Destined

This time Liu Xingzhi brought three hundred thousand troops. For eighty thousand soldiers to hold out for so long in a place without natural defenses was already quite remarkable.

"But this morning they said they could hold for five more days, how come by evening..."

Gu Jiusi was somewhat puzzled. Jiang He sighed and said, "If they continue staying in Qin Cheng, the eighty thousand troops will likely be completely wiped out. Liu Xingzhi had previously declared that for any city he marches through, if it doesn't surrender, he will slaughter the entire population. Because Shen Ming resisted forcefully for so many days, Liu Xingzhi has accumulated deep resentment. Once he breaches Qin Cheng's gates, not even a chicken or dog will be left alive. So yesterday morning, upon receiving news that Liu Yu Ru had found where Luo Zishang had tampered, Shen Ming immediately organized the civilians to retreat to Shou Nan Pass. Since the city gates were already damaged, Qin Cheng would inevitably fall within a day at most. If they retreated any later, the civilians of Qin Cheng wouldn't be saved."

Hearing that Liu Yu Ru had found the location, Gu Jiusi felt somewhat relieved and immediately asked, "What's the current situation? Has Yu Ru dismantled all the explosives?"

At this, Jiang He shook his head.

Their current correspondence was all through pigeon post. The three provinces weren't far apart—using pigeons, Yu Province was only a day and night from the Eastern Capital, while Yong Province to Yu Province was just a day. Yong Province to the Eastern Capital took a day and night.

Jiang He handed the letter to Gu Jiusi, explaining, "It's not explosives. Read the details yourself."

Gu Jiusi hastily took the letter. Shen Ming's letter described his situation, while the letter from Yong Province explained Liu Yu Ru's circumstances and plans.

Gu Jiusi calculated the timing. Based on the letter's date, Shen Ming should have retreated to Shou Nan Pass yesterday morning. He couldn't have withdrawn all at once—he must have needed to settle the civilians. Thus, at the latest by today, he should have already retreated to Shou Nan Pass.

Meanwhile, Liu Yu Ru began working on the brick panels on the Yellow River the night before last. If progress went smoothly, she could resolve the Yellow River issue by tomorrow morning.

Zhou Gaolang would enter the Eastern Capital tomorrow...

After running through everything in his mind, Gu Jiusi opened his eyes and immediately said, "Notify Xi Feng to have His Majesty host a banquet in the palace tonight and invite the three generals!"

"Are you making your move?"

Jiang He instantly understood Gu Jiusi's meaning. Gu Jiusi nodded and said, "There's no time. If we don't act now, others will."

Jiang He acknowledged. Gu Jiusi continued, "Gather your people and mine. Tonight, as soon as we move in the palace, immediately start organizing the evacuation and settlement of the civilians."

"You want the civilians to leave the Eastern Capital?"

Jiang He frowned. "Evacuating everyone overnight—do you realize the Eastern Capital has nearly a million people?"

"I know."

Gu Jiusi nodded. "That's why we need to open all city gates wide, organize groups of ten households each, and have them evacuate in an orderly manner as quickly as possible."

"And where will they be settled after evacuation?"

"At Qingtong Mountain in the suburbs. I've already had people prepare tents and food, and there's a water source by the river."

"We can't evacuate everyone in one night."

Jiang He stated decisively. Gu Jiusi calmly replied, "I'll try to buy as much time as possible." Then, he looked at Jiang He and said, "Evacuating the civilians is just a precaution. But I will definitely make sure the Zhou family dismounts and enters the Eastern Capital on foot."

Only if the Zhou family's army dismounts and enters the Eastern Capital on foot can the troops be controlled and the Eastern Capital spared from disaster.After a moment of silence, Jiang He nodded and said, "I understand. I'll go find Xi Feng right away."

Jiang He had his contact in the palace notify Xi Feng through the palace informant.

At this time, Xi Feng was in the courtyard, as Fan Yu had gone to discuss matters with Luo Zishang. Since entering the palace, she had been almost inseparable from Fan Yu. However, Luo Zishang had arrived with a grave expression and insisted that no one approach during their conversation, leaving Xi Feng alone in the courtyard.

Xi Feng plucked a leaf and twirled it in her hand. Inside the inner hall, Fan Yu propped his chin and looked at Luo Zishang, saying, "He's already appeared in the Eastern Capital, yet you can't capture him?"

Luo Zishang felt uneasy but could only reply, "Gu Jiusi isn't alone. He must have many followers..."

"Do I have to listen to your nonsense?!" Fan Yu shouted angrily. "I want the man! Gu Jiusi has come to the Eastern Capital and met with Wei Dacheng and his group, yet you still can't catch him. What use are you to me?"

As he spoke, Fan Yu stood up, clasping his hands behind his back and pacing anxiously. "Now that Gu Jiusi has met them, news of Yuzhou must have reached their ears. Tell me, will they still remain loyal to me?"

Luo Zishang remained silent, standing quietly to the side. Seeing this, Fan Yu sneered, "No words? Not going to say you'll protect me anymore? Back then, you kept urging me to abolish the cabinet, claiming you'd support me with all of Yangzhou's resources. And now?!"

Fan Yu roared, grabbing something from nearby and hurling it at Luo Zishang while shouting angrily, "You can't even hold onto Yangzhou! With Yangzhou gone, we're relying on these three. And now you can't even keep watch over them properly, giving Gu Jiusi an opportunity. Yang Hui is lustful, Wei Dacheng is greedy, and Sima Nan is a fence-sitter. What if they join forces with Zhou Gaolang to rebel? What then?!"

"Your Majesty!"

Unable to bear being hit, Luo Zishang suddenly shouted. Startled by the address, Fan Yu trembled as Luo Zishang stared coldly at him, his eyes filled with ferocity. Then, Luo Zishang bent down, picked up the object, and said calmly, "Your Majesty, the three generals haven't said or done anything yet. They will eventually learn about Yuzhou, but that alone isn't enough to make them betray the late emperor. Zhou Gaolang will arrive soon. Even if the three generals intend to rescue Yuzhou, they will ensure Your Majesty's safety first."

"But what if..."

"Does Your Majesty have a choice?"

Luo Zishang's question stunned Fan Yu. After a moment, Fan Yu slumped onto the golden throne, covering his face with his hands as if exhausted. Luo Zishang stepped forward, placed the picked-up object beside Fan Yu, and said lightly, "Your Majesty, at this point, all you can do is trust the three generals."

"Luo Zishang..."

Fan Yu trembled as he spoke, "You've ruined me..."

Hearing this, Luo Zishang curved his lips into a smile. Turning to Fan Yu, he said gently, "Your Majesty, it wasn't I who ruined you. Every action I've taken—was it not what you desired in your heart?"

"You didn't want to be restrained by the cabinet, controlled by them, or to diligently govern and protect the empire as the late emperor hoped."

Luo Zishang continued slowly, "We've reached this point not because I ruined you, but because you refused to accept your fate. Yet, to defy fate, one must have the capability."Fan Yu trembled, lifting his head to glare coldly at Luo Zishang. "You called me incompetent."

Luo Zishang showed no fear, replying gently, "I wouldn't dare."

Fan Yu suddenly raised his hand and slapped Luo Zishang across the face, snarling, "Let me tell you—" He pointed at Luo Zishang, panting heavily, "If I die, you'll be the first to accompany me in death!"

Hearing this, Luo Zishang covered his slapped cheek and looked at Fan Yu. "Your Majesty, please calm your anger. I spoke out of turn. I beg Your Majesty to consider the bigger picture. Right now, stabilizing the three generals is what matters most."

"Get out!" Fan Yu pointed at the door. "Get out of my sight!"

Luo Zishang didn't argue. He bowed to Fan Yu and turned to leave.

After Luo Zishang had gone, Xi Feng, hearing the commotion, led her attendants into the main hall. As soon as she entered, she saw Fan Yu sitting on the throne, head bowed and trembling uncontrollably. Xi Feng immediately ordered everyone, "Leave!"

Seeing Fan Yu's state, the crowd hurriedly withdrew. Without a word, Xi Feng walked forward, gathered Fan Yu into her arms, and gently smoothed his hair, remaining silent.

Fan Yu's tears fell onto her skin, but his trembling gradually subsided under her soothing touch. Leaning against Xi Feng, he felt a peace he had never known before.

"They all want me dead," he murmured tearfully. "Everyone wishes for my death."

"Your Majesty, don't be afraid," Xi Feng said softly. "I am here with you."

Hearing Xi Feng's words, Fan Yu slowly calmed down. After a long while, he suddenly asked, "What should I do?"

Xi Feng thought for a moment, choosing her words carefully. "Actually, Your Majesty doesn't have many choices now. You must place all your hopes on the three generals. Why not host a banquet for them? Have a good talk and let them know Your Majesty's appreciation and care for them."

Fan Yu remained silent, seemingly deep in thought. After a long pause, he sighed. "It seems that's the only way."

With that, Fan Yu straightened up and called to those outside, "Send the order! Tonight, the palace will host a banquet to invite the three generals!"

As soon as Fan Yu's message went out, Luo Zishang, Gu Jiusi, and the others learned of it. Gu Jiusi gathered all the people they had in the city. Since arriving in the Eastern Capital, Huzi had done quite well for himself, gaining many brothers. Liu Yu Ru's earlier network of informants in the Eastern Capital also contributed numerous people. Combined with Jiang He's followers and some reliable disciples Gu Jiusi had in the court, they assembled nearly a thousand people in total.

With Fan Yu preparing to host the banquet, the palace became a hive of activity. Meanwhile, Gu Jiusi gathered all these people at a villa outside the city.

Some of them were meeting for the first time, but most faces were familiar to him. They were men and women of all kinds: merchants in fine silks and brocades, beggars in coarse cloth and straw sandals, rising court officials in jade crowns and white robes, courtesans in light veils and golden hairpins, gentle and elegant young ladies who usually appeared demure, and white-haired elderly women.

They filled the courtyard from the inner compound to the outer grounds. Gu Jiusi stood on a high platform in the inner courtyard, where an altar table had been set up. On the table were enshrined the Son of Heaven's Sword and an incense burner, along with two cups of plain wine. Jiang He stood beside him, wearing an unusually solemn expression.Below the high platform, attendants began distributing a cup of wine to each person. Gu Jiusi stood at the elevated position, watching as he spoke clearly: "Gentlemen, we now stand in this courtyard, holding cups of wine. But do you know that in the southern front of the Eastern Capital, Liu Xingzhi has led three hundred thousand troops to launch a fierce assault on Yuzhou?"

"We know!"

The crowd responded in unison. Most present understood the current situation well. Gu Jiusi continued: "Then do you know that Liu Xingzhi has given orders that any city along his march that refuses to surrender will have its entire population slaughtered?"

This statement shocked everyone, yet a young man in the crowd tightened his grip on his wine cup and gritted his teeth: "We know."

Gu Jiusi looked up and saw it was a protégé he had selected during the imperial examinations, now serving in the Ministry of War. Gu Jiusi gave him a slight nod of acknowledgment before continuing: "Then do you all know that Zhou Gaolang has promised his three armies three days of plunder if they enter the Eastern Capital?"

Silence fell over the crowd, yet this was information they had all known since beginning their preparations. Their eyes burned intently as they watched Gu Jiusi, who went on: "Zhou Gaolang will enter the Eastern Capital tomorrow. If we don't stop him from forcing his way into the city, the Eastern Capital will become a living hell with suffering civilians. But if we use troops to block him, our two Great Xia elite forces will battle each other in the capital. Within two months, Liu Xingzhi will break through our defenses. Then Great Xia will lose all capacity to counterattack. How can we allow our nation to fall into the hands of someone like Liu Xingzhi who treats common people like livestock? How can we let the late emperor's legacy be destroyed by internal conflict?"

"Tonight, there will be a banquet in the palace. I will cooperate with Minister Jiang and loyalists in the palace to take control of the Eastern Capital. When you see the signal flare rise above the palace, I ask you to quickly evacuate the citizens to the outskirts."

"Tomorrow at dawn, I will intercept Zhou's army outside the city. If successful, I shall return to see all my brothers and sisters again. If not," Gu Jiusi swept his gaze across the crowd and said calmly, "I hope you will offer a cup of wine to comfort the departed souls next Qingming Festival."

Hearing this, everyone tightened their grip on their wine cups, their eyes fixed on Gu Jiusi with a determination ready to sacrifice everything. Gu Jiusi raised his cup, looked toward the distance, and declared loudly: "Heaven above, earth below, we swear here today - for Great Xia's destiny and our people's survival, regardless of gender, age, poverty, or status, everyone shall contribute their utmost, life or death!" Then, scanning their resolute faces, he said solemnly: "Tonight we defend the Eastern Capital with our blood!"

After speaking, Gu Jiusi drained his cup in one gulp and threw it to the ground. The shattering sound echoed through the courtyard like the solidification of each person's resolve.

After the wine ceremony, Gu Jiusi bowed to everyone, who returned the gesture solemnly. After exchanging bows with those nearby, they departed from the manor one by one according to their pre-assigned tasks.

Gu Jiusi watched them leave as the sun set in the west. He turned to Jiang He, who had been watching him for a long time. Finally, Jiang He smiled and said: "Let's go."Gu Jiusi had already prepared his men, while in the Luo residence, Luo Zishang looked at the people seated in the main hall. His gaze swept over each of them as he calmly said, "You have all been with me for many years. We have climbed from the mud to these high positions, surviving countless life-and-death struggles. But this time, it truly is a gamble with our lives. Tonight, Gu Jiusi and Jiang He will inevitably enter the palace. If we succeed, a great war in the Eastern Capital will be unavoidable, and the Southern Emperor’s promise to me will continue. Though we may not seize the empire, it will still count as a resurgence. Most importantly," Luo Zishang paused, restraining his emotions before speaking each word with utmost clarity, "it will avenge A Ming."

"If we fail," Luo Zishang chuckled lightly, "tonight, none of us will escape death. Are you afraid?"

"Life has always been as cheap as grass," Ming Yi’s voice was calm as he lowered his head to look at the wine in his hand, sighing helplessly. "Why fear life or death? Besides, with all you brothers by my side," Ming Yi glanced around at everyone and smiled, "the road to the underworld won’t be lonely."

Hearing this, everyone laughed, and a trace of warmth appeared in Luo Zishang’s eyes. He raised his cup and declared loudly, "Come, if we journey to the underworld together tonight, let this be a farewell drink in life; if we triumph tonight, let it be a celebratory toast."

"Regardless of how many events fill our lives," Luo Zishang laughed heartily, "in the end, it’s just a cup of wine at the grave."

"Brothers, let’s drink!"

The sun slowly set, and within the Eastern Capital, it resembled a long river under moonlight—calm on the surface, yet turbulent beneath.

Meanwhile, along the Yellow River in Yongzhou, the night was deep and heavy, with no stars or moon in sight.

People came and went on the riverbank as Liu Yu Ru stood to the side, overseeing all the engineering work.

Because it was impossible to find iron chains of such length and suitability all at once, they had to piece together whatever was available and then reforge them. It was only this afternoon that the materials for the chains were fully delivered.

Before the materials arrived, they had begun underwater work with the available resources to secure the brick panels, while using extra manpower to reinforce the embankment.

Mr. Li watched everyone’s movements with a worried expression, prompting Liu Yu Ru to ask, "Mr. Li, you seem uneasy. Is something troubling you?"

Hearing her words, Mr. Li stroked his beard and sighed, "Madam, I fear we cannot continue tonight."

"Why?" Liu Yu Ru was puzzled.

Mr. Li pointed to the sky and said, "I’m afraid there will be wind and rain."

It was already August, the flood season, and the water level was at its limit. If heavy rain came, it was likely that the high-water mark would be breached.

Liu Yu Ru pursed her lips, deeply concerned. "I just received news from General Shen that they have entered Shounan Pass. We cannot afford the slightest mistake here."

Sighing, she added, "If it really isn’t feasible, we’ll have to wait for the water level to drop another day."

As they spoke, Liu Yu Ru heard Munan running over and reporting, "Madam, all the piles have been driven in."

Upon hearing this, Liu Yu Ru and Mr. Li hurried over immediately.

To secure the brick panels, the most crucial step was to fix the foundation in the river. While driving piles into the river, they discovered that the reason the thirty-zhang section was level was that each brick panel had a different height. Under each panel was an iron rod of varying lengths, extremely sharp, forming ten segments of leverage.In other words, if one brick slab's rope was cut and the slab came apart, the force above would shift. This shift would cause the iron rod pressed beneath it to move, using its sharp edge to sever the rope of the second brick slab.

This mechanism linked all ten brick slabs together—if one rope broke, all ten would snap in sequence. The design was so ingenious that Liu Yuru couldn't dismantle it. She could only have people wrap the sharp edges with cotton cloth. Yet she soon discovered that the ropes aligned with these edges were extremely vulnerable; her measures merely bought a little time.

Ultimately, the key still lay in ensuring absolute stability for the brick slabs.

Pile driving had been the most challenging part. Now that the piles were in place, only the task of securing the brick slabs with iron chains remained. Liu Yuru cheerfully asked Mr. Li, "If we work quickly, can we finish before the rain arrives?"

"Indeed," Mr. Li replied with a smile. "Everyone has worked hard. Let's hurry and complete this for peace of mind."

Everyone laughed, then resumed their original method: twenty people formed a team, lowering one person into the water at a time. Once submerged, they worked by touch, with two people cooperating to secure one brick slab. Due to the slabs' large size and zero visibility, fastening them was exceptionally difficult. They had to repeatedly bind part of a slab, surface for air, dive back down to continue, and return for breath again.

Liu Yuru estimated that securing just five brick slabs would require over two hundred people. The remaining workers continued reinforcing the embankment nearby.

Liu Yuru, Mr. Li, and Fu Baoyuan watched nervously as the workers descended into the river. But the moment ten men entered the water, countless arrows suddenly shot from the surroundings. Those pulling the ropes onshore immediately suffered casualties. Liu Yuru reacted fastest, rushing forward to grab a rope that was dragging someone down. She shouted, "Grab the ropes! Save the men!"

Chaos erupted instantly. River workers near the ropes rushed to seize them, while Munan led guards charging toward the dense forest where the arrows originated.

Arrows flew everywhere as unknown assailants desperately rushed toward the embankment. Mr. Li, observing their trajectory, yelled, "They're trying to cut the ropes!"

In truth, no one needed the warning—everyone already recognized the attackers' intent. Munan and his guards fought desperately to stop them, but the enemy's objective was clear. Meanwhile, Liu Yuru calmly shouted, "Don't panic! Keep going!"

They had to continue. The Yellow River must not be lost tonight.

Liu Yuru gripped the hemp rope tightly, the friction tearing blood from her hands. Gritting her teeth, she strained alongside the river workers. Everyone else was panicked, relying blindly on her commands. Reason told them they couldn't abandon their posts, so the workers surrounded the rope teams—when one of the twenty fell, an outer worker immediately replaced them. The embankment became a layered fortress, with everyone defending fiercely to prevent the assassins from advancing further.

Amid the chaos, the roaring Yellow River thundered nearby. An arrow struck the worker in front of Liu Yuru, splattering blood across her face. Her hands trembled, but she still coolly barked at those beside her, "Replace him!"The sounds of fighting echoed all around as people fell one after another. Blood soaked into the earth, leaving no visible traces in the darkness. Liu Yu Ru stared fixedly ahead, her eyes capturing only the relentless surge of the Yellow River as it raced wildly downstream toward the lower reaches.

After what felt like an eternity, the first shout finally came: "It's done!"

The first brick slab was finally secured!

Once the first was fastened, the second and third quickly followed.

Yet it seemed this very cry of success provoked the assassins completely. Ignoring all else, they launched a concerted assault toward the riverbed.

Everyone rushed forward trying to stop them, but these assassins didn't retreat even when facing blades. With such fearless courage, they finally broke through a gap. Then, one assassin charged toward the brick panel where no one had yet entered the water and raised his hand to slash down!

Liu Yu Ru's eyes widened in fury as she roared, "No—!"

At that very moment, over a dozen swords and blades pierced through the assassin's chest. The assassin kicked Munan before falling into the raging river.

The effect of him cutting the rope became apparent moments after he hit the water. Everyone felt the ground begin to tremble. Mr. Li immediately shouted, "Run! Hurry and run! It's about to rain—the dam won't hold!"

Everyone around began fleeing frantically. Amid the chaos, Liu Yu Ru stared blankly at the Yellow River.

She hadn't saved the Yellow River...

The dam was still going to collapse in the end.

What would happen if the dam broke?

If the dam gave way, the Yellow River would change its course and surge southward. Without a proper channel, it would become the most ferocious beast.

Below lay Tian Shou Pass, where Shen Ming still had fifty thousand troops and hundreds of thousands of civilians—all there.

Beyond Tian Shou Pass, if the dam broke here, millions would be affected by the disaster. After the flood, with war raging, what would the people eat?

Liu Yu Ru stared numbly as the river water crashed against the dam again and again, the soil around the scattered bricks gradually washing away.

Raindrops began to fall from the sky. Munan rushed to Liu Yu Ru's side and urged anxiously, "Madam, let's go! The Yellow River can't be saved!"

"We can't leave..."

Liu Yu Ru spoke, startling Munan. But she had made up her mind. Whirling around, she shouted to everyone, "We can't leave!"

Her cry stunned the crowd. Everyone looked at her as she turned to Fu Baoyuan and demanded, "If we leave and the Yellow River bursts, what will happen to Yongzhou? What about Yuzhou? What about the millions of people downstream?!"

"Madam," Mr. Li said anxiously, "the only reason the dam hasn't collapsed yet is because of our earlier reinforcements, and it hasn't started raining heavily. If it rains, this dam will definitely be destroyed."

"And after it's destroyed?" Liu Yu Ru fixed her gaze on Mr. Li. "Do we just abandon it?"

Her question left Mr. Li speechless. Liu Yu Ru continued, "Where can we run to now? If we flee today, will any of you be able to sleep soundly when you think back on this?!"

Without further delay, she immediately commanded, "Reorganize the people and reinforce the dam at once. Notify all nearby villagers to come here. Divide into three groups: the first group will gather stones and reposition them at the riverbed brick panels. Five panels are already fixed; the other five haven't completely given way. We still have time to reinforce."

As she spoke, Liu Yu Ru grew calmer. "The second group will start filling the outer perimeter, adding more sandbags and compacted soil."

"The third group will assist in transporting sandbags and soil. At the same time, be alert—if any section is washed away, form a human chain to slow the water flow and buy time for repairs."

No one spoke. Liu Yu Ru scanned the crowd and shouted angrily, "Hurry and act! What are you waiting for? To watch the dam collapse?!"

"Madam..." one person finally spoke up, trembling. "My... my son is only three years old. There are elders at home...""You can go back," Liu Yuru said calmly, looking at him. "I won't stop you, but you need to think clearly. If the dam collapses tonight, Yuzhou will fall. From then on, the war will never cease. Given the current state of the national treasury, there will likely be at least two years of famine. Even if you return home today and manage to save your family from the flood, can you escape the ensuing famine and chaos?"

No one spoke. Liu Yuru swept her gaze over the crowd. "The dam hasn't collapsed yet, and even if it does, we still have a chance. If we don't risk our lives to protect the Yellow River today, you must remember that the suffering of millions of people in Great Xia will be on your hands. You will never sleep or eat in peace again, and your families will suffer endlessly."

"Everyone has families," Liu Yuru's eyes reddened, but she restrained her emotions. Clenching her fists, she said hoarsely, "My daughter isn't even one year old. I have three elderly relatives at home. My husband's fate is unknown, and the entire family depends on me. But I won't leave today."

With that, Liu Yuru turned around. She struggled to pick up a basket of stones from the ground and gritted her teeth as she walked toward the dam. "Even if I die today, I'll die at the Yellow River."

She was delicate.

Unlike the heroic northern women, her first impression was one of gentleness and resilience. Yet at this moment, as she labored to carry the stones, her back and figure conveyed a silent strength to everyone.

A strength that was quiet yet steadfast in the face of nature, all hardships, and fate.

She was just one person, yet she dared to carry stones, step by step, toward the roaring river, intending to use these stones to resist the overwhelming power of nature.

"I'll stay."

Fu Baoyuan suddenly spoke up. Following Liu Yuru, he began transporting stones as well.

As Fu Baoyuan spoke, one person after another turned around.

"I'll stay."

"I'll stay."

"I'll stay too."

...

One by one, they walked orderly toward the dam. Mr. Li watched quietly, sighed softly, and finally said, "Since everyone is staying, I'll stay too."

Rain began to fall from the sky, droplets landing on Shou Nan Pass.

Ye Yun reached out and caught a raindrop, saying wearily, "It's raining."

"Go rest."

Shen Ming clumsily added a cloak for her, tying the strings calmly. "You've been traveling for a long time. You need to sleep."

"The civilians have all entered the city."

Ye Yun lowered her head, avoiding the topic of sleep, and said, "I've also taken stock of the military equipment and provisions at Shou Nan Pass for you."

"I know, I know." Shen Ming had no choice with her. "So please, dear lady, go to sleep quickly."

"I can't sleep."

Ye Yun shook her head. Shen Ming fell silent. After a long while, looking at her bowed head, he finally said, "Are you afraid?"

"As long as there's no news of Yuru repairing the Yellow River," Ye Yun pressed her lips together, "I won't be able to sleep."

Shen Ming remained silent. The wind blew, causing Ye Yun's cloak to flutter and rustle. After a long time, Shen Ming said, "Don't worry. If the flood really comes, I'm a good swimmer. I'll protect you."

Hearing this, Ye Yun couldn't help but laugh. She looked up at him, her eyes sparkling in the night.When Shen Ming first met her, she was already a dignified young lady from a respectable family, her eyes always veiled with an indescribable weariness, like an elderly person who had traversed countless mountains and rivers, finding everything devoid of vitality. Thus, he often enjoyed teasing her, for it was only when she scolded him that he felt she resembled a young girl.

Yet now, whenever she stood before him, even amidst the raging flames of war, she remained radiant and dazzling, just as Liu Yu Ru had once described her.

He couldn't help but take a step forward and suddenly said, "Ye Yun."

Ye Yun raised an eyebrow. "Hmm?"

"Do you regret coming to the battlefield with me?"

The question caught Ye Yun off guard. Shen Ming continued, "You eat poorly, dress inadequately, drift from place to place, and never get a good night's sleep..."

"So what?"

Ye Yun gazed at him with a smile. Shen Ming hesitated and said, "You're not living well."

"But I have you," Ye Yun abruptly replied, leaving Shen Ming stunned. On the city tower, the wind howled fiercely. Ye Yun stepped forward and embraced Shen Ming.

"I don't regret following you to the battlefield, Shen Ming. When I fight alongside you, I forget everything."

She forgot past humiliations, disgusting memories, her worries about the future, and the despairing, dark suspicions she held toward the world.

All that remained was a perception as simple and straightforward as this person's, standing firm in this world, stepping beyond the confines of the inner chambers, and realizing the vastness of the sky and sea.

If Liu Yu Ru taught her that a woman could stand independently, then Shen Ming taught her that a woman should also harbor aspirations as boundless as heaven and earth.

"Tomorrow, if Liu Xingzhi attacks, we cannot retreat."

"I know," Ye Yun said gently. "If I die with you, I am willing."

Hearing this, Shen Ming hesitated, then reached out and embraced Ye Yun's soft shoulders.

Her red cloak fluttered in the wind, wrapping around him as well.

Shen Ming held Ye Yun tightly, his voice low and hoarse. "I want to marry you."

"Once we return," he rasped, "I will definitely marry you."

Ye Yun remained silent. As she leaned against Shen Ming's chest, she closed her eyes, inhaling the scent of blood on him. Suddenly, she felt that all the turbulence and displacement, all the pain and unease of her life, had transformed into fragments of memory, scattered throughout her existence.

Clutching onto memories, all the past would become a cage.

Only when all suffering turned into memory did the past become growth.

The Ye Yun of today was forged in flames. Given another choice, she would wish for a smooth and steady path, but if there was no choice, she was grateful for this journey of cultivation, allowing her to trek through hardships and ultimately achieve fulfillment.

Raindrops pattered down. Ye Yun closed her eyes.

Meanwhile, in the inner palace of the Eastern Capital, Wei Dacheng, Yang Hui, and Sima Nan had already dressed and prepared to leave the residence for a banquet.

Just as Yang Hui was about to step out, there came urgent knocking from outside. Yang Hui opened the main gate to find Xi Feng standing at the doorstep, clad in a black robe.

Her eyes were filled with terror when she saw him. Yang Hui, taken aback upon recognizing Xi Feng's face, exclaimed, "Xi Feng?!"

Without a word, Xi Feng threw herself into Yang Hui's arms. Without hesitation, Yang Hui drew the beauty inside, ordered the gate shut, and then attempted to push her away.But Xi Feng was trembling in his embrace, and his heart softened for a moment, unsure of what to do. He sighed and said, "Your Highness, what is this..."

"Don't go to the palace..."

Xi Feng spoke in a trembling voice. Upon hearing this, Yang Hui's face instantly turned cold, and he said, "What did you say?"

"Your Majesty..." Xi Feng looked up at him, her eyes brimming with tears, "Your Majesty wants to kill you!"

Yang Hui froze abruptly, and then a bolt of lightning split the sky.

Wind and rain raged together.

At this very moment, on the land of Great Xia, brave men defended the Eastern Capital with their blood, guarded the Yellow River with their lives, and protected all living beings with their souls!