The Minister of Revenue, burdened with the mess thrown at him by the Empress Dowager, was so frantic that he broke out in a mouthful of blisters overnight.
He had to deliver provisions to the three armies, build a mausoleum for the Empress Dowager, and somehow conjure up funds for the imperial treasury to satisfy that mad Emperor—all without raising taxes.
The Minister felt his days of peace were numbered.
While he vented his frustrations at his subordinates in his residence, unbeknownst to him, two newly appointed junior officials were quietly arguing at the street corner behind his mansion’s back gate.
Li Yunxi snapped, “Since it was my idea, naturally I should be the one to propose it.”
Er Lan, still disguised as a man, remained calm. “And how does Brother Li plan to propose it? With your scholar’s integrity, cursing him to high heaven?”
Li Yunxi sneered, glancing at the delicate gift box in her hand. “Then how does Brother Er intend to persuade the Minister? Under the guise of offering advice, while actually bribing him?”
He couldn’t stand Er Lan.
This scholar was fair-faced and delicate, with features as lovely as a woman’s, speaking in a measured, soothing tone that put people at ease.
Li Yunxi, straightforward as he was, despised how effortlessly she had adapted to officialdom, thriving like a fish in water.
Er Lan said mildly, “His Majesty’s entrusted task must be accomplished—the means don’t matter. Brother Li, have you forgotten how we obtained our posts? If this gift box is presented, would His Majesty even mind?”
Using the Emperor to pressure him? Li Yunxi wasn’t having it. “If he doesn’t mind, then that’s his failing as a ruler!”
Er Lan: “…”
She smiled at him. “Fair point.”
Li Yunxi: “So then—”
Before he could finish, Er Lan suddenly turned and sprinted toward the mansion’s back gate.
Li Yunxi, who had spent his life honing verbal sparring, had never encountered such shameless behavior—running away when losing an argument. Stunned, he could only watch as she handed over the gift box along with a letter.
Moments later, a servant came out to welcome the guest.
Er Lan stepped inside, then glanced back at the fuming Li Yunxi and mouthed with a smile, “Wait for my news.”
The Minister of Revenue sat in the hall, reading her letter, the gift box nowhere in sight.
“An excellent strategy, truly excellent,” the Minister praised repeatedly.
The letter detailed Li Yunxi’s proposed Open Border Policy: the court would recruit merchants to supply military provisions. Instead of paying them in silver, the court would issue Salt Certificates, allowing merchants to later distribute official salt and profit from trade.
This way, the court could support the armies without draining the treasury, shifting the cost onto the merchants.
Er Lan smiled. “It’s an honor to ease your burdens, my lord.”
The Minister studied the details a while longer, hesitating. “But salt policy reform is a major affair. The Empress Dowager…”
“My lord, judging by His Majesty’s stance, reform is inevitable. If we don’t propose it, someone else will.” Er Lan leaned closer, flattering, “Later, deciding which merchants receive Salt Certificates… that will require careful deliberation.”
The Minister understood her implication: the profits here were substantial. With Salt Certificates in hand, merchants would scramble for them, turning it into another lucrative venture—it all depended on how it was managed.
Er Lan blinked. “With the Empress Dowager’s discerning eye, she will surely recognize your brilliance, my lord.”
The Minister laughed heartily, clapping her shoulder. “The younger generation is formidable indeed.”A few days later, the Ministry of Revenue submitted a thick stack of official memorials, petitioning for the implementation of the open border policy.
Xiahou Dan skipped over the lengthy flattery and explanations, flipping directly to the last page.
Following Er Lan’s suggestion, the Minister of Revenue had listed the recommended grains for transportation. Among several staple crops, Yanshu was quietly included—justified as being resistant to spoilage, easy to store, and suitable for feeding military horses.
This reform was proposed by the Empress Dowager faction and, since it benefited the military, Prince Duan would not obstruct it excessively.
Precisely because of this, after countless rounds of revisions, the inconspicuous words “Yanshu” miraculously remained intact until the end, delivered unchanged into Xiahou Dan’s hands.
With a flourish, Xiahou Dan wrote “Approved” in bold strokes.
Thus, the open border policy was officially enacted.
Granaries across the land began collecting grains according to the list, which were then transported to the border by merchants who caught wind of the opportunity.
In arid regions, when the common folk heard that the dry, weed-like Yanshu could also be used as tax payment, they laughed, muttering, “Are the officials fools?” before heading into the wild to gather it. The more industrious even planted a batch and began fertilizing it.
Not only that, but merchants, seeking to reduce transportation costs, soon started hiring people to directly cultivate wastelands near the border, specializing in the crops listed. In the harsh northwestern regions near the State of Yan, only Yanshu could survive, leading to the development of the first sorghum fields.
Everyone was satisfied: the military received grain, and the Empress Dowager secured her mausoleum.
At this moment, only a handful of people in the world were moved to tears by those laughable sorghum fields.
Though the seeds they had found were still far from enough, at least the first seeds of hope had been sown in the land of Daxia.
The next day, this group of ruler and subjects gathered in a secluded private residence, not daring to celebrate openly, but raising their cups in quiet tribute.
The residence was for Cen Jintian’s use, with a small experimental plot in the backyard where several drought-resistant crops were planted, now thriving.
With a weight lifted from her heart, Yu Wanyin accidentally drank a little too much and stood by the field humming a tune: “Ah—the joyful gongs—and drums, heralding the year’s celebrations—”
Wang Zhao, who happened to be standing beside her: “…”
Wang Zhao was the most composed among the ministers, with a full beard that made him resemble a little old man.
Stroking his beard, he pondered for a long while before finally struggling to utter: “...Her Majesty’s song reflects the hardships of the people.”
On the other side of the field, Li Yunxi and Yang Duojie, the two troublemakers, huddled together, whispering.
Li Yunxi’s face was dark with anger.
The Minister of Revenue, basking in the glory of his great achievement, had casually promoted Er Lan.
At the time, Er Lan’s expression had flickered, and he glanced at Li Yunxi, but ultimately said nothing. Only afterward did he explain: he had intended to put in a good word for Li Yunxi, but in front of the Empress Dowager faction, he dared not appear too cliquish, fearing suspicion.
Li Yunxi: “As if I care.”
Yang Duojie grumbled, “Then he just stole your credit—”
“Brother Li.”
Er Lan approached them with an unreadable expression: “May I have a word?”
“No need.” Li Yunxi had long seen through this man’s scheming and disdained it. “Brother Er, spare your breath. Each to his own. Promotions and wealth are but fleeting clouds to me.”Er Lan smiled faintly. "No matter how high a position we achieve under the Empress Dowager's rule, it's all fleeting in the end. This land belongs to His Majesty after all. When the time comes for rewards, His Majesty will naturally remember Brother Li's contributions."
Li Yunxi was so furious he could barely breathe. "Whether before the Empress Dowager or His Majesty, my ambitions lie elsewhere!"
His voice rang out loudly enough that even Xiahou Dan across the way turned to look.
Er Lan also lost patience. "Yes, yes, Brother Li's aspirations soar so high you'd rather dash yourself to death tomorrow than serve in court today. But this humble brother still hopes you'll live a few more days and produce a few more policy essays to help me climb the ranks."
Li Yunxi: "..."
Li Yunxi: "Is that truly what you think?"
Er Lan rolled his eyes and walked away.
Li Yunxi turned to Yang Duojie. "He... he... such impropriety!"
"Your Majesty, Your Grace."
A gentle breeze carried Cen Jintian's approach as he held out a handful of crops. "From current observations, Yanshu shows the best drought resistance and growth. However, we won't know the full yield until harvest season."
Yu Wanyin asked, "Minister Cen, could you determine the optimal soil conditions, irrigation methods, and fertilization for Yanshu like you did before?"
Cen Jintian pondered briefly. "This official will certainly try, but considering all factors, it may take two or three years."
At the mention of time, the group fell into somber silence.
Yu Wanyin couldn't predict when the drought would strike, while Cen Jintian didn't know if he'd live to see it.
Seeing the young man's weary face, Yu Wanyin suddenly felt a pang of guilt. "Minister Cen, please take care of your health."
Cen Jintian smiled. "This official will strive to live a little longer."
"No, truly, take care. To improve the harvest even slightly, you've already abandoned your name and left your homeland behind. Your parents and family—"
Xiahou Dan interjected bluntly, "Is such a life worth it?"
Yu Wanyin elbowed him. Too direct.
But Cen Jintian merely chuckled and waved a hand. "This official considers foreknowledge of one's death a blessing. Since youth, I've pondered what would make a life well spent. My parents have siblings to care for them, and my hometown will honor me after death. When my time comes, I only wish to be buried where the crops grow abundant."
In the palace carriage returning, Yu Wanyin's mood visibly darkened.
Since transmigrating here, she felt she'd been growing rapidly—no longer the clueless novice fumbling in the dark.
Yet certain people's existence kept reminding her: You still have far to go.
Xiahou Dan asked, "Thinking about Cen Jintian?"
"Yes," Yu Wanyin sighed.
When she'd read the original novel, she'd skipped straight to the thrilling grand scenes—heroes vying for supremacy, clashing armies and steel... completely passing over Cen Jintian's farming segments.
"Only after coming to this world did I realize he's the true savior rescuing people from calamity. With such a life, one could hardly call it wasted, could they?"
As the carriage jostled along, Xiahou Dan joked half-seriously, "Don't undervalue yourself. You're saving people too."
"Me?"
"Objectively speaking, if you help Great Xia survive that drought, your name should be recorded in history."
Yu Wanyin laughed softly and looked down.
After a moment, she inhaled sharply and lifted her head with sudden determination. "Alright then. I don't want to waste this life either."
Xiahou Dan blinked in surprise. "What?""According to the original text, Prince Duan ascended the throne at the greatest cost, so I will thwart him at the smallest cost. Preventing the drought is just the first step. He still has to fight a desperate battle with Yan—a general's success built on ten thousand bones—but we won’t even let him fight."
Her eyes burned with renewed determination as she stared at Xiahou Dan, her chest swelling with vigor: "I think I remember some of the settings about Yan. This battle isn’t inevitable—let’s try diplomacy."
Xiahou Dan: "Good."
"Also, when he mobilizes the Loyalists, he’ll have to fight the Empress Dowager. But if we grow strong enough before then to intimidate them, we can subdue the enemy without battle."
"Good."
"And one more thing..." Yu Wanyin paused. "Are you laughing?"
Xiahou Dan shook his head. "It’s just that when I think about everything we’re doing happening inside a book, it feels a bit absurd."
Yu Wanyin had pondered this too: "But like Zhuangzi’s dream of the butterfly, how do you know the ‘real world’ outside isn’t another book?"
"That’s true, we can’t know."
"Right? Who can guarantee their own existence is real? I can’t be bothered to dwell on it." Yu Wanyin waved her hand as if dispersing smoke. "Even if the ending is death, I’ll still do as much as I can before then."
Xiahou Dan: "Good."
"Why do you keep saying ‘good’?"
"Good. Then I’ll risk my life to accompany the noble one," he said with a laugh.
Zhang San grew older year by year.
The clematis still bloomed seasonally, but he hadn’t thought about those flowers in a long time.
Because as the Emperor aged and he himself grew older, he realized a new possibility: the "Demon Consort" who was the female lead might not be his father’s concubine—but his.
She would only appear once he became Emperor.
This discovery brought little comfort. Though he had only glimpsed the synopsis before transmigrating, he clearly remembered that while the female lead was a consort, the male lead was not the Emperor.
So, following the usual tropes of such stories, he, the Emperor, must be the villain—the kind destined for a gruesome death.
Not only that, but he also began to suspect that the male lead of this story was his elder brother.
Xiahou Bo survived long enough to leave the palace and establish his own residence, being enfeoffed as Prince Duan.
This young prince had no political foundation in court, so he often volunteered for border garrison duty. After years in the frontier, he transformed from a bullied pretty boy into a strategist and warrior, winning the respect of the military men. He returned with military achievements, both great and small, and was even granted ceremonial honors by the old Emperor.
Xiahou Bo was following the classic male lead trajectory.
Meanwhile, Zhang San was being pushed down the path of a villain by the malice of the entire world.
By all logic, Prince Duan was far more suited to be Crown Prince than Zhang San. But the Empress would never allow that—she needed a puppet she could control.
Amid the covert struggles between the two factions, Zhang San survived four assassination attempts in a single year. Stabbed in his sleep, vomiting blood after meals, repeatedly gravely wounded only to be saved each time. Prince Duan wanted him dead; the Empress Dowager wanted him alive.
He began suffering sleepless nights, his migraines worsening. Sometimes he heard things that weren’t there—other times, what he thought were hallucinations turned out to be real assassins.
By the time the old Emperor passed away and Zhang San ascended the throne, looking down from the dragon seat, he saw that the court was no longer just divided between the Empress’s faction—now the Empress Dowager faction—but also a rival Prince Duan faction.There were hardly any pro-emperor faction members. Even his imperial tutors had been arranged by the Empress Dowager.
In this world, his modern background was not an advantage but a liability. When it came to schemes and political maneuvering, his nine years of compulsory education were utterly useless.
Among all the civil and military officials at court, he couldn't find a single trustworthy person.
A collapsing mansion cannot be supported by a single pillar.
But Zhang San refused to believe in fate.
Even if he were to die, he would struggle until his last breath.
Following his intuition, he sought out the Elder Xu—because unlike other ministers who flattered him with honeyed words, this old minister often scowled and lectured him with grand principles.
Also because Elder Xu was struggling in court, constantly ostracized by others.
Zhang San was convinced this man truly had his best interests at heart, so he treated him with utmost respect and sought his advice on many matters. The policies Elder Xu recommended always faced numerous obstacles, and the more this happened, the more reassured Zhang San felt. Because if those suggestions had been wrong, the Empress Dowager and Prince Duan wouldn't have bothered to block them.
Until one day, Elder Xu advised him to eliminate a certain high-ranking official.
Elder Xu spoke earnestly: This man had long been deceiving superiors and subordinates alike, embezzling public funds, and colluding with Prince Duan. His influence had grown deep and tangled, and he needed to be rooted out as soon as possible.
Zhang San believed him. He painstakingly gathered evidence and, during a morning court session, suddenly launched an attack, arresting the corrupt official and sending him to the Dali Temple, where he was soon executed.
That was the eighth person he had killed.
This operation went surprisingly smoothly.
Almost too smoothly. He encountered no resistance whatsoever.
After court adjourned, a minor official with a mustache came to see him, weeping and claiming he had been deceived.
This mustached man had always been part of the Empress Dowager faction, but now he professed his loyalty, saying he could no longer endure the Empress Dowager's abuse and wished to serve His Majesty. He claimed Elder Xu was actually the Empress Dowager's trusted confidant, inherently treacherous, and had been manipulating His Majesty all along.
"He used Your Majesty's hand to eliminate that corrupt official, but in truth, he was cutting off Prince Duan's wings, removing a threat for the Empress Dowager!"
The mustached man presented countless pieces of evidence—some bearing the Empress Dowager's handwriting, others Elder Xu's.
Zhang San couldn't believe it. He secretly went to observe the Empress Dowager and happened to see Elder Xu walking with her, chatting amiably.
Two months later, the mustached man impeached Elder Xu.
Zhang San didn't execute Elder Xu. He ordered his family's property confiscated and exiled him.
Elder Xu said nothing, merely kowtowed heavily several times before being dragged away.
This operation also went surprisingly smoothly.
Zhang San vaguely sensed something was wrong but couldn't pinpoint where the mistake had been.
After years of patience, he gradually pieced together the truth of that year.
The mustached man belonged to the Empress Dowager. But impeaching Elder Xu had been a joint scheme with Prince Duan.
Through this achievement, the mustached man secured his position within the Empress Dowager faction, climbing step by step to the center of power. He was later granted the title of Grand Tutor—his surname was Wei.
By then, Zhang San could no longer touch him.
Whether Zhang San believed in fate was ultimately irrelevant.
The world needed a villain, the Empress Dowager needed a puppet, and Prince Duan needed the people to remember a sinner—someone to blame for natural disasters, man-made calamities, and years of poor harvests.
He came, and he became that person.
The carriage jolted to a sudden stop, then abruptly accelerated, startling Xiahou Dan from his light sleep.
Yu Wanyin was also startled and lifted the curtain to ask, "What happened?"The carriage driver reported, "The Shadow Guards detected someone following us. There's only one pursuer, but his martial arts are formidable—the guards couldn't subdue him. Lord Bei has gone to deal with him... This subordinate will first escort His Majesty and Her Highness back to the palace."
"Wait." Xiahou Dan frowned. "Sending only one assassin? That doesn't seem like Prince Duan's style. Tell Bei Zhou to capture him alive for questioning."
The guard squinted back down the road. "Lord Bei hasn't yet gained the upper hand."
Yu Wanyin was stunned. "How is that possible?"
Bei Zhou was the undisputed pinnacle of martial prowess in the entire story, unmatched in single combat.
"They've already exchanged over thirty moves," the guard provided live commentary. "Strangely, neither has gone for a killing blow."
Unable to resist, Yu Wanyin leaned out the carriage window to look back, only for a gust of fierce wind to immediately tangle her hair.
To remain inconspicuous, they had been taking a winding route, and now found themselves in a narrow alley barely wide enough for a single carriage.
At the far end, dust and debris swirled as sword winds raged. Two ethereal silhouettes clashed in a whirlwind of motion, locked in a fierce duel.
Another head popped out beside Yu Wanyin's shoulder. Xiahou Dan asked, "Was there such a character in the original story?"
"Not that I remember..."
"Ha!" A sharp cry rang out, followed by the whistling of projectiles cutting through the air.
Live-commentary guard: "Damn it, the assassin threw hidden weapons!"
The alley was too narrow to dodge. But then, in a flash, Bei Zhou kicked off the wall, soaring into the air like a great roc spreading its wings. He tucked into a midair somersault as the assassin's projectiles clattered uselessly to the ground.
Before even landing, Bei Zhou flicked his sleeve toward the assassin—another volley of whistling projectiles followed.
His barrage was far more relentless. The rapid thunk-thunk-thunk-thunk sounded as though the target had already been riddled with holes.
Xiahou Dan shouted, "Spare him—"
At the same time, the assassin yelled, "Enough! Can't you tell I'm not an assassin? Spare me!"
The voice belonged to a young man.
Bei Zhou replied leisurely, "If you were an assassin, you'd already be dead."
The guard halted the carriage and cautiously escorted Xiahou Dan and Yu Wanyin closer, eyeing the newcomer warily.
Bei Zhou's projectiles hadn't struck him—instead, they had embedded into the wall around his head and limbs, outlining his silhouette like a human-shaped target.
Frozen in place, the young man sighed in defeat. "I yield. I yield."
Bei Zhou: "Who are you?"
The youth seemed to glance briefly at Xiahou Dan before smiling. "My surname is Bai. You can call me A Bai."
As they drew nearer, Yu Wanyin could make out his features against the backlight. Tall, with a black cloth masking his face, only his eyes were visible. Those pupils gleamed with an uncanny clarity, like tempered glass even in the dim alley. She recalled that this was often a sign of profound internal energy.
"Don't move. Where did you learn these skills?" Bei Zhou remained on guard, one arm raised toward him, fingers poised in an ambiguous stance—half-palm, half-claw—unidentifiable as any known martial arts opening. The projectiles outlining the young man were embedded so deeply in the wall that brick dust still crumbled loose.
A Bai stood rigidly, then suddenly asked, "Are you Bei Zhou?"
Bei Zhou paused.
A Bai: "We've never met, but you must remember the Nameless Wanderer, right? He was my master."
Though nameless, the Nameless Wanderer was a legendary figure in the martial world—an immortal-like peerless master. In his early travels, Bei Zhou had encountered him by chance, receiving some guidance and forming an unlikely friendship across generations.One time while drinking, the nameless traveler asked him why he kept wandering aimlessly. Bei Zhou, feeling melancholy, spoke of the late Empress Cizhen from the palace: "The one I knew is gone, and I don't know where to go either."
The nameless traveler dipped his finger in wine and drew a divination on the ground right then. In the end, he advised him, "Go back to the capital and take a look. You might meet the child of the one you knew."
A Bai said, "A while ago, my master observed the night sky and, for some reason, went mad with insistence—he forced me to leave his tutelage immediately and come to the capital to follow you."
He pulled out a crumpled, dirty letter from his chest and handed it to Bei Zhou.
Bei Zhou read it once, his face showing confusion. "It's indeed his handwriting. But I can't understand what he's writing about."
A Bai: "Oh, he said this letter isn't for you—it's for the Emperor."
Xiahou Dan, who had been silently standing to the side, spoke up: "Let me see it."
A Bai whipped his head around dramatically. "The Emperor? A living Emperor!"
Xiahou Dan: "..."
Xiahou Dan shot him a warning glance.
A Bai only escalated: "So handsome."
Xiahou Dan: "?"
Xiahou Dan read the letter, his expression turning grave, then passed it to Yu Wanyin.
The letter bore two lines of wildly scrawled text: "The imperial mandate shifts, the Emperor's star rekindles. Mars lingers at the heart, fortune and peril hang by a thread. Five stars aligned, adversity turns to prosperity."
Yu Wanyin was startled by the first four words alone.
"The imperial mandate shifts"? This was definitely not some generic divination phrase. Only a transmigrator would understand—this was clearly telling them: I know you've switched souls.
The entire passage translated to: I know you've switched souls, and the new one can change the nation's fate as Emperor. But your path is perilous, with only a sliver of hope. You must face death to find life, turning danger into safety.
Yu Wanyin exchanged a glance with Xiahou Dan, thinking: Now this is truly the Heavenly Eye at work.
A Bai: "My master said you're a prodigy, practically a senior disciple, and told me to learn from you. I thought, how prodigious could you be? More than me? So I—"
Bei Zhou: "So you came to fight me first?"
A Bai snorted.
Bei Zhou studied this unexpected junior brother, feeling some admiration for his talent but teasing him nonetheless: "Convinced now?"
A Bai dodged the question: "So in the capital, you're just the Emperor's bodyguard? Can I join?"
Bei Zhou looked at Xiahou Dan.
Xiahou Dan: "I already have Uncle Bei."
"Come on, my master went to the trouble of sending me here for your service." A Bai showed no fear before the Emperor, even grinning cheekily. "What's one more? My skills are excellent too—I can protect this... wow, what a beauty!"
He was looking at Yu Wanyin.
Yu Wanyin: "...Thanks."
Xiahou Dan glared at him again.
Yu Wanyin was also weighing the situation. The original story had no character like A Bai, but with two transmigrators now altering the world, it made sense that hidden masters might take notice.
At that moment, Xiahou Dan asked quietly: "Uncle Bei, that Nameless Wanderer—"
Bei Zhou vouched: "The Nameless Wanderer has long retired from worldly affairs. If he sent this letter, he likely divined that Dan'er could ensure the empire's stability. This boy's techniques are indeed taught by him—he should be trustworthy."
Xiahou Dan nodded and said to A Bai: "Come back with us."
The group returned to the palace in the evening light.
Xiahou Dan said he'd arrange a position for A Bai and took him away.
Bei Zhou used his bone-shrinking skill to revert to his old nursemaid disguise and accompanied Yu Wanyin back to the Imperial Concubine's Palace: "I'll retire to my room now."
"Uncle Bei." Yu Wanyin followed him inside. "I have something to ask you."
"What is it?"
Yu Wanyin smiled: "When you pierced the wall with that hidden weapon earlier, it wasn't just manual skill, was it?—Don't look at me like that, I'm just guessing."
Bei Zhou remained astonished: "How did you...?"“The first time we met, your dagger pierced through a wooden door without losing momentum, killing the assassin on the spot. Later, on the boat, the hidden weapons you launched from your sleeve not only flew straight to the shore but also fired continuously without pause.”
Yu Wanyin studied his sleeve with curiosity and praised, “Uncle Bei is truly ingenious. I’ve also had some interest in mechanical devices, but I simply can’t fathom what kind of exquisitely crafted mechanism could achieve such an effect.”
Her analysis was entirely fabricated.
She knew Bei Zhou was a mechanical genius because that’s exactly how the original text had described him.
When she first brought Xiahou Dan to meet him, she had already harbored an idea. However, Bei Zhou treated his mechanical inventions as top-secret, so she needed to spend some time with him to build trust before broaching the subject.
Sure enough, after a moment of stunned silence, Bei Zhou burst into laughter. “Wan Yin, you’re truly brilliant. But it’s no wonder you couldn’t figure it out—this mechanism can only be operated by me.”
He raised his arm, flexed his fingers, and a faint click sounded from his sleeve. “The mechanism’s components are fitted to my body and require immense internal energy to activate. With a single surge of qi, it can launch hidden weapons endlessly, with unparalleled range and destructive power.”
Yu Wanyin feigned amazement before hesitating.
Bei Zhou assumed she would ask to examine it and was preparing to politely refuse when she instead said, “Uncle Bei, have you ever considered creating an even more powerful mechanism? One that doesn’t rely on internal energy but on gunpowder?”
“Gunpowder?” Bei Zhou’s interest was piqued.
“Yes. Given His Majesty’s current situation, I believe he could use some defensive equipment.”
Meanwhile, A Bai shoved a handful of pills into Xiahou Dan’s hands. “Try them all. I collected these secret remedies and obscure medicines during my travels.”
Xiahou Dan sighed. “It’s about time to give up, don’t you think?”
“No way. This was one of the tasks my master assigned me. He foresaw that I could help you, so I will help you.”
Xiahou Dan relented. “Fine.”
A Bai sat across from him, expertly pouring himself a cup of tea. “How are things at court?”
“There have been some changes—it’s a long story. You first. How have things been on your end?”
“That’s also a long story… Recently, I took out two key figures. It took quite some effort to keep things low-key…”
Xiahou Dan fiddled with the crumpled, dirty letter in his hands.
The anonymous stranger had indeed deduced that Xiahou Dan’s soul had been replaced, written him a letter, and sent his disciple—all of which were true.
Except the letter had been written five years ago, and their first meeting had also taken place five years prior.
After reporting for a while, A Bai noticed his actions and grinned. “You went to such lengths to put on that act with me—was it to fool my senior brother?”
“Bei Zhou is easy to fool. It wasn’t for him.”
A Bai suddenly understood. “Ah, so it was to fool that great beauty.”
“Show some respect. That’s the Noble Consort. In front of her, you must act as if we’ve just met. Don’t slip up.”
A Bai’s eyes lit up with excitement. “She’s the one you’ve been waiting for, isn’t she?”
“No, it’s someone else.”
“Huh?”
Xiahou Dan said expressionlessly, “I waited for the wrong person, but she came at the right time. If she hadn’t, I’d already be dead.”
A Bai frowned. “Am I too stupid, or did you not explain this clearly?”
“You’re too stupid.”
A Bai: “…”He suddenly flashed a mischievous grin: "You like her, don't you?"
Xiahou Dan: "?"
Xiahou Dan: "Calling it 'like' is too narrow."
"So you don't like her?"
Xiahou Dan: "."
A Bai, hearing no rebuttal, looked at him in surprise: "You really don't?"
Xiahou Dan remained silent.
Like, admiration, infatuation—he felt the emotions surging in his chest didn't deserve such poetic descriptions. It was more like a bottomless sea of poison, where only black seaweed grew.
A Bai leaped up and bolted out the door: "Then I won't hold back."
Xiahou Dan: "?"
A Bai adjusted his black scarf and sneaked all the way to the Imperial Concubine's Palace, intending to slip in unnoticed. Instead, he alerted the Shadow Guard, summoning Yu Wanyin.
He announced boldly, "Imperial Concubine, I'm here to spar with my senior brother."
"Shh—" Yu Wanyin pulled him inside and whispered, "Uncle Bei is known as Nanny Bei here and doesn't reveal his skills. I can take you to him, but you two should find another place to fight."
"...Nanny what?"
Yu Wanyin led him to a side courtyard and knocked on Bei Zhou's door: "Nanny Bei."
Nanny Bei looked at A Bai in confusion.
A Bai trembled all over, finally unable to hold back: "Hahaha, what the hell is this?"
Nanny Bei clicked his tongue and shook his head: "Haven't had enough beatings, have you? Come on, let Nanny show you some love."
The door closed, and after a series of loud bangs, A Bai emerged, covered in dust.
Yu Wanyin couldn't help but laugh: "What did you even gain from that?"
A Bai scratched his head. Though his face was covered, it was clear he was grinning foolishly at her.
After spending so long in the palace, encountering such free-spirited martial artists naturally felt refreshing. Yu Wanyin turned and said, "Come have some tea and rest."
A Bai watched her graceful figure: "Your Highness."
"Hmm?"
A Bai glanced around and spotted a flowerbed in full bloom, vibrant and colorful.
He struck a pose, swirling his hands in a dance-like motion, stirring up a gentle breeze with his palm force.
Yu Wanyin had only taken two steps when countless petals suddenly floated past her, dancing in the last golden-red glow of the sunset.
She found herself enveloped in a fragrant mist and turned around in surprise.
Xiahou Dan was standing right behind her.
The two locked eyes in the dreamlike scene.
Yu Wanyin's face warmed slightly: "What brings you here?"
Xiahou Dan smiled. "I came to invite you to dinner."
Nearby, A Bai, who had unwittingly become a human bellows: "..."
Xiahou Dan led Yu Wanyin inside for dinner, while A Bai, displaying relentless persistence, tagged along: "Mind setting an extra place?"
Yu Wanyin was stunned. Were martial artists always this bold?
Xiahou Dan glanced at him and said flatly, "Go clean up those petals."
A Bai looked back. "The servants are already sweeping them."
"Then go replant the flowerbed."
"Don't be so stingy. Just let me join you for one meal..."
Xiahou Dan coughed, giving him a warning look: Don’t push your luck. We agreed to pretend we’re not close.
A Bai paused and toned it down: "I won’t freeload. I heard His Majesty is interested in news from Yan Kingdom?"
Yu Wanyin froze: "You know about Yan Kingdom?"In her mind, the state of Yan was nothing more than a blurry mosaic. She only vaguely remembered a setting of internal strife, having never paid much attention to the details. Now, with the intention of introducing Yanshu and averting war, she pondered first dividing their factions from within, then leveraging their conflicts against each other.
"I know, I know. I know a lot of things. I even killed—"
Xiahou Dan clapped A Bai heavily on the shoulder, cutting him off, and said in a low, tense voice, "Sit down."
Xiahou Dan dismissed the serving attendants, leaving only the three of them seated around the table. A Bai, as he wished, took a seat beside Yu Wanyin.
He glanced around, then lifted his face covering and began eating.
Yu Wanyin studied his face curiously. He was a strikingly handsome young man, the complete opposite of Xiahou Dan in demeanor. His skin was slightly tanned, as if he spent much time outdoors. His teeth were white as he picked at the meat, stuffing his cheeks until they bulged.
A Bai took a swig of wine, then suddenly turned to Yu Wanyin with a muffled laugh, his gaze seeming to say: Watching me? Like what you see?
Yu Wanyin: "..."
Are all people from the jianghu this fearless?
She couldn’t help but glance at Xiahou Dan. Whether or not Xiahou Dan had noticed the exchange, he calmly said, "Get to the point."
"Oh, right, right. Yan. Yan is a backward little country, poor, with little food or cloth, so they’re always trying to steal from us." A Bai scoffed. "They’re all uncivilized barbarians, but each one is a fierce fighter, quick on their feet too. Every time they raid, they burn, kill, and plunder, then run off once they’ve taken everything."
Yu Wanyin: "So they’re just bandits."
"You call them bandits, but they hate us. They wish all the Xia People would die so they could take our land."
Xiahou Dan: "What about the Yan royal family?"
"Uncle and nephew fighting for power. The current Yan Wang is called Zhaluo Wahan, and his nephew is Tuer, the top warrior in Yan. The uncle and nephew can’t stand each other, but they share one common goal—hatred for Great Xia. There’s a rumor that they’re competing to send assassins into Great Xia, seeing who can kill the most nobles—not for any strategic purpose, just out of pure hatred."
Yu Wanyin rubbed her forehead. "Where does all this hatred come from? Is there any chance either of them could be turned to our side?"
A Bai shook his head vigorously. "Unlikely. The Yan Wang lost an eye to the Xia People on the battlefield. As for Tuer, he has some... history with His Majesty."
"History?"
Xiahou Dan kicked A Bai under the table.
Instead, A Bai sped up abruptly: "Has Her Majesty not heard of the beauty Shan Yi? Shan Yi was Tuer’s childhood sweetheart, sent to the Great Xia palace years ago to perform a dance. She caused quite a stir. But His Majesty was heartless—only granted her the title of a minor consort. Not long after, she attempted to assassinate His Majesty, failed, and was executed. Yan used that as their excuse to declare war."
Xiahou Dan: "..."
Yu Wanyin: "...Oh, I forgot for a moment."
Even if she were the original host, such palace secrets might not have reached her.
Then again, how did A Bai come to know about this?
Just as Yu Wanyin’s thoughts wandered here, Xiahou Dan picked up his chopsticks and placed a piece of fish in her bowl. "Regardless of whether it’ll succeed, we should send envoys to speak with them separately. Peace talks to end the war are a matter of national importance. If either of them is a wise ruler, they should know to set personal grudges aside. Wan Yin, who do you think would be suitable to send?"
Yu Wanyin’s attention shifted. "Oh... Among the scholars we recently recruited, Wang Zhao is skilled in diplomacy and speaks the Yan language."
"Good. Let it be him.""But to prevent Prince Duan from becoming suspicious, all our actions must remain covert. We can't openly send an envoy—we'll have to smuggle him out secretly. With the Central Army guarding the northwestern border, how can a mere scholar slip through safely?"
A Bai interjected, "Then why not avoid the northwest altogether?"
"Because Xia only shares a border with Yan in the northwest."
A Bai rubbed his hands together and explained, "Here's the thing—General Luo of the Central Army shares a life-and-death bond with Prince Duan, whereas the Left and Right Armies have looser ties to him. The Right Army is stationed in the southern border, and their commander, General You, has recently returned to the capital to report."
Xiahou Dan frowned slightly.
A Bai glanced at Xiahou Dan, seeking his opinion. "In my view, why not secure an official post for this Wang Zhao and assign him to the Right Army? He could accompany General You back to the southern border. If you're worried, I can enlist with him and escort him. We'll find an opportunity to slip out from the southwest, pass through the Qiang Kingdom, and detour to Yan."
Yu Wanyin asked, "What kind of place is the Qiang Kingdom?"
A Bai waved dismissively. "Smaller and more isolated than Yan. Sometimes they act as bandits for Yan, but they flee at the first sign of trouble—nothing to worry about."
Xiahou Dan, still frowning, shook his head. "Enlisting is too risky. Under General You's watchful eye, he'd be more likely to be exposed. Have him blend in with a merchant caravan instead."
A Bai opened his mouth to speak.
Xiahou Dan cut him off. "You can't leave the country. I have other uses for you."
Xiahou Dan dispatched several Shadow Guards to escort Wang Zhao.
When Wang Zhao set off, he carried no imperial decree, held no official title, and received no farewells. A single merchant cart, lightly packed, quietly took to the road at dawn, its wheels damp with morning dew.
Their mission was to separately contact the uncle and nephew ruling Yan and propose an end to hostilities in exchange for trade.
What Xia urgently needed most was Yanshu, but to avoid drawing attention and to make the proposal more enticing, Wang Zhao suggested compiling a long list of goods, allowing the Yan people to exchange their local specialties for Xia's grain and cloth. The Yanshu would remain discreetly tucked away in an appendix.
Xiahou Dan had gone to court, sending A Bai to secretly see Wang Zhao off.
When A Bai returned, he brought Yu Wanyin the latest gossip: "Last night, the Imperial Guards commander got drunk, fell into a pond, and drowned."
Yu Wanyin recalled something. "Did that deputy commander Zhao take his place?"
"Probably. How did you know?"
Yu Wanyin shook her head.
Prince Duan was following Xu Yao's recorded plans, gradually eroding the Empress Dowager faction's power.
This was good—it meant his primary focus remained on dealing with the Empress Dowager. Their side could still bide their time in the shadows, until...
Yu Wanyin suddenly jolted.
She had overlooked a major problem. Xie Yong'er also knew about the drought.
Xu Yao's book made no mention of the drought, meaning Xie Yong'er hadn't yet told Prince Duan. Perhaps she thought the future was too distant, and suddenly making a prophecy would be hard to explain. Or perhaps she believed it was inevitable, whether mentioned or not.
But once she saw the Open Border Policy being implemented and the impending border trade, she would eventually deduce their plan.
If she spoke up before the Yanshu was sown, everything would be ruined.
They had to silence her!
But how? If they told her the whole truth, would it persuade her?Xie Yong'er was determined to walk the path of becoming the most renowned empress in history. If she discovered two other transmigrators threatening her position, would she go all out and have Prince Duan eliminate them?
Would they dare to make such a reckless gamble?
Before she could even seek out Xie Yong'er, she received another note delivered by Prince Duan’s messenger.
Xiahou Bo was waiting for her in their usual secret meeting spot—a dilapidated hut.
“Wan Yin, have you seen anything recently with the Heavenly Eye?”
Yu Wanyin fabricated a pile of useless clues, from flowers blooming in a certain place to a certain minister suffering from impotence.
Xiahou Bo listened to her nonsense with a smile and finally said, “I heard that the expert by the Emperor’s side has reappeared—this time in the palace.”
Yu Wanyin’s heart skipped a beat.
How was that possible? How could he have discovered Bei Zhou? After being exposed once on the lake, Bei Zhou had switched to the disguise of Granny Bei and had never shown any martial prowess in the palace since…
Prince Duan frowned. “This person is extremely dangerous if left alive. Can you divine how we might eliminate him?”
Yu Wanyin: “…”
She cautiously asked, “Is the information reliable? Who told Your Highness this?”
Xiahou Bo chuckled softly, as if amused by her lack of skill. “I saw it in a dream with the Heavenly Eye.”
Yu Wanyin: “…”
You literally just said you heard it, you bastard!
To buy time, she sat cross-legged on the spot, forming a lotus seal with her hands, and pretended to channel divine insight. “Then I’ll try.”
Xiahou Bo watched her with interest. “By all means.”
Yu Wanyin closed her eyes, feigning meditation, her mind in turmoil.
Who had betrayed them? Who could have seen through Granny Bei’s flawless disguise?
Then it hit her—Bei Zhou hadn’t revealed his skills, but someone else had.
The petals dancing wildly in the palm wind.
The withered blossoms scattered across the ground, left for the palace maids to sweep away.
Yu Wanyin hastily drafted a rough plan in her mind, then opened her eyes and said slowly, “I seem to see a tall man walking down a corridor.”
She glanced at Xiahou Bo.
Xiahou Bo showed no objection. “Which corridor?”
Good. The informant had seen A Bai.
Her mind raced as she stumbled through her words. “It seems near the Imperial Garden… or maybe not… There were others with him… Ah, it’s too hard to see clearly in such haste. Has Consort Xie divined for Your Highness?”
Xiahou Bo replied gently, “I came to you first. If you still haven’t divined anything in three days, I’ll ask Yong’er.”
Yu Wanyin dragged her feet back to the Imperial Concubine’s Palace.
Xiahou Bo’s words had been tender as water, but she knew it was an ultimatum: This is your last chance to prove your loyalty. If you still can’t be of use to me, it’s time for you to disappear.
She still couldn’t figure out who the traitor was. Bei Zhou and the Shadow Guards—they had all been loyal to Xiahou Dan until death in the original story.
If a Shadow Guard had betrayed them, Prince Duan would have received the news long ago when Bei Zhou first entered the palace to secretly train them. He wouldn’t have been caught off guard during the lake battle.
This traitor only knew about one expert, not two…
Yu Wanyin paused mid-step on her way to the bedroom, then turned and headed to the backyard, where she found a Shadow Guard on duty. “Did you see who the palace maid was that day, the one sweeping up the fallen blossoms?”
“Miss, don’t just eat the pastries—have some tea.” Xiao Mei smiled as she brought a cup of tea to Yu Wanyin.Yu Wanyin discreetly observed this accompanying maid.
In the original story, Xiao Mei hadn't survived past half the book. She'd been done in by Xie Yong'er during the Imperial Harem Intrigue.
The reason Yu Wanyin had never suspected her was because in the original work, she was just an honest and dutiful supporting character who never caused any trouble.
Yu Wanyin sighed.
Xiao Mei asked curiously, "Why does the young mistress look so troubled?"
“Ah, I just saw Prince Duan outside. It seems he offended His Majesty and is being caned.”
Xiao Mei’s hand trembled, spilling scalding tea over her fingers.
She dared not make a sound, shakily setting down the teapot and hiding her reddened hand behind her back.
Yu Wanyin pretended not to notice. “I wonder how severe the beating was and how badly he’s injured.”
Xiao Mei bit her lip. “Shall this servant go check for you, miss?”
“Are you mad? If His Majesty catches you, how would I explain that?”
Xiao Mei paused, lowering her eyes submissively. “We can inquire about it later just the same.”
She withdrew.
Yu Wanyin nodded to the Shadow Guard in the corner.
Silently, the guard followed her out. Moments later, he dragged Xiao Mei back by the collar, forcing her to kneel before Yu Wanyin. “Your Highness sees all. This maid attempted to sneak out and was searching around when I apprehended her.”
Xiao Mei panicked. “Miss, what is this about?”
Yu Wanyin: “When did you start colluding with Prince Duan?”
Xiao Mei: “…”
“No need to deny it. I’ve already investigated.” Yu Wanyin bluffed.
Xiao Mei clenched her teeth in refusal. “This servant doesn’t know Prince Duan… Ah!!!”
The Shadow Guard crushed one of her finger joints.
Tears and snot streamed down Xiao Mei’s face. “On the Lantern Festival before you entered the palace, miss, I accompanied you to the flower market streets where we first met His Highness Prince Duan. I was captivated by his grace and bearing… Later, he would occasionally seek me out to chat. In this world, he was the first to treat me as a human being…”
Yu Wanyin sneered. “So whatever he asked, you answered? So you’ve been feeding him information about me all along?”
Xiao Mei panted heavily, silent.
“Did I not treat you as a human being?”
A flash of venom crossed Xiao Mei’s eyes. “The miss has always been kind to me. That’s why when I saw you and His Highness mutually smitten, I buried my feelings deep, not daring to show a hint.”
“If that’s the case, then why—”
Xiao Mei said indignantly, “But you clearly transferred your affections to His Majesty long ago! Why keep stringing Prince Duan along, letting him waste away for you?”
Yu Wanyin nearly laughed in anger.
Then another realization struck her. “I could never figure out how Prince Duan found the lakeside that day. Now that I think about it, you were the one who helped me change clothes and disguise before leaving the palace. But I never told you where I was going—how did you guess?”
Xiao Mei had given up resisting. “When His Highness asked, I told him which gate you left from. He immediately sent people to follow.”
A smug look crossed her face. “His Highness is brilliant—he stopped trusting you long ago.”
Yu Wanyin genuinely laughed in anger now. “Good, very good. What else have you told him?”
“What, scared now…?”
Xiao Mei shrieked like a slaughtered pig. The Shadow Guard crushed her second finger joint.
Yu Wanyin’s ears rang. She focused, carefully reviewing the situation, and relaxed slightly—when discussing matters with Xiahou Dan, she habitually dismissed all attendants. The palace staff couldn’t have overheard any crucial secrets.
Shadow Guard: “Your Highness, shall we kill her?”
Yu Wanyin instinctively started to shake her head, then paused mid-motion.
Leaving this loose end—even if she were banished from the palace—would immediately reveal her stance to Prince Duan. He would undoubtedly rescue Xiao Mei, wringing every bit of use from her, making her recount Yu Wanyin’s daily routines in detail.
Yu Wanyin couldn’t begin to imagine how much he might deduce from that.The Shadow Guard asked, "Your Highness?"
Yu Wanyin tried to nod but found her head weighed down as if by a thousand pounds.
Xiao Mei trembled on the floor, curled into a ball.
After a long silence, Yu Wanyin took a deep breath. "If you don’t want to die, do something for me. Ever since I became the Noble Consort, Shu Fei has made life difficult for me at every turn. Go and poison her for me. If you’re not caught, I’ll spare your life."
Xiao Mei scrambled out on her hands and knees.
The Shadow Guard watched Yu Wanyin.
Her nails dug deep into her palms as she struggled to keep her voice from shaking. "Follow her. Make sure Shu Fei catches her in the act."
She couldn’t leave any loose ends.
Not only that, but to deceive Prince Duan, she had to kill with a borrowed knife.
Yu Wanyin sat alone in the room, feeling as though she had plunged into an icy abyss.
After what felt like an eternity, the Shadow Guard returned to report. "Shu Fei discovered Xiao Mei poisoning the kitchen and ordered her beaten to death with a stick. She is now on her way to seek justice from His Majesty."
Yu Wanyin said, "I understand. You may leave."
Yu Wanyin vomited all over the floor.
She called for servants to bring water, rinsed her mouth, and vomited a second time, feeling as though she might retch up her very bile.
This was the first person she had killed.
Xiahou Dan arrived. "That Shu Fei or whatever said you sent someone to poison her. I sent her away. What’s going on?"
Studying Yu Wanyin’s pale face, his tone grew serious. "What happened?"
Yu Wanyin forced herself to calm down and recounted the events. Then she added, "To make the act convincing, you’ll have to punish me. Demote me to Consort, confine me to my quarters, something like that."
Xiahou Dan nodded silently.
Yu Wanyin said, "I’m sorry."
Xiahou Dan chuckled. "What’s there to be sorry about—"
"I’m sorry for doubting you that day on the lake, for suspecting you staged it all."
Yu Wanyin kept her head lowered and saw Xiahou Dan’s arm twitch oddly. It seemed he wanted to embrace her but restrained himself.
"It’s fine. I know you were scared."
Overcome with sorrow, Yu Wanyin sobbed and hugged him.
"It’s alright," Xiahou Dan said, gently patting her back. "Betrayal hurts, doesn’t it? Even if they’re just Paper Dolls, you’ve known them for so long. And killing hurts too, doesn’t it? You didn’t expect it to feel this bad, did you?"
Yu Wanyin cried, "I’m so useless! How can I be this useless!"
Xiahou Dan laughed softly. "You’re just normal."
He patted her back rhythmically. "If you ever need to eliminate someone in the future, tell me. Let me handle it."
Yu Wanyin stirred uneasily, trying to lift her head. "Why?"
Xiahou Dan pressed her back onto his shoulder. "Maybe because I acted in period dramas before transmigrating here, so I’m more accustomed to it than you. It’s the same if I do it. You... don’t have to get used to it."
In a place she couldn’t see, his expression was far graver than his voice. "You never have to change."
Only when Yu Wanyin’s emotions had settled slightly did she suddenly recall Prince Duan’s blatant threat.
She took a deep breath, straightened up, and switched into diligent Corporate Drone mode. "This is a real mess. He won’t allow you to have any allies. He’s determined to eliminate A Bai, and he’s given me three days to deliver the message."
Xiahou Dan glanced at his damp shoulder, lost in thought.Yu Wanyin said, "I've been too close to you, and Xiao Mei, that traitor, has spread it all. Now, gaining his trust is as difficult as reaching the heavens. But before you quietly accomplish your great task, I can't end up on his blacklist."
Xiahou Dan casually asked, "Are you suggesting we turn his scheme to our advantage?"
Yu Wanyin knew it was a tough situation and hesitated before saying, "But we can't really send A Bai to his death."
"A Bai has always worn a mask. We can find a lookalike to take his place."
"Prince Duan isn't that easy to fool. Even if the appearance can be imitated, what about the skills? The only one who could match A Bai in martial arts is Uncle Bei..."
Yu Wanyin suddenly brightened. "I have an idea."
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