their gazes occasionally met, their feelings were deep and lingering, making both Luo Yan and Liu Mu uncomfortable—the subtle nearness and distance between these two left no room for others to intervene.

On the winter solstice, when yin and yang trade places, all things fall silent and the cycle begins anew. Lu Yun led a vanguard unit, under the cover of General Wei and the King of Henyang’s forces, leaving Mount Funiu to secretly infiltrate the northern country, determined to rescue their people.

Luo Lingyu stood at the mountain peak, watching and bidding farewell, her skirts and sashes rustling in the wind.

Since they needed to conceal their movements from enemy forces, naturally she couldn’t see Lu Yun’s unit from the peak. After watching for a while, she turned and descended the mountain, continuing to handle military backup matters. In Lu Er’s dream, had she chased after him, had she waited for him, had they grown apart in the blink of an eye…

Fate was changing subtly, initially as gentle as silent moisture, before becoming as mighty as surging waves!

…

Lu Yun and the vanguard troops made their way to Luoyang, where, as Luo Yan had warned, enemy guards were strict and infiltration was difficult. They managed to enter the city with great effort, dispersing in small groups. The Fire Master was imprisoned in the governor’s mansion, and after much inquiry, they learned of the governor’s reputation for loving beauty.

Yet though the governor loved beauty, beauties trembled in fear, not daring to enter his mansion.

Besides the soldiers who came and went daily for reports, the only others who could enter were the singing and dancing girls selected by the governor.

Everyone was frustrated: “We’re unfamiliar with the northern country, where can we find a beauty? Young lord, what should we do?”

Could their small number possibly fight their way in to rescue people?

Lu Yun stroked his chin, unconcerned: “A beauty? That’s not difficult at all.”

Everyone: …Such big talk! Anyone who didn’t know better would think they had a beauty with them!

But the governor wanted no ordinary beauty, how could a common beauty catch his eye? And as for that kind of extraordinary beauty, forgive their words, but in all these years, they had only seen one like Young Lord Lu’s fiancée, Miss Luo… Young Lord Lu would never let his fiancée get involved in such dangerous waters.

Soon, they discovered they were wrong.

They followed Lu Saniang into a random entertainment house, where he asked them to wait. As people dispersed in small groups, worriedly discussing how to infiltrate the governor’s mansion while eating melon seeds, suddenly someone’s shoulder was tapped from behind.

This person turned around with a gasp. Others looked back alertly, then all froze in shock: before they stood a tall, elegant beauty with a cold expression. The beauty had cloud-like hair and a flowery countenance, wearing light clothes with flowing sashes, her glancing eyes showing such pride and indifference. A few parts fierce, a few parts alluring, these contradictory qualities combined to make her appear extraordinarily cold and beautiful.

This was a beauty with a powerful presence, cold yet alluring.

Everyone stared in amazement, and when tapped on the shoulder by the beauty, stammered excitedly: “My… my lady called me?”

Until this beauty opened their mouth, and out came a male voice: “How is it, not bad?”

Everyone shuddered.

Their faces gradually paled: “San… San… Saniang?!”

—Was Lu Saniang himself disguised as an extraordinary beauty, planning to seduce the governor?

Seeing their strange expressions, Lu Yun raised an eyebrow, casually picking up a mirror to examine himself: “Is it strange? I think it’s not bad, my little sister Yuer dresses like this normally. Don’t I look fine?”

Lu Yun couldn’t possibly know how to apply women’s makeup, but he had a lover like Luo Lingyu. His Yuer妹妹 had always cared deeply about appearance, and whenever they went out together, she wouldn’t leave or be seen in public without spending several hours on her appearance. Lu Yun had complained about this, unable to understand why someone naturally beautiful would trouble herself so much.

However, under Luo Lingyu’s stubborn influence, Lu Yun had learned embarrassing skills like drawing eyebrows, applying rouge, and painting beauty marks… which now came in handy.

Everyone was dumbfounded: Young Lord Lu was truly… truly… worthy of being Jianye’s famous jade gentleman! How could he be so thick-skinned, looking in the mirror so naturally?