After a lively night, the citizens of Deer City began their ancestral worship at the Clear Snow Festival. The atmosphere turned more solemn than the previous day. However, two significant events unfolded in Deer City on this very day.
The first incident involved a prisoner escaping from Deer City’s dungeon.
Known for housing the North’s most dangerous criminals, Deer City’s dungeon was exceptionally secure with stringent guards. Upon entering the city, Li Shuang assigned Long Feng Camp soldiers to guard the cells, preventing high-risk prisoners from escaping during the chaos. Yet, despite these precautions, a man with disheveled hair, refined features, and luxurious clothing managed to escape.
Not only did he flee, but he also left a letter for Li Shuang. The gist of it read: “The dungeon differs from my expectations. It’s too dark, and I’m uncomfortable. I’ve left early. Please forgive the inconvenience.” His words were heartfelt as if bidding farewell to an old friend.
Li Shuang found herself torn between laughter and exasperation. The letter indicated that the man had not only escaped but also acquired writing materials, penned the note, returned to place it in the dungeon, and escaped again. Breaking out twice in one night suggested his martial arts skills were formidable.
She realized the person she’d glimpsed in the alley the previous night must have been this mysterious, well-dressed man.
Li Shuang couldn’t fathom his intentions for coming to the frigid North. As she ordered a search for him, another event unfolded.
Crown Prince Sima Yang arrived ahead of his main force, expected to reach Deer City shortly after noon.
Upon receiving this news, Li Shuang immediately assembled her troops, ordering all commanders and personal guards to await the Crown Prince’s arrival outside the city gates.
Jin’an, who had been accompanying the guards during the day, followed them out of the city. His small stature allowed him to stand unnoticed behind the crowd. Ignoring others, he focused solely on Li Shuang at the forefront.
Li Shuang gazed at the vast northern sky and land, her expression pensive and her lips slightly pursed, as if suppressing some emotion. Jin’an wondered, puzzled, why she seemed unhappy.
Luo Teng, Li Shuang’s deputy, stood two steps behind her alongside Qin Lan. As noon approached, Luo Teng’s stomach growled. The rough man rubbed his belly and grumbled, “Why does the Crown Prince have to arrive at mealtime?”
Qin Lan chided him, “Do you want to lose your head?”
Luo Teng touched his neck and sighed. “It’s freezing. Who knows when the Crown Prince will arrive? My feet are already numb.” He glanced at Li Shuang. “General, we left in a hurry, and I forgot my cloak. I’m freezing. May I go back for some clothes?”
“Go ahead.”
“Alright. Should I bring your cloak too, General?”
Li Shuang paused before answering, “Yes, bring it.”
Usually, Li Shuang avoided such hassles, but today she felt a dull ache in her lower abdomen. Having lived in the harsh northern climate and frequently engaging in horseback riding and battles, her menstrual cycle was irregular. It often skipped several months, lasting only two or three days when it came. However, those days were marked by excruciating pain, typically starting the day before and lingering for days after.
Surrounded by rough men, she never spoke of this discomfort. Every few months, she’d endure it silently. This time, the pain coincided with Sima Yang’s arrival.
Sima Yang was known for his keen perception. If he noticed, it could lead to embarrassment. Li Shuang hoped the cloak might help ease the pain and allow her to manage the situation.
Shortly after Luo Teng returned with the cloak, dust clouds appeared on the distant road. A group of riders galloped towards Deer City. As they thundered across the small hill ahead, the lead rider abruptly reined in his horse three zhang from Li Shuang. The horse reared up with a loud neigh.
The midday sun shone brilliantly, making the newcomer appear to stand within its radiance. Li Shuang squinted slightly.
As the horse’s hooves touched down, a man in luxurious purple robes sat atop it. His hair was slightly disheveled, and his face showed signs of a long journey, but this did not diminish the authority in his brow. Upon seeing Li Shuang, his stern demeanor softened slightly.
He gazed at her, dismounted, and approached. Before he could speak, Li Shuang swiftly bowed, “Long Feng Camp Commander Li Shuang greets Your Highness.”
Sima Yang’s outstretched hand froze in midair before withdrawing. “Shuang… Commander Li, you’re too formal. Please rise.”
Li Shuang stood and respectfully stepped aside. “Your Highness must be weary. Please enter the city and rest.”
Sima Yang silently observed Li Shuang. As no one dared move without his word, the moment stretched until he noticed Li Shuang’s lips quiver slightly. His eyes deepened, and he finally turned to enter the city, with officials and guards parting to make way.
However, after a few steps, Sima Yang halted.
A child stood before him, looking up without deference or courtesy.
Li Shuang, following behind Sima Yang, saw this and frowned slightly. “Jin’an.” The boy immediately turned to look at her. Li Shuang instructed, “Bow to His Highness.”
Jin’an furrowed his brow. “Why should I bow to him?”
This statement caused the soldiers at the city gate to flinch. The Crown Prince’s guards immediately glared, rebuking, “Insolent!”
Li Shuang, protective of Jin’an, coughed lightly and explained, “Your Highness, this is an orphan we found in the borderlands. The North is rugged, and we haven’t had a chance to educate him properly. Please forgive his lack of manners.”
Sima Yang turned to her. “You found him?”
“Yes.”
Sima Yang’s lips quirked slightly, his tone teasing, “His temperament resembles yours as a child.” His familiar tone reminded Li Shuang of years ago when her father had brought her to the General’s mansion. She first met the then-young Crown Prince and offended him even more brazenly than Jin’an had…
She had punched Sima Yang hard in the stomach, leaving him unable to eat for days. Fortunately, the current Emperor was magnanimous and didn’t hold it against her. Afterward, she and Sima Yang became friends through their conflicts, growing up together until now.
Recalling the past, Li Shuang’s deliberately cold gaze warmed slightly.
Seeing this, Sima Yang’s smile deepened. “Since this is your child, you shall make amends for his offense.” Without giving Li Shuang a chance to respond, he strode forward, reaching out to pat Jin’an’s head as he passed. Surprisingly, his hand met empty air.
Sima Yang raised an eyebrow. “Trained, are you?”
Jin’an, unwilling to answer, said, “I don’t like you. Stay away from me. This is your first warning…”
“Jin’an.” Li Shuang cut him off. She rubbed her brow and called, “Come here.” Jin’an obediently approached. Li Shuang took his hand and whispered, “Be good. Don’t speak.”
Sima Yang found the scene amusing, assuming Li Shuang had adopted the child out of boredom in the borderlands. He decided not to pursue the matter and turned to enter the city.
After Sima Yang left, Li Shuang crouched down to speak with Jin’an. “I don’t care about others, and even I don’t matter, but don’t speak to him like that, understand?”
“Why?” Jin’an frowned. “Are you afraid of him?” His expression suddenly cooled. “I’ll help you kill—”
“Shh!” Li Shuang’s expression turned severe. “You can be bold with anyone else, but not him. While he’s in Deer City, stay away from him. And don’t say such things again.”
Jin’an’s brow furrowed deeply. “Why?”
Li Shuang stroked his head. “Be good. Just listen to me.” Because he was the ruler, and they were subjects. She could protect Jin’an from others, but not from the royal family. If the Crown Prince decreed death, she would be powerless to keep Jin’an safe.
Jin’an silently gazed at Li Shuang, noting her resolute expression. He swallowed his words and remained quiet.
Li Shuang took his silence as agreement. She summoned a guard to escort Jin’an back to the camp. Then, she led the remaining officers, along with Luo Teng and Qin Lan, into the city.