The news of General Sun's death in battle and the Regent's personal expedition spread simultaneously, turning the capital as turbulent as water splashed into hot oil. With scholars still awaiting the exam results and remaining in the city, their bold opinions and speculations further fueled the commotion, creating such a fervent atmosphere that it seemed a single spark could ignite a blaze reaching the heavens.
Yet this uproar stopped at the gates of General Sun's residence.
Old Madam Sun sat in the main hall dressed in plain mourning clothes, calmly directing the stewards of various ranks who moved in and out. No grief was visible on her face—only an unsettling serenity.
Wu Shi entered from outside and felt her nose sting at the sight. Lowering her head to dab her moist eyes, she approached and said, "Old Madam, I've inventoried everything. Not a single item is missing."
"You've been most helpful." Old Madam Sun nodded to her. "The branch families have sent several daughters-in-law, so we should have sufficient hands now. You've already toiled here half the day—this old woman appreciates your mistress's kindness. You may return."
"Pray don't send me away. The young mistress is the head of household—I dare not neglect her instructions." Noting no others were present, Wu Shi took tea from a maidservant and handed it to the old madam, whispering, "You must pace yourself. Even weeping would be better than stifling your sorrow—it harms the body."
"Just as earthenware breaks by the well, so generals inevitably fall in battle. I've been prepared since the day he garrisoned Shou'ai Pass. That heaven allowed him to reach his fifties was already great kindness." Old Madam Sun looked down, stroking her jade bracelet with a faint smile. From that smile, one could still glimpse the extraordinary beauty she must have possessed in youth. Yet fate had been unkind—first taking her daughter, and now her husband.
Hurried footsteps echoed, and both women composed themselves to look toward the entrance.
"Old Madam, the Crown Prince has arrived."
Finally, a ripple of emotion stirred in Old Madam Sun's eyes. She struggled up using the armrests to greet him, reaching the doorway just as the Crown Prince and the Heir strode over together. One dressed in black, the other in white—both had shown thoughtful consideration.
Before the old madam could kneel, the Crown Prince stepped forward to support her. "Grandmother, please accept our condolences."
Old Madam Sun gripped his hands tightly, her lips trembling before she managed to speak. "Your Highness is most kind."
"Your words shame me, Grandmother."
Only then did Gu Yanxi approach. "Madam Sun, please accept our sympathies."
At the sight of him, the old madam's eyes suddenly brightened. "I heard the Regent will lead the expedition personally."
"Indeed. We depart for Shou'ai Pass in two days."
Old Madam Sun immediately bowed to him. "This old woman has an impertinent request to ask of you."
Gu Yanxi hastily sidestepped to avoid the formal gesture. "Please speak freely. Such courtesy is unnecessary—I am unworthy of it."
Raising her head with blazing eyes, she implored, "I beg you—bring my husband home."
Gu Yanxi felt his throat constrict, his voice turning hoarse. "General Sun gave his life for the nation. Bringing him back is my solemn duty."
"This old woman... thanks you." A relieved smile finally surfaced on her face. She desired nothing else—only that her beloved might rest in his native land, awaiting their reunion in a shared grave when her time came.
The Crown Prince's eyes reddened. Turning away with a choked voice, he said, "I shall offer incense to my grandfather."
Though the general's remains had not returned, the Sun family had erected a spirit altar bearing his official robes. Master Banruo led the eminent monks of Great Clumsy Temple in chanting sutras for the departed. The curling incense smoke deepened the sorrow hanging in the air.In the capital now, only this corner remained untouched by the bustle.
Gu Yanxi had to attend to matters of the expedition and left after paying his respects, but the Crown Prince stayed behind. Through his actions, he made it clear to everyone that General Sun was a meritorious servant of Daqing! General Sun had no fault to speak of!
This move quelled many murmurs, and even those who still had something to say wisely lowered their voices.
On the eve of the expedition, Gu Yanxi returned Hua Jingyan's handwritten letter. Hua Zhi took it and gently stroked it, her voice sounding somewhat faint. "I had someone prepare some dried meat. It will be sent to you later. It won't travel with the provisions—that would be too slow. I'll continue to have more made for you."
"Alright."
"I'll ensure the subsequent provisions are well managed and that you aren't shortchanged. If you need anything, write to me."
"Alright."
"As for the palace..."
"A Zhi." Gu Yanxi interrupted her, stepping closer and crouching down to meet her gaze from below. He froze, forgetting what he had meant to say. He had never seen A Zhi look so lost, as if her very soul had vanished.
"Don't be afraid." The words slipped out, startling even Gu Yanxi himself. Suddenly, he understood. His heart ached, and he pulled her into a tight embrace, repeating, "Don't be afraid, A Zhi, don't be afraid."
Leaning softly against his shoulder, Hua Zhi felt a belated realization dawn on her. Was she afraid? It seemed so. How could she not be? This was an era where war demanded human lives as its price, and she didn't know if Yanxi would be among those lives.
She was afraid he wouldn't return.
She was afraid this might be their last meeting.
She feared the world collapsing into chaos, feared becoming rootless driftwood, feared failing to protect the young and old in her family, and feared the bustling prosperity around her turning into a living hell.
She had so many fears, but the greatest was still the thought of him not returning.
If he didn't return, all these fears would become reality. If he didn't return, she would have to walk the path of life—whether long or short—alone.
How could she not be afraid? She wasn't an unfeeling clay figurine, and even clay figurines feared shattering.
They held each other all night, neither knowing who was leaning on whom, nor who was drawing warmth from the other.
Until dawn.
Gu Yanxi kissed A Zhi, who was pretending to sleep with her eyes closed, tucked her into bed, and whispered in her ear, "Wait for me to return."
Hua Zhi remained motionless, as if truly asleep.
Gu Yanxi bent down, and this time, his kiss landed on her lips. They lingered in silence for a moment. After one last deep look at her face, he turned and strode away.
Hua Zhi didn't move, tears silently streaming from the corners of her eyes.
Listening to the door open, close, and the footsteps fade into the distance, she curled into the blankets. The covers trembled slightly, but still, no sound escaped.
After a while, she abruptly threw off the blankets and sat up. Walking to the door, she reached to open it but realized her clothes were in disarray. She turned back, hurried to the wardrobe, and pulled open the doors. Just as she picked out a garment to put on, the door opened. She turned to see Ying Chun.
Ying Chun was so startled by the sight of her tear-streaked mistress that she dropped the basin in her hands. Rushing over in a few steps, she supported Hua Zhi, her voice already choked with sobs. "Miss, you..."
"Change my clothes, Ying Chun. Help me change." Hua Zhi touched her hair. "And my hair, quickly."
"Alright, alright, I'll do it right away. Don't rush."Other maids hurried over upon hearing the commotion. Ying Chun shielded her young lady and instructed, "I accidentally dropped the basin. Go fetch fresh water, and someone notify the housekeeper. The young lady is going out shortly—have the carriage prepared."
Hua Zhi corrected hoarsely, "Not the carriage. A horse."
"Yes, I'll relay the message at once."
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