As dawn broke, Li Shuang found herself unable to answer Jin An’s question. The truth was clear but difficult to voice. After a long silence, she finally replied with stark clarity: “I won’t be with you. Once I enter the palace, I won’t leave or return to the General’s mansion. You’ll be on your own.”
Jin An’s eyes, reflecting the morning sun, concealed a storm of emotions. “Is it because… I might hurt you?” he asked hesitantly.
“It’s because I have my burdens and responsibilities,” Li Shuang answered, her heart aching at his expression. As she turned to leave, Jin An grasped her wrist.
“I’ll help you,” he insisted. “I’ll share your burdens.”
Li Shuang’s resolve wavered momentarily, but she sighed, “Jin An, no one can help me with this.”
Seeing his wounded look, she gently removed his hand. “Rest well. We’ll depart for the capital tomorrow. I’ll be outside if you need anything.”
As Li Shuang and Wu Yin left, Jin An sat dejectedly on the bed, staring at his empty palm. Unnoticed by the others, he briefly winced and touched his temple.
That night, Li Shuang drank alone by the cliff, contemplating the impending changes in her life. The next morning, they set out for the capital, with Jin An unexpectedly demonstrating exceptional horsemanship.
Throughout the journey, Jin An deliberately avoided Li Shuang, maintaining his distance during rest stops and meals. Li Shuang, attributing this to her earlier words, reluctantly allowed his withdrawal.
Upon reaching the capital, Li Shuang led her troops to report to the Emperor. As they prepared, a Western Rong carriage passed by, stopping near them. An elderly, hawk-eyed diplomat emerged, greeting Li Shuang with surprising friendliness.
After a brief exchange, the diplomat departed, but not before his keen gaze lingered on Jin An for a moment. This fleeting interaction went unnoticed by others.
Li Shuang instructed Jin An to return to the General’s mansion with Qin Lan before entering the palace herself. In the imperial court, she formally relinquished her military authority. The Western Rong diplomat signed the peace treaty, remarking on the loss of Li Shuang’s military talents to the empire.
Emperor Sima Yang retained Li Shuang after the court proceedings. In the imperial garden, he addressed her: “Shuang’er, I’ll give you three months to sort out your feelings. After that, you must become my consort, with eyes and heart only for me.”
Memories of Jin An flooded Li Shuang’s mind—their first meeting, stolen moments in the northern frontier, and recent passionate encounters. Each recollection was chaotic yet vivid.
Suppressing her emotions, Li Shuang met the Emperor’s gaze with resolute clarity: “Your Majesty, I have always been clear about my position.”
She knew she must sever her ties and harden her heart. Having indulged in her desires, it was now time to face the consequences.