Long Yi lowered his head and pressed a kiss to Gong Xinyue’s forehead, saying gently, “In this life, I will marry no one but you.”

Gong Xinyue wanted to say more, but she truly had no strength left.

The only thing she could do was hold him tightly, so he wouldn’t be distracted from the enemy.

Long Yi had brought several dozen brothers of formidable skill, and the battle circle gradually widened a little.

But Feng Jin’s men were simply too numerous, and the situation soon turned unfavorable again for those inside the circle.

Time passed drop by drop; no one knew how much longer they could hold on, but no one gave up either.

After some unknown span of time, the sound of fighting came from outside.

“Brothers, hold on a little longer!” Feng Jiang shouted with inner strength behind his voice.

Yang Sheng led his brothers, cutting his way into the courtyard, and the sound of fighting grew ever more intense.

“Our men have arrived.” Someone shouted, though no one knew who.

The brothers looked as though they had seen hope, and pressed forward without hesitation.

A moment later, the imperial soldiers in the courtyard had all fallen; even those still breathing could no longer rise.

“Master.” Yang Sheng came before Feng Jiang and cupped his hands in salute.

Feng Jiang looked up toward the courtyard gate, frowning. “There are still troops outside?”

The fighting inside had temporarily settled, but the sound of battle outside the perimeter was growing more and more obvious.

“It’s the Gao family’s soldiers. I don’t know why, but they’ve started fighting with the Crown Prince’s men.” Yang Sheng glanced around, then brought his gaze back to Feng Jiang.

“Master, let’s talk once we’re out.”

“Good.” Feng Jiang turned back to look at his brothers. “Bring the wounded, withdraw at once!”

“Yes!” the brothers answered as one.

“Xinyue, wake up.” Long Yi lifted Gong Xinyue into his arms, cradling her.

Gong Xinyue’s drooping eyelids slowly lifted, and she said softly, “I’m… fine.”

“As long as you’re fine, we’re leaving now.” Long Yi carried her and followed the brothers ahead of him.

Outside the courtyard, Noble Consort Ya came forward to meet them with several dozen people.

“Where is Xiao You?” she asked Feng Jiang anxiously.

Feng Jiang stopped in his tracks and turned back.

Long Yi walked out from the crowd carrying Gong Xinyue. “She is my woman. If there’s a problem, come to me.”

“Xiao You.” Noble Consort Ya looked at Gong Xinyue, covered in blood, and frowned. “Why didn’t you protect her properly?”

“Your Highness, I’m fine.” Gong Xinyue took a deep breath and slowly opened her eyes.

She looked at Noble Consort Ya, pressing her lips together. “I’m sorry! I belong to Jiu’er. My getting close to you… had a purpose too.”

“I’m sorry…”

“Puh!” Gong Xinyue’s brow twisted, and she spat up blood.

“Xinyue.” Long Yi set her down, his large hand pressing against her back. “Don’t be afraid! Hold on.”

“Your name is Xinyue—it’s a good name.” Noble Consort Ya wanted to move closer, but a brother stopped her.

Her soldier drew his sword against the one blocking the path and said in a low voice, “My mistress bore no grudge and went against the imperial family for your sakes—and still you are not satisfied?”

“Stop!” A man dressed as a general strode forward.

“Young Master.”

“It’s the Young Master.”

“The Young Master is here.”

The Gao family soldiers parted, clearing a path.

Gao Lingzhi came to Noble Consort Ya’s side and gave a slight nod. “Sister, I’m back.”

“Mm.” Noble Consort Ya nodded. “Your proposal—I accept it.”

“Thank you!” Gao Lingzhi’s gaze shifted to look at Feng Jiang.

He took another step forward and knelt on one knee.

“This one is Gao Lingzhi. I now represent all soldiers of the Gao family in submitting to the Third Prince. I ask the Third Prince to accept us!”

As Gao Lingzhi’s voice fell, Noble Consort Ya knelt down as well.

Right after, the hundred or so people behind them all dropped to their knees too.

“We ask the Third Prince to accept us!”