The familiar cool scent flooded her nostrils. Her nose seemed so stimulated it turned sour, and tears immediately gushed out. Afraid of being seen by anyone, she simply buried her face deeply against him, rubbing back and forth, sobbing with muffled sounds, “I take it back… must beat you to death… must… beat you to death…”

The person above her head said nothing, seeming somewhat hesitant, but finally sighed and held her tightly, gently resting his chin on her hair.

Though he didn’t say a word, she instantly felt at peace. She no longer wanted to hit anyone, no longer wanted to think about anything. She didn’t want to investigate any tunnels or being deceived to the point of losing her soul. She only wanted to hold tight to this embrace before her, properly enjoying his presence and scent, telling herself that everything was fine, that he hadn’t disappointed her, that he would forever be her strongest, most proud great god.

Only when lost do we know the importance of existence. She would forever remember that moment when she saw his “head” fall to the ground—heaven and earth went permanently dark, and she thought she had fallen into an abyss never to emerge.

In that moment she finally understood what despair meant.

In that moment she was so desperate she wished never to wake from her unconsciousness, not having to face the pain of eternal night after awakening.

When the empty ice cavity appeared before her eyes, in her anger, she heard the sound of her heart blooming with joy.

Heaven and earth suddenly had light, had sound, had color, had meaning for existence.

Ah, how wonderful.

Where this heart finds peace is my home.

“Woo woo woo you give me an explanation…” She grabbed at his clothes, creating countless messy wrinkles. In the past he would definitely have slapped her away with one palm, but now he didn’t move, his arms seemingly rigid yet gentle.

Listening to her intermittent sobbing, he seemed to tremble—for so long, so long, this playful yet strong woman, he had never seen her truly vulnerable, never thought she would one day be so vulnerable, never thought that one day such vulnerability would be… because of him.

His heart seemed to move, and also seemed to ache. Cold pressed in, and on the snowy mountainside, flowers bloomed in profusion.

He finally raised his hand, his palm gently falling on her hair, truly gently, like spring wind, afraid of startling the butterfly resting on a flower’s heart, leisurely and slow, with some care, some caution.

Then he lifted her up a bit more, letting her feet rest on his boots to prevent further cuts, her blood-stained soles immediately staining his snow-white boots with patches of color. This person with a cleanliness obsession acted as if he hadn’t seen it.

“It’s alright now…” he said quietly. Not knowing if he was comforting her or himself.

Hearing him finally speak, Jing Hengbo felt that the great god’s voice was truly pleasant. How had she never noticed it was so pleasant before? And these three words—how did they feel more reassuring than all the beautiful words in this world?

Buried against his chest, she wiped his white clothes with copious tears. Her tears stopped quickly—she was never one to wallow in melancholy. When something was joyful, one should smile. When feelings were certain, one should confess.

“Gong Yin…” she suddenly paused, wanting to lift her head.

But his shoulders tensed, his breathing seemed somewhat unsteady, and as if guessing what she wanted to do, his arms hugged her even tighter, as if not wanting her to do anything.

But she didn’t care.

Standing on tiptoe, hugging his shoulders tightly, she offered her lips.

In that instant he seemed to want to lean back slightly, but then stopped, letting her resolutely and sweetly take the initiative to conquer territory.

A moment of overlapping, like lightning crossing in an instant, arc light surging, heaven and earth a patch of five-colored rainbow. Or perhaps thunder and wind, exploding the heart into a thousand pieces, each piece in the clouds, each piece transforming into a singing spirit bird.

His breathing grew slightly rapid, but within the rapidity he steadied himself, suddenly hugging her tightly, burying his head down.

She was nearly breathless from his sudden fierce grip, instinctively opening her mouth to breathe, and he immediately took the initiative, seeking her sweetness.

The kiss was like spring wind, pausing at her lips, yet not daring to go deeper. He breathed quietly, suddenly withdrawing, his lips sweeping across her white forehead, tender cheeks, slowly moving downward.

She was already unbearably restless, laughing softly once, taking the initiative again, guiding this person who was both sensitive and slow, opening up the sweet spring that belonged to him.

Bodies pressed together, each listening to the other’s heartbeat—the elegant music in complete silence, playing the beautiful heart song of the moment when human hearts connect. Your melody passionate, my rhythm steady, faintly achieving resonance, the most harmonious aria in the world.

Her body temperature was so fiery, the unchanging blazing boldness of this lifetime, not allowing escape, not accepting retreat. If you don’t know me, I’ll make you know; if you’re unwilling to know, I’ll still know because of you.

But he began to tremble slightly, uncontrollably shaking in gentle turns, trembling at fate’s power, at his heart’s turbulence, at the cries and secrets hidden deep in his bloodline.

Jing Hengbo’s eyelashes trembled slightly, completely absorbed in his scent and warmth, but suddenly felt that his body was not hot but cold in such circumstances, and in the sweetness between their lips, there was suddenly a faint trace of fishy smell.

Her heart jumped, and she opened her eyes. Gong Yin’s body holding her also suddenly stiffened, abruptly leaning backward.

Jing Hengbo was alarmed and quickly embraced him back. Fortunately, it was only for a moment before he stood straight—it seemed like just a stumble. He lowered his eyes, his face slightly pale but calm, still smiling at her.

This smile was indeed rare in its warmth and beauty, but her heart shook greatly.

With her understanding of Gong Yin, at this moment, he definitely wouldn’t smile. He might act cool, might act angry, might run away directly, might pretend nothing happened, but he absolutely wouldn’t smile!

This smile was clearly meant to comfort or numb her.

Had something happened?

At this moment she didn’t want to speak, only hugged his waist tighter, inquiring with her eyes.

He naturally could read it, but turned his gaze away, gently pulling away her hands, saying, “People from the city walls might come down at any time. Do you still want face or not?”

The sharp tongue was back, seemingly this was the normal him, but her doubts grew heavier.

Unease drifted like light haze, silently floating in the sky overhead. She vaguely felt she seemed to have changed somehow. Before today, she would wonder about his actions and subtle changes, but wouldn’t truly have her mood clouded by them. In her heart, he was strong, invulnerable, never needing her to worry about him.

However, today, she suddenly realized that her feelings had long been deeply planted, sprouts had already covered the fields, flowers everywhere could be gathered, truly awaiting her cherished care.

She also suddenly discovered that he was ultimately not a divine being. Facing wind-knives and frost-swords, undercurrents surging, worrying about this Dahuang’s national affairs while also worrying about people’s changeable hearts, and also worrying about her, not knowing whether she was enemy or friend.

“Gong Yin…” she held him, gently blowing by his ear, “I’ve figured it out, I understand now. There are some things I want to accompany you through together. Gong Yin, Gong Yin, shall we reform new Dahuang together? Shall we build a new world together? Shall we be the happiest queen and state preceptor pair in Dahuang’s history? I believe you can do it, and I can too. And I only want to do these things with you. Shall we do it together?”

The person above her head was silent for a long time.

She was immersed in her heart full of happiness and full expectations for a beautiful future, not feeling this silence was too long. His embrace was so addictive that she wanted to stay forever.

Feeling his gaze seemed to be directed toward the distance, she was somewhat dissatisfied and stood on tiptoe, nudging his chin, asking coquettishly, “Hmm?”

The moment her head lifted, he covered it with his palm, stopping her movement, withdrawing his gaze from the distant Kang Long Army formation.

For an instant, he concealed the worry in his eyes.

Gently saying, “Alright.”

…

The palace gates had closed. But the people hadn’t dispersed yet, always feeling there should be more to come, while also worrying about the Queen’s safety, all craning their necks waiting for the next news.

Unfortunately, some people were busy with unseemly activities, unaware that countless people cared about her.

Until someone on top of the palace walls received Gong Yin’s orders and raised flags signaling the Kang Long Army to disperse the people and quickly return home, everyone reluctantly realized that today’s great drama had truly ended.

As for who was hiding behind the scenes nibbling on lips, the audience had no fortune to see.

Once the Kang Long Army began dispersing people, everyone knew things had ended. Some soldiers surged onto the plaza and began cleaning up.

“Oh…” The people let out a sigh of unclear meaning. Some stretched their necks, still wanting to see what followed, while others stretched contentedly and began walking back—today they had certainly watched a great drama. Their emotions went from tense to intense to sad to fluctuating, following Her Majesty the Queen through life and death in a single day. Now that the dust had settled, within their subtle excitement was infinite comfort and satisfaction.

Just today’s experiences alone would be enough to slowly savor and boast about for a lifetime.

The six idiotic junior brothers carried away the wailing Yi Qi. They didn’t like the imperial palace. Yi Qi cried very sadly while they laughed very happily.

Yelu Qi stood for a long time at the edge of the field, watching the night on the celestial steps cool as water, feeling as if a single day had passed like a lifetime.

In that lifetime he had seen all her smiling courage and wisdom, then in the final moment awakened to realize her beauty didn’t belong to him.

He thought over and over about that moment when he struck to kill Sang Tong, when for the first time he forgot consequences and positions, one eye fixed on Sang Tong, the other watching her.

When the fire starter fell, his chest had also tightened as if about to explode, filled to bursting with this mortal world’s chaotic smoke and dust.

He slowly raised his hand near his chest, fingers curling.

As if wanting to brush away the dust on his heart, and also as if wanting to carefully roll up some emotion.

…

On the low hill not far away, someone stood quietly, facing the direction of the Imperial City Plaza, watching the soldiers on the field busily cleaning up, repairing palace walls, collecting fragments, putting Sang Tong’s corpse into cloth bags for burial.

Behind him stood people of various heights, all silent, suppressing their breathing, making the atmosphere seem heavy and murderous.

Night spread over, carrying moist dewdrops, wetting the corner of his robe, a small patch like the shadow of a nightmare.

His fingers hidden under his robe sleeves moved, and a cup of wine slowly poured onto the pale mountain rocks.

Pouring one cup to send off those departing forever.

The road ahead was still long.

When the wine was finished, he didn’t throw the cup. He just crouched down and gently buried the cup under those rocks.

What was buried was the cup, but also a vow.

Next year, when those who should die had died, this cup would be dug up again, filled with enemy blood, to sacrifice vengeful spirits.

There would be such a day.

He stood up, no longer looking at the plaza, turning lightly yet resolutely.

“Down the mountain.”

…

“Sang Tong is dead, we were unable to rescue her in time.”

“She brought it upon herself! She could have gone outside the city, but actually thought to use fire carriages to crash into Imperial Song! Her route passed right by my mansion!”

“She was also forced into desperation by Gong Yin. If she didn’t attract Gong Yin’s attention over there, her son couldn’t escape Imperial Song, and the Sang family would truly have no hope at all.”

“Does the Sang family have hope now? Yes, one Sang Tianxi escaped, so what?”

“Sir, don’t underestimate Sang Tianxi. For Sang Tong to have been proud of her son for so many years yet protect him so carefully, there must be a reason. I hear Sang Tianxi is extremely intelligent, a rare talent under heaven. Such people, if they don’t sing out, when they do it’s startling. In the future, the Sang family’s rise again through him is not impossible.”

“The Sang family are female priest hereditary families. What use is a man? Hmph.”

“Sir, adding flowers to brocade is never as good as sending charcoal in snow. If you ask me, Sang Tianxi is currently in difficult circumstances. Why don’t we lend a helping hand? We couldn’t help the Sang family in the Imperial Song Sang Tong incident, and we can’t guarantee Sang Tianxi won’t hold grudges. This way we can both resolve his resentment and control his movements. If he succeeds in the future, it’s also a handle to constrain him. For you and me it’s merely a small effort—why not?”

“What you say makes sense too.”

“But speaking of it, it’s also very interesting. Sang Tianxi really isn’t an ordinary person—he actually didn’t…”

“Oh? Really didn’t…?”

“Yes, which is why I feel this is a person worth helping.”

“Hehe, I’ve also become somewhat interested. But thinking of Dahuang’s recent situation, I feel we can’t be optimistic. I always feel Gong Yin’s attitude is ambiguous, and Yelu Qi also seems wrong. Looking at Gong Yin’s manner, I really worry he’ll have a moment of confusion and modify the laws, truly elevating that queen to a position of real power. That woman is sinister and cunning, and now has won the people’s hearts. If she truly grasps real power, how can you and I have peaceful days?”

“Sir, you’re overthinking. How could Gong Yin possibly hand over his kingdom? Even if he wanted to, would his subordinates agree? If you ask me, this Imperial Song incident—though on the surface the queen won countless popular support, in reality it’s a disaster, not a blessing for the queen.”

“You mean… the military?”

“Exactly. What does winning some popular support matter? Do the people have swords? Can they fight wars? Can they protect her? But what kind of fate awaits someone who offends the Kang Long Army? Dahuang’s true strong army protecting the royal city, the steel barrier stationed between Dahuang and the six nations and eight tribes, controlling the strongest force—the Kang Long Army—once they develop hostility toward the queen, can she smoothly ascend to the throne?”

“Hasn’t Cheng Gumo already been suspended? The next step should be Gong Yin replacing the general.”

“Who can he replace him with? The Kang Long Army has acknowledged Cheng Gumo as master much earlier than Gong Yin! No matter who he changes to, they’re all Cheng Gumo’s trusted associates! Cheng Gumo has extremely high prestige throughout Gong Yin’s entire faction. He was the earliest general to support Gong Yin taking the State Preceptor position, the most loyal dog who fought with his life for him during the Imperial Song incident that year, the benefactor who once saved Gong Yin’s life in dangerous circumstances. In this incident, he is the victim no matter what. If he’s further punished, how can Gong Yin’s subordinates not feel cold and angry? By moving against him, Gong Yin moves against his own foundation, against all his followers’ loyalty!”

“Haha excellent, now Gong Yin is truly roasting over fire.”

“That depends on how much genuine feeling he has for the queen, how much he’s willing to compromise. In my view, men’s ambitions lie in the world—women are but clothing and shoes. Why sacrifice great undertakings for a woman? Gong Yin has held great power for years with countless followers, and must obtain the highest position and cannot not obtain it. Logically he shouldn’t be so foolish. In this world, where is there a man who loves beautiful women more than kingdoms… Hehe, don’t glare—this world’s women are mediocre and incompetent, but naturally that doesn’t include you.”

“Hehe, we women in politics don’t consider ourselves women anymore. In my heart, I’d rather Gong Yin be foolish to the end.”

“Or perhaps we could make him more foolish… Didn’t they say Sang Tianxi knows some secrets about Gong Yin?”

“Oh? I’d like to hear the details.”

…

Jing Hengbo’s little days recently had been going quite well.

Two words to describe it: sweet. Three words: too sweet!

Every morning she woke up in a pleasant mood, and upon opening her eyes could see her beloved person’s… eaves.

In a pleasant mood she brushed teeth and washed face, and when eating breakfast had her beloved person’s… guards for company.

In a pleasant mood she finished breakfast, then could go to the Quiet Courtyard with her beloved person to… hold meetings.

…Well, it didn’t sound that interesting. She had some complaints at first, but after listening to several days of governance, she was also satisfied and became spirited again.

Because she had just discovered that originally, governing a country was so annoying, so tiring, with so many matters!

She only now knew that Gong Yin slept only two hours each day. If you subtracted the time he spent practicing martial arts, he probably slept even less. And since the Sang Tong incident, he seemed busier than before, frequently leaving the palace to inspect the Kang Long Army camp and meet with various generals. Jing Hengbo knew his recent pressure was considerable—there were even faint wrinkles between his brows. Though these shallow lines made him look more dignified, they always made her heart ache. Sometimes she couldn’t help wanting to reach out and smooth them, but he always found ways to avoid her, or simply stared at her coldly. Being stared at didn’t matter—thick-skinned Jing Hengbo would continue next time. Usually he was the one who surrendered, either leading her to a hidden corner to let her touch once, or simply smoothing them himself, cutting off her thoughts. As time passed, whenever he frowned, she would look at his brow, and he would habitually touch his brow and relax it. Watching this, Jing Hengbo’s heart bloomed with joy—ha, getting the great god to have small habits wasn’t easy, and this was something she had cultivated!

In her sweet mood, every little change in the other person seemed like the world’s greatest achievement and happiness. She was immersed in such subtle and beautiful discoveries, never tiring of them.

Therefore, she was now more acutely aware of Gong Yin’s pressure, which could also be seen from each court meeting. Jing Hengbo had currently fought for the right to attend court sessions. She was also very smart to truly just attend court, not saying a word, behaving properly. The ministers were uncomfortable at first, speaking with many concerns, but gradually got used to her presence, no longer feeling anything improper, and speaking became natural. Through this, Jing Hengbo heard much and learned much, gaining clearer understanding of Dahuang’s court factions, political systems, official hierarchies, operational models, internal and external commerce, national diplomacy, and so on. It could be said that now if she were asked to take charge of court affairs, though she dared not claim to handle everything perfectly, she definitely wouldn’t be blind.

Because Jing Hengbo had turned the tide in the Sang Tong incident, now some officials in court were gradually changing their views of her. On one hand, these relatively upright officials knew the queen now had very high popular approval, and indeed had great merit in the Sang Tong incident. If not for her, the granaries in the west of the city would likely have been burned, causing heavy losses with far-reaching consequences. Not to mention if ten fire carriages had truly crashed intact into the busiest Liuli Square night market, the disaster would have been almost destructive, far from the current outcome of just a few deaths. So they couldn’t help but respect her. On the other hand, some officials’ relatives and friends had also been in the night market that day, more or less owing Jing Hengbo life-saving grace, naturally holding gratitude in their hearts. When meeting in the palace, these people’s etiquette was much more respectful than before. Led by the great sage Chang Fang, a group of noble old ministers even wanted to request honorary titles for the queen. Of course, this was shelved by a group of opposition who argued that since the queen had not yet formally ascended the throne, honorary titles could not be randomly requested.

Of course there were also those who were unreasonable, such as Xuanyuan Jing and others, who actually said the Sang Tong incident was provoked by Jing Hengbo’s unauthorized actions, and that the Queen should be held accountable for unauthorized targeting of court officials and causing upheaval. Though the Queen later made some remedial efforts, she was the cause of the incident—without her there would have been no such disaster. Therefore, the two lives burned to death in the night market and the seven injured should all be counted against her. Naturally, such extremely biased accusations were met with angry verbal attacks from upright officials led by Chang Fang. After three rounds of verbal battles and upgraded physical combat, the matter ended in a draw.

For Jing Hengbo herself, rewards or punishments were meaningless. In her view, this was her country, these were her subjects. Exercising her queenly authority and protecting her subjects were equally important. Having a group of ministers judge her rights and wrongs was truly laughable. However, she believed such laughable days wouldn’t last much longer.

However, in court meetings, some matters were still intentionally or unintentionally kept from her. For instance, regarding her formal coronation date, they had argued seven or eight times without reaching a decision. The Imperial Observatory said that in the next two years, celestial stars would oppose the sun, bringing danger of dynastic change to the nation, making it inappropriate to hold coronation ceremonies. A considerable portion of ministers supported this, including both Yelu Qi’s faction and Gong Yin’s faction, as well as old noble families like Xuanyuan Jing’s, and leaders from the six nations and eight tribes. This made Jing Hengbo helplessly realize that Dahuang’s court had indeed never welcomed her, understanding that no matter how brilliantly she shone among the people, these ministers who only cared about personal interests always thought of their own wealth and honor, their families’ centuries of prosperity.

On this matter, Gong Yin’s attitude was somewhat ambiguous. He didn’t agree with the claim that formal coronation couldn’t happen for two years, but neither did he demand immediate coronation—he seemed to be waiting for something. Only some ministers who belonged to no particular faction and came from humble origins firmly opposed this, along with a group of old ministers led by the great sage Chang Fang who no longer held positions of real power. Since the Queen’s coronation date was a major matter concerning national fortune, as long as anyone opposed it, it was difficult to reach agreement, so the matter was temporarily shelved.

Another matter Jing Hengbo found difficult to access was military affairs, especially those involving the Kang Long Army. After the Cheng Gumo incident, the Kang Long Army was reportedly somewhat restless, with generals frequently coming to petition Gong Yin, requesting cancellation of Cheng Gumo’s punishment. During these days, Cheng Gumo stayed in his mansion reflecting behind closed doors, truly seeing no one, neither networking nor begging Gong Yin for mercy, nor mentioning his son’s hatred, nor uttering another word of complaint. In his mansion he drank wine and read books. Some subordinates secretly went to look and all said General Cheng had almost turned white-haired overnight, his mansion filled with sorrowful clouds and mist, crying heard nightly, servants walking like ghosts—truly a pitiful sight.

If this person had been jumping around frantically, he might still inspire wariness, but his current weak posture instead evoked greater sympathy. People always tend to side with the weak. Throughout Dahuang’s court and countryside, public opinion gradually shifted. Some upright officials who originally knew some truth and didn’t quite approve of Cheng Gumo’s actions that day now also felt Cheng Gumo was innocent and Gong Yin heartless, calling for his reinstatement. If even such people felt this way, what of those young generals in Gong Yin’s faction who originally followed Cheng Gumo’s lead? Many even proposed trying the Queen and pursuing charges against her for killing Cheng Yaozu. Such memorials arrived daily, but Gong Yin suppressed them all without response.

Yelu Qi had also emerged from the Zhao Ming Office. After the priest tower collapsed, the Zhao Ming Office was mysteriously struck by lightning and collapsed as well, forcing Yelu Qi’s early release. After the Sang Tong incident, officials from Yelu Qi’s faction all impeached the guards responsible for the western granaries for dereliction of duty, as well as the three main Kang Long camps responsible for city center defense for failing in their duties. They also presented new evidence that the War family was behind the Queen’s assassination attempt during the welcoming ceremony. Under these circumstances, Gong Yin chose to tacitly allow Yelu Qi to return home, resuming his position after half a month. But precisely because of this, he saw that the Deputy Minister of Justice responsible for handling the Queen’s assassination case secretly belonged to Yelu Qi. Before long, using the excuse of poor handling of the assassination case, he rooted out the Deputy Minister of Justice who had secretly joined Yelu Qi’s camp, demoting and transferring him far away, cutting off another capable arm from the Left State Preceptor’s faction.

For Yelu Qi, sacrificing the Deputy Minister of Justice was aimed at clearing himself. Using a high-ranking Justice Ministry insider cultivated over many years, he secured his position as Left State Preceptor. Gong Yin tacitly understood this. This was another under-the-table game between the two State Preceptors, ultimately choosing balance through unspoken understanding.

These matters weren’t mentioned in court meetings, and Gong Yin would never tell Jing Hengbo about them. However, Jing Hengbo could glean the general situation from Zirui’s scattered words—politics had always been such a complex thing.

She inevitably worried about this but didn’t show it—not relying on the great god to solve everything, but feeling that for the great god, her bouncing around happily and cheerfully teasing him every day was the best state. She just needed to show him her happiness.

Pressure had always been a politician’s seasoning for three daily meals. As a qualified girlfriend, how should she help her boyfriend relieve pressure? Simply put—if he loves you, showing him your smile is enough!

Let him feel his efforts have protected you, that you are his greatest achievement.

Jing Hengbo was willing to be a heartless, brainless silly woman—being shrewd behind the scenes was sufficient.

So she said nothing in court meetings, but made other preparations privately. She had a private negotiation with Chang Fang, mainly asking the old man to temporarily give up fighting for early coronation.

The old man stared at her blankly for a long time, then said disappointedly, “The Queen doesn’t want early coronation? Their claim about two years of celestial opposition is obviously a delaying excuse. You know the longer the night, the more dreams come.”

Seeing his expression, Jing Hengbo knew he was probably inwardly criticizing her for having shallow ambitions focused only on men. She couldn’t help laughing heartily, “That’s why I said temporarily!”

“May I ask Your Majesty’s meaning?” The old man blinked, not understanding.

“Retreat one step to advance one step.” Jing Hengbo smiled and leaned close to his ear, “Your opposition must be giving those fellows quite a headache, right? So once you relax the pressure, won’t they breathe easier? If you show you’re willing to negotiate, won’t they hurry to cooperate with you? You just pretend to give in for now and win me some freedom!”

The next day, Chang Fang acted completely out of character, no longer aggressively demanding immediate establishment of the Queen’s coronation date. The opposition was overjoyed and therefore agreed to one of Chang Fang’s requests regarding the Queen—Chang Fang believed that since Her Majesty was postponing coronation, requirements for her shouldn’t be judged by standards for a reigning Queen of Dahuang. Therefore, the Queen should be allowed certain freedoms to leave the palace and financial freedom, facilitating her observation of people’s livelihoods and understanding of national conditions. All various restrictive rules and standards for the Queen should be halved, and the Queen should be allowed authority over affairs within her palace quarters.

Politics had always been full of compromise—if you compromise on this, I should correspondingly compromise on that. For the opposition, preventing the Queen’s coronation was the big issue. Other things like freedom rights, leaving the palace to be close to the people, some money, authority over her own palace—these were small matters.

When Jing Hengbo learned this news, she grinned. Turning back to instruct old Chang Fang: “Remember to bring up the Queen’s early coronation again in a month or two!”

Old Chang Fang stumbled and nearly fell over. Getting up, he stared wide-eyed for a long time, then walked away shakily. Reaching the palace gates, he looked back and couldn’t help squinting his eyes with a smile.

“Courageous and resourceful, able to advance and retreat, retaining the tiger’s fierce bravery while not losing the fox’s cunning. Having such a Queen is Dahuang’s fortune!”

He nodded with satisfaction, “Even if this old man bears the stain of inconsistency, so what? It’s worth it!”

…

Jing Hengbo felt no guilt whatsoever that her black-hearted scheme would soon tarnish a noble sage’s reputation—why be so unrealistic? Good people occasionally doing bad things have more impact!

As for whether those opponents would be furious when old Chang Fang emerged again months later demanding the Queen’s coronation, she couldn’t care less.

Having solved one small matter, she was in good spirits and decided that besides conquering Imperial Song’s markets, her most important recent task was—training her boyfriend!

Training boyfriends starts with habits.

Early morning, birds calling, wind blowing, high covers, good sleep.

The door was hastily opened, and female official Zirui hurried in.

“Your Majesty, Your Majesty,” she went straight to the window, bowing toward the high pile of bedding, “You should get up!”

No movement.

“Your Majesty.” Zirui checked the time—it was indeed early, but the problem was, this was the time Her Majesty the Queen had repeatedly instructed her to wake her at last night.

“Your Majesty…”

The bedding rolled over, flipping from east to west of the bed, shaped like a turtle shell.

“Your Majesty, it’s time.”

“Mm…” A snow-white arm suddenly emerged from the bedding, heavily striking the bed surface. The voice that came out was full of dreamy nasal tones that could make young men worldwide hot-blooded, “Don’t bother me… don’t bother me…”

“Your Majesty!” Zirui gathered her strength and delivered the most devastating line.

“You said you wanted to get up early to accompany the State Preceptor brushing teeth, washing face, and eating breakfast! You’ve said this for two days without doing it—this is the third time! If you don’t get up, this servant will never call you again!”

The bedding bundle suddenly sprang up. The disheveled Queen sat straight up in bed, hair flying everywhere, both cheeks bearing full pillow marks.

“Damn it, failed twice already—today I must go.” Someone muttered.

Zirui’s lips curved slightly. The two failures weren’t actually because the Queen was too lazy, but purely because the State Preceptor didn’t want the Queen getting up early, arranging for Meng Hu to simply press the Queen’s sleep acupoint. She couldn’t bear seeing the Queen’s disappointed expression upon waking each day, so today she came early to call her.

“Get up!” Once Jing Hengbo made a decision, she was also action-oriented. Still drowsy, she threw a punch at the sky and jumped down to dress.

Zirui felt pleased, thinking it was wonderful to see such a Queen.

The Queen didn’t hide her special treatment of the Right State Preceptor. She was naturally the most bright and free person, so gradually there was talk in the palace saying the Queen and State Preceptor’s good news was probably imminent. In Dahuang, the Queen and State Preceptor were the official pairing—no one found it strange, and most offered blessings. After all, though this new Queen was a bit odd and spoke in incomprehensible ways, she was beautiful and approachable, without airs, treating people kindly, much loved by palace staff.

Jing Hengbo hurriedly dressed while rummaging through her box. She remembered there was a set of travel toiletries in the box.

While searching through the box, she suddenly noticed something new on the shelf in her small compartment—a small box. She took it down and opened it to find several short red paper tubes inside. She recognized these as communication fireworks, called signal cannons in Dahuang.

There was a note in the box, scrawled with: “Wife, when you miss me, light one. I’ll immediately come to your side on auspicious clouds. If I’m very busy, I’ll send those guys on carts to your side. Feel free to love me passionately or cruelly abuse them. Missing you. Yi Qi.”

Below was a duck-shit green mark. Jing Hengbo held it up to the sunlight and discovered it was a… lip print made with green nail polish.

A nail polish lip print…

She remembered Yi Qi’s lips coated with duck-shit green nail polish, pressing a fierce kiss on the paper. She immediately felt numb all over, surrounded by the pungent smell of nail polish…

How are idiots made?

Idiots are born that way!

She laughed heartily for a while, then still put the things away. After finding what she was looking for, she stood in the courtyard and did several breathing exercises.

It wasn’t that she suddenly wanted to practice martial arts, but recently every morning after getting up, she would feel qi stirring in her chest. Not releasing it felt uncomfortable. She instinctively followed the feeling of qi circulation, using yoga’s abdominal breathing method for guidance. She found her body extremely comfortable afterward, and the entire day she would be energetic and clear, feeling adorable all over.

After several rounds of qi guidance, she opened her eyes, purple qi flashing briefly between her brows.

After finishing her breathing exercises, she dove into the kitchen. The small kitchen was steamy, and Cui Jie poked her head out from behind the stove, saying, “The green rice for porridge is prepared. You said you wanted to wash it personally, so I haven’t touched it.”

Seeing her, Jing Hengbo stopped, thinking of how she’d neglected her since coming to Dahuang, suddenly feeling apologetic.

“There are palace maids to do these things—you don’t need to get up so early.”

“I couldn’t sleep anyway.” Cui Jie answered simply. Jing Hengbo looked at her and suddenly felt she seemed thinner in the mist, her personality no longer as carefree as when at Fenglai Qi, becoming much more silent.

Dahuang was an unfamiliar place after all. She depended on Jing Hengbo but didn’t receive her attention, so perhaps her inner desolation showed in her expression.

Jing Hengbo’s heart immediately softened. Thinking of their journey from Fenglai Qi to Dahuang, thousands of li accompanied by just these three people—Jing Jun was a medicine jar who stayed indoors all day, Yong Xue was young and recently sent to the female officials’ department. She didn’t plan to make her a female official, but at least she could learn some characters. Only Cui Jie remained alone, which was indeed too lonely.

“Then I’ll wash the rice.” She smiled at Cui Jie, taking the rice basin from her and walking out.

Cui Jie seemed stunned by her smile, staring blankly. Jing Hengbo had already passed her. Cui Jie hesitated, then suddenly said, “Da Bo…”

Jing Hengbo turned back, “Hmm?”

The morning light was misty as fog, but her smile was so bright and beautiful. Anyone could see she was so happy and joyful, even her brows seemed more spirited than before.

Cui Jie stared at her smile, saying with some difficulty, “Sorry, Da Bo, about that box back then…”

Jing Hengbo quickly waved her hand, “Ah, about the box—don’t worry about it. I know you didn’t do it on purpose.”

Cui Jie’s remaining words were blocked. She opened her mouth, wanting to say something but ultimately didn’t. After a long moment she changed topics: “Do you know why I get up early to cook every day?”

“Can’t sleep?” Jing Hengbo smiled. “If you can’t sleep, count sheep—I taught you that.”

“Because Jing Jun always wanted to manage your meals,” Cui Jie said slowly. “Her health isn’t good, so I thought, I’ll do it instead.”

“Really? Actually, I think neither of you need to. You’re my friends, sisters, not servants.” Jing Hengbo put down the rice basin and patted her hand. “Don’t do it anymore.”

“Then what can I do? Can I be your female official?”

Jing Hengbo was startled and looked at her sideways. “Cui Jie, you’re very strange today.”

Cui Jie smiled and lowered her head to knead dough. “Really? Maybe when people change environments and meet different people, they gradually become strange.”

“What you say makes sense—I really couldn’t tell you were so philosophical.” Jing Hengbo teased her playfully, then grew serious. “Cui Jie, about the female official position—forget it. You, or Jing Jun, I don’t want either of you involved in Dahuang’s internal politics. This isn’t something you should worry about. Just be good best friends. In the future, I’ll give you generous dowries, find you suitable husbands, and marry you all off grandly—that would be perfect!” She smiled slowly, rarely serious, with a touch of melancholy. “I used to have three good friends too, best friends I grew up with. Later we got separated. I always think that since I’m Queen now, I should try to do well so when I meet them again, I can protect them. Mm, thinking of them seeing me and bowing down shouting ‘Your Majesty the Queen’ makes me very happy hahahaha. Especially if that tomboy Taishi Lan shouted that to me once, I’d die laughing hahaha…” She laughed maniacally for a while, wiping away tears from laughing, then turned to stare at Cui Jie. “I don’t know why, but seeing you three reminds me of them. All groups of three—you have some of Taishi Lan’s tough woman personality, Yong Xue is a bit like that honest child Jun Ke, Jing Jun isn’t like anyone—Wen Zhen was much healthier than her… See, I always like pairing you with them, so I’m always thinking of three people, as if seeing you is like seeing those three. Maybe this is that transfer thing?” She laughed again, gripping Cui Jie’s arm and staring into her eyes. “I am Queen. When I make decisions, I’ll do what I should do. As for you all—stay well, not one less, and that’s enough!”

Cui Jie looked up, staring blankly at Jing Hengbo. She was used to Jing Hengbo’s unpredictability and unconventional behavior, but saying so much at once like this was truly a first.

No, not just the first time saying so much, but these seemingly still crazy words hid emotions—the longing, missing, and remembrance from her laughing life that she never spoke of to others.

Only now did she understand the meaning of this seemingly dispensable trio to Jing Hengbo.

They were her sustenance, her longing, her stable foundation after wandering alone to Dahuang. Having them was like having sisters nearby, so she was willing to trust wholeheartedly.

She was actually so afraid of loneliness.

Cui Jie’s eyes suddenly grew wet.

There was a feeling, vague and unclear, not quite understood, yet comprehensible.

In this moment, she also developed determination, confusion and hesitation crystallizing into solid emotion, like a barrier slowly unfolding.

“Don’t worry.” She patted Jing Hengbo’s hand back. “Everything will be fine.”

Jing Hengbo had already withdrawn her hand, again with a face of casual indifference. Glancing at the sky, she cried out in alarm, “Oh no, almost too late, speed speed.” While hurriedly carrying the basin to the well, Zirui drew water, she randomly stirred with her hands a few times to show she’d personally washed it, then threw the rice basin to Zirui and hurried next door.

Today, she was going to show love and care!