Chapter 1: Protection

She awakened in darkness.

When consciousness first returned to her body, she felt only pain—endless, burning pain like black flames dancing and spreading through her innermost depths. Wherever it passed, flesh crumbled, meridians contracted, and her five organs and six viscera seemed to turn to ash.

All her willpower was first used to resist these waves of agony. After what seemed like an eternity, either the pain lessened or she had grown numb to it, and she slowly opened her eyes.

Her first thought was: How am I still not dead?

Her second thought was: Oh right, I need to suffer for three days before dying.

Fei Luo’s words echoed in her ears: “…Your Majesty, this poison was carefully prepared for you. It will gradually stiffen your muscles and rot your internal organs until death. It will last three days and nights. After three days, you will become a zombie while maintaining a lifelike appearance.”

She sighed, not knowing whether to cry or laugh. What kind of blessing was it to remain beautiful after death?

A surge of irritation rose in her heart, along with a black poisonous fire that burned her with restless agitation—Why won’t I die! Why won’t I die!

If I died, I could transmigrate back!

If I died, I wouldn’t have to remember all these damned troubles!

If I died, I wouldn’t have to think of…

She wanted to shake her head violently, to shake off the sudden memories of blood and fire in her mind. She thought she was using great force, but her neck barely moved, only producing a muffled groan from her throat.

A finger suddenly touched her forehead.

Jing Hengbo’s entire body immediately stiffened.

Someone was there!

There was actually someone there!

She opened her eyes wide in terror—underground tunnel, endless darkness, a cold finger…

Had she encountered a zombie!

Could she really be this unlucky!

Dying at the hands of a zombie was just as unacceptable as dying from poison torture!

She wanted to scream, but after struggling for a while could only produce broken groans. It hurt too much—the pain left her with no ability to resist, making her consciousness hazy. She vaguely felt the zombie’s cold finger checking her pulse, then slowly helping her up and gradually moving her onto his back.

The moment she was carried on his back, she worried whether she might touch long hair or something. But there was nothing—beneath her was cold, slightly rough fabric. The back was somewhat bent and not particularly broad.

Was this hairless zombie planning to carry her into his coffin to spend the afterlife together?

She couldn’t struggle and didn’t want to struggle. Whatever happened, happened.

The physical pain and the blockage in her chest made her want to remember nothing, face nothing. She could only indulge in random thoughts, using those chaotic musings to cover the snowy, blood-stained past.

She feared that if she became quiet, she would scream and cry, collapse and go mad. That would surely be an ugly death, and if she could die beautifully, why must she perish with tears streaming down her face?

The zombie beneath her walked very slowly, stopping every few steps. Sometimes he would feel along the walls. She vaguely heard his labored breathing and felt he was an elderly man.

She had no memory of ever encountering such a person.

The swaying motion of being carried actually made her feel more comfortable. After a long while, she found her voice again.

“Who… are you?”

Her voice echoed in the long tunnel, somewhat distorted.

The zombie carrying her coughed lowly, his voice slightly hoarse.

“Your Majesty… are you feeling better…”

Hearing his response, her heart settled—this wasn’t a zombie. She immediately gave a bitter smile: “For someone about to die, does feeling better or worse really matter?”

He didn’t answer, walked a few more steps, then said: “Your poison isn’t as severe as imagined. You won’t die… after all, you did take some antidote.”

Her heart leaped with joy, then ached again. “Really?”

She truly didn’t know whether to be happy or sad. It seemed good that she might not die—after all, the possibility of transmigrating back after death was really quite small. But living meant having to do many, many things, having to struggle to start anew, and she was so weary.

“…With proper care… you will recover…” He spoke one sentence, coughed once, seeming like a candle in the wind that might extinguish at any moment.

“Take it easy…” she said worriedly, then sighed again. “Proper care… in this world, is there anywhere I can find refuge…”

“Don’t be afraid, Your Majesty,” he said. “Your foundation lies among the common people. Return to the people, and you can rise again. The imperial court will only increasingly bind you, suppress you, trap you, until… it destroys you.”

She remained silent.

Life wasn’t simple addition and subtraction—what was lost couldn’t immediately be added back. She knew she should hate, should resent, should rise up with sword drawn to speak of revenge. But at this moment, at least at this moment, all her hopes were extinguished.

Above ground were her enemies everywhere, while she, severely wounded, was being carried underground by an old man. The future was as dark and lightless as this tunnel.

Cui Jie was dead, Jing Jun had betrayed her, and there was also… that person…

Her breathing suddenly caught, golden stars flashing before her eyes as if someone had cleaved her chest with a blade again.

When had her heart become so deeply affected that thinking of him was like reliving an entire lifetime? A single name was a scar—the lightest touch would tear flesh and skin, blood flowing freely.

She could only laugh bitterly.

Damn it all, even in this state she was still thinking of him—what a cheap bone she had!

She cursed herself viciously in her heart and sighed against the man’s back.

“…Who exactly are you…”

“Your Majesty doesn’t recognize this old servant…” He coughed with a laugh. “An old eunuch from the palace… so old I’ve almost forgotten my own name.”

Hearing his hollow coughing, she patted his back with some pity.

His back was very stiff and somewhat cold.

“How… were you able to find this place… why did you come to save me…”

“Your Majesty has helped many people… in the palace…” he said. “Once this old servant was injured and had no money for treatment. It was Your Majesty who ordered someone to bring money to save this old servant…”

Jing Hengbo felt this seemed vaguely familiar. It seemed Zirui had once mentioned a pitiful old eunuch who guarded a side palace, and she had ordered someone to look after him. She had done such things many times in the palace and really couldn’t remember everyone clearly.

“…The Mingcheng Queen opened the underground chambers and ordered a search for Your Majesty. Everyone was somewhat afraid. This old servant, being insignificant, was assigned to the most remote tunnel to investigate. Walking alone quite far, I accidentally pushed open a door and saw Your Majesty there…”

She drowsily thought, indeed, the founding empress’s underground passage couldn’t really be called a passage—it should be called an underground palace. When she and Yong Xue first discovered the underground chambers, they were completely stunned. The underground architecture was magnificent and splendid, with roads leading in all directions. At first glance, it seemed as if the above-ground palace had been moved underground. She and Yong Xue hadn’t dared explore much, following just one path before discovering many important things. To truly explore that place would require at least a year and a half.

She felt that underground palace shouldn’t be accessible to just any queen. Jing Jun knowing the entrance was probably due to chance encounter—otherwise the Imperial Scroll wouldn’t have been left for her to take.

The dark tunnel seemed very long, echoing with his low coughing and slight wheezing.

She somewhat feared this kind of silence, which would make her think of many things she shouldn’t—Cui Jie’s face, Jing Jun’s smile, the ministers’ cold expressions, and… She shook her head irritably, trying hard to find another topic. “…Let’s chat… where are you from…”

“Yu Kingdom…”

“If…” she suddenly thought of a question. “If I wanted to leave, where would be most suitable?”

“For the Great Wilderness, speaking of safety…” he said between coughs and wheezes, “there’s an old saying… the Imperial Song is inferior to the Six Kingdoms, the Six Kingdoms are inferior to the Eight Tribes, the Upper Four Tribes are inferior to the Lower Four Tribes…”

“What does that mean?”

“The Great Wilderness situation is complex. With such complexity, it’s certainly better to be farther away—the more central, the less safe.”

She thought this made sense. That person had taught her the same thing…

“Then which tribe do you think is best?” She immediately asked a new question, interrupting her own thoughts.

“…Probably Hawksbill or Wrought Iron…”

“Isn’t Wrought Iron one of the Upper Four Tribes?”

“Among all Six Kingdoms and Eight Tribes, they’re the two tribes with positions relatively close to the center… also the two tribes that frequently interact with all kingdoms and tribes. The people are honest and simple, royal power is relatively stable, and the location is good—not too far from any kingdom or tribe. Among them, Hawksbill Tribe is near the Blackwater Swamp, which sounds terrifying, but precisely because of this, it actually deters people from entering lightly. However, because of this feature, it has attracted a group of gold-seeking adventurous merchants, as well as bandits evading government pursuit, and exile rebels from various kingdoms and tribes. It’s a mixed bag of dragons and snakes, with constant fighting. That place produces precious hawksbill, and though the Blackwater Swamp is terrifying, it has unique products around its edges that can’t be found elsewhere. It has always been a paradise contested by adventurers. There, power can rise easily but also fall instantly… However, this is all hearsay. Your Majesty, being a woman, shouldn’t risk going to such a complex place…” The old eunuch spoke a long paragraph, becoming increasingly breathless and walking more slowly.

Jing Hengbo made a noncommittal “mm” sound.

“…Hawksbill Tribe is said to have a miraculous person… if Your Majesty travels there in the future, you might have a chance to meet him… if that person is willing to help you… perhaps everything would be different?”

“Oh?” she asked lazily, not particularly interested.

“The legend speaks of someone called Master Mu…” he said. “This person is as elusive as a divine dragon, but it’s said that under his control, the complex Hawksbill Blackwater Prefecture hasn’t experienced any major upheavals over the years. He has great influence there. If Your Majesty encounters him, at the very least, don’t offend him…”

“Oh, I understand.” She still listened casually, not intending to take it to heart.

The future suddenly seemed very distant—she lacked the energy to think much about it.

Footsteps suddenly came from behind. Jing Hengbo startled, and the old eunuch also trembled, saying anxiously: “Someone’s pursuing us…”

“Why hasn’t this path ended yet…” She listened irritably to the approaching footsteps—there seemed to be more than one person, with faint light flickering. But it wasn’t direct illumination; rather, it was reflected and refracted on the walls. She had a realization: “This can’t be a circular tunnel, could it… are we walking in circles?”

The old eunuch seemed to panic and run blindly forward, stumbling. Hearing his labored breathing, she felt pity and tried to struggle down to walk herself, but he pressed firmly on her back.

Accidentally touching his hand, she paused slightly—so cold.

This coldness seemed somewhat familiar, making her heart race wildly. The next moment, however, she touched his fingernail, which was hot—particularly hot.

Her racing heart suddenly fell flat.

Ah, no, it wasn’t him.

Then she gave a self-mocking cold laugh—how could it possibly be him!

Why was she still thinking of him!

She lightly slapped herself, condemning her inappropriateness. As her arm lifted, it suddenly hit the wall beside them.

“Click.” With a soft sound, the wall suddenly disappeared. She and the old eunuch, who had been pressed close to the wall, immediately tilted and fell through.

Upon entering, it seemed to be ground level at first, but with a rumbling sound, the two tumbled down and fell into cold underground water with a splash.

Jing Hengbo was shocked into crying out “Ah.” At this moment, stimulated by the cold, her consciousness gradually cleared, and her limbs regained mobility. She instinctively moved her arms and legs, swimming upward.

While swimming, she also grabbed onto the old eunuch. She felt he was also capable in water—quite capable, in fact. While swimming himself, he continuously pushed her upward.

Behind them came splashing sounds as their pursuers apparently followed them into the water. Jing Hengbo’s heart raced with anxiety. The old eunuch stayed behind her, pushing her upward.

After swimming for a while, she suddenly saw light above—a line of cold white, silently spreading overhead.

They were nearly at the exit, apparently some river or lake.

She relaxed slightly and turned to pull the old eunuch, but suddenly the water surged violently. Vague black shadows flashed—apparently a large group had caught up.

She was greatly alarmed and quickly reached for the old eunuch, but grasped only empty water. A pair of hands pressed against the soles of her feet, pushing her forcefully upward.

With a “splash,” she broke the surface. Before her was indeed a glimmering riverbank. She had reached the shore.

Clinging to the bank, she looked back to see the water below churning with what appeared to be fighting. A vague pale shadow flashed, and something was dragged down.

At the moment of being dragged down, she saw a hand in the deep water’s whirlpool, resolutely waving at her.

Go!

She understood the gesture and bit her teeth.

Going down would only save no one while costing her own life.

She had already harmed many people, owed many people. This time, she would owe one more debt!

Someday, she would settle all accounts!

Behind her, the water churned. She didn’t know where the strength came from, but she flipped onto the shore, stumbled to her feet, and before she could steady herself, her body flashed.

She disappeared from the spot.

…

She couldn’t move far.

Moments later, she collapsed soaking wet on the ground, landing on cold, damp earth.

Nearby came a sharp scream, apparently from a woman. She gave a hazy bitter smile—she no longer had strength to run.

So be it. Whatever happened, happened.

She lay on the ground, feeling neither cold nor pain, only exhaustion—an exhaustion that seemed to surge from the depths of her soul, leaving her unable to move. At most, she could barely keep herself from immediately fainting.

Not far away, a woman stood by the lake, looking in fright at the black-haired, disheveled woman in the snow. After staring for a long moment, not daring to approach, she turned and ran away.

…

Jing Hengbo drowsily heard confused conversation, buzzing and humming annoyingly.

It was warm around her, and she could smell smoke from a brazier. Beneath her was something soft and smooth—the kind of bedding only wealthy families could afford.

“This woman’s identity is unknown. We should report to the master.”

“Tonight is unsettled in the Imperial Song. It would be better to throw her out to avoid trouble.”

“The master isn’t here. He left hastily earlier and hasn’t returned yet.”

“Something happened in the Imperial Song—quite serious. Many people are blocked in the imperial plaza. The nine gates are under martial law, and the Jade Guard has entered the imperial city. Now our household’s people had better not even step outside.”

“What happened in the Imperial Song?”

“I heard it’s related to the queen… This matter is best not discussed… Wait!”

The half-conscious Jing Hengbo’s heart sank.

Then came exclamations.

“She’s the queen!”

“How could she be here?”

Jing Hengbo cursed herself inwardly. Why had she been so public before? How many people in the Imperial Song had seen her? Could she escape safely like this?

Forget future escapes—she might be killed now, or handed over to Xuanyuan Jing and the others!

The atmosphere in the room became heavy and oppressive after discovering her identity. After a long while, someone murmured: “Who would have thought the queen would appear at our place…”

After another pause, an elderly woman’s voice said decisively: “We cannot keep her! Send her out immediately!”

“Where to?”

“The master isn’t here. We can’t kill her arbitrarily, nor can we send her to Female Prime Minister Fei Luo and the others, but we absolutely cannot keep her in the residence—it would bring trouble to the master. First send her somewhere secret that seems unrelated to us, and wait for the master’s return to decide.”

“Excellent!”

She was lifted up, swaying gently as they seemed to walk outside. Before reaching the door, she could already feel the bone-chilling cold rushing toward her.

She smiled bitterly in her heart—without treatment at this time, thrown into the wilderness or an empty house, she would soon meet Marx.

Moving from an extremely warm place to an extremely cold one, she shivered violently, her whole body immediately stiffening. The consciousness she had just gathered slowly scattered.

Before sinking into darkness, she suddenly felt her body shake, as if bumping into something, and then someone said coldly: “What’s happening?”

The voice seemed both very near and very far, full of surprise.

Then she knew nothing more.

…

A room filled with incense, thoroughly warm throughout.

Behind carved bed curtains with golden hooks, through the shadowy gauze, lay a woman with weak breathing.

Several maidservants bustled about, carrying out the changed wet clothes and hot water used for cleaning.

An old physician slowly wiped his hands and closed his medicine box.

The door opened, and someone stood in the doorway—a tall figure in the light and shadow, with a low, pleasant voice: “How is she?”

“She was poisoned, but seems to have taken some antidote. However, the antidote doesn’t seem quite right for the poison, causing chaotic energy within her body. This old man will try prescribing a formula.” The old man frowned. “Additionally, heart ailments require heart medicine. Her heart energy is blocked and cannot be released. Over time, this will be detrimental to her physical recovery.”

He paused slightly, then said calmly: “Please think of a solution, sir.”

“This old man will prescribe a formula. The rest depends on herself,” the physician said.

“Her nature is resilient. I believe she should be fine,” the man said.

“Not necessarily.” The old physician shook his head. “In extraordinary times, resilience is not as good as weakness. If her temperament were timid and delicate, encountering major shock, she might go mad or cry hysterically. Though severely traumatized at the time, she could recover later without issue. If she forcibly swallows it down, maintaining a cheerful facade, that truly injures her inner being, causing extreme harm.”

The man remained silent, his brow heavy in the light and shadow. After a long moment, he sighed deeply.

“This old man takes his leave.” The elderly physician set down a round purple-gold pill, looked at it somewhat reluctantly, then picked up his medicine box to leave.

“Please accept the consultation fee, sir.” Seeing the consultation fee on the table untouched, the man hurriedly called out.

The old physician shook his head and walked to the door. The man stepped aside to let him pass.

In the pale dawn light filtering through snow, his features were elegant, his expression half-smiling.

But the old physician suddenly stopped. The man was startled.

“No need to kill me to silence me,” the physician said quietly.

The man’s sleeve moved slightly, his eyebrow raised, then he smiled.

“A physician like you, I truly encounter for the first time,” he seemed to be praising. “You can actually perceive my killing intent.”

The old physician smiled gently. “Having saved many people and encountered quite a few folk from the martial world, I can still distinguish malevolent aura and killing intent.”

“In that case, I must kill you even more,” he said softly, as if discussing something pleasantly.

“This old man knows you’re only trying to maintain secrecy.” The old physician tilted his head slightly, his manner peaceful. “But please rest assured, Left State Preceptor—regarding Her Majesty the Queen’s condition, this old man would rather die than reveal it.”

In the bright snow light, Yelu Qi’s expression showed slight surprise.

“You indeed recognize her!”

“Many households near West Song and Liuli Square have her portraits and longevity tablets in their homes.” The old physician pointed to his heart, then to his mouth, saying solemnly, “This old man’s son was also present during the fire horse cart incident at Liuli Square that day. At the time, he had been bedridden for years with illness, having just improved slightly, so the family accompanied him out for some fresh air. Without the Queen, this old man’s son, whom I had fought so hard to save, would have been lost again. At that time, my entire family would not have survived either.”

The man’s gaze shifted, his expression moved.

“To maintain secrecy, this old man should commit suicide here,” the old physician said calmly. “It’s just that I have an elderly wife and weak son at home, so I cannot help but try to escape. This old man can swear that if I do anything to wrong Her Majesty the Queen in the slightest, may my entire family perish and be struck by lightning!”

“Having witnessed Physician Cao’s integrity today, please proceed.” The man bowed slightly and stepped far aside to clear the path.

“Because she is the Queen, I will keep the secret. Because she is the Queen, I won’t accept the consultation fee. Because she is the Queen, I prescribed the best secret pill passed down in my Cao family.” Physician Cao walked out the door, then turned back to gaze earnestly at Yelu Qi. “As a commoner, I don’t know what happened last night or what’s wrong with the Queen. But I know she has fallen into misfortune. Here’s something I must say to the State Preceptor—the Queen has won the people’s hearts and minds. She won’t remain fallen forever. Regardless of what the State Preceptor thinks or what position you’re in, please be sure to—” He bowed deeply. “Protect her well.”

Yelu Qi raised his hand to return the courtesy, but the old physician had already turned around without looking back, his figure gradually disappearing into the wind and snow.

He was left standing in the room, momentarily overwhelmed with mixed emotions.

After a long while, he slowly turned back and walked to the bedside, looking down at Jing Hengbo on the bed.

The woman on the bed was pale and weak, far from her usual vibrant beauty. Her breathing was faint—one had to look carefully to notice the rise and fall.

His eyes held a tenderness he himself hadn’t noticed.

After a while, he carefully sat beside her and gently placed her fingers that had slipped outside the covers back under the quilt.

“Hengbo,” he said softly.

The moment this address left his lips, he seemed startled himself, as if he hadn’t expected to call her this way, and as if he hadn’t expected this single word to so deeply stir his heart.

Yet having said it this way, it seemed quite natural, and he even felt greedy, wanting to call her this way for a long, long time.

“Hengbo,” he held her hand and spoke gently, “you really should have heard those words just now.”

“If you had heard them, perhaps you would feel better, perhaps you wouldn’t despair anymore.”

“You see, worldly matters have their own cause and effect. The Liuli Square fire horse cart incident made you offend Kang Long and fall to this state, but it also won you the people’s hearts. Those hearts and minds are invisible and intangible, but compared to officials’ loyalty, they are more solid and lasting. They exist for a long time, along your path forward.”

He tucked the covers around her and frowned at her complexion. Accustomed to her bold vibrancy, he was very uncomfortable seeing her so pale. He wanted to see her sit up laughing, her slender fingers pointing at his forehead with graceful gestures. Thinking this way made his heart feel blocked, and he suddenly feared he might never see that again.

Suddenly remembering Physician Cao’s words, he thought that never seeing it again might not be a bad thing. If she still laughed and acted as usual, how much strength would she need to disguise and support herself? How much heart’s blood would be required to fill such deep wounds and chasms?

He knew her inner strength was great, yet he still couldn’t bear it.

“I have no right to pity you…” he said softly, caressing her fingers. “Although Gong Yin dealt you the heaviest blow, among those who persecuted you, I also played a part. I knew about Fei Luo and the others’ plan, I acquiesced to it, even promoted it to some degree. Hengbo… will you not forgive me?”

Jing Hengbo on the bed breathed steadily, her brow even peaceful, without the turmoil and deep sorrow one might imagine.

Perhaps she was still in a peaceful dream, experiencing happiness that had become difficult in her current life.

Then let this dream last a bit longer.

“If you won’t forgive me, then you won’t. I can’t stop doing things just because I fear you won’t forgive me.” He sighed deeply. “Hengbo, you cannot hold that position. If you continue sitting there, you’ll die sooner or later. If you were willing to be a puppet, perhaps you could last longer, but anyone can see you’re not a puppet. You have enormous potential, you have great popular support and charisma. Sooner or later, you would walk toward becoming a true queen. Who could allow that? Who could resist killing you while you’re still growing?”

“As long as you remain trapped in the Imperial Song, you cannot gain military power, cannot gain support from important ministers, cannot gain forces that truly belong to you. No matter how great your wisdom or abilities, you would remain besieged in your lonely city. Either like today, attacked by everyone in united resistance, or slowly cut by soft knives, gradually harmed by countless schemes and plots. You’re just one person with two hands—how could you resist omnipresent hidden arrows?”

“One cut to sever the rope, releasing the phoenix into the clouds. Whether you become disheartened afterward and live as a commoner in the mountains, or remain unwilling and lie dormant somewhere gathering forces to await your return—either is better than being in that dark palace court, constantly defending passively amid enemies on all sides.”

He leaned down and tenderly stroked her forehead. Strangely, she had no fever—her forehead was cool as jade. He brushed aside a strand of disheveled hair with gentle movements.

“I just didn’t expect Gong Yin to deal you the final blow, and so heavily. I originally thought he might not openly protect you anymore, but would certainly leave you opportunities. I also thought your instant teleportation ability could ensure your safe retreat. I even…” He paused, his brow furrowing slightly. “Perhaps this is heaven’s will. Heaven’s will wanted you to fall into the abyss, waiting to see if you could struggle out.”

“Or perhaps,” he released her hand, his voice becoming as cold as Gong Yin’s, “none of us love you enough. We all love worldly great causes too much. Hengbo, this is a group of heartless, ungrateful men. They are black-hearted, selfish, cold, and vicious. They play all power games and overturn heaven and earth. Any stumbling stone that obstructs their path will be kicked aside by them.” He smiled coldly. “Oh, right, today’s events prove that Gong Yin is indeed much more capable than me. Since he can treat you this way, naturally he can be even more ruthless to anyone else… Perhaps soon, I too will become that stumbling stone, kicked far away.”

“In the future,” he slowly pulled the covers up for her, “whether to be the stumbling stone that gets kicked aside, or to be the one who kicks aside stumbling stones, depends on you.”

His finger slowly moved to rest on her forehead.

He closed his eyes, and suddenly energy currents swirled around him, purple light flashing at his fingertip.

Jing Hengbo’s forehead also seemed to flash with purple light. Yelu Qi raised an eyebrow, appearing somewhat surprised, then showed a faint smile.

The Heavenly Fragrance Purple from before had actually been building momentum within her body. She truly was a person of extraordinary spiritual nature and talent.

Circulating his true energy for several cycles to regulate the chaotic energy within her body, he then took the pill Physician Cao had left, first breaking off a tiny piece to taste himself before feeding it into her mouth.

“You must survive completely and thoroughly first, before you can return fiercely to kill us,” he smiled.

Seeing that Jing Hengbo’s complexion had improved considerably, he withdrew his hand somewhat wearily, a trace of pallor crossing his face as he coughed softly twice.

Just as he was about to have someone prepare and brew medicine for her, suddenly there seemed to be clamoring sounds in the distance.

He startled and flew up to the door.

“What’s happening?”

Before anyone outside could answer, the clamoring sounds grew closer, with faint sounds of clashing blades and swords. Someone shouted from afar, “Apprehending criminals—civilians stand aside—”

Yelu Qi’s figure flashed as he swept outside.

The moment his figure disappeared, Jing Hengbo on the bed immediately opened her eyes.

Her gaze was clear.

She had already awakened earlier.

She hadn’t expected the Imperial Plaza’s sewers to connect to the lake at Yelu Qi’s residence, but thinking back, there weren’t many lakes and waterways in the Imperial Song. This lake at Yelu Qi’s wasn’t originally his family’s property—they had specifically enclosed it. Previously, it must have been one of the Imperial Song’s largest lakes. During the founding period, having the imperial underground passages connect to the city’s largest water body would make escape easier. The founding empress’s wisdom was extraordinary; choosing this location was perfect.

Because this was the Yelu residence, she didn’t even dare blink.

She had heard Yelu Qi’s analysis of her situation, heard him admit his participation, heard his stumbling stone theory, and his final words.

Yes, first survive completely and thoroughly, then return fiercely to kill them all.

One after another, all so cold-blooded and heartless. Did she, Jing Hengbo, really seem so easy to pinch and devour?

She slowly sat up, discovering that the pain within her body had lessened considerably.

Yelu Qi’s assistance, no doubt.

She was grateful he hadn’t immediately handed her over to Fei Luo and had even saved her, but she was no longer the former Jing Hengbo. She would never again offer her whole heart because of small favors, naively thinking enthusiasm meant love, concern meant care, smiles meant affection, or proximity meant forever.

Even less would she think that just because she gave her heart and soul, others would be moved emotionally.

Clamoring sounds came from throughout the vast residence—familiar sounds of armor and weapons clashing, familiar footsteps belonging to soldiers carrying fierce killing intent.

Someone had entered the Left State Preceptor’s residence, searching for criminals… Who else could this criminal be? Herself, of course.

Perhaps Yelu Qi might not be willing to hand her over, but what about the others in this residence? What wouldn’t they do to protect themselves?

Besides, what kind of good person was Yelu Qi anyway? Not killing her might simply be because he considered her a valuable commodity. Like the matter of the Imperial Scroll.

She got up and quickly put on the clothes prepared for her beside the bed frame.

Footsteps grew increasingly close, urgent and rapid, heading straight for this location.

“Bang.” The door was pushed open, and several Yelu residence guards rushed in sweating profusely. “Quick, transfer her away…”

They suddenly stopped, staring wide-eyed at the empty bed.

Where was she?

A figure flashed as Yelu Qi swept in afterward, reaching out to touch the disheveled covers—still warm.

He turned his head, gazing at the gradually brightening sky outside and the gradually weakening wind and snow. After a long moment, he slowly raised his hand.

The warmth from a moment ago remained, but in an instant his fingers turned cold.

Like this belated affection he wanted to offer but that wasn’t understood or accepted.

A phrase light as snowflakes scattered in the wind.

“You still… have come to hate me…”

“Bang.” With a sound, the courtyard gate was smashed open again. A large group of soldiers rushed into the yard, surrounding Yelu Qi. The leading general shouted sternly.

“The Left State Preceptor Yelu Qi has been presumptuous and arrogant, acting on his own authority and deceiving superiors, forming alliances and connections, plotting rebellion against his superiors. Following joint deliberation and impeachment by the ministers, his family property is to be searched immediately, he is to be confined locally, and his family members and children may not move about freely without a Jade Guard Palace order. Violators will be executed on the spot without question!”

Killing intent startled the snow, leaving a shoulder covered with pale fragments.

But he only looked up at the sky, smiling faintly without the slightest surprise.

“Gong Yin moves so quickly. Their wishful thinking has gone wrong again… I imagine after the palace ministers successfully coerced the Queen, they had no choice but to let him become the host, requiring some concessions and agreements… Little did they know that one step back means losing everything, leaving only the fate of being liquidated and slaughtered by others…”

“Who will be slaughtered next…”

Soldiers advanced with weapons, their iron armor reflecting the cold, clear snow light of early morning.

He seemed not to see them, only standing with hands behind his back, watching the gray sky gradually cease its snow and reveal a touch of azure.

“May you be safe.”

…

When soldiers rushed into the inner courtyard of the Yelu residence, Jing Hengbo was still on the tower by the Yelu residence lake.

From her high vantage point, she saw the soldiers’ iron-gray armor scales—familiar regulation uniforms.

Kang Long Army.

She stood high above, watching that iron-gray tide rapidly submerge the snow-white earth.

The Kang Long Army had returned to control so quickly. It seemed they wouldn’t mutiny again. From now on, they would be held in that person’s hands once more, their sword-point威威凌天下.

She smiled, still radiant but with several degrees more coldness.

Her figure flashed again.

Gong Yin.

Congratulations.

…

Soldiers were perceptive. Someone seemed to sense something and looked up.

Vaguely, they seemed to see a white shadow flash atop the tower. Looking more carefully, they saw only iron horses swaying desolately in the wind with clear, cool tones.

…

Half a quarter-hour later, Jing Hengbo raised her head and looked somewhat hazily at the door plaque before her.

After several consecutive teleportations, she wasn’t sure where she’d ended up. She felt she hadn’t gone very far—her current state was far inferior to before.

After identifying for quite a while, she finally recognized the characters “Longsheng Ji” on the plaque.

Oh. It seemed to be some shop’s name. She felt this name was somewhat familiar, as if she’d been here before. Vaguely, it seemed this shop’s owner had a round face and was very enthusiastic and amiable, filling her carriage with silk gifts and asking her to come again.

She didn’t know why, but her memory of what had just happened was rather unclear, while earlier events remained vivid. They were all very warm, beautiful things—like going shopping with Zirui and amazing the Imperial Song, like the citizens’ cheers during the welcoming ceremony, like the old hen the West Song Square residents sent, and these shopkeepers’ solicitude.

Perhaps deep in her heart, at this moment she only wanted to think of these beautiful memories, to warm herself a bit and not be frozen by this windy, snowy winter.

But thinking of these not-so-distant events now, they seemed to bloom on the far shore, beyond reach of their former fragrance.

As if from another lifetime.

She felt tired. The remaining poison wasn’t completely cleared, her mind still somewhat unclear. She slowly sat down at the entrance of the unopened shop. When a gust of wind passed, she shivered and pulled her clothes tighter.

People heading to the early market passed by in twos and threes on the street, occasionally glancing at her strangely. They didn’t know who this woman with disheveled long hair, in shabby thin clothes, sitting at someone’s shop entrance could be. She looked like a beggar.

Jing Hengbo closed her eyes, feeling a strange weariness in her body that made her unable to muster energy and alertness at this dangerous time.

The effects of Heavenly Fragrance Purple were taking hold, repairing her meridians. At this time, her physiological needs demanded she sleep.

Suddenly there was a creaking sound beside her as door boards were removed. Jing Hengbo turned her head—was this shop opening?

Someone hurriedly stepped out from inside, saying as he walked, “I received word that the authorities require immediate closure. All the shop assistants should disperse…” He suddenly paused and turned around.

Jing Hengbo gathered her energy and slowly stood up, preparing to teleport immediately.

That person had a round face, somewhat familiar—exactly the owner of this shop who had enthusiastically told her she must visit often.

The surprise on that person’s face passed in an instant. He immediately turned to shield her, looked around alertly in all directions, then gestured for her to go inside while saying loudly, “Ah, so it’s Mrs. Wang. I didn’t expect you to come so early. The shop just received a new batch of fabrics—please take a look.”

Jing Hengbo was pushed into the shop by him. Moving from cold to warmth, her heart also warmed.

The world was harsh and bitter, but there were always sparks that never died.

Once she entered, the owner peered outside again, then immediately closed the door and stepped forward, saying in surprise, “Your Majesty, how are you here now? And…” He looked Jing Hengbo up and down. “Why like this?”

Without waiting for her answer, he said, “Your Majesty, I have business here. I just received orders from the head manager to go receive a shipment. I heard the city gates will be closed today—delaying would be inexcusable. No matter how you came here, since you’re here, you’re this commoner’s guest. I see you seem somewhat unwell—please rest in the back hall. I’ll have my family take care of you and find a physician for you later.”

Before Jing Hengbo could decide whether to accept, he said earnestly again, “Please rest assured. This commoner’s establishment follows the law daily and has good relationships with the neighborhood chief and security head. Nothing will go wrong.”

Jing Hengbo’s mind was hazy, thinking slowly about everything. Before she could understand clearly, the enthusiastic manager personally helped her to the back like a whirlwind, settling her in a side room and ordering his wife and daughter to personally attend to her.

Jing Hengbo’s body truly couldn’t hold up. Seeing the bed, she lay down involuntarily. The manager withdrew, leaving his wife and daughter to attend to her with equal diligence. Although Jing Hengbo desperately wanted to sleep, she dared not, always feeling uneasy in her heart. But opening her eyes to look around, everything was quiet, the bedding warm, and the women serving her had kind, friendly smiles—truly beyond reproach.

Perhaps having experienced too much recently, she had lost trust in people…

Having exhausted herself greatly in one day and night, mentally and physically drained, she involuntarily closed her eyes.

Hazily, she seemed to dream—in the dream, she had just arrived in Da Yan and went to a pawn shop to sell emeralds. The shop owner enthusiastically invited her inside, and she wandered around inside but couldn’t see a single person…

She suddenly opened her eyes, waking covered in cold sweat.

Something was wrong!