That evening, as expected, the reconnaissance team sent by Kumor was quickly discovered, forcing them to abandon the planned ambush.

Early the next morning, the heavy snowfall that had lasted for several days finally ceased. However, the weather grew even colder, with knee-deep snow covering the ground.

Feeling concerned, I wrapped myself in a cloak and went to Minjia’s tent to check on Xiao Huan as soon as I got up. To my surprise, neither Minjia nor he was there.

Why would he wander around in such cold weather? I asked several personal guards about Minjia and Xiao Huan’s whereabouts, but none could tell me. I had no choice but to return to my tent. Though I wore deerskin boots, my feet had grown numb from trudging through the snow for so long.

Back in my tent, just as I was about to remove my boots to warm them by the fire, there was a rustling at the entrance. To my surprise, Kumor entered with Xiao Huan, holding his hand.

Seeing me, Kumor smiled, “Cangcang, you’re here too.”

Isn’t that obvious? Weren’t you the one who told me to stay here? Where else would I be?

Thinking this, I rose with a smile, “Yes, Great Khan. What brings you here so early?”

“Hmm.” Kumor nodded with a smile. “Little White was right. The reconnaissance team we sent last night was spotted by the city guards right away. Cangcang, this fellow countryman of yours is quite remarkable indeed.”

Even Kumor has started calling Xiao Huan ‘Little White’?

I maintained a fake smile, “He just likes to ramble sometimes. Usually, he’s quite foolish. Great Khan, you’re giving him too much credit.”

“That’s not true,” Kumor seemed to genuinely value Xiao Huan, immediately objecting while patting his shoulder, “Today I brought Little White to the council meeting. Many of his insights were unique. The tribal princes were very impressed, and I like him very much too.”

“Thank you for your praise, Great Khan,” Xiao Huan said with a gentle smile.

Thank what? This fool doesn’t even know to keep a low profile while in enemy territory!

“Little White, don’t be so modest. I’m very pleased to have discovered someone so talented among my subordinates,” Kumor sighed, patting Xiao Huan’s shoulder. “If only you weren’t so physically weak. Otherwise, you could mount a horse and fight, becoming one of my tiger generals.”

If he could mount a horse and fight, he definitely wouldn’t be your tiger general but your formidable enemy, I thought with an internal laugh, feeling there was nothing more to say.

“Oh right,” Kumor seemed to remember something and said to Xiao Huan, “Little White, wait here for a moment. I have some matters to discuss.”

Xiao Huan nodded, “Please proceed, Great Khan.”

Kumor turned and left without even glancing at me.

After Kumor left the tent, I glared at Xiao Huan somewhat angrily, “Our Emperor seems to be getting quite comfortable in the Jurchen camp. In a few days, when you let Kumor break through your Shanhai Pass and occupy your Forbidden City, then let him grant you the title of Great Khan, your grand mission will be complete!”

“That makes sense,” Xiao Huan nodded, furrowing his brows in mock contemplation. “When Kumor thinks victory is certain, I’ll stage a rebellion and drive him from the dragon throne, then become Emperor myself. This way, no one can say I inherited the throne through ancestral fortune, right?”

“You…” There was nothing more to say to him. I snorted and sat down by the fire basin, continuing to remove my boots.

The boots were tall, and my legs were stiff. I struggled to take them off.

“Did you go out?” Xiao Huan asked, noticing the watermarks on my boots.

“Yes, I wanted to check on you, but couldn’t find you. Now my feet are frozen stiff,” I snorted lightly. “Given your subject’s thoughtfulness, would Your Majesty help me remove them?”

“Don’t walk too much in the snow. Your feet could get frostbite,” he said, actually kneeling on one knee and grasping my ankle to help remove the boot. Through my socks, he gently massaged my foot. “First stimulate blood flow, then warm by the fire. Otherwise, you might get chilblains.”

We were very close. His clean, pine-like scent lingered near my nose. His black hair, tied with silk ribbons, fell from his shoulders onto my leg. I reached out to gather his hair, “What kind of man lets his hair fall all over like this?”

“What are you doing?” Kumor’s voice suddenly rang out from the tent entrance.

I hurriedly pushed Xiao Huan away, “Great Khan…”

“You slut!” Kumor roared in fury, his sword-like eyebrows standing straight up.

What kind of situation is this? Do I get called a slut just for being intimate with my husband? While internally complaining, I tried to explain to Kumor with a forced smile, “Let me explain, Great Khan…”

“I’m heartbroken!” Kumor suddenly shouted, drawing the sword from his waist and bringing it down toward Xiao Huan’s head.

“No!” The blade moved too fast – I only managed to cry out one word before it reached my eyes. Without thinking, I threw myself in front of Xiao Huan.

The great sword stopped abruptly. Xiao Huan had reached out, his fingers firmly pinching the cicada-wing-thin blade. A drop of fresh blood trickled down his pale finger.

I followed the blade’s edge to see Kumor gripping the sword, his brows furrowed. His expression was strange for a moment, but then his dove-gray eyes gradually filled with deep sorrow: “I’m heartbroken.”

He stared unblinkingly at Xiao Huan, pain flowing from his eyes: “Little White, I’m heartbroken. Do you actually like women? I thought…”

He dejectedly withdrew his sword, shaking his head slightly: “I always thought I liked women too until I saw you at Minmin’s yesterday. Only then did I realize what I’d been searching for all along… Never mind, I was mistaken.”

Wait, what’s with these ambiguous and sorrowful words?

Didn’t this man say just days ago that he wanted my heart? How did he suddenly develop such feelings for my husband? We couldn’t tell in the palace, but is Xiao Huan’s face so captivating to both men and women?

I stared blankly at Kumor, then at Xiao Huan who was lowering his head with tightly pressed lips, my eyes growing wider and wider.

“Um,” I quickly jumped up from the ground, “It’s all a misunderstanding… you two talk first, I’ll go find Minjia, ha…” As I spoke, I hastily grabbed my deerskin boots from the ground, put them on messily, grabbed a cloak, and ran out.

Standing in the snow, I took two deep breaths of cold air, knocked my head, and after becoming somewhat clearer-headed, hurriedly took three steps in two, running toward Minjia’s large tent. In any case, I needed to find a place to calm down first.

Minjia had returned by then and was examining a map in her tent. Seeing me, she happily greeted, “Cangcang, you’re here? Little White was taken away by my brother, he’s not here.”

“I know he’s not here,” I forced a laugh and sat on the wooden chair beside Minjia.

“Then you came to see me? I’m very happy,” Minjia stopped looking at anything else and smiled at me.

Of these siblings, one says “I’m heartbroken,” and the other says “I’m very happy” – what a coincidence.

I shook my head, “Minjia, let’s talk about some interesting stories. I want to find something to discuss.”

“Sure,” Minjia nodded, resting her chin on her hand, smiling at me, “You go first, Cangcang.”

“Alright,” I shook my head, “Then I’ll tell you a story. During the Warring States period, there was an extremely handsome man called Lord Longyang. He outshone all the women, so the King of Wei…” I spat several times: “This story isn’t good, let me tell you another. During the Han Dynasty, there was a person called Dong Xian, a heavenly beautiful youth. The emperor liked him…” Ptui ptui ptui, how did I end up talking about cut sleeves again? Why is my mind full of such things now? It’s all Kumor’s fault, he nearly scared my soul right out of me.

Throughout history, many emperors kept male favorites, but rarely did an emperor become someone else’s favorite. In that sense, Xiao Huan could be considered a pioneer. Ptui, what kind of precedent is that worth setting? Never mind the ancestors of the Xiao family crawling out of their imperial tombs to strangle me, the empress who couldn’t properly manage her husband – just as a joke, it would make people laugh their teeth out.

Truly, there could be no greater tragedy in this world.

“Cangcang, what’s wrong?” Minjia waved her jade-like hand in front of my eyes, “You look like you’re about to cry.”

About to become a sinner for the ages, to be spat upon – no, more likely to be ridiculed. How could I not cry?

I held back my tears, “Let’s talk about childhood stories instead.”

“Alright.” Particularly patient with me today, Minjia smiled and agreed, “Cangcang, did you have someone you liked before? Tell me about it.”

Someone I liked? Girls do love hearing these kinds of stories. I smiled, and the first person to appear in my mind wasn’t Xian Xue or Kumor, but Xiao Huan – that young man in light blue robes with a gentle smile in the autumn wind of Jiangnan.

Did I like Xiao Huan? Of course, I did. Once you’ve liked someone, how could you forget?

It’s just that later, too many things piled up between us, making it impossible to let go.

I took a breath and smiled at Minjia, “The person I liked is already dead.”

“Ah…” Minjia let out a soft cry, her face showing a somewhat sad expression, “That’s a sad story too.”

“It’s not sad,” I smiled, feeling somewhat distressed, “This story isn’t interesting. Why don’t you tell me your story instead?”

“Alright, I’ll tell one.” Minjia didn’t decline, pausing before saying, “However, what I want to tell is also a very sad story.”

“A very sad story?” I said with some surprise. The word ‘sad’ seemed unsuited to come from this bright girl’s lips.

“Yes, very sad.” Minjia said, letting out a light sigh before beginning, “It was when I was very young. My mother was always following my father on campaigns east and west, unable to take care of me, so they left me in the care of Nanny Suna. Nanny Suna was the closest person to me when I was little. She was very good to me, loving me like her own daughter, and taking care of me every day. One day, Nanny Suna needed to go to a far-away market. I insisted on going, so she took me along.”

Minjia spoke very slowly, her beautiful face taking on a reminiscent expression: “The market that day was really lively, and I was very happy. But when Nanny Suna and I were returning, we encountered heavy snow. Just like now, snow wouldn’t stop for days. Our old horse was frightened by wolves in the snow, lost its way, and we became trapped in the snowstorm.

“The snow got heavier and heavier, the wind picked up, and gradually it became difficult even to stand. Nanny Suna had no choice but to take me to find shelter from the snow. We hid under a hill, with no food and no clothes for warmth. I was cold and hungry, constantly wanting to sleep. In the snow, once you fall asleep, you never wake up again, so Nanny Suna kept holding me, singing songs, and telling me stories.

“Nanny Suna’s voice was so beautiful, as gentle as when she would lull me to sleep every night at home. I kept listening, but later I couldn’t hold on anymore and dozed off at some point. When I woke up again, I was back in my mother’s tent. Apart from being a bit shocked, I was completely fine, but Nanny Suna never made it back alive. In the heavy snow, afraid I would freeze, she even took off her fur coat to wrap around me, holding me to keep me warm, while she froze to death.”

As Minjia spoke, her beautiful big eyes misted over: “Later, I often thought, if a person, when you’re in danger, only thinks about saving you, only wants you to be alright, never thinking about whether they might die in the process, then they must truly love you, far more than they love themselves. So I think, Nanny Suna must have loved me very much, perhaps even more than my mother and father did.”

Minjia suddenly raised her head, looking at me with those tear-filled eyes: “Cangcang, I really like Little White, and I’m very happy when I’m with him, but I always feel something is missing. Do you know? At the walls of Shanhai Pass, when you came to save me without regard for your safety, looking at you reminded me of Nanny Suna.”

What was she trying to say? For the second time today, I froze, staring uneasily at Minjia’s eyes full of expectation and… affection.

Girls are always especially enchanting when they have such a look in their eyes, but I felt chills running through my body. Could these siblings share the same interests?

Weren’t we talking about sad memories? How did we end up here? When she asked me to talk about someone I liked, was her intention to take the opportunity to confess her feelings?

A lovely blush appeared on Minjia’s face as she slowly leaned closer to me. That beautiful face drew nearer and nearer, and I suddenly held my breath.

“Princess Min, the Great Khan summons you to the council tent,” a guard’s announcement came timely from the entrance.

“I understand, I’ll go right away,” Minjia responded with a smile, finally moving her face away from mine. She stood up and took my hand, “Cangcang, let’s go together. You’re not an outsider, my brother won’t mind.”

Not an outsider? As your brother’s woman, or as your… what? My body had completely stiffened, but I let her lead me along.

The council tent reeked of alcohol, with bearded tribal princes sitting cross-legged everywhere, their shouts merging into one, small tables piled high with meat and wine.

Minjia casually greeted the princes while pulling me across carelessly strewn wolf skin cushions, approaching Kumor: “Brother, I’m here.”

Kumor was pulling Xiao Huan to sit on his knee. Xiao Huan’s white fox fur coat had been thrown aside, and the collar of his blue cloth garment underneath was half-open, revealing his fair collarbone.

The silk ribbon that tied his hair had disappeared somewhere, his black hair falling messily over his shoulders. His cheeks were slightly flushed as he sipped wine from the cup Kumor offered.

Heavens, how could this bewitching appearance possibly be that of an emperor? He looked exactly like a male favorite!

“Minmin, we’re not discussing official business today, just eating meat and drinking wine. Cangcang, join us too,” Kumor seemed in high spirits, raising another cup of wine to Xiao Huan’s lips, “Little White, have another cup!”

“Great Khan, if you continue like this, I’ll get drunk,” Xiao Huan smiled, pressing his pale, slender fingers against Kumor’s chest in mock resistance.

I covered my face and turned away. What ancestral temples and historical records? What imperial ancestors of the Xiao family? I had worried too much on his behalf – he seemed quite happy playing the role of an emperor who could charm both men and women!

Though I couldn’t see, I heard Minjia’s lively voice: “Brother, I’ll let you have Little White if you’ll let me have Cangcang.”

…This was the most confusing day of my life. If any Bodhisattvas were listening, I hoped they would send someone as fierce as Xing Yiyong to kick me in the head and knock me out right there.

That night, Kumor kept Xiao Huan in the council tent for a long time, and later seemed to take him out horseback riding, apparently not returning to the tent until very late, and never returning to the main tent to sleep.

Minjia wanted to share a tent with me, but I firmly refused and returned to Kumor’s main tent.

After a night of continuous nightmares, before I could even get up in the morning, I saw Minjia sitting by my bedside with a hurt expression.

“What are you doing?” I sat up alertly, pulling the covers tight.

“Cangcang, Little White is dying,” Minjia sniffled, her nose red.

My heart skipped a beat as I finally realized Little White meant Xiao Huan: “What?”

“After my brother sent Little White back to my tent last night, he kept coughing up blood. I called for Elder Hedu, who said Little White had been poisoned, and there was nothing he could do. He told me to prepare for his funeral. Cangcang, what should we do? I didn’t expect Little White to be so weak. He’s dying, what should we do?” Minjia’s tone was sorrowful but without much worry. No matter how much she liked Xiao Huan, she only saw him as a male favorite she kept.

I was nearly driven mad with anxiety, throwing off the covers and jumping out of bed to grab Minjia’s shoulders: “How is he now?”

“Still lying in bed, but Elder Hedu says he’ll die sooner or later,” Minjia replied, sniffling.

“Why didn’t you tell me last night?” I practically shouted.

My shout was too loud; Minjia seemed startled: “I didn’t think it was such a big deal…”

I pushed her aside, grabbed a cloak, and ran toward Minjia’s tent.

Minjia called after me: “Cangcang, you’re not wearing shoes…”

Minjia’s tent was in disarray. Without pause for thought, I rushed to the bedside.

Xiao Huan lay in bed, eyes closed, coughing intermittently. His complexion was even paler than when I had visited him in the Palace of Mental Cultivation. His clothes were spotted with blood, and several bloodstained handkerchiefs lay beside the bed.

I felt dizzy. He had been coughing blood since last night – I suddenly wanted to kill both Kumor and Minjia.

Taking a deep breath, I crouched down and held Xiao Huan’s hand, leaning close to his ear to say: “I’m here. Can you still speak?”

The cold hand I held moved slightly, and he gripped mine in return.

He slowly opened his eyes, but his first words were to Minjia standing by the bed: “Please… Princess… give us a moment… I have something to tell my fellow countryman.”

Minjia, thinking Xiao Huan wanted to say his last words, nodded and walked out.

Once Minjia left, Xiao Huan turned to me with a slight smile: “Help me… sit up.”

I quickly supported his body to help him sit. As soon as he was upright, he coughed several times, fresh blood trickling from the corner of his mouth. There were no clean handkerchiefs left by the bed, so I raised my sleeve to wipe the blood from his lips, unable to help scolding: “Wouldn’t it be better to just lie down? Why sit up?”

“Speaking this way… my breathing is easier,” he smiled, taking a breath and looking up at me. “Kumor saw through my identity long ago.”

“What?” My eyes widened, “Then why did he say he liked you?”

“You…” he seemed somewhat helpless, laughing and coughing twice, “Did you think he was attracted to men?”

“It certainly looked that way last night,” I muttered, then asked, “So you’re saying he did it on purpose?”

Xiao Huan nodded: “From the beginning, he intended to kill me. Knowing I couldn’t handle the cold, he made me walk around everywhere and forced me to drink cold wine. Bringing me to the council tent to hear their secrets was to let me know he wouldn’t let me leave here alive.” As he spoke slowly, he coughed twice more, his deep eyes suddenly turning fierce, “How dare he mock me as a male favorite!”

I had never seen such murderous intent in his eyes before and couldn’t help shuddering: “If Kumor is determined to kill you, what should we do?”

He paused, and looked up at me with a smile: “I’d like to ask for your help with something.”

“Me?” I was somewhat surprised, “What can I do?”

“Find an opportunity to steal a horse and slip out of camp to deliver a message to Shanhai Pass.” After speaking for a while, his voice gradually weakened, and beads of sweat appeared on his forehead.

I quickly nodded and asked: “Can I escape alone?”

“Kumor probably already considers me dead. He’s busy arranging troops to attack the city and likely won’t have time to guard against you. As for Gui Wuchang, I poisoned him in the council tent last night during the chaos. For the next three days, he won’t be much better off than me.” He smiled at me, “Don’t worry, you can do it.”

I nodded, looking at his pale face, but a series of thoughts ran through my mind: If I could escape back to Shanhai Pass alone, then if I concealed his situation here and didn’t bring anyone to save him, wouldn’t he last much longer? If he died, my father would hold absolute power, and if we wanted, the Great Wu empire could immediately change hands and name.

—And this way, I could immediately avenge my master and Xian Xue!

My expression shifted as I stared at him unblinkingly. Seeing me not respond, he seemed to perceive my thoughts, but his gaze didn’t change. He just looked at me with those unfathomable eyes, saying nothing.

My thoughts immediately turned several times. If Xiao Huan died, neither I nor the other consorts would have borne his heir, so the Vermilion Bird branch of the Xiao family would have no descendants. The Xiao family’s collateral branches were extremely complex, and in such haste, it might be impossible to select a royal clan member to inherit the throne.

At this crucial moment on the frontlines, if the soldiers suddenly heard the news of the emperor’s death, wouldn’t their morale be crushed, leading to defeat? Not to mention that given Xiao Huan’s character, he must have made arrangements in the capital before coming to Shanhai Pass. And the Empress Dowager was still in the capital – she wasn’t someone easily dealt with. No matter what, keeping Xiao Huan in enemy territory at such a time would add too many variables to the situation.

Thinking this through, I actually felt relieved, and placed my hand over his: “How long can your body hold out?”

Those deep black eyes still rested on me. Whether because he also felt relieved or for some other reason, he coughed several times, and after catching his breath, lifted the corner of his mouth in a smile but didn’t answer my question: “When you return, tell Shi Yan to have the Gu Xing Camp troops leave the city and lie in ambush on Jiao Mountain, waiting for my signal at any time.”

“You brought the Imperial Guard’s Gu Xing Camp too?” Once again, I was glad I hadn’t acted rashly. Though the Gu Xing Camp only had two hundred men, they could each fight like a hundred – not to be underestimated.

He nodded, then smiled again: “Li Mingshang is inside the pass…”

I immediately understood: “You want me to tell him about your situation so he can come to rescue you?”

Unexpectedly, he was quiet for a moment, then smiled and said: “When you find Master Li, show him the wound on your shoulder. Have him prepare some scar-removing and flesh-regenerating ointment for you. Having a scar… isn’t good. Also, though the wound has healed, you should still take some medicine to help recover.”

At a time like this, instead of quickly arranging for Li Mingshang to come to save his life, why talk about scar removal and physical recovery? I found it bewildering, but seeing him still coughing lightly and speaking with difficulty, I helped him lean against the cushions: “Just save your strength and wait here for Master Li to save you. I’ll leave right away.”

He didn’t speak anymore, just smiled again and coughed softly.

The situation was urgent, so I didn’t say more, but just before leaving, I suddenly thought of something and turned to look at him: “I want to ask you a question… Did you infiltrate the Jurchen camp this time just to save me?”

Such words, if we were still in the Forbidden Palace, I would never say again, but he and I in this Jurchen camp had already said too many things we would never have said before…

After asking, I stared intently at his face. I didn’t know what I was waiting for, what answer did I hope for? Yes, or no?

My heart was somewhat chaotic, and I blurted out: “If you lie, I’ll never forgive you!”

He looked at me quietly. After what seemed like an eternity, he finally lifted the corner of his mouth and nodded: “Yes.”

My head spun for a moment, and somehow, before my eyes suddenly appeared the image of that young man, that young man who smiled gently at me in the autumn wind of Jiangnan. He had also nodded once and said: “Yes.”

I ran back, bent down to place a light kiss on his pale, thin lips, then hugged him and whispered in his ear: “Wait for me.”

Leaving the tent, I found Minjia waiting outside and told her: “Little White won’t die. Take good care of him for me.”

Hearing me say this, the sorrow on Minjia’s face lessened, and she smiled charmingly: “Cangcang, if you say Little White won’t die, then he won’t die.”

“Take good care of him for me.” I patted her shoulder, sending her back to the tent to look after Xiao Huan.

This foolish girl – Kumor was playing tricks, but Minjia’s feelings for me seemed genuine.

After walking a few steps, I realized… walking barefoot in the snow, my feet were truly cold.

Back in the tent, after dressing properly, I thought for a moment before going to find Chiku, who stood guard outside. I smiled at him: “Princess Minjia just said to trouble General Chiku to prepare horses and take me to inspect the camp.”

Chiku seemed doubtful, frowning: “The Great Khan only ordered me to guard the main tent.”

His tone was firm, clearly not taking me seriously. I knew that as Kumor’s confidant, no matter how rigid he appeared, he wouldn’t be easy to deal with. I smiled: “Since General Chiku is only responsible for guarding the main tent, I’ll have to report back to Princess Minjia and have her send someone else to escort me.”

As I turned to leave, sure enough, Chiku spoke from behind me: “My lady, please wait.” He hesitated for a moment, “Let me accompany you to see Princess Minjia.”

He was still cautious – he wouldn’t trust me without seeing Minjia first.

I raised an eyebrow and smiled, following him back to Minjia’s main tent.

Still completely trusting of me, Minjia only needed to hear that this was to save “Little White” before she handed over her token, ordering Chiku to follow my commands.

Chiku quickly brought two horses and a small squad. I mounted and rode along the camp’s edge, with them following closely behind.

Gradually I grew anxious. When I left, Xiao Huan’s condition was still stable, but how long could he hold out? Looking down at the dark red bloodstains on my sleeve, I bit my lip and pointed my riding crop toward the valley entrance: “Let’s go there.”

Chiku was silent for a moment: “Very well.”

I immediately spurred my horse toward the valley entrance. A hundred-man squad guarded the entrance, and seeing someone trying to leave the valley, they shouted from afar: “By the Great Khan’s order, no one may leave the valley!”

At this point, I didn’t care anymore and shouted: “Imperial Guard scout, delivering the Great Khan’s battle declaration to the fortress!”

The Imperial Guard was Kumor’s trusted force, and all the guards were stunned upon hearing this.

Taking advantage of this moment, I urged my horse past them, galloping non-stop toward Shanhai Pass.

“Stop her!” Chiku realized I was trying to escape and gave a stern order from behind.

But I had already gained the advantage. By the time the guards shouted and gave chase, I was already twenty feet ahead.

In this crucial moment, all the horsemanship I had practiced came in handy. I pressed my body close to the warhorse, legs tightly gripping its belly as the magnificent Mongolian horse glided smoothly through the vast snowy terrain toward Shanhai Pass.

Several arrows flew past from behind, grazing my body and landing in the snow. It seemed Chiku had ordered them to kill to prevent my escape.

Fortunately, after a stretch of galloping, Shanhai Pass’s gate was within reach. I could only hope Shi Yan had seen me; otherwise, this would be a one-way journey to death.

Taking a deep breath, I used all my strength to whip the horse’s flank, charging straight toward the still-tightly closed city gate.

In my panic, I glanced at the fresh snow beside me and was surprised to find that the snow surface, which should have been clean and smooth as a mirror after the snowfall, was covered in chaotic hoof prints.

There was no time to think carefully. I heard a heavy creaking sound that, at this moment, seemed like heavenly music.

With the sound of hinges moving, the drawbridge on the moat side lowered extremely quickly, connecting both shores.

Simultaneously, with the sound of pivot gates turning, the tightly closed city gate opened a crack – a very narrow gap, but enough for one horse to pass through.

The sky shrank to a distant point before my eyes, the city gate almost brushing past my ears, and in the long passage, the echo of hoofbeats was thunderous like racing lightning.

Reining in my horse on the vast parade ground, I looked at the soldiers who rushed up to take my horse – in dark armor with bright crimson tassels, their faces showing sincere admiration after their excitement.

For a moment, I could hardly believe I was back in Shanhai Pass.

After I passed through, the city gate quickly closed again, and the soldiers on the wall were now shooting arrows to drive away the Jurchen cavalry pursuing me.

On the city wall, Shi Yan ran down quickly, kneeling on one knee before my horse: “Greetings, Your Majesty the Empress.”

I jumped down from the horse, urgently grabbing him: “His Majesty is still in the Jurchen camp. Quickly take me to see Master Li.”

Shi Yan remained calm in the crisis, nodding: “Please follow me, Your Majesty.”

Shanhai Pass was not small, and the medical hall was in the inner city. Disregarding status and etiquette, I practically ran there with Shi Yan.

Knocking on Li Mingshang’s door, we found him dozing against the headboard, holding a hand warmer.

I snatched away his hand warmer: “Master Li! Quick, get up, that fellow needs you to save his life!”

Li Mingshang was still drowsy: “What fellow this fellow? A decree drives me to this forsaken place, and now I can’t even sleep?”

I became somewhat incoherent, grabbing his hand: “It’s Xiao Huan… quickly come with me to save him!”

“Stop shaking, stop shaking…” Li Mingshang’s three strands of beautiful beard swayed back and forth from my pulling. He quickly steadied me, “What did you just say?”

“Xiao Huan is in the Jurchen camp, poisoned and coughing blood non-stop. Quickly come with me to save him.” My eyes nearly shooting fire with anxiety, I truly wanted to just carry away this old goat-beard who did everything so leisurely.

Hearing this, Li Mingshang still stroked the beard under his chin, his expression remaining leisurely: “Is he near death?”

I was stunned: “What?”

“It’s all his own doing. If he’s not near death, don’t come looking for me!” Li Mingshang spoke with some anger, “He’s had this cold poison for so many years – if he were to die every time it flared up, he would have died countless times already! He didn’t ask you to have me save him, did he?”

“He only said to come find you. He also told me to tell Shi Yan to have the Gu Xing Camp leave the city and ambush on Jiao Mountain, awaiting orders…” I mumbled, my head somewhat dizzy. A cold wind blew in through the open door, chilling my body, and I suddenly recalled some details I had overlooked.

Xiao Huan had never said he needed Li Mingshang to save him… after mentioning that I should find Li Mingshang, his next words were actually: “After finding Master Li, show him the wound on your shoulder…”

He let me believe, of my own accord, that only I could save him. When I asked if he had infiltrated the Jurchen camp to save me, he nodded and said “Yes.”

The cold wind blew through the empty courtyard outside the door, making a howling sound. Only then did I realize that when I returned to the pass, soldiers were already forming ranks in the parade ground. By the time I reached the inner city to find Li Mingshang, there wasn’t a single idle soldier to be seen.

I suddenly turned and walked toward the door.

At the same time I mentioned Xiao Huan’s order for the Gu Xing Camp to leave the city and ambush, Shi Yan had already instructed the Gu Xing Camp guards following him to relay the order. Now he stretched his arm across the doorway: “It’s dangerous outside the city. Please stay, Your Majesty.”

I looked into his eyes and smiled slightly: “Commander Shi, His Majesty is still in enemy territory. How could I rest easy staying behind?”

Shi Yan’s face remained as calm as ever, like an unmovable ancient rock: “Leave this matter to your humble servant.”

I smiled at him again, my tone softening further: “Commander Shi… I just want to see His Majesty. When I left, he was coughing blood. I’m really afraid… Surely Commander Shi understands…”

“Let her go,” Li Mingshang suddenly said from the side, “With the Gu Xing Camp troops, there shouldn’t be much danger.”

Shi Yan turned to look at Li Mingshang and bowed respectfully.

I knew he had agreed and followed behind him.

As we were about to leave, Li Mingshang sighed behind us: “Young lady, he did risk danger to personally save you and bring you back… As for the rest, why bother dwelling on it?”

Yes, I wanted to personally verify some things with my own eyes… things I once believed without doubt but now no longer dared to believe.

I hadn’t lied either… I was truly afraid. When Xiao Huan leaned against my shoulder, coughing up that bright red blood, I was more afraid than when facing a forest of blades and a rain of arrows…

I didn’t answer him, following Shi Yan out.

To avoid detection in the snow, before departing Shi Yan had me put on a white cloak and stay close behind him.

Living up to their reputation as the elite of the imperial guards, the Gu Xing Camp moved swiftly. By the time the main army had formed ranks before the gate to meet the battle, we had already circled from the Great Wall’s beacon tower to Jiao Mountain.

The hundred and fifty-three imperial guards who came this time were all martial arts experts. Moving through knee-deep snow in the wilderness, they made almost no sound.

From our ambush position on Jiao Mountain, everything below was visible.

On the vast snowy field before Shanhai Pass, Great Wu soldiers in dark armor stood in formation. The flame banner, a symbol of Great Wu’s imperial authority, waved in the wind, its red and black colors fluttering vigorously, raising spots of red flame against the endless snow. Under the banners, tens of thousands of troops stood in precise ranks, their unified shouts displaying impressive military might.

On the other side, the Jurchen cavalry was also ready for battle. Though silent, their solemn military banners and the impatient neighing of warhorses carried a silent pressure.

Months of standoff had taught both sides that victory couldn’t be achieved through trickery. Qi Chengliang and Kumor had both chosen this day after the snow to engage in close combat, a fight to the death.

The two armies were about to begin their merciless slaughter. One could imagine that after the battle, the snow plain would be crimson. How many young men dreamed of in maiden’s chambers would become piles of white bones, lonely spirits in a foreign land?

The hoof prints I saw at the city gate today must have been traces left by scouts from both armies.

Both armies had prepared for this decisive battle… So Kumor’s attempt to kill Xiao Huan last night wasn’t coincidental, and Xiao Huan having me break through to the pass this morning wasn’t either.

These two men had also prepared for a decisive victory.

Kumor truly wasn’t just a ruler in name only – he had the vision to judge situations and the courage to burn his bridges.

And what about Xiao Huan?

I remember when we roamed the martial world together, no matter what tricks opponents used, he could easily see through them. Back then, I looked up to him admiringly, always secretly wondering: this man, just how far could he see?

At this crucial moment, a phoenix-shaped firework suddenly rose above the Jurchen camp. The legendary immortal bird that could be reborn from flames raised its head and spread its wings, flying into the azure sky, flickering once before disappearing.

Receiving the signal, the Gu Xing Camp imperial guards hidden on the mountaintop began charging down along the ridge. Shi Yan grabbed my waist, taking me down the mountain with him.

The Jurchen camp was immediately before us. As soon as we descended, we saw cavalry standing silently in an open area within the camp.

Instead of going to the battlefield, Kumor personally led dozens of his guards, surrounding the person in the center.

It was Xiao Huan, wearing a pure white fox fur coat, standing in the snow, head lowered as he covered his mouth and coughed softly.

After the Gu Xing Camp arrived, they spread out around the cavalry’s perimeter and drew their weapons. Shi Yan knelt on one knee: “Your Majesty, everyone has arrived.”

Xiao Huan lowered his hand from his lips and smiled at him: “Thank you for your hard work.”

“Little White, being so ill, why aren’t you resting in the tent?” Kumor sat on his horse, his expression relaxed as he smiled faintly. “Why call your dogs here? To deal with me?”

Xiao Huan smiled lightly, raising his head to look at Kumor, “It seems you haven’t accepted defeat wholeheartedly, Great Khan Kumor.”

Kumor burst out laughing: “As long as the battle hasn’t ended, I haven’t lost. Asking if I accept defeat now, don’t you think it’s too early? Little White?” His smile was cold, “Or should I call you Your Majesty the Emperor?”

Xiao Huan smiled slightly: “At this point, Great Khan, do you want me to engage in verbal sparring with you?”

Kumor drawled lazily: “Since Your Majesty the Emperor specially infiltrated my camp, I’ll consider this verbal sparring as bedroom pleasure and gladly accept it.” He lifted the corner of his mouth, his tone frivolous, “To be honest, there aren’t many people as beautiful as Your Majesty the Emperor.”

To mock Xiao Huan like this before both sides’ guards was already open insult and provocation.

But Xiao Huan seemed unbothered, smiling and nodding: “Since the Great Khan insists on speaking this way, I’ll consider it the whimpering of a defeated dog, still trying to act tough, and won’t take offense.”

Kumor stroked his chin: “Such a sharp tongue indeed. What a pity – when Your Majesty was nestled in my arms coughing blood, I felt somewhat reluctant to part.”

The two of them continued their exchange of mockery, seeming quite leisurely.

But as they spoke, the tense atmosphere grew heavier. Even Shi Yan stood up, his right hand on the sword at his waist, bowing and ready to strike at any moment.

I knew they were waiting for the outcome of the fierce battle at the front… but regardless of victory or defeat, Kumor wouldn’t easily let Xiao Huan return, and Xiao Huan’s summoning of the Gu Xing Camp troops likely meant he intended to kill Kumor too.

Thinking this, I couldn’t help but curl my lips. These two men prepared to fight to the death had both been considerate of me – Xiao Huan had me return to the pass first, and I was able to escape smoothly probably because Kumor had shown mercy.

Only after returning did I realize that although the arrows shot by the pursuing cavalry seemed fierce, they all landed in the snow beside me.

The Jurchen people were most skilled at mounted archery, and these were the Great Khan’s hand-picked guards – how could they fail to capture someone like me?

Xiao Huan fell silent, only covering his mouth to cough lightly, seeming too lazy to respond to these words anymore.

Kumor suddenly laughed loudly: “Little White, I see our efforts were wasted. The person you specially sent away has probably returned.”

As soon as he said this, my heart jumped. I quickly reached for the sword at my waist, but an icy voice had already sounded beside my ear: “Young lady, to keep your head, I advise you not to move.”

It was Gui Wuchang!

That cold hand rested on my throat. I couldn’t see his face but heard the frost in his voice: “Did Emperor Deyou think I would be incapacitated by poison now? Unfortunately… such poison powder couldn’t harm me at all.”

He was not only incredibly skilled in martial arts but even poison couldn’t affect him.

My whole body stiffened. I raised my head, instinctively looking toward Xiao Huan.

He was quietly watching me, his gaze completely undisturbed, showing neither surprise nor blame.

In the silence, he turned his eyes away, looking toward Shi Yan.

Shi Yan immediately lowered his head: “Your servant deserves death. The Empress insisted on coming.”

Curling his lip slightly, Xiao Huan spoke indifferently: “It doesn’t matter.”

Gui Wuchang laughed coldly: “Emperor Deyou if you want this woman to live, I suggest you surrender.”

Looking at him, Xiao Huan smiled slightly. I had never seen him make such an expression – still refined, but with a touch of faint sarcasm, like a spring breeze leaving no trace: “What? Because I sent this woman away… you thought I came here to save her? I just felt such a situation wasn’t suitable for a woman to witness.”

As expected, I drew in a light breath. For some reason, a hint of bitterness welled up in my heart.

I was such a fool. His true purpose in infiltrating the Jurchen camp was probably to probe Kumor’s strengths and weaknesses. Although this was somewhat risky, with his martial skills, he could certainly retreat safely at any time.

As for me, I was just saved as an afterthought. After all, I was his empress – my staying by Kumor’s side wouldn’t sound good when word got out, it would tarnish his sacred name.

And I believed him when he said he came for me… At that moment, he was probably just trying to get me to return to the pass early.

“My, my… Your Majesty is truly heartless.” Kumor spoke up from the side, even sighing lightly, “What a shame – Cangcang thought you were gravely ill and rushed out of here, risking death to find someone in the past to save you. If I hadn’t instructed Chiku earlier not to harm Cangcang, she probably would have died under my camp guards’ arrows this morning.”

Xiao Huan’s gaze returned to me. Those deep black eyes were always too profound, showing not the slightest emotion. He curled his lips in a smile: “Then I thank the Empress for her deep affection.”

After speaking, he turned his gaze away again, as if unwilling to waste any more energy on this matter.

I had said before that I would never cry for him again, yet my vision gradually blurred. He spoke of “deep affection”?

What “deep affection” did I have? I simply… couldn’t forget that young man in Jiangnan, who smiled so gently, who never lied to me, who would always hold my hand no matter where we went.

I had long lost that young man, yet still hoped again and again that he would return.

Hoofbeats approached from afar, stopping before me. Kumor smiled and leaned down, extending his hand to me: “Don’t cry, Cangcang. You still have me.”

I raised my head to look at him. For some reason, though my eyes burned with moisture, the tears never fell. I tried my best to smile at him.

This foreign khan – I had always thought his interest in me was just a passing fancy, yet it was he who let me stay in the main tent but never truly forced me to do anything. Even knowing I still harbored other thoughts, he wouldn’t let anyone harm me.

Should I continue to disappoint him? Just for an illusory shadow?

In my daze, I had already raised my arm and taken his hand. His broad palm was warm as fire, easily enveloping my hand.

Gui Wuchang’s fingers were still at my throat. Kumor smiled at him: “Thank you for your help, Master Gui. This is another great service.”

Only then did Gui Wuchang laugh once and release me, stepping aside.

Pulling me onto his horse and holding me, Kumor laughed loudly: “Little White, I don’t want to mock you, but your woman – even after leaving my side, she has returned to me!”

He lowered his head, lifting my chin, smiling as he looked at me: “Cangcang, you’re not a war trophy. You’ll be my princess consort, ruling the world with me… dying on the battlefield with me!”

I gripped his waist, suppressing the violent beating of my heart as I raised my head to look into his eyes.

Those silver-gray eagle eyes were filled with eager hope and fiery affection, pouring out without restraint, almost completely enveloping me. I heard my own voice say: “Yes.”

Amid Kumor’s unrestrained laughter, a scout came galloping up, kneeling to report: “Great Khan, our vanguard has suffered defeat!”

Holding my waist, Kumor’s spirit remained undiminished: “What is there to fear? I’ll take the field myself and slaughter the enemy!”

Xiao Huan, who had been silent for a long time, slowly stepped out from among the surrounded cavalry. Kumor laughed and called out to him: “Little White, seeing the mutual affection between Cangcang and me, are you feeling heartbroken?”

Raising his head to give him a faint look, Xiao Huan smiled slightly: “Great Khan, weren’t you going to take the field? Unfortunately, I won’t be able to accompany you.”

Meanwhile, Shi Yan had his sword pointed at Gui Wuchang. Though none of the imperial guards surrounding them made a sound, no one doubted that at the slightest move from Kumor, a bloodbath would immediately ensue.

The imperial guards outnumbered Kumor’s guards and were utterly loyal, willing to die for Xiao Huan. Even with an expert like Gui Wuchang, it would likely be impossible for Kumor to detain Xiao Huan.

After weighing the situation, Kumor suddenly smiled: “Little White, would you be satisfied if our confrontation ended so casually?”

Xiao Huan’s tone remained undisturbed: “Is the Great Khan in a hurry to die?”

Kumor laughed heartily. Leaning against his chest, I could feel the vibrations: “Little White, I love that ruthless spirit of yours!” He raised his sword-like eyebrows, “How about this… we won’t need anyone else to fight. Just you and me, one match. If I win, you stay here at my disposal. If you win, I’ll immediately withdraw from Shanhai Pass and never invade the Central Plains again in my lifetime. How about it?”

He looked down at me as he spoke, laughing: “Of course, even if you win, Cangcang chose me willingly – I won’t give her back to you! Right, Cangcang?”

I smiled at him: “Naturally.”

He looked pleased, smiling: “Then you tell me, wouldn’t it be boring if Little White just left like this? Shouldn’t we have a match?”

I turned my gaze toward Xiao Huan. He was standing sideways to us; I could only see him lowering his eyes, his expression indifferent.

Of course, I had to side with Kumor, so I smiled: “Of course, we should. Your Majesty isn’t scared, is he?”

When I said this, I thought Xiao Huan would surely ignore me. Given his personality, the provocation was almost completely useless – otherwise, he wouldn’t have ignored all of Kumor’s taunts.

But his arm moved slightly, and he turned around to face Kumor: “Fine, but I want to fight Gui Wuchang.”

Not only was I stunned, but even Kumor was taken aback: “Little White, have you gone mad?”

“An opponent like you is too boring,” Xiao Huan said flatly. “Gui Wuchang might be somewhat interesting.”

Kumor raised an eyebrow but said nothing. Gui Wuchang, standing to the side with his arms crossed, spoke up: “That’s fine. Wait until you defeat Great Khan Kumor first, then fight me.”

Among everyone present, he was the most casual. Since releasing me earlier, he had stayed back watching. Now he suddenly made this comment.

Looking at him, Xiao Huan nodded: “Very well, then I’ll defeat Kumor first.”

I remained silent but felt Xiao Huan had gone crazy. Gui Wuchang’s martial arts were unfathomable. If he were healthy, fighting him might still be evenly matched, but he had just been ill and would have to fight Kumor first – it was practically suicide.

But these words thoroughly angered Kumor. He patted my shoulder: “Cangcang, wait for me on the horse.” Then he laughed and dismounted. Though his words were light, his sword-like thin lips were pressed tight as he drew his long blade, “Little White, I considered you my arch-nemesis, but I never thought you’d look down on me so much. It seems I need to show you what I can do.”

Xiao Huan stopped bantering with him and said to Shi Yan: “Let me borrow Yingguang.”

Xiao Huan was most skilled with the sword. His sword was called Wang Feng, but of course, he wouldn’t have brought it while infiltrating enemy territory. Shi Yan’s sword Yingguang was also a legendary blade.

Shi Yan passed through the cavalry, presenting his sword to Xiao Huan with both hands, then bowed and retreated.

Taking Yingguang, Xiao Huan nodded slightly: “Let’s begin.”

The long sword seemed to come alive in his hands. Before his words faded, he was already before Kumor. A harsh sound of clashing steel rang out as Kumor blocked the flash of white light the instant the sword struck.

As the sound faded, both men had already leaped apart.

Kumor touched the nick in his blade and smiled: “Not bad, Little White, truly ruthless.” As he spoke, several more sharp clashes of blades rang out – they had already exchanged four or five moves.

I knew Xiao Huan’s swordsmanship was exceptional, but he had just been ill, and in this severe cold, his internal energy would be greatly diminished. Kumor’s blade technique was unlike any school from the Central Plains – it was developed by the Jurchen people through life-and-death struggles with fierce beasts and countless close-quarters combat, purely for killing enemies. Every strike was powerful and direct, without any waste. Therefore, after twenty or thirty exchanges, they were still evenly matched. Given their conditions, the longer the fight went on, the more advantageous it would be for Kumor.

After another clash of blades, logic dictated that one should leap aside to dissipate the force of the heavy blade, but Xiao Huan’s right foot barely touched the ground. Not only did he not retreat, he advanced instead, sweeping out another horizontal strike. Kumor couldn’t dodge in time; his chest was cut with a long gash, the sword’s edge drawing blood drops that left a red trail in the snow.

Kumor stepped back several paces, touching his chest and looking at the blood on his palm, but instead laughed: “Interesting, Little White.”

After that strike against Kumor, Xiao Huan stood in the middle of the field, his body trembling slightly. Using the sword to support himself, he suddenly spat out a large mouthful of blood, staining the snow a brilliant red.

Shi Yan couldn’t help crying out: “Your Majesty!” and moved to support him.

“Don’t come over.” Xiao Huan commanded softly, using his sleeve to wipe the blood from his lips as he slowly straightened up, leaning on the sword. “Kumor, let’s continue.”

“Of course, we’ll continue.” Kumor’s steps were also somewhat unsteady as he laughed and raised his blade, advancing.

The two were again enveloped in flashing blades and swords. I couldn’t bear to watch anymore and turned away, seeing Shi Yan clenching his fists so tightly it seemed he wanted to rush over and tear Kumor to pieces for Xiao Huan. On Kumor’s side, Chiku looked much the same.

My eyes swept over the crowd, and by chance, I saw Gui Wuchang, who had been standing casually on the periphery, raise his hand with a silver flash between his fingers.

A hidden weapon! Who was he aiming at? I glanced at Xiao Huan fighting fiercely with Kumor and called out a warning: “Hidden weapon, be careful…”

Before I could finish speaking, Gui Wuchang’s hand moved. Unexpectedly, he released two cold flashes.

One shot toward Xiao Huan, the other straight at my chest.

In the instant the blade entered my chest, I felt no pain, only a tiny chill spreading from that spot. Then something in my heart seemed to snap with a small sound, and breathing became difficult.

Would I die like this? On this cold and foreign soil?

I had imagined countless ways I might die – slowly of old age, or in childbirth, but I had never imagined dying like this.

“Cangcang!” Someone called out.

In the center of my blurring vision was Xiao Huan’s face. Why was it him? Had heaven arranged my final moments for him too?

I reached out to push his shoulder away: “Get away from me! I don’t like you anymore. We’ve long since… since that sword, I stabbed you with, we’ve long since been even!”

His thin lips moved, but whatever he was saying, I couldn’t hear at all.

Right, what else was there to say? Let it end like this. Let me believe we’re even – perhaps then my soul can be a little lighter, not falling to the Avici Hell.

“Cangcang,” someone was still calling. Strangely, in the moment before losing consciousness, I felt very clearly a tear slowly sliding down from the corner of my eye.