On the morning of the eighth day of the ninth month in the year 775, a strong wind swept across the Nanqiu Plains. The endless withered grass swayed in the breeze like a golden ocean. The landscape stretched out in a vast expanse, and looking as far as the eye could see, only a single withered tree stood in the distance at the edge of vision. The first great peak of the Nanqiu territory, Mount Haqi, revealed only a gray silhouette, appearing like a sleeping lion under the dawn shrouded in thick fog.

Li Ce wore a bright yellow cape with the imperial entourage following behind him, rarely displaying a measure of royal dignity. He sat on horseback, the hair at his temples slightly disheveled by the wind, strands repeatedly brushing against his face. Finding it irritating, the man impatiently brushed it away with his hand and pointed at the imperial guards closely following behind him: “You all, go stand over there on your horses and block the wind for me.”

Lu Yunxi frowned with a pained expression and said, “Your Highness, Yan Bei’s army is watching us from the front.”

“So what?” Li Ce raised an eyebrow, still maintaining his indolent tone. “What does Yan Bei’s army watching have to do with me asking you to stand over there?”

Tie You’s injuries had not fully healed, with bandages still wrapped around his shoulder, but this barely affected his seemingly dull yet sharp senses. The Commander of the Imperial Guard rolled his eyes impatiently and said in a gruff voice, “Your Highness, Young Master Yan is right ahead; you ought to be more careful.”

Lu Yunxi continued, “We came here secretly with just a few people. If they attacked, we wouldn’t even be enough to go around.”

“How strange, what are you talking about? I just asked you to stand to the side so the southern barbarian wind doesn’t damage my skin. What does that have to do with Young Master Yan?”

…

…

Sun Di spoiled the mood with a light snort: “You truly just don’t want us to disturb your romantic conversation, isn’t that right?”

“What? Is that what you all think? Do I look like someone who would disregard the bigger picture?”

Everyone’s eyes turned to him simultaneously, with a look that clearly said: Very much so.

“Your Highness, Miss Chu is coming,” a guard suddenly called out, raising his hand.

When Li Ce heard this, he quickly turned his head and said, “Go quickly! Anyone who doesn’t leave immediately will have half a year’s salary deducted.”

As soon as the words left his mouth, the area around him was so clean that not even a ghost’s shadow remained. Chu Qiao galloped over on horseback, pulled on the reins with a “whoa,” and asked puzzledly, “Where did they all go in such a hurry?”

“They all have upset stomachs and are looking for a latrine.”

Chu Qiao smiled and said, “Li Ce, thank you this time.”

Li Ce raised an eyebrow, with a faint light in his fox-like, slender eyes: “Thank me for what?”

“Thank you for your help during this time, thank you for not taking advantage of people’s misfortunes, thank you for maintaining neutrality at this moment and not kicking Yan Bei when they’re down.”

Li Ce held up one finger and shook it: “Regarding what happened at Meishan, I should be thanking you. Although we were somewhat prepared, if it weren’t for you, the soldiers would likely have mutinied. Once they had gone down the path of rebellion and raised their battle flags, Zhong Peng would have gained control of the military. By then, even if I had arrived, it would have been difficult to control troops who had already decided to fight with their backs against the wall. This matter concerned Bian Tang’s life and death, so it had nothing to do with you. As for the conflict with Yan Bei, you needn’t worry about that either. At present, going to war offers no benefit to Bian Tang. Even without you, I wouldn’t be stupid enough to be Da Xia’s pawn, haha. Besides, I’ve always been a person who advocates for peace. The battlefield is full of blood and flesh, and I wouldn’t want to dirty my robes.”

Chu Qiao chuckled and didn’t argue, saying, “Fine, let’s say we owe each other nothing, so if we meet on the battlefield in the future, there’s no need to show mercy.”

“That won’t do.” The man immediately changed his expression, counting on his fingers: “You stayed at my place for so long, eating my food, living in my quarters, wearing my clothes, playing with my things. Not only did you chase away two of my prospective daughters-in-law, but you also caused discord between me and my wives. The property losses are countless—economic losses, mental damages, marital discord fees, family breakup fees, and so on. We need to calculate each one. We’re all adults, and I see you as someone who acts honorably, so I trust you won’t default on your debts. In the future, I’ll send someone to Yan Bei with the list. Since Yan Bei isn’t wealthy, let’s say that for the next five years, if you see my banner on the battlefield, you must turn around and flee immediately. Yan Xun is so fierce, I wouldn’t dare to face him. What if he bites me?”

With a “thump,” Chu Qiao swung her fist and hit Li Ce on the shoulder. The man cried out, “Ah! Qiaoqiao, can’t you express your feelings differently?”

The corners of Chu Qiao’s mouth turned up in a warm smile. She knew that Li Ce’s words meant that for the next five years, Bian Tang would not use military force against Yan Bei under pressure from Da Xia. And after five years, Yan Bei would surely have established its firm power base, making it difficult even for Da Xia to launch an attack against Yan Bei with absolute confidence.

Her nose felt a bit sour, and her voice was somewhat muffled, yet she still smiled and said, “Lucky you. Why don’t you prepare an itemized list, converted to cash and silver, to see how much I owe you?”

“Ah,” Li Ce sighed, slightly lowering his head, but with his eyes looking upward, the corners of his eyes gleaming with hidden meaning as he quietly looked at her. “What I mentioned earlier was just the minor part. The main issue is that you’ve made me unable to forget you, yet you can’t stay by my side so I can see you often. In the endless years and quiet moments to come, this endless yearning and suffering of mine—can that be measured in money?”

A gust of wind blew by, sweeping up large patches of withered yellow grass with a whoosh. The man’s robes fluttered, his eyebrows and eyes like water, his expression carrying a hint of desolation and solitude. He tugged at the corner of his mouth in a faint smile, a smile that was helpless and bitter. He shook his head slightly, as if mocking himself, the curve of his lips holding a clear loneliness, like snow on a mountaintop, cold and desolate.

Chu Qiao was stunned, her gaze freezing like molten steel meeting cold. She wanted to say something but didn’t know where to begin.

“Haha!”

Li Ce suddenly pointed at Chu Qiao with one hand while covering his stomach with the other, laughing so hard he nearly fell off his horse. “Look at your expression, Qiaoqiao! Did you think I’ve lost my mind like that fellow Zhuge Yue?”

Chu Qiao, tricked by him, became furious and raised her fist to hit him. Li Ce nimbly dodged and said proudly, “If I let you hit me every time, wouldn’t I lose face as a Crown Prince?”

“You jerk!”

Li Ce laughed and said, “You shouldn’t be too confident. Yan Xun is unfortunate, having been with you since childhood, he probably feels there are no other women in the world besides you. Zhuge Yue is even more foolish. I suspect he’s used to seeing thousands of beautiful, mature women catering to his every whim, and suddenly, when a dry little weed like you appears, he’s amazed and treasures you like a jewel. Do you think I would be like those two? Haha!”

Chu Qiao angrily said, “You’re still talking?”

“I’ll stop, I’ll stop. Qiaoqiao, let me ask you something important. You must answer me honestly.” Li Ce’s facial expression changed faster than turning a page, immediately becoming serious.

Seeing his gravity, Chu Qiao also spoke solemnly, “Ask away. If I can tell you, I’ll hold nothing back.”

“You promise?”

“I promise. Go ahead and ask.”

“Well, well, I want to ask…” Li Ce looked around mysteriously, then frowned and said, “I want to ask…”

“What exactly do you want to ask?” Seeing him lean forward, Chu Qiao was secretly puzzled. Li Ce had never been like this before. What could it be? Could he want to ask about Yan Bei’s military plans? Or perhaps the strategy for the next battle?

“I want to ask…” Li Ce’s mouth twitched slightly, and suddenly he said loudly, “I want to ask if Yan Xun is still a virgin!”

“Li Ce! You’re asking for death!”

“Huh? If you don’t want to say, just don’t say it. Why get so angry?”

“I think today you sincerely want a beating!”

“Ah! Qiaoqiao, calm down, calm down! I didn’t mean any harm! Ah! Sun Di! Tie You! Protect me! Protect me!”

Screams like a slaughtered pig immediately rang out. The most noble voice of the Great Tang Dynasty carried far across the wilderness, but unfortunately, none of his followers came to his aid. Under Sun Di’s leadership, a group of the empire’s most elite guards was crouched on the leeward side of a mound, enthusiastically engaged in some legally questionable activities.

“Come on, place your bets! I bet His Highness doesn’t dare to fight back. I bet ten taels.”

A young man in his twenties said dismissively, “His Highness can’t be that weak. Being hit by a woman is too embarrassing. I bet His Highness will retaliate. I’ll match your ten taels.”

Everyone’s eyes immediately turned to him with sympathy. Lu Yunxi asked, “You’re new here, right? Not originally from the imperial capital?”

“That’s right,” the young soldier replied, his face full of righteous glory, obviously a loyal warrior of the empire. His young eyes, full of vitality, said, “I was the squad leader of the Seventh Column of the Fifth Battalion of the Thirtieth Army of Northern Shu. Because I didn’t join the rebels and report intelligence to superiors in time, I was promoted by His Highness. I hope you, senior officers, will look after me in the future.”

“No problem. Since we wear the same uniform, we’re brothers from now on,” Tie You said heartily. “To support you, I’ve decided to bet that His Highness won’t dare to fight back. This way, if you win, you’ll win more.”

“That’s right, expenses in the capital are high, brother. We support you too.”

The imperial guards all placed their silver on Sun Di’s side, declaring righteously, “We’re practically giving you money, kid. Work hard and contribute to this united team!”

The north wind howled, the wilderness was sprinkled with gold, and the morning breeze was cool, lifting their capes with a whistling coldness.

“Alright, I won’t see you off then. Have a safe journey.”

Chu Qiao nodded and said, “You be careful too. I always feel these recent incidents aren’t as simple as they seem. The court of Bian Tang is unstable, and someone is hiding even deeper. Also, those old ministers of yours shouldn’t be as muddleheaded as they appear on the surface. You need to be vigilant.”

“Don’t worry. Whoever dares to provoke me, I’ll confiscate their property and steal their wives.”

Chu Qiao smiled, “Never half-serious.”

Li Ce grinned with his bruised lip, his eyes narrowing into slits: “Life already has too many worries. If one spends all day with a formally stiff face, wouldn’t that be too boring? Qiaoqiao, I should also advise you, some things don’t require too much persistence. Live and let live, turn a blind eye sometimes, learn to be flexible and self-comforting. You live too hard because you always like to carry all those messy things on your shoulders. You should always remember, you are a woman. In this world, besides your beliefs and convictions, there are many important things.”

Li Ce rarely spoke like this. Chu Qiao unconsciously followed his words and asked, “What important things?”

Li Ce counted on his fingers, “Like going shopping, buying clothes, playing with rouge and powder, listening to music, putting on makeup… During the long nights, find some healthy entertainment activities, create some life early on to enrich your life. Hey? What are you doing? I’m being very serious with you about these things.”

“A dog’s mouth can’t spit out ivory!” Chu Qiao spat.

Li Ce laughed, “This is your fault. We’ve said goodbye more than ten times, and you still won’t leave. You’re just lingering here listening to my nonsense. What? Can’t bear to part with me?”

“Get lost! I just, I just want to stand here a little longer, take one more look at the mountains and waters of Bian Tang. Is that not allowed?”

“Of course it’s allowed. How could it not be? You go ahead and look.” Li Ce smiled like a fox, provocatively looking at Chu Qiao, yet surprisingly closing his mouth and not speaking anymore.

Chu Qiao bit her lower lip, her brows furrowing tighter.

“The air in Bian Tang is nice.”

“Is it? I’ve heard Yan Bei is covered in snow year-round, making the air even purer.”

“Have you decided to marry the Da Xia princess?”

“Whatever. The two countries still need to negotiate. I’ve handed it over to my subordinates to handle. Given the incidents of previous attempts, this time we’ve decided to invite renowned feng shui masters from both countries to properly examine the feng shui and calculate the national fortunes of both countries. Starting from the octagonal burial grounds of the Da Xia princess’s maternal ancestors eight generations back, all the way to our birth dates and eight characters, then collectively vote on a decision. I estimate it won’t be settled without three to five years of discussion. By the time the discussions are complete, that princess will be past marriageable age.”

“You’re too cruel, delaying the princess’s marriage.”

“How can you say that? I’m considering the prosperity of both countries.”

“Where did Zhao Chun’er go?”

“I don’t know. Da Xia took her away, but she didn’t return to Zhen Huang. She might have been banished.”

“Have your previous injuries healed? No major issues?”

“Nothing serious. If you hadn’t beaten me just now, I might have recovered even faster.”

“Your hairstyle looks nice today.”

“Does it? It’s been scattered by the wind. There’s no hairstyle left.”

“Your clothes look nice today, too. What fabric is that?”

“Palace regret gauze. You’ve worn it before.”

“Your belt looks nice too. Is that jade from Heluo?”

“No, you’re mistaken. This is just a stone I picked up from the riverside. I lost a bet to Tie You, and having no money to pay him back, he pried the jade off my belt.”

“The fragrance on you smells nice too. Is it a secret formula?”

“No. Actually, before coming here, I was hungover. Sun Di drank too much and vomited on me. I didn’t have time to change clothes before coming.”

“You’re going back to Tang capital soon, right?”

“I didn’t plan to go to Yan Bei with you.”

“How is he?”

“Very well. He’s already gone back.”

The wind on the plain suddenly grew stronger. Chu Qiao’s expression turned cold. She sat quietly on horseback, saying nothing for a long time.

Li Ce looked at her, maintaining a gentle smile, as if they had been discussing the weather, clothes, and other trivial matters all along.

“Li Ce, do you think I’m shameless?”

Li Ce smiled slightly: “I have three thousand beauties and countless women. Does that make me more shameless?”

Chu Qiao shook her head: “It’s not the same.”

“Qiaoqiao, don’t overthink it.” Li Ce suddenly reached out and gently patted her shoulder: “And don’t feel guilty. He’s a very smart person. He’ll be fine.”

“I hope so.” Chu Qiao smiled bitterly: “When did he leave?”

“That evening. As soon as you and Yan Xun left the Imperial Tomb, he took his people back to Da Xia, without even saying a word to me.”

“Are you two close?”

“Not really. We knew each other before, but our real interaction has only been during this period.”

Chu Qiao lowered her head, no longer speaking. Li Ce smiled and asked, “Qiaoqiao, have you developed feelings?”

Chu Qiao raised her head, with a faint smile, and said, “If I said no, would you believe me?”

“I would.” Li Ce nodded with a smile.

Chu Qiao’s voice suddenly lowered, saying solemnly, “I owe him a lot, perhaps with no chance to repay in a lifetime. I’m afraid he might face reproach from his family because of this. I don’t like owing favors.”

“If you truly don’t want to owe favors, then don’t meet again in the future. Even if you know the other person is in trouble, don’t get involved. Trust that without your help and concern, he will safely overcome everything. Some favors can’t be repaid; they only get more tangled the more you try.”

Chu Qiao was slightly startled. Looking up, she saw Li Ce’s thin smile, like a light mist. She nodded and said, “You’re right.”

“Qiaoqiao, Yan Bei’s situation is unpredictable and complex. I’m far away in Bian Tang, unable to help. You must be very careful.”

Chu Qiao smiled, “Thank you. Don’t worry. Besides, I’m not alone. I still have Yan Xun.”

Li Ce was momentarily stunned, then laughed freely: “I’m so foolish. You’re about to get married, and I’m still trying to please you.”

He shook his head, then said seriously, “Well, let me know when you get married. I’ll send you a grand gift.”

“Haha, of course! You’re so rich, you must give me a big red envelope. There’s no way you can escape!”

“Hey, hey! Don’t be too greedy. I’m a poor man. The monthly allowance my father gives me isn’t even enough for one drinking session at the Drunken Phoenix Pavilion.”

The young woman chuckled: “You’re just boasting.”

The wind picked up, and the sun slowly rose from the horizon. The mist on the grassland gradually dispersed. Li Ce pointed at Yan Bei’s army and said, “You should go now. If Young Master Yan gets impatient, he might come at me with a knife.”

Chu Qiao pursed her lips. The morning sunlight shone on her face, giving it a pale golden glow. She smiled quietly, very sincerely saying, “Li Ce, thank you. I’m leaving.”

Just as Chu Qiao was about to turn her horse around, a hand suddenly reached out in front of her. The man’s expression seemed somewhat strange, carrying emotions different from his usual demeanor. Chu Qiao raised an eyebrow slightly: “Is there something else?”

“Oh, nothing,” Li Ce shook his head, slightly dazed, and smiled faintly: “If someday Yan Xun suddenly becomes enlightened and no longer values you because of having many wives and concubines, you can come to me for shelter.”

Chu Qiao smiled and said, “That day will never come.”

She reached out her hand and made a gesture across her neck: “If he dared to do that, I would first finish off those women, then finish him off, then establish myself as queen and seize his inheritance!”

Li Ce clicked his tongue, patting his chest with a frightened look: “Such a vicious woman.”

“I’m off!”

“Go quickly! It’ll be dark if you don’t leave soon.”

Chu Qiao smiled, then pulled the reins and shouted. The horse snorted and darted forward.

“Qiaoqiao! Be more cautious in everything, don’t trust others easily!”

The young woman waved her arm and shouted back, “Stop nagging!”

“You stubborn girl, eat more meat! Your figure is too poor, it’s off-putting!”

On the Nanqiu Plain, the wind suddenly grew stronger. Birds in the sky flapped their wings and soared across the horizon. The sun finally fully emerged from the horizon. The woman’s silhouette gradually faded away, heading toward that patch of darkness in the distance.

Yan Bei’s army stood silently in formation. A man in black robes sat upright on horseback. Even from such a distance, one could still feel the man’s cold demeanor, like a sharp-edged sword.

“Poker face with good fortune,” a petty man muttered under his breath, then turned around irritably, taking a deep breath. The strong wind blew through his bangs, his long robes dancing in the wind like a winding kite.

I hope you’ve chosen a path that suits you.

Li Ce shouted, whipped his horse, and galloped away without looking back again, taking the lead and disappearing in a cloud of dust.

Sun Di and the others were startled, hurriedly collecting the silver on the ground and climbing onto their horses to chase after him.

“Your Highness! Wait for us!”

“Why is Your Highness running alone? And so fast?”

Lu Yunxi cursed, “How stupid! Didn’t you hear what His Highness just shouted? If we don’t run, are we waiting to be torn to pieces by Yan Bei’s army?”

“Ah? Right! Everyone run quickly!”

“Hurry up!”

…

Chu Qiao galloped back to Yan Xun’s side and pulled her horse to a stop. The man wore a black robe, his sword-like eyebrows extending to his temples, slightly furrowed, his expression quite unpleasant. He looked askance in the direction Li Ce had departed, only able to see a yellowish cloud of dust. In a low voice, he slowly asked, “What did he shout at the end?”

Chu Qiao was immediately embarrassed, her face reddening as she pretended ignorance: “Huh? I don’t remember. I didn’t hear clearly.”

Trying to get away with it?

“Why did you talk for so long? Are you close with him?”

Having spent time with a certain someone, her tongue had become quite glib: “Not that close. We were just discussing the bright prospects of cooperation between our two countries and envisioning a beautiful future blueprint.”

Unfortunately, the Yan Bei Young Master was not so easily fooled. The man snorted coldly, turned his horse around, and waved a hand at the troops. The battalion immediately set off. Then he said, “Tell me everything that happened during your time away, regardless of size, leave nothing out, and don’t conceal anything.”

“Huh?” Chu Qiao immediately felt guilty. She urged her horse to catch up with Yan Xun and said, “But it’s a long story.”

“No matter,” Yan Xun turned his head, smiling gently, though no longer with the amiable manner of the Zhen Huang city days. There was a vague, unfathomable slyness: “It’s a long journey from here to Yan Bei. We’ll be traveling together, so there’s plenty of time.”

“Yan Xun,” Chu Qiao’s face immediately fell: “Why do I feel you’re a bit different this time?”

“Really?” With the smoothness of a tai chi master: “That’s because I’ve discovered someone wants to steal what’s mine. This thing is quite popular. If I don’t keep an eye on it, I might lose my investment entirely.”

“Huh? Really? Who’s so bold as to steal from you? That’s too much!” Chu Qiao immediately feigned righteous indignation and ignorance.

“Hehe, so you think so too?” Yan Xun chuckled, then nodded solemnly: “Yes, it’s too much. I’ve tended an iron tree for over ten years, and it’s finally bloomed. How could I let others pick its flowers? Although the bloom isn’t particularly impressive, and its posture isn’t as graceful as other flowers, it has been with me for so long. Even a toilet develops sentimental value after long use. I am a person who values relationships deeply. Isn’t their behavior simply too arrogant?”

Chu Qiao, red-faced, shouted: “Hey! Yan Xun, you’ve gone too far, comparing me to a toilet!”

“Haha!” Yan Xun extended his long arms, grabbed Chu Qiao around the waist, and with a clever move, lifted her from her horse to sit in front of him on his own. Laughing, he embraced her waist and murmured: “Whoever dares to steal from me, I’ll fight them to the death.”

His voice was very soft, his breath gently blowing on Chu Qiao’s fair neck, causing her skin to develop tiny goosebumps.

“Don’t worry, no one will steal from you. This flower always knows where it should bloom.”

The strong wind howled, blowing the golden banner overhead, fluttering wildly. Chu Qiao leaned in Yan Xun’s embrace, and all worries and concerns instantly vanished. Li Ce was right; a person only has one pair of legs. Having decided to go west, the scenery on the northern path—whether it rains or blows—no longer matters.

She was happy. This time, she had seen a different Yan Xun—not the frustrated Young Master in Zhen Huang city, not the man full of hatred trapped in a cage, not the madman who killed with bloodshot eyes the day they escaped from Zhen Huang city. He was warm, even lighthearted, as if the eloquent, bright-eyed youth from many years ago by Lake Chishui had come back to life.

Away from the lifeless prison of Zhen Huang, they were no longer who they once were.

The sunlight was dazzling, all golden. Two eagles circled above the troops—their war eagles, with massive wings, shrieking as they flew.

“Hya!”

Yan Xun suddenly whipped his horse, and the warhorse immediately reared up. Behind them, the army surged forward with a roar, churning up yellow dust that rose high behind them.

“A-Chu!”

The wind was so strong that even though they were close, they had to shout to be heard.

Chu Qiao tried hard to turn her head, shouting, “What did you say?”

“I’m taking you home!”

The man raised his hand holding the whip, pointing at the northwestern horizon, his eyes sharp as he said, “Back to our kingdom!”Of course it’s allowed