The day when she met the young lady of the He Lian family was Chu Qiao’s first day of recovery after her illness. A crescent moon dimly illuminated the window, its pale light scattered across the floor. The candlelight flickered, alternating between bright and dim, with drops of wax falling onto the candlestick, red like blood. The brocade curtains by the bed were covered in dust, faded, and withered with remnants of deep crimson. Outside the window, tree shadows swayed, occasionally making desolate sounds. Cold crows flew by with fluttering wings, emitting sorrowful cries.

He Lian Ling lay on her side in the cotton bedding, her silhouette appearing frail and thin. The room still had lingering traces of blood, looking desolate and messy, a heartbreaking sight.

Jing Zi Su sat beside her, stroking her temples while secretly wiping away tears. She turned to Chu Qiao and said, “So many years have passed in the blink of an eye. I never thought we would meet again, but the He Lian family was once so powerful—how did they end up like this?”

Chu Qiao wore a fire-red fox fur cloak that Yan Xun had just sent over. The vivid color accentuated her beautiful features. Standing there, watching the three Jing sisters quietly shedding tears, she felt somewhat sorrowful herself and gently comforted them: “Sister, don’t be too sad. Meeting old friends is a joyous occasion.”

As they were leaving, Yan Xun’s attendant Feng Zhi came forward to explain: “His Highness rescued this woman on the road. He originally gave her some money and let her go, but she kept following behind, unwilling to leave. When His Highness returned from meeting Princess Imperial Na Lan, he encountered her again. The young lady knelt and kowtowed, begging His Highness to take her in. Seeing her pitiful state, His Highness softened and brought her back—at that time, you were still in Bian Tang, miss. Later, he found her accommodation in North Shuo City. I arranged everything, but after the war broke out in North Shuo, I became busy and forgot about her.”

Feng Zhi continued chattering, but Chu Qiao wasn’t paying attention. It had been seven days already, and war was about to break out in the east. She no longer had time to worry about these minor details.

When Yan Xun returned that evening, they ate together. Seeing Feng Zhi and A Jing busily packing things for Yan Xun, Chu Qiao casually asked, “Are you leaving soon?”

Yan Xun was eating while opening letters from the east. He nodded slightly: “Soon.”

“Let me go with you.”

Hearing this, Yan Xun raised his head, put down the letters, and said solemnly: “The east is ravaged by war, and Da Xia’s military is formidable. Your health isn’t good, and I can’t bear to have you endure the hardships and dangers of a long journey with me. There’s no more fighting within Yan Bei’s borders now, so you should stay here.”

Chu Qiao’s brows furrowed slightly, and she spoke rather urgently: “My health is fine now. Let me come with you. I can help you, I can…”

“A Chu, I’ve never doubted your abilities, but you should rest now.”

Yan Xun spoke firmly, his tone deep as he gazed intensely at her: “You’ve done enough. Leave the rest to me. Don’t you trust me?”

For a moment, Chu Qiao didn’t know what emotions were stirring inside her. She was slightly stunned, her hand holding the chopsticks trembled. Taking a deep breath, she slowly said, “I’m just worried about you.”

Yan Xun’s expression softened as he reached across the table to hold her hand, smiling: “Don’t worry.”

Chu Qiao smiled faintly but didn’t know how to respond. She suddenly realized that since Yan Xun’s return, she hadn’t inquired about military matters for a long time. She didn’t even know how far Da Xia’s troops had advanced.

“I’ve brought He Lian Ling to stay in the west wing of the residence.”

While looking at the letters, Yan Xun casually asked, “Which He Lian Ling?”

“Don’t you remember? The one you rescued, the eldest daughter of the Huai Yin He Lian family.”

Yan Xun’s eyes showed no reaction as he quietly said, “I have some recollection.”

The candle flame crackled, and the wind outside suddenly rose. Chu Qiao said softly, “You forgot about her when you left and didn’t instruct me to look after her. During the fighting, she was taken by Cao Meng Tong’s troops to serve as a military prostitute. She’s been tortured beyond recognition.”

“Oh.”

Yan Xun’s voice remained unchanged. Chu Qiao even doubted whether he had heard her. Seeing his focused expression, though, with slightly tired eyes, she didn’t want to press further. She put down her chopsticks and went to the inner chamber, instructing the maids to prepare the bed and heat water.

Outside, the cold wind howled. Even with blazing fires in the room, it still felt somewhat cold. Yan Xun liked chestnuts. During idle days, Chu Qiao would sit by the bed, peeling them one by one, often sitting for half a day. The sweet fragrance of chestnuts permeated the air, silently lingering around one’s nose, intoxicating. The bedside table, tea table, and desk were all filled with peeled chestnuts, and the room gradually took on this fragrance.

The quilt was thick and soft, with dragon and auspicious cloud patterns delicately embroidered in gold thread. The bed was enormous, large enough for seven or eight people. Chu Qiao reached out to layer the bedding for him, feeling a rare sense of tranquility in her heart. Perhaps it was only when doing something for him that she could experience peace of mind.

Suddenly, footsteps sounded behind her. Without turning around, Chu Qiao casually said, “The water is already heated, you can first…”

Her waist was suddenly embraced, and a man’s gentle breath fell on her snow-white neck. Chu Qiao was forced to stand straight, laughing lightly as she pushed him away: “Stop playing, I’m making the bed.”

“Who would have thought that the renowned General Chu Qiao, who stubbornly defended North Shuo and established glorious military achievements, would also do such trivial tasks.”

Knowing he was teasing her, Chu Qiao laughingly scolded: “How ungrateful. I’ve been taking care of you for nearly ten years. You make it sound like I’m some kind of shrew who only knows how to fight.”

Yan Xun laughed: “Not at all. I’m marveling at my good fortune.”

Hearing this, Chu Qiao suddenly turned around: “Then let me go with you, so I can take care of you.”

Yan Xun looked at her, the smile suddenly vanishing from his face. He gazed at Chu Qiao for a long time before slowly asking, “A Chu, do you know what my greatest wish has been all these years?”

Chu Qiao raised her eyebrows slightly but didn’t answer.

Yan Xun didn’t expect her to answer and continued: “All these years, whenever I saw you running east and west for me, travel-worn and weary, I secretly vowed that someday, when I, Yan Xun, had my day, I would never let you suffer any grievance or harm again. I want you to live a life of luxury and peace, enjoying all the glory and favor a woman can enjoy. A Chu, I am a man. Rather than having you charge into battle for me, I’d prefer to see you making my bed and preparing my meals.”

Yan Xun’s expression was very calm, but his eyes were serious. Chu Qiao looked at him, unable to express her feelings at that moment. She lowered her head as many emotions flashed through her heart. Finally, she slowly reached out and embraced Yan Xun’s lean waist: “I understand. I’ll stay here and wait for you. Come back safely and soon.”

Chu Qiao’s voice was gentle. Hearing this, Yan Xun was moved, and involuntarily, he reached out with his slender fingers to lift Chu Qiao’s pointed chin, gazing deeply into her eyes. Then, tender kisses fell, landing on her temples, the corners of her eyes, her cherry lips, and her neck. His arms tightened, firmly holding her waist. Amid the friction of lips and teeth, soft murmurs arose, so tempting, as if tearing apart one’s reason. Yan Xun’s breathing became somewhat ragged, and a fire rose in his lower abdomen. His large hands roamed over her back, pressing so forcefully, yet still not enough. An urgent desire rose from deep within his body. The touch of lips and teeth could no longer satisfy him; he seemed to want more, much more.

The massive bed was shrouded in layers of gauze curtains, exuding a unique allure compared to usual days. Yan Xun picked up Chu Qiao’s soft body and laid her down on the bed.

When her body touched the bed, Chu Qiao panicked and confused. Her body suddenly felt a trace of coldness. She opened her eyes wide in bewilderment, only to be immediately covered by burning breath. Her symbolic resistance did not stop the suddenly rising desire. The man pressed against her, his body subtly rubbing against hers. The thin indoor garments could not conceal much; their skin was hot and burning.

“Yan… Xun…”

The breathless voice arose, flowing like rippling water. For a moment, it was impossible to discern the joy or anger within, to determine whether it was refusal or invitation. The hand that had wielded a sword for years pulled aside the clothing at her chest, slowly sliding in. When he touched that smooth area on her chest, Chu Qiao’s startled cry in his ear could no longer make him stop. His breathing suddenly became extremely rapid. That wonderful sensation instantly ignited the last trace of reason in his mind. His hoarse voice echoed in Chu Qiao’s ear, as if in a dream: “A Chu, I fear I can’t hold back anymore.”

Chu Qiao had lost the ability to speak. Her slightly parted lips were captured, only able to make muffled sounds. Her pearl-like teeth were gently licked by his tongue tip, creating electrifying numbness. Her skin trembled; the brocade beneath was smooth, but the weight above was so heavy, yet it also felt so safe. Her clothes slipped off her shoulders, revealing snow-white, delicate shoulders that, in the lamplight, looked like fine porcelain.

A thought suddenly flashed through her mind. As if possessed, Chu Qiao laboriously freed her mouth and asked in a hoarse, water-like voice: “Yan Xun, how old is Jing Yue Er now?”

Yan Xun was slightly taken aback. She had asked how old Jing Yue Er was, not how old Chu Qiao was, but what difference did that make? The uninformed man felt somewhat resentful, looking at her accusingly: “A Chu, you’re tempting me!”

Chu Qiao shook her head pitifully: “How so?”

“Appearing before me so beautifully is temptation enough!” Yan Xun took a deep breath, kissing her tender white earlobe lightly: “And every time you tempt me, you take no responsibility.”

A small shiver rose on her body, and Chu Qiao involuntarily arched slightly, her mouth still intermittently saying: “You… are… unreasonable…”

“I’ve been too reasonable; that’s why I can do nothing with you.” Yan Xun sighed silently: “A Chu, I want to marry you right now.”

“Then marry me.”

Someone suddenly blurted out softly. As soon as the words were said, her face turned bright red. Chu Qiao immediately buried her head in the quilt. She heard Yan Xun pause briefly before bursting into hearty laughter. Chu Qiao felt she had lost her mind—how could she appear more eager than him?

“That won’t do,” Yan Xun forcibly pulled her out, sitting her on his lap: “Right now, Yan Xun is just a rebel confined to Yan Bei. Yan Bei is desolate and ravaged, with countless things to rebuild. How could I welcome my wife to such a humble abode? When the eastern campaign is over and Yan Bei’s situation has stabilized, I will build a golden palace to marry you, with Da Xia’s northwestern granary as my betrothal gift. My A Chu must be the most noble bride in the entire Western Meng continent, the only lifelong love of me, Yan Xun.”

Although she already knew his intentions, hearing his words so suddenly still shook Chu Qiao’s heart. Her eyes reddened, almost bringing tears. She slowly lowered her head, leaning on his shoulder, and said softly: “I don’t want anything else. I just want you to be well and safe.”

“You may not want it, but I must give it to you.” Yan Xun smiled, kissing her forehead: “I know how you’ve lived these years. This is my dream; I’ve dreamed of it for many years. I owe you too much; only with the rest of my life can I properly compensate you.”

Her heart felt as if placed in warm water, enveloped by gentle candlelight. Chu Qiao sighed softly: “Between us, is there still talk of owing?”

Yan Xun’s face darkened slightly. His arm tightened its grip, and his voice lowered: “You’ve suffered a lot. I know everything.”

The candle crackled, the layers of gauze curtains swayed, their shadows entwined, their clothes rustling.

After bathing, Yan Xun did not wear night clothes but rather casual attire. Chu Qiao asked puzzledly: “Where are you going?”

Yan Xun casually took a long fur cloak and placed it on her shoulders, smiling: “Taking you back to your room.”

“Back to my room?” Chu Qiao was stunned. These past few days, she had been sleeping with Yan Xun. This wasn’t unusual; when they were young, they always slept together. It had been many years. During her recent illness, Yan Xun had guarded her day and night, often eating and sleeping with her. It was already so late today—why would he send her back?

“What? You’ll miss me?” Yan Xun teased her, but then put on a worried face and said: “A Chu, we’re not children anymore. These past few days, I haven’t been able to sleep, living even more miserably than those ten years I was held hostage in Zhen Huang City.”

Chu Qiao’s pretty face immediately reddened. Seeing the little maids around covering their mouths and giggling, she pouted: “What are you saying?”

“Stop laughing, all of you. Can’t you see General Chu is embarrassed?” Yan Xun suddenly turned to scold the maids, but they only laughed louder. He could only helplessly shrug at Chu Qiao: “It’s over; they don’t listen to me.”

“Nonsense. I’m ignoring you.”

Chu Qiao turned to walk toward her room, but Yan Xun laughed heartily, came up from behind, and lifted her, exclaiming: “I said I would take you back. Do you dare disobey military orders? You deserve punishment!”

After Yan Xun left, the room seemed to grow colder. Staying in her room, Chu Qiao wasn’t tired. Recalling the earlier moments, she couldn’t help but blush. Tossing and turning, unable to sleep, she could only sit up, lean against the desk, and stare blankly.

This time after Yan Xun’s return, something seemed different. Their relationship had become increasingly intimate, but some things had gradually changed.

Thinking of Yan Xun’s words just now, Chu Qiao smiled slightly. Perhaps she was overthinking. Men are all like this; none like their women to fight on the battlefield. He had grown stronger now, so he wanted to protect her. She should understand him. He wanted her to live safely and happily, like ordinary women—drinking tea, appreciating flowers, wearing fine silk, enjoying the service of servants, and living a life of luxury—only to compensate for the hardships she had endured.

Although this wasn’t the life she wanted, she should fulfill his wishes and understand his intentions. He wasn’t pushing her away; he just wanted to protect her.

After thinking this way for a while, her heart suddenly felt much better. Just as she was about to sleep, she heard footsteps outside. Opening the window, the cold air suddenly rushed in. A row of lanterns was heading toward Yan Xun’s room, moving urgently.

“Lu Liu!”

She called out, and the little maid immediately ran in with sleepy eyes: “Miss, what is it?”

“What’s happening outside? It’s so late, why are so many people coming?”

“Oh, miss, you don’t know. His Highness is summoning the generals tonight to discuss military matters. It seems they’re drafting the eastern campaign plan. Those generals have been waiting at the gatehouse for a while.”

Hearing this, Chu Qiao was stunned. The wind outside was strong, immediately blowing away the clothes on her shoulders. Her long hair danced in the wind, appearing disheveled and thin.

“Oh no, miss, you’ve just recovered from illness. How can you be in the wind?” The little maid quickly ran over to close the window, anxiously saying: “Miss? Miss?”

“Ah?” Chu Qiao came to her senses and said: “Oh, it’s nothing. You can go now.”

Lu Liu was puzzled: “Is Miss alright?”

“I’m fine, go and sleep.”

“Oh,” Lu Liu agreed: “Then, miss, please sleep early too.”

The study on the other side was brightly lit. Chu Qiao watched for a while, then lifted the quilt and went to bed. Before falling asleep, she thought that perhaps Yan Xun had sent her back to sleep because he needed to discuss military matters tonight. Thinking about it, she felt it was better to come back and sleep; their place was so noisy, she definitely wouldn’t have been able to sleep.

Drifting in and out of sleep, she suddenly felt an inexplicable, vague fear creeping into her dreams. Her heart was like a drifting boat, tossing on the waves, unstable, but eventually settling down bit by bit.

She woke up very early in the morning. With things on her mind, she couldn’t sleep anymore. In three more days, Yan Xun would leave. She felt uneasy and anxious. Early in the morning, without even washing her face, she ran to Yan Xun’s room, only to be told that he had gone to the Sunset Military Camp overnight and hadn’t returned yet.

Walking back dejectedly, she realized she had taken a wrong turn. By the frozen pond in the west wing, she saw a young woman wearing only a white single garment standing foolishly by the water’s edge. Her hair was loosely scattered, her face as white as a ghost. Hearing someone approach, she turned around eerily, blood still visible on her forehead, frowning in confusion and asking: “What’s wrong with this pond? Why can’t I drown myself in it?”

Chu Qiao exclaimed and quickly ran forward, pulling her back angrily: “What are you doing?”

“Who are you?” He Lian Ling frowned and asked: “Are you sent by my father?”

Yesterday, the doctor mentioned that she had been traumatized and her mind was affected, but Chu Qiao hadn’t expected it to be this serious. Feeling somewhat compassionate, she had to deceive her: “Yes, come back to the room with me first. It’s too cold outside.”

“That’s wonderful!” The only remaining young lady of the He Lian family smiled happily, pure and innocent like a child: “Father has finally come to get me. How’s mother? How’s brother? I miss home so much!”

The distance to the room was neither far nor near. Chu Qiao took off her fur coat and placed it on her shoulders, saying: “They’re all well, just waiting for you. So you need to regain your health.”

“Yes, I’ll listen to you.” He Lian Ling replied with a smile.

They quickly entered the room. With Chu Qiao’s attention, the place had been thoroughly cleaned yesterday and was now clean and warm, very comfortable. He Lian Ling seemed to have truly lost her mind; entering the room, she didn’t know to take off her clothes but instead sat obediently on the bed wrapped in the thick fur coat, saying docilely: “I’ll listen to you. Can you take me home?”

Chu Qiao sighed helplessly, took off the fur coat, and smiled: “Not yet. It’s too cold outside. We have to wait until spring.”

“Oh.” The He Lian young lady nodded silently, obviously disappointed. After thinking for a long time, she still raised her head politely: “I understand. You’re right. It’s snowing outside, and the horses are afraid of the cold and won’t pull the carriage.”

She was truly very thin. Recalling her appearance when she had just arrived yesterday, Chu Qiao couldn’t help feeling a pang of sorrow.

“Take good care of yourself. You can go home once you’re better, understand?”

“Yes,” He Lian Ling agreed, then suddenly leaned closer cautiously, lying by her ear, saying very mysteriously: “I think you’re a good person, so I’ll tell you a secret.”

Chu Qiao was startled and asked: “What secret?”

“Everyone outside is evil.”

Chu Qiao was surprised: “Hmm?”

“Yes, all of them.” He Lian Ling lowered her head, carefully looking around as if the room was full of people, muttering: “Those soldiers in armor are all bad people.”

In an instant, He Lian Ling straightened her back, appearing very brave and proud, saying smugly: “But you don’t need to be afraid. The immortals will protect me. Since you’re good to me, I’ll protect you too when the time comes.”

Talking to her was indeed illogical. Chu Qiao felt as if she too had gone mad, yet she still asked: “Immortals?”

“Yes!” He Lian Ling chuckled, proudly saying: “You haven’t seen them, right? Heavenly soldiers and generals. I’ve seen them, but I can’t tell others or I’ll be punished by heaven. I can only tell you secretly. That heavenly general likes me; he’s even embraced me. When I go home, he’ll come to propose, and I can marry him.”

After saying this, she yawned, obediently climbing into bed, saying: “I want to sleep now. When I sleep, I can see him.”

Chu Qiao stood up, looking at her sympathetically. Who could have imagined that this once high and mighty young lady would end up in such a state today? She heard her muttering things like “If you bully me, the heavenly soldiers and generals will kill you all” as she gradually fell asleep. Chu Qiao shook her head and turned to leave the room.

After finishing her meal, Yan Xun still hadn’t returned. With nothing to do, Chu Qiao sat at her desk, lost in thought. Her mind unconsciously began analyzing Da Xia’s military distribution after the Northern Campaign, comparing intelligence, logistics, and weaponry between both sides. A battle map naturally unfolded in her mind.

In the previous Northern Campaign, it wasn’t mere luck that Yan Xun’s cavalry broke through Da Xia’s blockade and penetrated deep into Da Xia’s territory. Only now did Chu Qiao roughly understand some clues.

In terms of overall strength, Yan Bei was far inferior to Da Xia—whether in military power, weaponry, food supply, military leadership, intelligence, political systems, or rear stability. Yan Bei was a desolate wasteland. In a confrontation, even following the initial strategic approach—Yan Xun attacking Mei Lin Pass, Miss Yu defending Lan City’s second defense line, and North Shuo replacing its command with brilliant leaders—the result would at best be fifty-fifty, lasting at least three to five months. It certainly couldn’t have ended in just half a month as it did now, which was extremely fortunate for Yan Bei.

Da Xia’s only oversight was perhaps sending four allied armies to fight simultaneously. Their intention was good—hoping to crush Yan Bei with overwhelming force, intimidate the northwestern lords, and rebuild imperial prestige. However, this meant that aside from logistical support, the army had no second rear line. The four major corps were scattered, each acting independently without a unified commander. Relying on their numerous troops and generals, they never expected Yan Bei would dare leave the city and approach actively. Thus, they deployed in an all-around offensive formation with loose blockades. Yan Xun, relying on nearly perfect strategic intelligence, led his army through the gaps between the four major corps, silently entering Da Xia’s interior, not only throwing Da Xia’s formation into chaos but also occupying several northwestern provinces. Imagine the panic when Yan Xun’s forces attacked from the east, cutting off Zhao Yang’s army retreat route. Suddenly seeing such a fierce fresh army, they didn’t know what had happened within the country. This panic is the greatest weakness in marching and fighting, and when it suddenly appears in an army, it can cause the entire army to mutiny. Particularly clever was how Yan Xun didn’t completely seal off their escape route. This way, they didn’t have to fight to the death, and without the resolve for a desperate battle, soldiers fled for their lives, allowing Yan Xun to pursue and slaughter them at minimal cost. Otherwise, if more than 400,000 troops had desperately resisted together, Yan Bei might not have fared so well.

Of course, if even one link in this chain had gone wrong, it could have led to the destruction of all Yan Bei.

First, if scouts had discovered Yan Xun while he was entering Da Xia, he would have immediately found himself in the predicament of a lone army deep in enemy territory, without a single city or foothold. He would have been caught in Da Xia’s frenzied encirclement, sacrificing tens of thousands of lives from the First Army and Sunset Army.

Second, if Chu Qiao hadn’t first occupied Chi Du City, relocating all of Yan Bei’s eastern civilians to the northwest and stubbornly defending the city, Zhao Yang would have broken through Chi Du, divided his forces in two—one cooperating with Zhao Qi to attack North Shuo, forming an encirclement, the other entering Yan Bei’s interior. Had Zhao Yang truly entered Yan Bei’s interior, he would have discovered Yan Bei’s military vacancy, possibly quickly suspecting the whereabouts of Yan Xun and the First Army. Yan Xun’s isolated force would have faced an awkward situation, with the entire Yan Bei at stake. However, after Chu Qiao defended Chi Du for many days, Zhao Yang knew Zhao Qi would challenge him, so he had to bring his entire army to support Zhao Qi, unable to divide his forces to seize power.

Third, if Yan Xun hadn’t returned to aid Yan Bei, or had returned too late, Yan Bei naturally wouldn’t have been preserved. Of course, in that case, Yan Xun might have occupied Zhen Huang City.

Reality is indeed so fascinating.

Chu Qiao had always harbored doubts about how easily Yan Xun occupied Da Xia’s northwestern continent. Not to mention that the northwestern officials were all appointed by Da Xia, there were also millions of northwestern civilians and hundreds of thousands of northwestern native troops—how could they allow others to occupy their homeland? But later, after thinking it through, she understood.

The northwest was largely grassland, with only one-thirtieth being walled cities, located around the He Lan Mountains. Except for the plains near the eastern line river, most belonged to the territory of the Batu Ha family. This place had been a war-torn area since ancient times. In recent years during the Shangcan People’s Revolt, the He Lan Mountain area had responded in unity, showing that the local Batu Ha family’s governance was inadequate. Moreover, Yan Shi City once had an extremely high reputation, spreading throughout the entire northwestern continent. Later she heard Yan Xun say that they had only fought four major battles; they never even went to Suo Du Yuan and several other cities—the local civilians and volunteer soldiers had spontaneously risen up and then come to pledge allegiance. This point truly surprised Chu Qiao. It seemed Da Xia’s slave system had indeed reached its end; even without Yan Xun’s war, the people would have eventually risen in rebellion.

Just as she was thinking, Lu Liu and Feng Zhi entered, both smiling. Lu Liu held a tablet in her hand. Seeing Chu Qiao, she chuckled and said, “Miss, look at what this is?”

Chu Qiao was startled and looked up. It was a longevity tablet with her name and military position carved on it. Below were dense small characters, all auspicious phrases about blessing long life.

“My longevity tablet?” Chu Qiao smiled and said, “Which of you two made this? Trying to cheer me up?”

Lu Liu immediately laughed and said, “What are you talking about? Feng Zhi bought it.”

“Bought it? How could something like this be for sale?”

“This is something you don’t know,” said Feng Zhi, who was still young, having been taken in by Yan Xun as a page after Feng Mian left. He smiled and explained, “Now, miss, you’re the savior and benefactor of North Shuo City. Almost every family in the city has a tablet of you that they worship morning and evening. The Loyalty Hall in the south of the city collapsed, and recently wealthy households voluntarily contributed funds to rebuild it. They’ve even placed a statue of you there, right next to the old Prince Yan. This is the first time a living person has been enshrined in the Loyalty Hall. Small merchants and peddlers, seeing profit to be made, have all made longevity tablets and peace jade pendants bearing your image to sell outside. Even soldiers in the army have bought jade pendants to carry with them.”

Hearing this, Chu Qiao was slightly startled, but unlike what Feng Zhi and Lu Liu expected, she didn’t look happy. Instead, she gradually frowned. After a long while, she asked solemnly, “Besides my tablet, do they sell anyone else’s?”

Seeing her serious expression, Feng Zhi became somewhat anxious and said quietly, “Yes, but they’re selling clay figures of Lu Zhi, the General of the Second Army. The civilians take them home and burn them in their stoves, or throw them into the latrine.”

“Miss, are you alright?” Lu Liu asked softly.

Chu Qiao shook her head. “It’s nothing. You can go now. That thing—burn it or throw it away. Don’t keep it in the residence.”

“Yes.” The two agreed nervously and turned to leave.

Chu Qiao felt somewhat uneasy. This time, Yan Xun had employed a strategy of “besieging Wei to rescue Zhao,” saving North Shuo from disaster. His previous intention to abandon Yan Bei was unknown to outsiders. Logically, the common people should have been grateful to him, so why were the civilians of Yan Bei unappreciative?

There was a problem here that needed careful examination.

Chu Qiao frowned. Her reputation was so high; Yan Xun was somewhat better and shouldn’t mind too much, but others might not be so understanding.

It seemed she needed to do more to build Yan Xun’s reputation. She thought that staying away from military affairs was right. As she pondered, she suddenly felt a chill. Did Yan Xun know about these things? If he did, might there be other considerations in keeping her away from military matters? But thinking this, she immediately dismissed the idea, shaking her head with an amused smile. Was she going mad? She must have spent too much time talking with He Lian Ling.

At dinnertime, Yan Xun finally returned. When Chu Qiao heard, she quickly ran out, standing in the corridor watching him from afar, her smile warm and gentle. Dressed in white fox fur, she looked stunningly beautiful.

Yan Xun strode over, about to take her hand, but suddenly stepped back, rubbing his hands, saying, “My hands are very cold. I don’t want you to catch a chill.”

Chu Qiao smiled, stepped forward, took his hands, and helped rub them, even bringing them to her mouth to breathe on them. Then she smiled and asked, “Why are you back so early?”

“I’m leaving soon and wanted to spend more time with you.”

Chu Qiao looked up with a smile, accompanying him toward the main chamber, asking as they walked, “Are you hungry?”

“Have you eaten?”

“No, I was waiting for you.”

Yan Xun raised an eyebrow: “Why didn’t you eat first? Didn’t I tell you not to wait for me?”

Chu Qiao rarely acted coquettishly but said softly, “Eating alone isn’t pleasant.”

The two chatted casually as they walked. Just then, they heard a sharp scream from the northwest, and a figure suddenly ran forward.

“Immortal! It’s the immortal! Have you come to see me?”

He Lian Ling ran up eagerly but was stopped by guards. Her hairpins askew and hair disheveled, she still tried desperately to rush in, shouting, “It’s me! It’s me!”

She had grown so thin that she was unrecognizable. Yan Xun looked somewhat confused, frowning as he watched her, momentarily speechless.

“That’s He Lian Ling. She’s ill, her mind isn’t clear. Tell them not to hurt her.”

Chu Qiao quickly explained. Yan Xun nodded, “Take her back, don’t harm her.”

With that, he turned and left. Chu Qiao followed by his side. Even from far away, they could still hear He Lian Ling’s shrill cries. Chu Qiao felt somewhat uncomfortable, though she couldn’t quite identify the feeling. Was it sympathy? Pity? Or perhaps a hint of jealousy? How ridiculous that she would feel jealous of such a person.

Yan Xun hadn’t slept at all last night and looked extremely tired. After dinner, Chu Qiao prepared his bed and then returned to her room. In the middle of the night, she suddenly heard someone shouting outside. She could vaguely make out that it was a woman’s voice.

Lu Liu had also heard it and ran out in her nightclothes to investigate. She returned to report, “Miss, it’s that mad young lady from the He Lian family in the west wing. She ran to His Highness’s courtyard, shouting and screaming. His Highness is awake and told me to tell you not to worry, to sleep well, and that he’ll handle it.”

“Oh,” Chu Qiao nodded, feeling somewhat uneasy. This He Lian young lady was indeed pitiful. She wondered if the guards would hurt her. However, she decided not to go check. Thinking about it, she was probably most concerned about the phrase “he’s even embraced me.”

Chu Qiao secretly mocked her pettiness and said to Lu Liu, “Tomorrow morning, invite the doctor to see that young lady. It’s a shame for a perfectly good person to remain mad like this.”

She turned over and fell into a deep sleep.

Early the next morning, Yan Xun left the residence as usual. For the first time in many years, Chu Qiao had so much leisure time without worries, and she felt like she had gained weight. Looking in the mirror, she found she was almost developing a double chin, which made her somewhat depressed. After thinking about it, she decided it would be good to go out for a walk. Donning her fur coat, she went out alone without calling Lu Liu.

The weather was fine; although cold, she was well-dressed and unafraid. When she reached the plum garden at the westernmost end, it began to snow lightly, accumulating layer by layer on the ground. Her feet made crunching sounds as she walked. All around was silent, the snow-covered ground a vast expanse of white, with trees and flowers competing in beauty, intermingling together. Chu Qiao walked through the snow, her white fur coat blending with the sparkling white plums, as if she might vanish amid the layers of flower shadows.

The good weather made her mood lighten. Such days were quite nice. If not for the war in the East, it would be even more satisfying.

She wondered how He Lian Ling was doing. Lu Liu had found a doctor early in the morning, though she didn’t know what was said. She thought it would be best to go check on her later. After all, she had some friendship with the Jing sisters, and ultimately, she was a pitiful woman.

Just as she was thinking, a sound came from the small low door at the western end. This area was quite remote; beyond that low door were the residence’s stables. To prevent the animals from disturbing the master’s sleep at night with their whinnying, the stables were quite far from the main residence. Yan Xun wasn’t at home now—who would be using horses?

Just as she was about to go check, she saw three servants emerge. Two were carrying a reed mat, with the third escorting them. None of them noticed Chu Qiao as they chattered among themselves.

One said, “She was quite pretty. Freezing to death like this is a pity.”

Another said, “What’s pitiful about it? Didn’t you hear how she made a huge commotion at His Highness’s door last night? I heard she even disturbed the miss, who has just recovered from illness. With His Highness’s temper, it’s already merciful he didn’t cut her down on the spot. Besides, even if she was locked up, couldn’t she have made a fire herself? Her death was deserved.”

The man walking to the side was quite old, over fifty. Hearing this, he sighed, “I heard this young girl was driven mad after being captured by General Cao’s army to serve as a military prostitute. She’s already insane—how could she know to make a fire? Alas, poor thing.”

“Alright, Uncle Cai, you’re paying for her burial—that’s already her good fortune. Who else would care?”

The old man shook his head, “That’s not quite right. His Highness left in a hurry this morning and didn’t have time to give instructions.”

“Come on, would His Highness even know who she is? Besides the miss, the lives of other women in His Highness’s eyes don’t even live.”

“Enough, let’s stop here. Don’t speak of this outside, especially be careful around the miss’s sisters.”

…

The group walked farther away. Chu Qiao stood there, slightly dazed. In the distance, she could still see the black hair exposed from beneath the mat.

The snow fell heavier, soon reaching over half a foot deep. Chu Qiao stood there, feeling the weather unbearably cold, her blood almost congealing. She recalled He Lian Ling’s mysterious manner when speaking to her yesterday, and suddenly felt as if pierced by a needle, a sharp pain.

“I can only tell you secretly. That heavenly general likes me; he’s even embraced me. When I go home, he’ll come to propose, and I can marry him.”

“Truly a madwoman,” Chu Qiao murmured, her voice cold and clear. For some reason, she suddenly remembered the little girl named Xing Xing whom she had met in Bian Tang. That child was chubby, with two little braids, black and round eyes, and two small dimples when she smiled.

By the time she returned to her room, she was almost frozen stiff. Lu Liu had been searching for her everywhere, frantic with worry. When she saw her return, tears immediately fell as she ran up crying, “Miss, where did you go? You scared me to death.”

Chu Qiao shook her head, her lips almost too stiff to move.

“Let me sleep for a while.”

When she woke up, her throat was very sore. From experience, she immediately knew she was sick again. Yan Xun, in full military attire and looking travel-worn, was angrily reprimanding Lu Liu and the other maids, shouting imposingly, “Are you all dead?”

The maids knelt on the ground, trembling with fear, their faces pale, sobbing but not daring to cry out loud.

Chu Qiao tried to call his name but couldn’t make a sound at first, only producing a hoarse noise. Hearing her, Yan Xun immediately turned around. Seeing she was awake, he quickly took her hand, frowning as he asked, “You’re awake. Do you feel any better? Are you hungry?”

After several attempts, Chu Qiao finally managed to speak, though her voice was harsh and unpleasant: “It’s not their fault.”

Yan Xun turned and gave the maids a cold look, saying sternly, “Get out now!”

The maids immediately disappeared without a trace.

“A Chu, seeing you like this, how can I leave with peace of mind?”

Yan Xun sighed helplessly, his face somewhat pale. He too was injured; the previous sword wound from Zhao Song had affected his vital energy, and it would flare up when he overexerted himself. But his temperament was unyielding, and he always forced himself to endure. Having just experienced a major battle and a forced march, being so busy during this period, and now about to go to the front to command another battle—if not for the strong will sustaining him, his body would likely have collapsed long ago.

Chu Qiao felt somewhat distressed for him. She reached out her hand, gently stroking his thin features, saying hoarsely, “You’ve lost so much weight.”

Yan Xun smiled gently: “I’m fine.”

He picked up a bowl of medicinal soup that had been kept warm over a small fire and coaxed her like a child: “A Chu, drink your medicine. Once you’re better, I’ll take you to Huo Lei Yuan to hunt wild horses.”

Chu Qiao frowned: “The medicine is very bitter.”

“Be good.”

Chu Qiao helplessly opened her mouth, and Yan Xun fed her spoonful by spoonful. It was extremely bitter; it would have been better to throw her head back and drink it all at once. Outside the window, the snow grew heavier. Yan Bei’s weather was truly like a child’s face, changing suddenly. With just a moment’s inattention, it turned into a raging blizzard.

After finishing the medicine, Chu Qiao ate two pieces of preserved fruit and asked, “How are your preparations? Are you leaving soon?”

Yan Xun nodded: “Yes, almost ready. Master Wu and Zhong Yu have arrived.”

Chu Qiao noticed he no longer called her “Miss Yu” but “Zhong Yu” now, but she didn’t comment, only continuing to ask, “Have you packed everything you need?”

“Don’t worry, just focus on recovering. Don’t worry about me.”

Chu Qiao still anxiously instructed, “Be very careful, don’t get hurt.”

Yan Xun smiled helplessly: “A Chu, you’re so nagging.”

“By the way, it was that He Lian family’s young lady last night, wasn’t it? She was making such a commotion.”

The young woman seemingly casually remarked, frowning slightly as if angry about being disturbed last night. Yan Xun remained gentle, his expression unchanged. He gently pulled up Chu Qiao’s blanket corners and calmly said, “She’s a sick person. Don’t be upset about such people. I’ve already had someone send her away; you won’t see her again.”

Chu Qiao’s heart suddenly sparked with hope, but she deliberately asked, “Did you find a doctor who can treat her illness?”

“It’s not certain if it can be cured, but it’s worth trying.”

Yan Xun stood up, placing the warm milk tea where Chu Qiao could easily reach it, saying, “I have matters to attend to tonight, so I won’t keep you company. Get some good sleep.”

Chu Qiao nodded, her lips lightly tugging into a smile: “You should rest early too.”

“Yes.”

The man’s figure disappeared from the room. The candle fire crackled, and the air everywhere was warm and dry. Chu Qiao lay there, her heart feeling somewhat cold. Outside, footsteps sounded, approaching her room. Her eyes were somewhat blurry, and her nose was uncomfortably blocked. The footsteps came closer and closer. Chu Qiao pulled up the blanket, gradually covering her mouth, her nose, and her eyes, burying her entire head.

“Miss?” Lu Liu came over, calling strangely: “Why are you sleeping with your head covered? There’s a charcoal fire in the room; you could suffocate like this.”

Seeing no response from Chu Qiao, Lu Liu reached out to pull down the blanket, but found a strong force underneath, holding it tightly. The little maid was stunned and asked cautiously, “Miss? What’s wrong?”

The person inside didn’t speak. After a long time, the maids retreated one by one. The night grew deeper. There was no moon tonight, only dim candlelight, silently illuminating this large room. The firelight gently shone on the blanket, casting a shallow beam of light.