Inside the Prince of Qing’s estate in Fengcheng, Mingzhu had abandoned her usual gentle, delicate manner. Her eyes were sharp and cold as she stared at Liu Jian. “Has Your Highness thought it through?”

Liu Jian struggled inwardly. The terms Qi Guo offered were tempting indeed — they would lend him troops to help him reclaim the throne, and once enthroned he would cede ten border cities in the west, the two nations remaining allies forever after.

He sat below Zili’s throne, looking up at him, watching him wield the power of life and death, doing exactly as he pleased. When Zili had handed him a woman, he’d had no choice but to accept. Watching Zili grow ever more regal, surrounded by his officials, Liu Jian felt something indescribable churn inside him — all of this should have been his by rights. He had the talent to govern a nation, yet he’d been denied a good mother, a good consort, a good uncle — how could any of that be his fault? His mother had poisoned the former empress, hiding it so thoroughly that not even the Wang family knew. It was his mother and the Grand Marshal who had decided together to make Wang Yanhui crown consort; his father, the late king, had likely simply gone along with it. The more Liu Jian thought about it, the more resentful he grew. And then there was Qinglei — such a beautiful woman, so devoted to him, and even she had come to him almost by accident.

Seeing him hesitate, saying nothing for a long while, Mingzhu smiled charmingly and leaned into his embrace. “Mingzhu is Qi Guo’s eldest princess. Once I marry Your Highness, I am yours. Surely my own brother wouldn’t harm his own brother-in-law?”

Liu Jian understood at once. Of course — if he married Mingzhu as his primary consort, and one day reclaimed the throne, Mingzhu would naturally become empress. Her brother helping his brother-in-law reclaim the throne, in exchange for ten cities as thanks, with the two nations remaining friendly afterward — he would lose nothing by it. And if he refused, he was, after all, still too weak — not to mention Xia Guo’s involvement… A strange gleam flickered in Liu Jian’s eyes. He lowered his head, his lips brushing Mingzhu’s petal-soft cheek, and murmured, “You truly are a pearl heaven has bestowed on me…”

Ten days after the state banquet, the delegations of the three nations gradually departed Fengcheng for home. That same night, Zili received word: the King of Xia had been meeting with a mysterious figure; Qi Guo’s Prince Mu had entered the Prince of Qing’s estate under the pretext of bidding farewell to Princess Mingzhu; and An Guo’s chancellor Tie Han and Chen Guo’s Prince Chu Nan had both been touring Duning River together.

He’d only just ascended the throne, and already all four nations were stirring; he’d only just left the eastern suburban retreat a few days ago, and already the Prince of Qing was eager to reclaim the throne? A faint, sinister smile crept onto his lips. Zili’s gaze deepened. This peaceful night was about to be shattered by war drums, and soon the crisp night air would carry the scent of blood.

Zili sent an order summoning the loyal Duke Gu Tianxiang for audience.

Gu Tianxiang was quite displeased with Zili. Upon returning to Fengcheng, he had gone straight to the palace to see his sister. Having grown up together, he could read Tianlin’s moods at a glance — though she insisted Zili treated her well, there was a certain pain lurking behind her eyes. When he got home and pressed his father, he’d received an answer that left him utterly stunned. Zili had fallen for the third young lady of the chancellor’s house — that exquisite beauty Liu Jue had loved for three years!

After the state banquet, Liu Jue had vanished, and with him, the chancellor’s third daughter. Gu Tianxiang’s head began to ache. The chancellor’s third daughter was being kept confined in the palace by Zili — if Liu Jue went in and took her, that alone was a capital offense!

He worried for his sister, and he worried for Liu Jue. What a mess his friend had gotten himself into! And yet, thinking of Li Qingluo, he couldn’t help but sigh inwardly — how could a woman like that not stir a man’s heart? That first meeting at the Yiluo tavern in Linnan City was etched deep in his memory; her wit and insight showed clearly she was no ordinary woman, and it was only natural men would fall for her. Only — the two men who’d fallen for her were his own brother-in-law, the King of Ning, and his own close friend, the Prince of Pingnan, whose single battle had shaken the realm!

This situation, needless to say, was bad. Liu Jue had run off with Li Qingluo — and that touched on royal privacy, so Zili hadn’t made it public. But Gu Tianxiang understood well enough: no man could tolerate such an insult, let alone a king! Gu Tianxiang resolved that, once inside the palace, he would try to talk Zili out of it and let Liu Jue have her — that would be the happiest outcome for everyone.

In the study, Zili was reviewing memorials when Gu Tianxiang entered and bowed. “Your Majesty!”

“Tianxiang, rise. Someone, bring a seat!” Zili didn’t even look up, his vermilion brush moving steadily over a memorial. When he finished, he examined it, set it down with satisfaction, and only then rose from the throne and walked over with a smile.

Gu Tianxiang hastily rose from his seat. Zili gestured. “Sit, and speak. There’s a task I need you to handle.”

“At Your Majesty’s command!”

“Go and bring Liu Jue back.” Zili’s tone betrayed nothing at all — it was as calm and even as any ordinary command.

Gu Tianxiang’s heart clenched. This isn’t good, he thought. He looked up. “Your Majesty, there is something I wish to say, though I hesitate.”

“Speak freely, Tianxiang.”

“I spent three years alongside Liu Jue in Linnan City. I know he and the chancellor’s third daughter had already come to an understanding. And, Prince Pingnan is a man of deep devotion. If it was truly he who broke into the palace and took the young lady, this humble servant begs Your Majesty to show mercy and spare him the death penalty!”

So — every one of you knows Pingnan’s devotion to A’Luo, his deep affection for her. None of you know that I met her first. In your eyes, am I the one who stole another man’s love, seized a subject’s intended? Zili’s mouth tasted bitter, his heart aching. After a long silence, he said, “A’Luo carries a peculiar fragrance on her. Take the trained hawk with you — it will lead you to them. Bring them back bound, within ten days! Go.”

Hearing “bound,” Gu Tianxiang’s heart sank further. He wanted to plead again, but seeing Zili would say no more, he could only kowtow in thanks and withdraw.

Watching him leave, Zili recalled the words the mausoleum keeper had told him at their parting: “If Your Majesty ever brings another woman to the Ice Spring, and she does not later become a consort, the mausoleum keepers will find her and put her to death, as a sacrifice to the imperial ancestors. For anyone who has bathed in the Ice Spring carries a fragrance imperceptible to ordinary people — a trained hawk will always find her!”

The hawk Gu Tianxiang had taken with him was that very trained hawk. Zili had once asked, “And if that hawk were killed, so you could not find her?”

The mausoleum keeper had answered, “That would be a desecration of the ancestors and forebears, and the king who brought her there would no longer be fit to bear the title of king — unless he slaughtered every mausoleum keeper. Your Majesty knows well the skill of the mausoleum keepers.”

Zili privately gave thanks that he had never brought A’Luo there — otherwise there would truly have been no room left to maneuver.

Having received the order to bring Liu Jue and Li Qingluo back within ten days, Gu Tianxiang remained in low spirits. Before setting out, he paid a visit to Prince Anqing’s estate. Upon hearing him out, the old prince merely said “Oh,” his hand steady as a rock on the fishing rod.

Gu Tianxiang, frustrated, was not normally a man of many words, yet he had so much he wanted to say, so many questions he wanted to ask — it gnawed at him until his face flushed red.

Prince Anqing glanced at the float on the water, then turned his head toward him, chuckling. “They say of Fengcheng’s Five Young Lords that Young Lord Tianxiang is the coldest and most composed — doesn’t look that way to me, why’s your face so red? Xuan Yi! Brew some cooling tea for General Tianxiang!”

Gu Tianxiang didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. “Old Prince, I’m worried for your son!”

“That boy’s had ten carefree days already — about time someone fetched him back!” Prince Anqing jerked his rod. “Quick, quick, I’ve got a bite! Help me!”

Gu Tianxiang grabbed the line and, channeling his internal energy, gave the line a sharp tug — a red carp flew out and landed with a smack on the pavilion floor, dead on impact.

“Ah, why’d you use so much force? You brat!” Prince Anqing cursed furiously. “Young people, always like this — the fish is hooked, no need to shock it dead with internal power, no fun in that at all. Might as well just slap the water a couple times, save yourself the trouble of fishing!”

Gu Tianxiang stood there awkwardly, looking at the fish he’d killed. It really was no fun done that way. His eyes flickered. “Old Prince is right to scold me — Tianxiang was too reckless.”

“Ah well, boy, you’ve done your best for my no-good son. Go on then, at ease. If he won’t listen to reason, just bind him up per His Majesty’s wishes.” Prince Anqing’s smile turned sly.

“Old Prince…” Gu Tianxiang was puzzled, and also faintly hopeful. The old prince had rambled on about fishing so long — was he hinting that Zili had no intention of letting the fish die? Was this all some kind of bait Zili had set? But that didn’t add up either — it was clearly Liu Jue who had abducted A’Luo. And the old prince had mentioned preparing for a wedding — did that mean he’d already guessed Zili intended to let Liu Jue and A’Luo be together? But Zili had explicitly said to bring them back bound… Turning it over and over in his mind, Gu Tianxiang still hadn’t worked it out by the time he left Prince Anqing’s estate. He sighed. A royal order could not be defied — he’d find the two of them first and see.

Xuan Yi asked, puzzled, “My lord, you truly aren’t worried?”

“Worrying does no good. If the Prince of Li can have Gu Tianxiang bring them back within ten days, he must have his own plan. They won’t get away.” Prince Anqing spoke with quiet confidence. “By the way, are the men sent to the four nations properly arranged?”

“Already dispatched.”

“And keep close watch on Prince Chu Nan’s movements while he remains in Fengcheng. And be wary of the Prince of Qing!”

“Yes! Also, my lord — the Pigeon Squad has discovered another group secretly watching them, also skilled experts in this line of work!”

Prince Anqing thought privately that must be Zili’s people. This Prince of Li had built up his own network of power even back when he was merely the fourth prince, and had even planted a spy, Sishi, within their own estate. He considered a moment. “Tell Dark Night to pull the Pigeon Squad back to the perimeter — under no circumstances let the other side discover their identity.”

“Yes!”

In the valley within the Black Mountain Forest, Liu Jue and A’Luo were as happy as immortals. The four of them took turns playing cards, with the loser stuck cooking. Liu Jue, still new to the game, played eagerly but lost more often than not, so for half of the ten days he ended up cooking, which left him thoroughly sulky. Finally he couldn’t hold back and snapped, “Liu Ying, you go cook! I’m playing!”

Liu Ying grinned. “My lord, I’m not your subordinate here — the young miss makes the rules. I listen to her.”

A’Luo, holding a strong hand of cards, didn’t even look up. “Whoever loses accepts it gracefully — no servants here! Play, play, I’ve got a straight of seven!”

Xiao Yu and Liu Ying exchanged a glance, holding back laughter, and called out together, “Pass!”

A’Luo grinned triumphantly. “Big and small jokers, one card, done!”

Liu Jue sat there stunned, an unpleasant feeling settling over him — losing his standing this fast, what would become of him in the future? Seeing A’Luo lay down her last card, he hastily scooped up the deck. “That’s it for today — you’re coming hunting with me.” He grabbed A’Luo’s hand and pulled her along.

A’Luo winked at Liu Ying and Xiao Yu, then walked with Liu Jue out of the cabin and into the mountains.

Liu Jue loved listening to A’Luo talk about the things she knew. From her he’d learned that a “night pearl” was really just a stone that glowed in the dark; he’d carefully studied how to cut down a tree and read its rings to tell direction from the pattern; he’d learned that water drawn from the lake or stream was best filtered before boiling and drinking, since it held tiny creatures invisible to the eye that could make a person sick.

Liu Jue held A’Luo close and sat with her by the lake. Over these ten-odd days, A’Luo had told him one by one all thirty-six stratagems she could recall, spoken of the Yang family generals and the hundred and eight heroes of Liangshan, of the rivalry of the Three Kingdoms and the Mongol cavalry sweeping across Europe. Liu Jue loved hearing about warfare and strategy, and A’Luo told him everything she could remember.

A’Luo spoke animatedly, and Liu Jue listened, utterly absorbed.

The lake reflected the sunset, mirroring the green hills. A’Luo smiled and began to sing:

The girl wears an azalea in her hair

Chasing the wind and the trailing sunset glow

The boat glides over spring waters, silent

Where in this gentle water-country is my home

The boat glides over spring waters, silent

Drifting with the song toward the one in my dreams

Her voice was sweet and clear, her eyes bright with laughter. Liu Jue sighed. “That song is beautiful.”

A’Luo let out a soft, wistful sigh. “These past days have been so happy, it hardly feels real.”

“A’Luo, worrying again? Still afraid he’ll find us?” Liu Jue looked steadily at her. Since coming to the forest, since settling in this valley, he’d noticed her grow more lively and open, and he wanted nothing more than for her to stay this happy.

“Let’s not talk about that. There’s a saying — ‘when life brings joy, seize it fully, never let the golden cup sit empty beneath the moon.’ Cherish every day, cherish every moment of happiness, that’s enough.” A’Luo brightened. “Let me teach you English — I’m forgetting it myself.”

“What’s English?” Liu Jue didn’t understand.

“It’s — a kind of code. No one else can read it. Once you learn it, only the two of us will understand it.” A’Luo grinned.

She taught him the twenty-six letters right then, then thought a moment and traced letters in the dirt. “For instance, this — SOS — means ‘help.’ Too complicated for you to remember all at once, let’s stick to something simple.”

Liu Jue laughed. “Where did you learn this?”

“From somewhere very, very far away. Useful on the battlefield too — memorize it properly.” A’Luo coaxed him along playfully.

Liu Jue studied it a moment. “Interesting. This S is south, and combined with the SOS you just drew, that’s ‘trouble to the south’? So then N would be north, W west, E east. Applied to scouts relaying messages in the army, this could be quite useful.”

“Exactly, you’re so clever — give me a kiss!” A’Luo planted a loud kiss on his cheek, then burst out laughing at his reddened, handsome face. “So you do blush after all!”

Embarrassed and annoyed, Liu Jue caught hold of her, his lips finding hers, not releasing her until her whole face had flushed red. “Who’s blushing now?” he teased.

A’Luo jumped up, chin lifted. “Tonight I’m lighting your lantern!”

“Lighting what lantern?” Liu Jue didn’t understand.

A’Luo giggled — what an advantage this was, the gap of a few thousand years of culture! She eyed him mischievously, backed away a couple of steps, and struck a coy pose. “This young lady thinks the gentleman is quite handsome — why don’t you give in to me?”

“You’ve gone too far!” Liu Jue said, half exasperated and half amused — this girl grew bolder by the day, saying more outrageous things all the time. His expression darkened, though warmly. “Come here.”

A’Luo walked slowly over and embraced him. “I’m always afraid something will go wrong in the night — I wonder if I’ve just gotten used to worrying.”

Liu Jue sighed deeply. “It won’t.” He cupped her face, gave her a playful wink, then suddenly swept her up into his arms. “Tonight, we’ll go light that lantern.”

A’Luo flushed and buried her face in his chest, giggling.

Back at the cabin, they found Xiao Yu and Liu Ying exchanging a glance, then quickly looking away, both looking rather uncomfortable. Xiao Yu asked curiously, “Miss, why is your face so red?”

A’Luo’s face flushed even deeper. Liu Jue, suppressing a laugh, served her food and then said suddenly, “Let’s discuss something — tonight, we light the lantern!”

A’Luo was mortified — this was between the two of them, why announce it at the table?

“Hush!”

“Oh? I could stay quiet, but wasn’t it you who said it?” Liu Jue said unhurriedly, still eating.

“I never said anything!” A’Luo thought — deny it to the death, no one heard anyway.

“Oh, so then when will Liu Ying ever get around to marrying Xiao Yu?” Seeing her flustered, Liu Jue steered the topic toward Liu Ying and Xiao Yu instead.

“Ah, my lord, what nonsense are you talking!” Xiao Yu flushed and set down her chopsticks, dashing out. Liu Ying ducked his head even lower.

Only then did A’Luo catch on. Right, up on the mountain, she’d nearly forgotten there were others besides the two of them. She looked at Liu Jue — fine, get Liu Ying and Xiao Yu paired off first, no more awkwardness. She kicked him under the table and turned to Liu Ying. “Duck your head any lower and it’ll land in your bowl. I hereby order you to marry Xiao Yu at once — tonight! Liu Jue and I will officiate. Settled.”

Liu Ying sighed and looked up. “Miss, if you’re so eager to marry the young lord, just say so — are we in your way, me and Xiao Yu?” With that he leapt up and vaulted straight out the window.

A’Luo stamped her foot in fury.

Liu Jue chuckled. “Caught out, are you, all worked up now? Well, still want to light that lantern tonight?”

“Dream on! I’m going to go dress up Xiao Yu — you go catch Liu Ying, they’re getting married tonight!” A’Luo marched off, head held high, to find Xiao Yu.

Liu Jue watched her go. A’Luo, how could he ever bear to let her go? Every moment with her was pure happiness. Grinning foolishly to himself, he really did go off to find Liu Ying.

Neither of them knew that Gu Tianxiang had already set out from Fengcheng, following a hawk through the sky, and had made camp at the edge of the Black Mountain Forest.

The hawk led Gu Tianxiang and five hundred soldiers into the Black Mountain Forest. Watching the hawk circle overhead, Gu Tianxiang thought — the Prince of Li had guessed long ago that Liu Jue would take A’Luo away, and that’s why he’d had that fragrance placed on her from the start? But why would only a trained hawk be able to detect it? And why had Liu Jue gone to break off the engagement at the Right Chancellor’s estate before storming the palace to take Li Qingluo? Could the Prince of Li really have intended to seize a subject’s intended? Was he not afraid, so newly enthroned, his position still unsteady, that Prince Anqing and his son would turn against him? Gu Tianxiang could make no sense of it at all.

The column moved slowly out of the forest; ahead lay a gentle slope. The hawk suddenly spread its wings and flew toward the opposite peak, circled once in the air, then flew back and landed precisely on its handler’s leather glove.

Gu Tianxiang gave the signal, and the five hundred soldiers descended the slope to search the mountain opposite. Sitting astride his horse, Gu Tianxiang’s gaze caught on the mountain crevice. After a moment’s thought, he ordered camp made on the slope, and took two personal guards with him into the crevice.

The sun had just risen, birdsong and flower scent filling the forest. Gu Tianxiang carefully emerged from the crevice, and his eyes lit up — a beautiful valley opened before him. Blue sky and white clouds reflected in the lake, the banks lush with grass, and faintly, on the breeze, came the sound of laughter like ringing bells. Gu Tianxiang sighed. So they really were here. He flicked the reins and rode toward the sound, into the trees.

He appeared before the four of them just as A’Luo and Liu Jue were teasing Liu Ying.

The night before, they had indeed brought Liu Ying and Xiao Yu together, showered them with kind words, and the two had finally bowed to heaven and earth — but refused to enter the bridal chamber. Xiao Yu clung stubbornly to A’Luo and wouldn’t let go; Liu Ying slipped away, shut himself in a room, and wouldn’t open the door. This morning, bright and early, A’Luo had egged Liu Jue on to go ambush Liu Ying.

The four of them were laughing together when suddenly they heard hoofbeats. A’Luo shivered involuntarily; Liu Jue glanced at her and took her hand.

Seeing three riders approach, the lead one growing more familiar by the moment, Liu Jue’s expression turned complicated, a faint, thoughtful smile crossing his face. “Prepare two more dishes,” he instructed. “It’s Tianxiang.”

Gu Tianxiang dismounted without ceremony, looked over the little cabin, glanced at the table set outside as though for breakfast, and sat himself down without waiting to be asked. His two guards took up position behind him, motionless.

Xiao Yu hurried back to the kitchen and prepared a few more dishes, adding bowls and chopsticks, then glanced at Liu Ying, and the two of them cautiously took up position behind A’Luo and Liu Jue. Liu Jue said with a smile, “Liu Ying, take those two brothers to the kitchen to eat. And bring some wine while you’re at it — Tianxiang and I have some drinking to do.”

A’Luo glanced at Liu Jue, then shot Gu Tianxiang a resentful look, clearly displeased at his intrusion. So soon — it had only been ten days. She sighed inwardly and led Xiao Yu back into the cabin.

Gu Tianxiang said nothing, simply picked up his chopsticks and ate. Liu Jue took only a couple bites before setting them down, quietly pouring wine and passing a bowl to Gu Tianxiang. Tianxiang, without standing on ceremony, raised the bowl and drank.

Liu Jue asked slowly, “How many men did you bring?”

“Five hundred!”

“How did you find us?”

“He said the young lady carries a certain fragrance.”

Liu Jue found this strange, his mind racing, then a moment later, understanding dawned. “So being exposed to Wang Yanhui’s soul-stealing incense before bathing in the Ice Spring left this behind as well. No wonder you could find us here.”

“Ice Spring? You’re saying the third young lady entered the imperial mausoleum? Good heavens!” Gu Tianxiang was thoroughly shocked. No wonder Liu Jue had gone to break off the engagement first. But that meant — Gu Tianxiang’s brow furrowed tight, his eyes flicking toward where A’Luo had gone, and he lowered his voice urgently. “Then isn’t she… going to become a royal consort? What were you thinking, taking such a risk? Do you know that’s a capital offense?”

Liu Jue smiled broadly. “You get worked up so fast for someone with such a cool reputation. Yes, I know very well.”

Gu Tianxiang set down his bowl, opened his mouth to say something, then turned away without speaking.

Liu Jue said sorrowfully, “Why did you come alone into this valley? Weren’t you afraid I’d kill you?”

“If the third young lady didn’t carry that fragrance, I think you really might have.” Gu Tianxiang said it plainly.

Liu Jue laughed. “You know me too well. So now what?”

“You’ve committed an enormous crime, and you’re asking me what to do? Obviously I’m carrying out the royal order and taking you both back — bound!” Gu Tianxiang glared at him.

“And if I refuse?” Liu Jue asked haughtily. Gu Tianxiang started, looked over at him, his expression deeply conflicted, then lowered his head and drank another bowl.

“You definitely can’t beat me — even if we fight, it’ll just be for show, so I can report back.” Liu Jue said calmly.

“Your father taught me to fish before I left, said you’d had your fun long enough, time to come back.” Gu Tianxiang paused, then recounted in detail his meeting with Prince Anqing.

“I see… disloyal, and now unfilial on top of it, tsk tsk, the old man will have my hide… Go ahead and have the soldiers prepare two palanquins — A’Luo and Xiao Yu can’t ride long distances, and it wouldn’t be proper for them to be seen anyway. Oh, and have a few soldiers help carry the game we’ve hunted these past days. And A’Luo’s little handmade trinkets — don’t leave a single one behind.” Liu Jue rattled off instructions as though packing for a move, unwilling to leave a single useful thing behind.

Gu Tianxiang’s nose nearly twisted with exasperation. “Do you really think this was a leisure trip? His Majesty ordered me to bring you both back bound! Have you forgotten — you’re a wanted criminal now!”

Liu Jue grinned. “Just for show — we’ll sort it out once we’re back in Fengcheng.” He stood. “Come on, let me show you around my little territory!”

Gu Tianxiang shot him a look, and the two of them leapt up and made their way toward the cliffs.

Sunlight fell on the two of them; from up high, the green hills rolled away in every direction, the whole view laid out before them. Liu Jue sighed with feeling. “Truly beautiful — I’m afraid A’Luo won’t want to leave.”

Gu Tianxiang said coldly, “You may not see many more sunrises after this — a man about to lose his head shouldn’t be admiring the scenery!”

Liu Jue didn’t look at him, his gaze fixed on the endless forest. “A’Luo says to cherish every day of one’s life, and I agree completely. These past ten-odd days truly have been carefree.” As always, he rambled on, and Gu Tianxiang listened quietly. “As the old saying goes — who among those cast under fragrant bait has never taken the hook? Whatever the outcome, I regret nothing I’ve done. None of this is His Majesty’s fault either — it was I who went personally to beg him to accept A’Luo as his consort, so that she could enter the Ice Spring and be cured. I brought this on myself, and whatever happens, I won’t resent him.”

“Just these ten-odd days, and it doesn’t feel too short to you?”

“When you stop being a great general one day, go sell Liren Zui instead. I hear you brought the brewer, Yingxiu, back to your estate?” Liu Jue changed the subject, teasing him.

Gu Tianxiang’s face stayed expressionless. “That’s exactly my plan!” Then he grew agitated again. “Do you really think His Majesty will kill you both?”

“I’m not afraid — why are you so worried?” A faint smile touched the corner of Liu Jue’s mouth.

Gu Tianxiang turned to look at him. “You’re just like your father — an old fox who raised a little fox. Stop being coy — you’ve guessed something, haven’t you, so calm and confident.”

Liu Jue sighed. “I only guess that he won’t kill me right now. Otherwise, wouldn’t the Anqing line simply end? My old man dotes on me terribly — the fact that he let you come find us at all means our lives aren’t in danger. Otherwise he’d have had me flee long ago instead of waiting for you to arrive. Even if A’Luo carries that fragrance, once she’s out of Ning Guo, would you really keep chasing?”

Gu Tianxiang was silent a moment. “Is it because the envoys of the four nations all harbor hidden agendas?”

“Not only that — haven’t you noticed His Majesty gave the Qi Guo princess to the Prince of Qing? With troubles both within and without, does he really have the time or mind to deal with anything else right now? Hah — I think I’m just meant to redeem myself through service!”

“Then… the third young lady, she…”

A shadow of sorrow crossed Liu Jue’s face. “Two choices, one road. Would you really have me fight you and your five hundred soldiers until I collapse from exhaustion? I’d guess if you don’t come out of this valley within two hours, those five hundred men will come in after us, wouldn’t they? She’ll come to understand. To live is to keep hope alive.”

A flicker of sympathy showed in Gu Tianxiang’s eyes. Even if he let Liu Jue go, someone else would simply be sent to hunt them down. With the four nations harboring ill intent and the Prince of Qing, Liu Jian, apparently already stirring, wherever the two of them fled, there would be no peace. Still, once they returned, though the capital crime might be pardoned, one would be a royal consort and the other a subject, and there was a third person who also cared deeply for the young lady — even wanting to see them happy together wouldn’t be possible for a king. What a tangled mess this was! Gu Tianxiang couldn’t help but sigh. “Wang Yanhui’s scheme truly was vicious — even in death, determined that the three of you should never know peace!”

“Not entirely — if not for that soul-stealing fragrance, how would we have learned she’d long been in league with Xia Guo? Didn’t His Majesty have you keeping watch on the Prince of Qing?”

Gu Tianxiang said slowly, “No wonder the Prince of Qing seemed unusually pleased at the state banquet — I thought he was simply forcing a smile, but it was because he’d seen the King of Xia. Then whoever was meeting secretly with the King of Xia must be one of Liu Jian’s men.”

Liu Jue laughed. “Didn’t my old man teach you how to fish? The envoys of the four nations are the bait, and the crown prince is the fish — if he doesn’t take the bait, he goes hungry, but the moment he swallows it, he can’t spit out the hook hidden inside. If His Majesty had simply used brute force to kill the fish, like you did, he’d have missed the whole point of fishing — perhaps this is yet another bait His Majesty has set, and he needs even more patience to reel in the fish he truly wants.”

Gu Tianxiang said quietly, “I always thought you spent your days grinning like a fool, but today I see you’re actually sharp as a blade — able to read the court’s affairs clearly even from outside it. Tianxiang is impressed.”

Liu Jue blinked, pulling a mournful face. “I’m your prisoner — nothing to admire in that. Ah well!”

Gu Tianxiang’s eyes held a trace of amusement. “If you don’t go make things clear with the third young lady now, you truly won’t have another chance for private words.”

Liu Jue laughed heartily. “Enjoy the scenery on your own — don’t disturb me too soon!” His figure flickered as he leapt off the cliff like a hawk swooping down. Gu Tianxiang gazed after him for a long while, then sighed. Liu Jue wasn’t wrong — but a ruler’s heart was impossible to fathom. If the third young lady became a royal consort, would Zili really tolerate a consort whose heart belonged to another? Who knew what troubles that might stir up later. His thoughts drifted to his own sister. He stood in a daze, gazing at the scenery, thinking — what a thing this feeling called love is.