The first glimmer of early morning light cast a layer of cool blue-gray upon the earthen yellow hillside, shrouding the soldiers’ dark armor in a thin white mist. Ling Buyi woke from his light doze to see the guard who’d held his sword watching over him all night showing signs of fatigue, so he sent him to rest as well.

Last night they’d ridden hard for over two hours, finally reaching the location Wang Yanji mentioned before dawn. Since Tian Shuo planned to intercept the Crown Prince’s party passing by the next day, they’d set their ambush upwind from Tian Shuo’s likely position. After arranging everything, they even had half an hour to rest, waiting at leisure for Tian Shuo’s arrival.

The moment Ling Buyi moved, he noticed his shoulder was wet. Looking up to see the damp tree leaves overhead, he smiled slightly, remembering that early spring night five years ago, less than a month before his wedding date.

The girl sat by a window filled with red water caltrop flowers, writing diligently. She was determined to finish her studies before leaving the palace to prepare for marriage, having stayed up late for several nights already. He stood behind a flowering tree not far away, quietly watching his beloved girl, letting dew-laden petals fall on his shoulders—that was also the night he decided to act.

He knew that once he began making arrangements, there would be no turning back.

Palace lanterns flickered, palace corridors stretched deep. He walked slowly through the mottled light and shadow of dark night. Courtyard flowers released intense fragrance; occasionally came the playful laughter of young palace maids. In a trance, he seemed to return to childhood—when his family had been complete.

His eldest brother, handsome and martial in white robes with silver spear, was not only a young general bloodied in repeated battles but also the dream lover of countless young ladies throughout the city. Second brother possessed tremendous strength, most loved to toss and catch him playfully. Third brother, just ten years old, could already draw a bow with both arms, never missing his mark. Eldest sister was gentle and virtuous, her exquisite wedding dress already prepared. Second sister was clever and loved to laugh. And there was his dignified father, loving mother…

Then they were all gone.

Only he remained. Day after day gnawing on bone-deep hatred, waiting for revenge in despair and loneliness.

Later he gradually learned the circumstances of his family’s deaths.

Eldest brother died in fierce battle, his head severed by an axe. Second brother was stabbed in the belly by someone he trusted. Third brother was pierced by ten thousand arrows. Mother and both sisters took their own lives to avoid violation.

At that time, his mind was full of thoughts that this should end—the nightmare that began when he was six should end. It was under such intense hatred that he decided to act desperately and recklessly.

Looking back now, he’d been like someone possessed by nightmares, heart full of crazed desperation to stake everything. But would his parents and siblings truly have wanted him to exchange himself for the Ling brothers’ dog lives? They weren’t worthy.

How had Father taught him before? People walk the righteous path; only ghosts and sneaks take evil routes. Even if flames consume the body, one cannot lose one’s true heart or abandon the light—no hatred, however great, is worth the cost of oneself.

That girl had once said he was very important.

“Young Master, scouts report they’re less than five li from here.” Zhang Shan stepped forward, clasping his fists in report.

Ling Buyi asked in return: “Any news from those sent to intercept His Highness the Crown Prince?”

Zhang Shan said not yet.

Ling Buyi creased his brow slightly, then said calmly: “Wake everyone. Follow orders when given—no rash actions.”

Zhang Shan departed on his orders.

Taking his beloved weapon from horseback, the gold-inlaid phoenix-wing halberd was brilliantly gorgeous in the morning light. Ling Buyi gently stroked the blood-tinged inscription patterns. Divine weapons have spirits—having drunk much enemy blood, they naturally emanate fierce energy. He remembered his first battle was when his adoptive father personally led the campaign.

—At that time, the Emperor nervously watched the slender youth he’d raised with his own hands receive orders to enter battle, unable to hide his worried expression. Ministers in the imperial tent thought the military situation ahead must be dire.

Five years ago, when the Emperor learned what he’d done, pain filled his face. At that time his heart was cold and numb. Only when exiled did he realize his adoptive father’s heartache was probably no less than Shaoshang’s.

The Emperor had invested more effort in him than in any prince, teaching hand-by-hand how to deploy troops in formation, how to lure enemies into traps, how to coordinate cavalry and infantry in battle… Could all this have been so he could accompany Old Dog Ling in death?

After arranging everything, Zhang Shan returned to see Ling Buyi gazing silently at his weapon. Very understanding, he stepped forward to say: “Is Young Master worried about the little lady? Rest assured—with A’Fei along, absolutely, positively, nothing will happen~!”

Ling Buyi glanced at him, saying playfully: “Naturally. Didn’t you secretly instruct A’Fei, ‘At the first sign of trouble, knock her unconscious if necessary and escape with her’?” This trusted aide of his seemed honest and wooden but actually had quite a scheming belly.

Zhang Shan said sheepishly: “So Young Master knew all along.”

Ling Buyi looked up toward where the sun would rise, smiling: “Rest assured. Our battle today will surely result in great victory. When we return, the estate should begin preparing for happy events.”

The girl always said she was born unlucky. Actually, wasn’t he the same—family destroyed at such a young age? However, at this moment he had an intuition—their bad luck ended here.

Hereafter, when extremity was reached reversal would follow. They’d have smooth lives, staying together until old age.

The rising sun climbed to the mountain peak. Warm, soft golden morning light fell on the young general. His sharp gaze, tall figure, and calm expression gave the soldiers behind him tremendous confidence.

Especially among the five hundred elite troops were battle-hardened veterans who under Ling Buyi’s command had defeated countless powerful enemies. All firmly believed this battle would merely add another anecdote for bragging to grandchildren in old age.

Morning light also illuminated the road below. As the ambushing party, Tian Shuo only now arrived belatedly with his army. Watching the well-fed, well-watered yet still bleary-eyed troops below, the ambush forces on the slope all showed disdainful smiles.

Sharing similar worries was a purple-faced giant man in the formation below, his face bearing burn scars. As a veteran who’d personally accompanied Gongsun Xian into battle, he said with concern: “Young Master, we’ve only just arrived. Who knows what the situation ahead is like? Alas, we truly should have rushed here last night.”

Tian Shuo rode a tall, spirited horse, smugly triumphant: “What are you afraid of? Didn’t our spy report already? At the dog Crown Prince’s pace, he won’t reach here until noon today. We’re arriving now with several hours to set traps—isn’t that just right?!”

The purple-faced giant was helpless.

He was utterly loyal to Gongsun Xian. When Tian Shuo spoke of avenging his father, he’d wholeheartedly agreed. But as matters escalated step by step following Wang Yanji’s schemes to this point, he felt growing unease.

The enormous treasure used to lure Shi Xin into rebellion was what Gongsun Xian had accumulated over a lifetime, originally meant to ensure his beloved son’s lifelong comfort. The secret operatives who incited fierce resistance to the land survey decree among Xuzhou’s powerful clans, organizing nearly a thousand men’s weapons and provisions—all were arrangements he’d painstakingly made over years. Advancing could help Tian Shuo develop the family powerfully, securing a place among powerful clans. Retreating could ensure his escape to gain strong protection from Yunnan-Guizhou chieftains or northern desert khans.

Gongsun Xian’s life had been sinister and vicious, harming countless people, yet toward Tian Shuo and his mother his heart was genuinely sincere.

However, when Tian Shuo, to complete arrangements for intercepting the Crown Prince, would rather spare Yuan Shen—son of the killer of his old master—the purple-faced giant vaguely sensed the young master didn’t much care about his tragically deceased father.

Still, he must follow the old master’s instructions to protect Tian Shuo with all his might.

The purple-faced giant looked back at the loosely marching troops, growing increasingly worried—

He’d seen how elite armies marched. Now though they seemed numerous and powerful, a thousand were temporarily organized, having trained only a few months. Earlier when surrounding the Yuan clan retainers in dense forest, despite overwhelming numbers they’d still fought in chaos. Finally it took the five hundred death warriors personally trained by the old master to break the Yuan family and force their surrender.

More than combat ability, what worried him was morale.

Though these desperadoes were willing to fight to death under promises of wealth and prospects, many actually knew clearly that with the realm’s general trend set, undertaking such heinous deeds in the Central Plains heartland was like piling firewood to light fires in vast ocean—even if temporarily finding opportunity, ultimately they couldn’t amount to much.

In the coming fierce battle with the Crown Prince’s party, if they easily won that would be fine. But if the battle dragged on, requiring life-or-death struggle? At the final critical moment, forget the thousand men—even among those five hundred death warriors, who knew how many would truly be willing to shield Tian Shuo with their bodies? After all, when people leave, tea grows cold.

Just as dark clouds gathered in the purple-faced giant’s heart, someone ahead suddenly shouted— “What is that?!”

He quickly looked up to see cold glints flashing on the upper slope, then a sky full of silver threads flew over like flying silk. His heart trembled as he shouted urgently: “Arrow rain! There’s an ambush ahead—take cover quickly!”

But it was already too late. Taking advantage of favorable wind, the arrows rapidly descended. Though Tian Shuo’s forces quickly raised shields to block, considerable numbers were caught unprepared and struck. Instantly, wails and curses filled the surroundings.

The purple-faced giant ground his teeth. The mantis stalks the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind—he knew his side had fallen into a trap. He immediately had trusted aides release carrier pigeons, signaling the secret operatives at Guo Village to quickly start fires while commanding troops to resist with all their might.

After three volleys, several thousand sharp arrows exhausted, Tian Shuo’s forces suffered over thirty percent casualties. But the remaining subordinates also breathed easier. When they prepared to countercharge up the slope, overhead suddenly appeared dozens of high-arcing black round stones. At first they didn’t understand, but the subsequent explosive impact and flames immediately magnified the earlier wails tenfold.

Tian Shuo panicked, unable even to control his horse: “What, what’s happening?… What should we do!”

The purple-faced giant said gravely: “Young Master needn’t panic. I see the enemy forces are far fewer than us. Let this subordinate organize formations and counterattack!” Speaking thus, he had trusted aides shout commands to reform ranks while having dozens of the most loyal death warriors protect Tian Shuo.

Getting the wailing subordinates to calm down, the purple-faced giant began ordering a countercharge when suddenly he felt rumbling hoofbeats from the left and right slopes. Looking up, he saw two squads of fierce heavy cavalry charging down the slopes. The weight of cavalry plus horses, added to the charging impact, made the very earth seem to tremble.

Before anyone could react, the fully armored black-armored cavalry struck like a heavy hammer into a soft belly, scattering the formation the purple-faced giant had just arranged. Among the cavalry, a dark-armored general with a powerful, lean build wielded an enormous weapon brilliant as gold. None around could withstand his single-handed might—like a heavenly god descended to earth.

In the fierce north wind, this person had long brows and black hair, brave and handsome—precisely Ling Buyi.

One force breaks a thousand skills. Before such absolute terrifying power, even death warriors skilled in using rope hooks for assassination had difficulty fighting back. Then many infantry charged down the slope to join the battle, forming groups of three to five surrounding Tian Shuo’s forces.

Actually, merely driving back enemy forces wasn’t difficult. The trouble was these desperadoes would scatter into bandits, very likely bringing disaster to the countryside and slaughtering common people. Ling Buyi intended complete annihilation, so he continuously outflanked, constantly blocking their escape routes.

Once people had no retreat, they instead grew fierce, so both sides fell into desperate battle.

At this moment, distant village erupted with towering flames. Fierce fire sent up rolling black smoke as if blackening the very sky. Seeing this, Tian Shuo was greatly delighted, urging the purple-faced giant to quickly escort his escape.

Seeing the distant towering fire, Ling Buyi’s heart filled with hatred. Indeed, what he most feared had still occurred! For a moment, even he who was always decisive and discerning couldn’t help hesitating—continue besieging Tian Shuo, or go fight the fire first?

Just as he hesitated, another force suddenly charged from behind the slope, numbering about two to three hundred—precisely the militia Cheng Shaogong had scraped together from east and west. However, these militia hadn’t undergone proper training. Rashly joining battle would more likely cause trouble.

Fakery was a charlatan’s special skill. Shaogong simply ordered tree branches tied to horses’ tails, raising layers of dust all around. From afar, it looked like several thousand troops.

Sure enough, seeing this, the rebels who’d been stubbornly resisting grew panicked and confused. Already dizzy from fighting, they couldn’t distinguish truth from falsehood. As cries arose one after another—’No good, their reinforcements arrived!’ ‘Flee quickly, we’re finished!’—however prestigious the purple-faced giant, he could no longer command them to organize formations and resist.

After this came one-sided annihilation and surrender.

Ling Buyi slashed left and stabbed right from horseback when suddenly he saw a group of elite death warriors protecting Tian Shuo fighting outward. His eyes darkened. Deciding instantly, he spurred his horse before them.

Tian Shuo roared: “Ling Buyi, you and I have no grievances or enmities! You won’t rush to save villagers but insist on killing me?!” He still didn’t know Shaoshang was there, otherwise he could probably shout even harder.

Ling Buyi’s face was grave as water, saying coldly: “Let me tell you several things—the underground palace beneath the Li clan estate collapsed, Wang Yanji is dead, the Tian clan estate is being thoroughly investigated by authorities, and also…” With each sentence, Tian Shuo’s face paled another shade.

Finally, he gave that incomparably fierce purple-faced giant a mocking smile: “Your old master wasn’t killed by Yuan Pei.”

The purple-faced giant’s pupils instantly contracted, killing intent nearly bursting from his eyes.

Ling Buyi seemed to see through hearts and minds, looking at him word by word: “I killed him—after capturing him alive, I severed his four limbs, beheaded him, extracted his heart and liver to sacrifice to the spirits of the two assassinated great generals!”

The purple-faced giant’s eyes nearly split with rage. Roaring ‘We received the master’s great kindness—if we don’t avenge him now, when will we? Come, follow me to kill him!’, he then charged madly toward Ling Buyi. The accompanying death warriors always followed his lead. No one cared about Tian Shuo’s life or death anymore, all charging to kill.

This suited Ling Buyi perfectly. Guards beside him, well-trained, quickly divided into two routes—one protecting Ling Buyi while resisting enemies, one circling behind to easily capture Tian Shuo alive.

After several exchanges, Ling Buyi spotted his opponent’s weakness. Concentrating his energy and settling his breath, with one cleaving strike he cut down the purple-faced giant from horseback. After this, the rebels were leaderless, quickly besieged and captured.

Ling Buyi left forces to handle aftermath, rushing swiftly to Guo Village. Though Zhang Shan constantly consoled him along the way, he remained anxious and confused. After great difficulty reaching Guo Village, he saw the fire mostly extinguished. Ling Buyi pushed through villagers kneeling and kowtowing, finally fishing out from the crowd a girl covered head to toe in ash and dirt, black as coal. Before all these people, he pulled her into his embrace in one motion.

Seeing this, surrounding common people and retainers, despite exhaustion and burn injuries, still laughed loudly—

Since ancient times, protecting home and defending people, heroes and beauties, always made tales told through the ages.

…

The night after peace was restored, on the broad plains where Yu and Xu Provinces bordered, camps dotted the landscape like scattered stars.

In a wounded soldiers’ camp on the west side.

“Stop crying! It’s not even burned on your face—why cry!” Zhang Shan sat boldly before the bed, peeling an orange in his hands.

“I’m not crying about that!” Liangqiu Fei lay on the bed, his bare chest covered in burn ointment. “I’ve failed Young Master, failed the little lady! It’s all because of me that Young Master spared Luo Jitong! Nearly causing great error!” The guilt and regret he’d harbored in his heart for so long finally erupted after his injury.

Zhang Shan peeled out orange sections, stuffing two pieces in Liangqiu Fei’s mouth: “But nothing happened, right? Plus it gave Young Master an excuse to see the little lady early. This time you sacrificed yourself saving the little lady again—Young Master won’t blame you anymore.”

“Wuwuwu, I was blind, thinking Luo Jitong was a dignified, virtuous good woman! Even after Young Master told me what she’d done, I still thought she had her difficulties… wuwuwu…” Liangqiu Fei, mouth full of orange, cried like rain on pear blossoms.

Zhang Shan said methodically: “Fundamentally, it’s because you brothers have seen too few women. Young Master himself lives pure and ascetic, without half a hint of worldly fire. You brothers also seem like you’ve left home to cultivate the Way. At least A’Qi has four beauties he knows. You probably haven’t even touched a woman’s hand, have you?”

“Don’t mention those four beauties!”

“Don’t worry—in future your elder brother will take you to see the world. Central Plains beauties, Western Region dancers, Southern Yue singers…”

“I won’t go! Beat me to death and I won’t go! You improper fellow, get out!”

…

South side main camp.

“You two stop sighing. What’s there to sigh about? Lou Yan was kept in the dark. When I left, my cousin was fine too.” Cheng Shaogong happily munched on honey peaches He Zhaojun had hidden in the cellar—eating fresh peaches this season wasn’t easy.

Lou Yao sighed: “Eat fewer or you’ll get bloated.”

Ban Jia wore a worried expression: “What do you know! Now outside is in complete chaos. How could Yangyang hear nothing? With her pregnant belly, what if she’s frightened?!”

“Me too.” Lou Yao said. “Alas, I thought this time establishing some minor merit would let Zhaojun worry less in future. Now that matters are exposed, Wang Yanji learned your movements from Lou Yan—inevitably arousing suspicion.”

“You two are full and idle, worrying pointlessly.” Cheng Shaogong happily picked up another peach. “If you’re so worried, how about I divine for you?”

“…Better not. The books say we should ‘respect the common people, not spirits and ghosts.'”

“I, I’ll also pass. Yangyang says your divinations… are sometimes accurate, sometimes not. Better not divine…”

Cheng Shaogong was furious: “If you don’t want to, forget it!”

Lou Yao quickly changed topics: “Speaking of which, you’re not young anymore. Even if you refuse marriage, you should pursue an official career.”

Cheng Shaogong set down his peach, also sighing: “After Niaoniao marries, I plan to go out and travel, see the great rivers and mountains, experience local customs and cultures. Then I’ll know what I want to do. Right now, I’m completely clueless.”

“Why not divine for yourself?” Ban Jia said timidly.

Cheng Shaogong: …

East side main camp.

“How long do you plan to lie there? Shaoshang has already asked after you several times.” Ling Buyi sat before the sickbed, displeased as he looked at the patient on the bed.

Yuan Shen, his entire body weak and sore, glared back with effort: “Did I drink your household’s medicine? Eat your household’s grain? What are you nagging about!”

Ling Buyi said: “Though you haven’t consumed my household’s resources, you’ve made my wife worry.”

Yuan Shen covered his low-fever forehead: “Shaoshang sent you to see me, right? Tell her I’m nothing serious. But His Highness the Crown Prince must hurry back to the capital.”

“You needn’t tell me.” Ling Buyi said. “Alright, I’m going back.”

“Wait.” Yuan Shen suddenly called out to Ling Buyi about to exit the tent. “There’s something I must tell you.” He propped himself on his elbows, struggling to sit up from the bed.

Ling Buyi lowered the tent flap, standing waiting.

“Five years ago, you were exiled and Shaoshang fell gravely ill—you know this, right?” Yuan Shen stared fixedly at him.

Ling Buyi lowered his eyes, saying low: “I know.”

“At that time I often went to see her, but she remained unconscious daily. She was quite stubborn—most times clenching her teeth tight, not making a sound no matter how uncomfortable.” Yuan Shen’s expression was downcast. “Once, she had nightmares, speaking deliriously…”

He looked toward the tall young man at the entrance. “In her dream she said, ‘Take me with you, don’t leave me alone and isolated. If we must die, let’s die together—don’t leave me alone.'”

Ling Buyi’s fingers grasping the tent flap trembled slightly.

Yuan Shen continued: “Shaogong also heard these words, which is why he never approved of my marriage to Shaoshang. Hearing this, I finally understood Shaoshang’s true heart. You were right—Shaoshang looks clever but is actually quite foolish, unable to understand even her own heart’s intent.”

Ling Buyi restrained his anger: “Why didn’t you say this earlier? Yet you insisted on marrying her!”

Yuan Shen suddenly lay back down, pulling the bedding to wrap himself head and all: “…Why should I tell? Rarely having opportunity to marry the woman I loved, why should I nobly help others achieve their romance! After a few decades together with children and grandchildren around, her heart would hold only her own people. You’d merely be an old story from her youth!”

Ling Buyi’s chest heaved with anger.

From within the bedding came Yuan Shen’s soft voice: “…Actually whether I told or not, the outcome would be the same. She ultimately couldn’t let you go.”

“I always thought Shaoshang and I were alike—I was wrong. Because of my parents, I deeply detest things like ‘love deep as sea till death do us part.’ From childhood I believed that overly deep affections are sharp blades, deadly poison, dragging down bright prospects, wearing away ambition and aspiration. Husband and wife should simply respect each other as honored guests.”

“But Shaoshang isn’t like that. She often says she’s callous and selfish, yet inadvertently she’ll sigh, ‘Like Lord Wan and Lady Wan—even if only a short decade of fate, it wouldn’t be wasted coming to this mortal world.’—You two are the same kind of people.”

…

On the north side of the central command tent, where the Crown Prince rested.

“Your Highness, please reconsider!” An Eastern Palace official loudly remonstrated. “Now that the great clans resisting the land survey aren’t yet eliminated and the Shu Commandery rebellion isn’t yet quelled, Your Highness shouldn’t linger outside. You must hurry back to the capital!”

“Precisely!” Another mustachioed court official also chimed in. “Your Highness absolutely cannot continue staying outside!”

The Crown Prince’s face was cold, saying resentfully: “This prince originally planned to visit several more places not yet completed. A few Gongsun remnants want to make this prince flee in panic? Dream on!”

“How is this fleeing in panic?!” The Eastern Palace official said anxiously. “Your Highness is worth a thousand gold—one move affects the whole body!”

“Your Highness, don’t be stubborn!” The official’s mustache was nearly torn off by himself.

“This prince won’t go! This prince is determined not to go! All of you stop talking!” The Crown Prince vented his temper at two trusted aides. Turning, he saw Shaoshang holding a food basket, huddled in a corner, and said coldly: “What? You’ve also come to persuade this prince to return to the capital?!”

Before Shaoshang could speak, the Eastern Palace official hurried: “Palace Steward Cheng… oh no, Miss Cheng, please persuade His Highness!”

The mustachioed official also said: “Why not request Lord Ling to persuade His Highness!”

“Both lords, please calm yourselves.” Shaoshang’s face was full of smiles as she brought out a bowl of soup from the food basket. “His Highness has been exhausted for days. Why not first have a bowl of tonic soup to replenish vitality? Sharpening the axe doesn’t delay chopping wood—His Highness must preserve his health to investigate everywhere!”

The Crown Prince didn’t accept the medicine, glaring: “Outside they say I’m violent and narrow-minded, harsh and mean to powerful clans and officials. Many people hate me… have you heard?”

“That’s not so.” Shaoshang smiled radiantly, her tongue blooming like lotus flowers. “If Your Highness would grant them more land and more slaves, they’d certainly sing Your Highness’s praises. If that’s still not enough, give them half the realm and they’ll worship Your Highness as ancestor! Current matters, plainly speaking, are the court and powerful clans competing for the realm’s population and land. What does saying a few bad words matter? If they don’t spread rumors that Your Highness has three noses and eight eyes like a demon, that’s already polite!”

The Eastern Palace official and court official both laughed.

The Crown Prince slightly restrained his anger, accepting the medicine bowl and drinking it in one gulp. Looking at Shaoshang, he continued: “Father Emperor intends to have Zicheng govern a province as administrator, gaining experience locally for several years. How is it this prince hears Zicheng is unwilling—is it because of you! This prince heard you constantly want to find some quiet place to tinker with fire oil and warm houses. Could Zicheng want to retreat from court for your sake?! Let this prince tell you—for wives, supporting husbands and teaching children is proper duty. Don’t drag men backward!”

Shaoshang quickly protested: “Who said this? This servant is wrongly accused! Your Highness, please see clearly—this is pure nonsense!” Nonsense—Ling Buyi, not yet thirty, being asked to become a provincial governor-level frontier official naturally had to demur politely first.

Seeing the Crown Prince’s eyes like copper bells, she quickly softened her tone: “Your Highness, think about it. This servant has always been accustomed to glory and wealth—how could I endure desolate mountains and wilderness! Rest assured, Your Highness—as long as Your Highness needs him, Lord Huo will definitely follow loyally unto death! Though he makes vows and pledges to this servant, actually in his heart Your Highness is far more important than this servant!”

Actually Ling Buyi truly did have thoughts of wandering rivers and mountains freely, but she knew that day was still far off.

Thinking of that upheaval five years ago—how Ling Buyi couldn’t even care for his most beloved woman to help him ascend to Crown Prince position—pride immediately welled up in the Crown Prince, his anger dissipating by more than half. Yet somehow he felt drowsiness attacking, supporting his forehead: “This prince, why does this prince feel somewhat sleepy?”

Shaoshang’s face showed earnest concern: “Your Highness has labored for days, extremely exhausted. This is fatigue hitting its peak. This eunuch lord, quickly, help His Highness to the sleeping tent in back to rest… quickly…!”

The Crown Prince was helped away by two eunuchs, the three watching from behind.

The Eastern Palace official said idly: “Palace Steward Cheng, that bowl of medicine…”

Shaoshang maintained her sweet smile: “That was calming soup. Later when Empress Dowager Xuan couldn’t sleep, drinking this was most effective. Aside from peaceful sleep, there are absolutely no other bad effects.”

The mustachioed official said: “The letter says His Majesty’s envoy and Marquis Dayue have already rushed here, arriving at Yao County before long. When we hand His Highness the Crown Prince to those two, we’ll have fulfilled our duty.”

Shaoshang turned her head: “Let me say this first—when the Crown Prince punishes this servant later, you two must speak on my behalf. Otherwise, forget my personally brewed fine wines in future. I’ll even say this idea came from you two lords!”

Both lords smiled bitterly repeatedly, thinking that with Ling Buyi present, the Crown Prince’s punishment of this Miss Cheng would ultimately be raised high and set down gently—what kind of punishment could come of it? So they hastily agreed.

Having handled the chuunibyou Crown Prince, Shaoshang happily bounced out of the tent, unexpectedly finding Ling Buyi standing just outside. She froze, then said guiltily: “…You, you heard what I just said?”

Ling Buyi gave her a sidelong glance, indicating he’d heard everything.

“You’ve come at just the right time. I have something to tell you.” Shaoshang remembered something, smiling as she pulled him toward a distant spot.

This night the moon was perfect, the night curtain like satin, the breeze cool and pleasant.

The two walked away from crowds and camps, sitting on a huge, flat boulder. Shaoshang drew something from her sleeve, holding it in her pale palm, smiling as she asked: “Look what this is?”

Ling Buyi glanced once, seeing the familiar thin cord coil, suddenly feeling somewhat uncomfortable.

Shaoshang sighed lightly: “You’ve wound this on your wrist for so many years. I’ve looked at it and touched it countless times yet couldn’t figure out what it was. People used to say I was unlearned and unskilled—I didn’t accept it. Now thinking back, they weren’t wrong.”

Ling Buyi’s handsome face flushed slightly, asking in return: “Now you’ve figured it out.”

Shaoshang said softly: “I didn’t figure it out myself either. If not for that night in the underground palace when you speculated Lady Li wasn’t dead, who knows how long I’d remain foolish?”

Ling Buyi lowered his head silently.

“This is a zither string.” Shaoshang slowly pulled open the thin cord in her palm, gazing at the man beside her. “Moreover, this is the ‘Shaoshang’ string, right?”

Ling Buyi gazed deeply at the girl, eyes tender: “…Right.”

“At that time, I always worried our affection was deep but fate shallow, inevitably separating in future.” He took the zither string, skillfully winding it toward his sleeve opening. Even one-handed he could easily wind it tight, clearly having done this countless times.

“Later, we were indeed separated by heaven and earth.” He looked at the zither string on his sleeve, unable to suppress bitter sorrow. “Looking at it, I felt there was still one warm place in my heart.”

Shaoshang quietly looked at him. After a long while she finally said: “A’Zhen, tonight what I want to say is another matter—words I should have told you long, long ago.”

Ling Buyi turned his head, listening seriously.

Late autumn’s cold air made one’s spleen and lungs clear and bright. The broad, quiet Central Plains wilderness seemed like a desolate temple built from rough raw stones, for thousands of years as one day worshipping silent, ancient deities. Stars filled the sky, the deep blue firmament seemingly studded with gems—breathtakingly beautiful.

“A’Zhen, bearing deep blood vengeance yet still able to be tranquil and benevolent with a bright heart—your deceased parents and siblings’ spirits surely take pride in you.”

“A’Zhen, these years I’ve done many wrong things, hurt you many times, yet you’ve never grown cold-hearted toward this world’s true feelings. You are supremely emotional and sincere, heart like a pure child—the best, best man under heaven.”

“A’Zhen, being able to meet you, I’ve been fortunate through three lifetimes.”

Ling Buyi felt a joy approaching pain.

Then he kissed those beloved eyes that seemed suffused with misty moisture.