Guan Zhaojing was considerate, guarding the door and preventing anyone from entering, giving them enough private space to speak intimately.

After a long separation, though their hearts rejoiced, they appeared awkward, returning to the early days of their love—cautious and timid.

It had been a long time since he had seen her in men’s clothing. At first glance, she looked just like a common soldier, easily lost in a crowd. He stroked her hair, led her to sit on the couch, pulled the coal brazier closer, asked if she was cold, and draped his large cloak over her shoulders.

“The climate here is harsh. You traveled so far alone—did you deliberately want to make me suffer? The Gobi Desert has wolves, tigers, and bandits. Fortunately, you arrived safely. If anything had happened to you, I would have regretted it for the rest of my life.” He held her hands, examining them closely. “Reduced to this state… you’ve suffered so much.”

Ding Yi touched her cheekbones, feeling somewhat embarrassed. “Ah, my face is a mess. But I wanted to see you so badly that nothing else mattered. Thankfully, Heaven took pity on me, and the journey was quite smooth. At the border, I met a group of horse traders who brought me to Barang. Later, I encountered the Thirteenth Prince. Since he didn’t recognize me, I pretended to be unconscious and infiltrated his camp, following them to find you.”

She smiled, her snow-white teeth contrasting with her flushed face. Looking at her, he felt increasingly distressed. “You seem quite proud? You don’t know how dangerous it was.”

But any risk paled in comparison to his safety. She embraced his neck. “I just wanted to see you, and I need to tell you something.” She took out a silk pouch from her bosom and placed it in his palm. “You have a son now, named Xian’er. Everyone praises how handsome he is. You know those chubby babies in New Year paintings? My master’s brother says Xian’er looks just like that. People say sons resemble their mothers, but he doesn’t—he looks more like you.” She smiled and gestured, “He has a golden ring in his eyes, just like you.”

His expression froze in astonishment, stunned by her news. “Wasn’t the child gone? How did you give birth again? So last time… the miscarriage was fake?”

She covered her ears, closing her eyes as she said, “I’m sorry, I deceived you. When my uncle came to visit, I had him bring a jar of chicken blood specifically to trick you.”

He angrily slapped her bottom once. “How dare you lie! You’re too bold—you’d dare anything. Do you have any respect for me at all?” After a moment’s thought, he felt heartache again. For a woman to go through childbirth, such a momentous event, without her husband by her side—how frightened she must have been. He sighed, “Childbirth brings mothers to the brink of death… fortunately, both mother and child are safe.”

He opened the silk pouch, finding a wisp of fine, downy hair inside—so delicate, yet it touched his most sensitive nerves. The connection between father and son—he was only now experiencing it. He had a son. Laughing and crying, he held the infant’s hair, murmuring, “Xian’er… this is our son! I wasn’t there when he was born, but I’ll make it up to both of you in the future.” He solemnly tucked the pouch into his bosom and asked, “Who’s taking care of the child now? How could you leave him alone to come here?”

Ding Yi hesitated before forcing a smile. “I brought Hai Lan back from Hongluo Temple. Thanks to her, she’s been by my side all this time. Before leaving, I entrusted Xian’er to her care. She’s attentive and loves Xian’er dearly. I’m at ease with the child in her care.”

Only then did he relax, nodding, “I’m grateful to her. Regarding her and Ru Jian, I’ve always felt guilty. The Thirteenth Prince said Hong Zan’s case had been closed. The court has issued a decree ordering him to commit suicide, which is considered justice for those who died unjustly. However, the cause of Ru Jian’s death remains unclear. To investigate further would probably require exhuming his body.”

Ding Yi shook her head. “Things have already reached this point—let’s not disturb him. He suffered his entire life; let his afterlife be peaceful.” After speaking, she glanced at him, carefully probing, “Speaking of the Thirteenth Prince, how do you brothers get along? Have there been any conflicts?”

Hong Ce said there hadn’t been. “The Thirteenth Prince is extremely intelligent and values family ties. Perhaps it’s because of his mother—the previous dynasty fell, and the Empress Dowager had only one nephew left. She taught Hong Xun to prioritize filial piety and benevolence. Both he and his sister are like that. When I first returned to Beijing from Khalkha, he took special care of me, showing more warmth than other brothers.” He looked at her suspiciously. “Why do you ask?”

She didn’t know how to begin, but keeping it secret wouldn’t help. After a long pause, she said, “You keep asking why I came to find you. It’s because I heard the news in Beijing. The Seventh Prince came to the Wen family compound and said that after the army’s defeat, someone at court seized the opportunity to impeach you, accusing you of colluding with foreign enemies to plot rebellion. The Emperor was uncertain and sent the Thirteenth Prince to investigate. If the allegations proved true, then he would…”

His expression changed. “Then he would what?”

With difficulty, she squeezed the words through her teeth: “Then he would have you executed.”

“What nonsense!” He was furious and gritted his teeth. “So far, in eight battles both large and small, though there have been defeats, currently the entire army’s morale is high. How could there be talk of colluding with the enemy? Since age twelve, I’ve served the court. All these years, I’ve devoted my heart and soul—when have I ever sought personal gain? Now this happens—such a serious accusation pressing down on me, determined to put me to death? I, Yu Wen Hong Ce, have acted with integrity. Even if the Emperor were standing before me, I would say the same: what I’ve done, I will never deny; what I haven’t done, even if you break my spine, I will never admit.”

She said, “I know you would never do such things, but some seek personal revenge through public means. If truly at the end of our rope, could you escape with me? Let’s find a place without war or court struggles and live an ordinary life. What do you think?”

The corner of his lip curled in a mocking smile. “Where could we go? Can four-horse hooves outrun tens of thousands of troops? With a clear conscience, I fear no shadow. Let them handle me as they see fit. It’s just one life—take it if they want. But if I flee, it would only confirm people’s accusations, bringing shame not only to myself but to future generations.” He turned back, pressing her shoulders. “Is this why you traveled thousands of li to find me? Foolish girl, you should have stayed in Beijing taking care of Xian’er. Don’t worry about men’s affairs.”

Even now, he was thinking about preserving the honor of future generations. Such a responsible person was bound to have a harder life than others. She smiled through tears. “If you knew I was in danger in Beijing, wouldn’t you rush back to my side regardless of the consequences?” She caressed his face. “You are my husband, my son’s father. I must stay with you. No matter how difficult the path, I want to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with you. Only then can I face my conscience.”

So asking him to live ignominiously was impossible. If the court gave him poisoned wine, he would drink it straight—not for himself, but for his wife and child. His foolishness was heartbreaking, yet it further convinced her that this journey was not in vain.

“Let’s not think about those things. Didn’t you say the Thirteenth Prince is extremely intelligent? With him here, he’ll surely see justice done.” She smiled with pursed lips, somewhat shyly. “You haven’t seen me for so long, yet you don’t even kiss me. Is it because my face isn’t smooth anymore, and you find it distasteful?”

He chuckled, “What nonsense!” Leaning forward, he kissed her from forehead to nose tip. “In my heart, you’ll always look as you did when I first saw you. Even with white hair and no teeth, you’ll still be that girl watching me release lanterns in the snow.”

Even the prospect of life and death couldn’t diminish such joy. She had given only a small, insignificant amount of love, yet received his long-lasting affection in return—another profitable exchange for her.

“I’ve achieved little in this life; my greatest accomplishment is making you love me,” she kissed him back. “One lifetime is enough. I’ve made your love so difficult. In the next life, I’ll set you free—you deserve a better woman.”

He couldn’t hear her, his warm lips tracing down into her collar.

The military camp was crowded, with imperial guards outside the royal tent. Even soft moans were stifled against his lips. She reached for the tiger skin on the couch, its striped pattern twisting between her fingers. With intense restraint and desperate intimacy, floating and drifting in emptiness, she surrendered to his splendid tenderness, yet it couldn’t dissolve the night’s ink-like darkness.

She remained in men’s clothing, no longer needing to leave. She filled a vacant position, becoming his bodyguard. Being close to him, she finally understood the weight of responsibility on his shoulders.

The Thirteenth Prince had visited him several times. She listened to their conversations from outside the tent, hearing hints of argument. Her heart raced anxiously at their rising and falling voices, like a bow drawn to its limit, not knowing when it might snap.

The Thirteenth Prince came out, hurriedly passing in front of her, muttering as he walked, “Hard-headed even with evidence before his eyes—won’t believe until he sees the coffin!”

Ding Yi could barely stand. What evidence? Likely someone was determined to harm him. Throughout history, many talented military leaders have been falsely accused, and the Twelfth Prince couldn’t escape this fate. She knew it all stemmed from his bringing down the Little Prince of Zhuang. The Zhuang Prince’s household had many retainers, with countless people working openly and in secret. How could one guard against them all? Moreover, the old Prince of Zhuang was still alive—being the former Emperor’s brother, wouldn’t he hate his nephew Hong Ce to death?

She followed the Thirteenth Prince’s retreating figure. He stopped before a patrol of soldiers, gesturing behind him—probably ordering them to watch the royal tent.

She had previously asked Hong Ce about the Thirteenth Prince, who said he was someone who valued family ties. These past few days, she had observed. Though the brothers had different mothers, their relationship was close. Perhaps pleading with him to show leniency might work.

Ding Yi took a deep breath—the time had truly come. Having seen him, she had no regrets. If ultimately someone had to be sacrificed, her life was insignificant. As long as he and Xian’er were safe, that would be enough.

She hurried forward a few steps. Someone emerged from the Thirteenth Prince’s tent with a flag on his back—an urgent messenger.

He was returning to Beijing with a memorial—likely containing that “concrete evidence.” She looked back at the distance, where new grass was sprouting, covering the plain with a velvety green. Spring had come to Khalkha.

She asked someone to announce her and waited outside the tent for an audience. The conversation inside was unusually clear. She heard the Thirteenth Prince shouting angrily: “Bullshit! Are you new to this world, ignorant of imperial family rules? He and I share the same father—how would humiliating him benefit me? The Emperor has issued secret orders to handle this privately, preserving Great Ying’s dignity. Are you planning to defy imperial orders? Get out, get out of here!”

Soon, someone tumbled out, covering half his face as he ran away. Behind him, a Gesheha roughly gestured, “The Prince allows you to enter.”

She thanked him and entered, bowing to the Thirteenth Prince. He exclaimed in surprise and hurriedly invited her to sit, smiling, “Twelfth Sister-in-law has arrived? Forgive my poor hospitality. Conditions here aren’t like Beijing, making you wait.” He poured tea for her, offering it with both hands. “Did you need something from me?”

Since the Twelfth Prince wanted her by his side, her identity had to be revealed to him, so there was nothing to hide now. She looked at him, addressed him as “Thirteenth Prince,” and knelt before him.

Hong Xun was startled. “This won’t do…” He wanted to help her up but didn’t know how to approach, anxiously pacing around. “Please don’t do this. We can talk normally. The Twelfth Prince and I are brothers, and you are my sister-in-law… This is shortening my life! Please stand up. You can sit and speak just as well.”

Ding Yi shook her head. “I’ll speak while kneeling. I couldn’t open my mouth if I were sitting. As you said earlier, the Twelfth Prince is your brother. When I was in your camp, I overheard some internal matters about the Twelfth Prince colluding with the Mongols. I won’t defend my husband—explanations would be useless. You know his character. Now that he faces this great obstacle, please show mercy for the sake of brotherhood. I won’t make things difficult for you. You’re an imperial envoy with a royal mission. I just want to know… when will the gold-flake wine be served? So I can prepare myself.”

The Thirteenth Prince sighed. “Twelfth Sister-in-law, please rise. I want to show you something.”

Ding Yi slowly stood up and accepted the letter he handed her. Opening it, she saw worm-like curved writing that left her bewildered.

“You don’t understand, do you?” He raised an eyebrow. “This is Mongolian script. Princes learn it from their first lessons. Whether Mongolian or Chinese, the principles are similar. Every hook and dot has its essence. This letter was written by Hong Ce to Zasak, the left-wing leader of the Chechen Khan tribe. Zasak’s document keeper stole it and gave it to me—this is the evidence of Hong Ce’s treason.” He paced slowly back and forth on the thick felt, saying with melancholy, “I don’t want it this way either. I know Twelfth Brother has suffered since childhood. Among our brothers, only he was sent away for over ten years. So with these developments, I truly don’t want to pursue it. But Sister-in-law knows that when the ruler wants an official dead, the official must die. The Emperor intends to follow the old custom—announce that he died of sudden illness. This way, the crime won’t affect his descendants, and my nephew can still benefit from his father’s legacy.”

She listened with flowing tears, wiping them with a handkerchief, but they wouldn’t stop. She just nodded, choking, “I understand. I want to ask the Thirteenth Prince one question: there’s no second execution—is this true?”

Hong Xun hesitantly agreed, “That’s the rule everywhere.”

“Then, when exactly will it happen?”

His tone was somewhat uncertain. “…Tonight.”

“Then I must beg the Thirteenth Prince—let me deliver the wine! You said you don’t want outsiders to know, right? If I deliver it, it would be most appropriate.” By now, Ding Yi had calmed down and could face the situation with composure. For this to work, she needed his help. She said, “If that cup of gold-flake wine must be served, then let me drink it in his place. My death is insignificant. I only ask that his life be spared. Even if imprisoned, while alive there’s always hope.”

Hong Xun looked at her in amazement. Her brow was stern—truly fearless—which made her appearance somewhat unapproachable.