The chief eunuch knelt before the Dragon Throne Desk, adding several strands of green turmeric to the incense burner shaped like a mythical beast. The incense smoke curled upward, carrying a faint, bitter fragrance that drifted through the air.
Li De gazed in the direction Yaoying had departed, lost in thought for a while before suddenly asking, "Don’t you think Seventh Daughter resembles someone?"
The eunuch set down the gilded silver spoon and cautiously replied, "The Seventh Princess possesses unparalleled beauty, bearing some resemblance to Your Majesty in your youth."
In terms of her features, however, the Seventh Princess resembled no one. Among all the princes and princesses, she alone had such large, elongated, and captivating eyes.
Li De’s lips twitched slightly. "Funian, who do you think understands me best in this world?"
The eunuch deliberated for a moment. "Naturally, it would be the late Empress."
A faint smile creased Li De’s face, his phoenix eyes flickering with a trace of melancholy.
In his lifetime, he had loved only one woman—Tang Ying. But Tang Ying had never truly understood him. She had wanted a devoted husband and a warm, harmonious family, not an emperor.
"The person who understood me best in this world was Xie Wuliang."
A flicker of surprise crossed the eunuch’s face.
Li De knew what the eunuch was thinking: If Xie Wuliang understood you so well, why have you been so cold toward Xie Guifei and her children?
It was the same question Tang Ying had repeatedly asked him in the past: "My lord, if you love and respect me, why must you take other women?"
Because he was not just Li De—he was also the Grand General of Wei Commandery, to whom countless soldiers pledged their loyalty.
After Tang Ying’s death, many had asked Li De: "Do you regret it?"
In the immediate aftermath of her death, Li De had indeed regretted it. His hair turned white overnight, and he unleashed his fury upon Xie Manyuan and Li Zhongqian.
Only one person had never asked Li De if he regretted it.
Calmly, he had packed Xie Manyuan’s belongings, sent her away to avoid disaster, and demanded that Li Zhongqian abandon martial arts for scholarly pursuits, devoting himself to studying books and never again touching his pair of golden war hammers.
After completing all this, he returned to Jingnan and never set foot outside it again.
He eventually died in Jingnan.
The only person in the world who truly understood Li De was gone.
The only woman he had ever sincerely loved had turned to dust and bones.
The son he had favored and doted on was unpredictable, brooding, and deep. Once he grew strong enough, he would surely kill his father to avenge his mother.
Li De knew that he would carry the guilt and pain of Tang Ying’s death for the rest of his life.
But he did not regret it.
The Wei army had reclaimed most of the territory, and the Wei dynasty was established. In time, he and his descendants would surely accomplish the great task of unifying the land and commanding respect across the four seas.
With clear rivers and tranquil seas, the nation would prosper, and the people would live in peace.
This path was destined to be arduous and lonely.
He could walk it alone.
Even if the outcome was betrayal by all and a solitary life.
Such was the fate of a ruler.
Li De opened a memorial. "Today, I have come to realize that among all my children, the one who understands me best is actually Seventh Daughter."
A glimmer of joy flashed in the eunuch’s eyes: Was His Majesty planning to treat the Seventh Princess well?
Li De noted his expression and smiled mockingly.
He was about to issue an edict sending Seventh Daughter to marry a barbarian chieftain.
If she were not Xie Manyuan’s daughter, not Li Zhongqian’s younger sister, he might have kept her by his side, given her insight.
But she was.
He would not leave any hidden dangers for Li Xuanzhen. The more she understood him, the less he could afford to keep her.
...
Yaoying slept for a full day and night.
The next morning, the Crown Prince’s Palace sent someone to inquire about her condition, but they were driven away by the lances of General Xu Biao.
Half an hour later, Li Xuanzhen arrived in person.Chief Steader Hu blocked the doorway, sneering, "Could Your Highness the Crown Prince wait until our esteemed mistress is able to leave her bed before coming again?"
Li Xuanzhen's brows furrowed slightly.
Wei Ming stood behind him, smiling as he asked, "Is the Seventh Princess truly gravely ill? I have some knowledge of medicine. Perhaps I could examine Her Highness's pulse."
It was rather suspicious how Li Yaoying had fallen ill right after their agreement was settled.
The Chief Steward clenched his fists, his face full of indignation. Just as he was about to burst into angry words, the sound of a door opening came from behind.
Xie Qing pulled the door open, signaling with his eyes that there was no need to block the way.
The Steward gritted his teeth and stepped aside.
As Li Xuanzhen stepped into the inner chamber, he heard Wei Ming sniffing lightly.
There was no scent of medicine in the room.
Wei Ming whispered, "As expected, it's suspicious! The Seventh Princess must be feigning illness..."
He spoke with great certainty.
But when his gaze fell upon Li Yaoying, who was half-reclining on the bed, his tone immediately became uncertain, and he slowly trailed off.
Yaoying's face was pale, her lips slightly bluish, without a trace of color. She truly looked gravely ill.
Wei Ming wondered inwardly: Is the Seventh Princess really ill?
Li Xuanzhen stood before the footstool, keeping a considerable distance from the bed. His gaze lingered on Yaoying's face for a moment.
Sunlight spilled into the room, filtered through the large floor screen embroidered with landscapes and figures, casting a soft glow over his shoulders. In the melting golden light, his handsome features were concealed in a play of light and shadow.
His narrow phoenix eyes were cold and dark.
Yaoying, her mind hazy, met Li Xuanzhen's gaze for a moment before suddenly calling out softly, "Elder Brother..."
Everyone in the room was taken aback.
Yaoying breathed faintly, her gaze fixed on Li Xuanzhen's face as she murmured softly, "Elder Brother has returned."
The Chief Steward lowered his head, wiping away tears.
Li Xuanzhen remained silent.
Xie Qing stepped forward and bowed, saying, "Your Highness, this is the Crown Prince."
Yaoying looked somewhat confused, pausing for a moment before the haze in her eyes gradually faded. Her eyes, clear and bright like autumn waters, became distinct.
She looked at Li Xuanzhen, slowly recognizing him, and her expression gradually turned cold.
"Brother Changsheng, how have you become like this?This sigh was so faint it seemed almost illusory, as if it were merely Li Xuanzhen's illusion.
He lifted his gaze, feeling as if a small stone had been dropped into his heart, sending ripples spreading outward.
By the time he regained his composure, Yaoying had already come to her senses, returning to her usual demeanor as she said indifferently, "I have already informed His Majesty of my intention to marry in place of another. The edict will be issued in a few days. Your Highness need not worry that I will go back on my word."
Her voice was weak, sounding delicate and soft, yet it carried a sense of detachment.
Li Xuanzhen watched her in silence.
Wei Ming couldn't resist saying, "I dare to ask Your Highness to provide a token as proof. Otherwise, the Flying Cavalry will not set foot in Huangzhou."
A faint, mocking smile touched Yaoying's lips. "This token is surely meant to be delivered to Chieftain Ye Lu, isn't it?"
They were afraid she would renege.
Wei Ming smiled insincerely. "Your Highness is as sharp as ice and snow."
In his opinion, the Crown Prince's Palace should not rescue Li Zhongqian. However, Li Xuanzhen was determined to save Zhu Lvyun. After weighing the options, Wei Ming thought it was just as well. With the Seventh Princess marrying far away for a political alliance, Li Zhongqian would lose his right-hand support and no longer be a concern.
Perhaps Li Zhongqian would even fly into a rage and bring about his own destruction... That would be even better.
Wei Ming had come to the princely residence precisely to obtain a token from Li Yaoying, ensuring she had no room to renege.The Chief Steward trembled with rage: "The princess is gravely ill, yet they still come to pressure her!"
Yaoying remained calm, coughing lightly as she glanced toward a small box by the bedside.
Xie Qing understood her meaning, picked up the box, and handed it to Wei Ming.
Wei Ming took the box, opened it, and looked inside, his face lighting up with delight.
Inside were a handwritten letter from Yaoying and her personal accessories—enough to serve as tokens of trust.
Yaoying covered her mouth as she coughed, looking weakly at Li Xuanzhen. "Is Your Highness satisfied now? Or must you personally deliver me to Chieftain Ye Lu's bed to feel at ease?"
Her tone was soft, but the question was piercingly sharp.
Even Wei Ming frowned at this, forcing an awkward smile. "We won't disturb the princess's rest any longer."
He glanced at Li Xuanzhen.
Li Xuanzhen averted his gaze and turned to leave.
The Chief Steward's eyes widened as he shouted, "Wait! What about your token? How do we know you'll keep your word? The princess has given you her token—you must provide one in return!"
Wei Ming frowned deeply, looking at Li Xuanzhen.
Li Xuanzhen turned back, staring at Yaoying for a moment. "What proof do you want?"
Yaoying smiled faintly, her breath weak but her eyes clear and bright. "The Crown Prince's word is his bond. What need is there for proof?"
Wei Ming was taken aback, his expression turning awkward.
Li Xuanzhen pressed his thin lips together, dark emotions swirling in his eyes. After standing silently for a moment, he turned and left.
The Chief Steward immediately ordered the maids to draw the curtains and rushed to the bedside, worried. "Your Highness, are you sure we shouldn't demand a token from the Crown Prince? What if he breaks his promise?"
Yaoying gasped for breath and shook her head.
"The Crown Prince will not break the agreement."
If Li Xuanzhen promised to save someone, he would do so—even if that person was his mortal enemy. Of this, she had no doubt.
...
Outside the manor, Wei Ming suggested immediately sending Li Yaoying's tokens to the residence where Chieftain Ye Lu was staying.
"This way, the Seventh Princess won't be able to back out."
Li Xuanzhen said nothing, reaching out to snap the box shut.
Wei Ming was startled and looked up.
Li Xuanzhen said, "Keep it for now. We'll wait until we have news from Huangzhou."
Wei Ming's eyes flickered, and he bowed in assent.
Back at the Crown Prince's Palace, a servant came to report, "Your Highness, the lady has been waiting for you for some time."
Li Xuanzhen changed his clothes and went to the inner courtyard to see Zheng Biyu.
Zheng Biyu looked anxious. "Your Highness, must it really be the Seventh Princess who takes the place? Couldn't someone else do it?"
Li Xuanzhen rubbed his temples. "No."
Zheng Biyu bit her lip, her eyes reddening slightly. "The Seventh Princess is only fourteen! She is your sister—even if not by the same mother, she is still your flesh and blood. How can you let her suffer in Zhu Lvyun's place? If His Majesty insisted on the marriage alliance, that would be one thing. But this marriage was initiated by Zhu Lvyun herself! You shouldn't use it to bargain with the Seventh Princess!"
Li Xuanzhen suddenly looked up, his gaze icy, his voice low. "If it isn't her, it will have to be Yuniang. Do you wish to see Yuniah sent away?"
Zheng Biyu froze, her delicate face instantly filled with anger. "What does Your Highness mean? Do you think I'm stopping you just to ensure Zhu Lvyun doesn't have to marry far away?"
Li Xuanzhen lowered his eyes and remained silent.
Zheng Biyu trembled, too furious to speak.After a moment, she smiled faintly, not without sarcasm: "Your Highness, I am the legitimate daughter of the Zheng family, nurtured since childhood in poetry and literature, renowned for my feminine virtues. Over the years, Your Highness has repeatedly acted inappropriately for Zhu Lvyun's sake. I have indeed voiced complaints, but I have never been jealous of Zhu Lvyun. I am Your Highness's wife. Whomever Your Highness cherishes, I will cherish and care for them just as you do, only hoping they can bring Your Highness joy and contentment."
Li Xuanzhen stared blankly, murmuring softly: "The Crown Princess has always been virtuous... Then why did you plead for the Seventh Princess?"
Zheng Biyu fell silent.
Indeed, why did she speak up for Li Yaoying?
Li Xuanzhen understood her well. As the legitimate daughter of an aristocratic family, she had been immersed since childhood in putting family interests above all else.
Calm, rational, selfish, and self-serving.
When the world fell into chaos years ago, different branches of the Zheng family pledged allegiance to different factions. Zheng Yu became an advisor to Li De, while her father chose to support Li De's mortal enemy.
This was the survival strategy of aristocratic families—no matter which side ultimately prevailed, the Zheng clan could continue to thrive in the new dynasty.
Matters of righteousness and the suffering of the common people were irrelevant to them; they cared only for their own family.
Families like the Xie clan, who took the world as their responsibility, were anomalies. That was why the Xie family had few descendants and ultimately vanished completely in the turmoil of war.
They were admired by the world, yet never understood by it.
Only clans like the Zheng family, who always prioritized family interests, could flourish generation after generation.
As a daughter of an aristocratic family, Zheng Biyu was skilled in calculation, always scheming for herself and her clan.
At fifteen, she married the son of Li De's mortal enemy. The Zhao family promised she would be named Crown Princess in the future. A few years later, when the Zhao family was defeated, her father brought her before Li De.
Li De asked Zheng Biyu if she would be willing to remarry Li Xuanzhen.
Zheng Biyu agreed without hesitation. Before her first husband's body had even grown cold, she was already preparing to marry again.
Given this, why would she feel indignant for the Seventh Princess?
Zheng Biyu smiled bitterly and slowly said: "The first time I saw the Seventh Princess, she was only ten years old. That year, the Zhao family was defeated, and the Wei army surrounded the Zhao mansion. The Zhao and Li families were mortal enemies, and the Zhaos had killed the Emperor's own brother. The Old Madam knew that after the city fell, the Li family would not spare them, so she had poisoned wine prepared."
...
At that time, Zheng Biyu was also by the Old Madam's side.
Tears in her eyes, the Old Madam said to her: "Yuniang, you are the legitimate daughter of the Zheng family, renowned for your virtue. The Li family will not kill you, but the dozens of us in the Zhao family cannot escape this calamity. We have been mother and daughter-in-law, bound by fate. Today we part, separated by life and death. If you can see your uncle, I hope you will, for the sake of our past affection, speak a few good words for the women of the Zhao family. At least beg them not to desecrate our corpses."
Zheng Biyu nodded, choking back sobs.
Outside the high walls, flames roared, and the sounds of slaughter drew nearer.
Lady Zhao led all the women to hide in the Zhao family ancestral hall. The First Madam, Second Madam, Third Madam, the concubines of the young masters, the maidservants of the household, young girls, and even wailing infant girls—all knelt covering their faces, weeping and trembling.
"A'Luo, don't be afraid." Lady Zhao comforted her usually most beloved granddaughter, trembling as she handed her the poisoned wine. "Drink this cup, and you'll have nothing to fear."
A'Luo was already fifteen and understood that her grandmother was handing her poisoned wine. She burst into terrified wails.The hall filled with the sound of weeping women, a scene of utter desolation.
Just then, violent kicks suddenly struck the main door, followed by soldiers shouting and clamoring to break into the ancestral hall, their crude and vulgar insults rising and falling in waves.
The women paled with terror, screaming in panic.
Zheng Biyu stood aside with her attendants, not stepping forward.
From the moment the Zhao family fell, she had severed all ties with them.
Madam Zhao, her face ashen, grabbed A'luo and pried open her mouth, sobbing, "A'luo, be good, drink this. Then you won't have to suffer."
A'luo wailed uncontrollably, yet understood that her grandmother couldn't bear to see her ravaged by the rampaging soldiers. Slowly, she opened her mouth.
"Madam Zhao, wait!"
A clear, youthful voice suddenly rang out, like the first ripe fruit of summer—sweet and crisp.
Zheng Biyu turned toward the sound.
The commotion outside had unknowingly ceased. The door swung open, and a youth dressed in a pale green round-collared brocade robe, wearing a lotus-shaped jade crown, entered.
As the youth drew nearer, Zheng Biyu realized it was actually a delicate and radiant young maiden with skin as fair as snow.
The maiden approached Madam Zhao, bowed respectfully, and said, "My respects, madam. I apologize for the earlier fright. I have ordered the outsiders to withdraw from the ancestral hall—they will not return."
Madam Zhao stared blankly at the maiden.
The maiden glanced at A'luo, who was weeping as if her heart would break. "A young lady in the prime of her life—can you truly bear to let her be buried with the Zhao family?"
Madam Zhao looked down at A'luo, and the grandmother and granddaughter clung to each other, weeping bitterly.
The maiden said, "Do not worry, madam. Today, I stand guard here. No one will dare show you any disrespect."
She signaled to her attendants behind her.
The attendants entered, collected the poisoned wine from before all the women, and withdrew respectfully.
The maiden also stepped out. Her attendants brought a folding chair, and she swept her robe aside, sitting astride it with an imposing air—though her feet dangled in the air, not quite reaching the ground.
She coughed lightly.
An attendant quickly placed a footstool beneath her feet. The maiden stepped onto it and sat upright with solemn dignity.
Beyond the high walls, soldiers roared with battle cries. The night was dark, thick with billowing smoke, and the maiden sat there until midnight.
From time to time, disorderly soldiers charged into the ancestral hall with lecherous grins, but the maiden's attendants immediately stepped forward: "The young mistress is here—who dares act recklessly?"
The soldiers turned and fled in terror.
Late into the night, hurried footsteps sounded outside the door. A group of burly soldiers surrounded a young man holding a golden hammer as he strode in.
The young man was tall and robust, his muscles bulging beneath his battle attire. He marched straight up to the maiden.
The Zhao women in the ancestral hall trembled at the sight of him.
Zheng Biyu recognized the young man—the little tyrant of the Li family, notorious for his merciless killing. The young master of the Zhao family had died beneath his twin hammers.
Li Zhongqian strode directly toward the corridor, covered in blood, his face dark and menacing. Yet when he spoke, his tone was gentle: "What are you doing here?"
The maiden stood up. "Elder brother, are you injured?"
Li Zhongqian casually wiped the blood from his sleeve. "Someone else's blood... This place is in chaos. You shouldn't stay here. I'll have Xie Chao escort you back."
The maiden shook her head. "The Zhao women are all in the ancestral hall. I must protect them."
Zheng Biyu expected Li Zhongqian to scold the maiden for her foolishness, but he did not utter a single word of reproach. Instead, he nodded and ordered his subordinate: "Xie Chao, remain here. Should anyone dare offend Seventh Lady, show no mercy—kill them on the spot."After giving a few instructions, Li Zhongqian hurried away with his blood-stained twin hammers.
The young lady then returned to her folding chair and kept watch until daybreak.
The next day, Zheng Biyu left with the people sent by the Zheng family to fetch her.
Later, her mother told her that the women of the Zhao family had preserved their chastity and did not take their own lives. The Li family did not exterminate the Zhao family completely, returning their ancestral home and servants to them, allowing them to return to their hometown to settle.
...
After recalling the past, Zheng Biyu looked at Li Xuanzhen.
"Your Highness, the Seventh Princess saved the women of the Zhao family but never mentioned it. Later, she also saved the women of the Lu, Lü, and Sun families..."
"That year when I was in labor, Your Highness was away at war. Rebel troops appeared in the city, blocking the gates, and the people were panicked. The eleven-year-old Seventh Princess sent people to care for me and other women and children while she herself led guards to the city walls to persuade and intimidate the rebels."
Zheng Biyu would never forget the heavy, oppressive atmosphere of despair in the city at that time, as if disaster was imminent.
The residence was in chaos. Li De's concubines could only weep, and some clamored to surrender. Li Yaoying ordered the execution of those who tried to open the city gates as collaborators. Using her status as a daughter of the Li family, she gathered the city's forces and defended the walls for over ten days.
After giving birth, Zheng Biyu gritted her teeth and got out of bed, intending to join the defense on the walls. As Li Xuanzhen's wife, she couldn't let Li Zhongqian's sister steal all the glory.
Supported by her maid, she walked to the foot of the city wall. Lifting her head, she saw the young girl in hunting attire bathed in the blazing sunlight and suddenly remembered the first time she had seen Li Yaoying.
After marrying Li Xuanzhen, Zheng Biyu once asked Li Yaoying, "Seventh Lady, you had no relation to the Zhao family. Why did you save their women?"
Li Yaoying replied casually, "It was just a small effort."
Zheng Biyu, a daughter of a noble family, was clear-headed and rational. After marrying Li Xuanzhen, she devoted herself entirely to planning for his benefit. What did it matter how much Zhu Lvyun struggled? She would always be Li Xuanzhen's principal wife.
Standing at the foot of the wall, the scheming Zheng Biyu looked up at Li Yaoying's small yet resolute figure, stared blankly for a long moment, then turned and returned to her room.
Zheng Biyu knew that Seventh Lady wasn't trying to win people's hearts for Li Zhongqian—she simply wanted to protect the city's inhabitants and the women and children of the Li family.
Just as she had protected the Zhao women: though equally powerless as women, if she could lend a hand to spare them from a tragic fate of violation, why wouldn't she help?
Tears welled in Zheng Biyu's eyes.
"Your Highness asked me why I speak for the Seventh Princess. The reason is simple—because I still have a conscience."
Li Xuanzhen closed his eyes, his hands trembling slightly, veins bulging on his forehead. "She came to beg me herself! She came to make a deal with me! She is the daughter of Lady Xie—her life or death has nothing to do with me!"
Zheng Biyu looked at Li Xuanzhen, his eyes shut tight and his expression hinting at madness, and let out a long sigh.
"Eldest Young Master... you will regret this."
"No!" Li Xuanzhen opened his eyes, dark currents swirling in their depths. "I will not regret it."
Absolutely not.
...
Two days later, the Flying Cavalry sent back news.
They had found Li Zhongqian. He was still unconscious, with only five or six Martial Assassins guarding him. Though the situation was critical, his life was not in danger.
The Flying Cavalry had already begun the return journey with Li Zhongqian.
Li Xuanzhen had the news delivered to the prince's residence.
Yaoying, having just regained clarity after fainting, clutched the message tightly, tears streaming down her face.My brother is indeed still alive.
As long as he returns safely, she fears nothing.
The messenger reminded Yaoying: "Your Highness, the Chief Secretary says it's time for you to fulfill your promise."
Clutching the letter, Yaoying wiped away her tears and responded with a faint "Mm."
Three days later, a grand banquet was held in the palace. Li De once again entertained Chieftain Ye Lu along with other tribal leaders and princes. Envoys from various countries, court ministers, imperial consorts, and members of the royal clan and prominent families all attended the feast.
The palace dispatched imperial guards to escort Yaoying to the banquet.
Dressed in magnificent attire, Yaoying stepped into the carriage with Xie Qing's support, her palm tightly clutching the Bright Moon Pearl.
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