Love and Crown

Even the time spent preparing luggage and horses was agonizing. After hastily packing, just as I was about to mount my horse, Su Qian approached and nodded at me: "Aside from the Imperial Bodyguards and General Ling, there are a few youngsters and me."

I smiled, feeling the last of my worries ease: "Thank you, Su Qian."

Her expression remained icy: "Go see the White Pavilion Master quickly. If you dare let anything happen to him, I'll kill you."

Swinging onto my horse, I grinned at her: "Sorry, you won't get the chance. Don't even think about it!"

As the hour of Hai was ending, I galloped through the empty, silent streets. Hong Qing was already waiting at the city gate. Seeing me approach, he waved for the guards to open the gate, then slapped my horse's rump with his scabbard, sending his own steed chasing after mine through the gate.

Noticing my slight hesitation, Hong Qing chuckled: "Since Her Majesty the Empress is going, of course the Commandant Consort must accompany her."

Knowing there was no need for formalities with Hong Qing, I leaned down and grasped his hand with a smile: "Thank you for your trouble, Hong Qing."

Hong Qing laughed: "When it concerns His Majesty's safety, do we even need to mention 'trouble' to the two Imperial Guard battalions?"

I smiled too, skipping further pleasantries as I spurred my horse into the vast darkness beyond the city walls. Hong Qing and several accompanying Imperial Bodyguards followed closely.

Datong wasn't far from the capital. Pushing our horses relentlessly through the night, the chilly autumn wind whistled past us as we left the rugged mountain paths behind one after another.

Not a word was spoken during the frantic ride—all my focus, all my strength was devoted to one goal: faster, even faster, to see him even a moment sooner.

The deep night grew heavier with our relentless galloping, then began to lighten at its darkest hour. The horizon gradually whitened, sunlight piercing through thin clouds to turn the sky a clear tile-blue. The morning wind carried the fragrance of withered grass and trees.

Finally, in the crisp morning air, the scent of steel seemed to blow toward us—faint noises mixing with the wind: voices, horses, the sounds of chariots and weapons. Suddenly, a red-and-black banner fluttered into view, snapping in the wind.

Before us stretched the royal banners—jet black embroidered with vermilion flames—unfurling like flowers blooming in succession, extending all the way to the distant blue-gray city walls on the horizon. White tents dotted the landscape like stars.

This was the camp of Great Wu, where the imperial presence resided—the base of the royal expeditionary force.

Our galloping horses drew the attention of the camp guards. A cavalry unit quickly approached, their spear-tipped banners raised. Beside me, Hong Qing lifted his token and announced our status as Imperial Bodyguards.

I barely tugged the reins, my horse never slowing as we raced toward the heart of the camp.

Commotion rose around us. Behind me, Hong Qing called out urgently: "Cang Cang!" His voice grew distant, tinged with anxiety: "Your Majesty the Empress!"

Soldiers rushing to protect the imperial presence and the accompanying Imperial Bodyguards surged forward, then stopped.

Nothing could hinder me now. That large white tent drew steadily closer.

The leather flap of the tent was hastily lifted, and soon the familiar, slender figure appeared—dressed in white robes, his ink-black hair flowing in the wind.

Finally, I saw him. Esen hadn't harmed him.

It felt as if something heavy slowly lifted from my heart, my body relaxing involuntarily as my vision blurred bit by bit.

"Cang Cang..." His voice was as warm and clear as ever.My body was enveloped by a pair of strong arms, his gentle voice whispering by my ear: "Cang Cang, you can rest now..."

The faint fragrance of Dragon's Brain filled my senses as I leaned my head against his chest. Before sinking into darkness, I managed a faint smile... I'd finally found him again.

This sleep must have been deep and prolonged—I couldn't even tell how long I'd been out. In my haze, I vaguely remembered waking two or three times. Each time consciousness returned, I'd feel his slightly cool hand holding mine, and each time my blurred vision would find his face bearing that soft smile.

When I finally awoke properly, the light inside the large tent carried the pale sepia tones unique to dusk. Hazily, I recalled that time we went to Tianshan and stayed in the grand tent of Phoenix Come Pavilion at the mountain's base. Waking from a nap curled against him that day, I'd opened my eyes to see the same sturdy white tent, the same slightly chilly twilight.

Only back then, he'd been the one being cared for. This time, it seemed to be my turn.

"Cang Cang," came his voice as I was lost in these wandering thoughts. A palm with restrained warmth touched my forehead as Xiao Huan checked my temperature with a smile. "Awake? Good, the fever's gone."

"Hmm?" Only when he mentioned it did I notice the dull ache in my body and the hoarseness in my throat. "I had a fever?"

"Not severe. You were mentally overstrained, traveled all night, and hadn't rested properly for some time—that's why you developed a mild fever," he explained, his tone slightly lowered.

I couldn't miss the reproach in his words. Quickly pulling the blanket corner up to partly hide my face, I stuck out my tongue: "Not severe is good. I always say I'm tough as an ox, haha."

Looking at me with amused resignation, Xiao Huan withdrew his hand from my forehead. "Cang Cang..."

"Ah?" I widened my eyes, blinking rapidly at him. "Brother Xiao..."

I had to play pitiful now. Being lectured by Xiao Huan was no joke—he'd methodically cite classics and hit every weak point. I don't recall when he last reprimanded me, but I remember him spending over half an hour calmly dissecting my habit of barefoot hopping until I wanted to dig a hole in the Hall of Mental Cultivation's floor to bury myself—and never dared go without socks again... I admit defeat when it comes to lecturing; he's truly unmatched.

Seeming to sigh faintly, he finally reached out to gently touch my cheek. "Don't do such things again!"

"Mhm, mhm," I nodded vigorously, smiling in relief at having escaped punishment. "If I ever do this again, you can refuse medicine for a whole month!"

"Oh? Cang Cang, are you sure about such a severe oath?" A lightly amused voice interjected. From the other side of the tent, someone approached while speaking. "If Xiao Bai really refuses medicine then, with one sick and one angry, wouldn't that make two suffering people?... "

Eagle-sharp gray eyes, bronze skin, handsome chiseled features—the man smiled as he raised an eyebrow at me. "Cang Cang, it's been many years.""Kumoer?" The tall, handsome man before me gradually overlapped with the Kumoer from my memories—the one who had gently held me at Shanhai Pass eleven years ago. I took a deep breath, staring blankly at him before finally blurting out, "You've gotten even more handsome!"

Unable to hold back, Kumoer burst into laughter, turning to Xiao Huan as he chuckled. "Xiao Bai, your little girl really hasn't improved at all over the years..."

"Since you already know she's still the same," Xiao Huan said leisurely, "then don't blame me for not warning you..."

Before he could finish, the pillow in my hand flew out, hitting Kumoer square on the forehead. "You stingy jerk! I even complimented you on being more handsome, and you still say I haven't improved!"

Though I'd known Kumoer was already at the front lines, I hadn't expected to see him in Xiao Huan's tent. After launching the pillow, I lifted my chin. "Alright, out with it—what are you doing in Brother Xiao's tent?"

Fully expecting to hear something like, "I was worried about you, so I came to see you," I was instead met with Kumoer catching the pillow and stroking his chin with a smirk. "Who said I came to Xiao Bai's tent? I've been staying here all along."

"Huh?" Maybe it was because I'd just woken up, but I didn't quite grasp his meaning. "You've been staying here?"

"Yep," Kumoer replied with an enigmatic smile, walking over to drape an arm over Xiao Huan's shoulder. "Ever since I arrived, I've been sharing quarters with Xiao Bai. Day and night, morning and evening... right, Xiao Bai?"

Xiao Huan glanced sideways at him with a faint smile. "Indeed. We even come and go together, sharing the same bed..."

Staring at the two of them in stunned silence, I finally twitched my lips. "Seriously, you've been teasing each other like this for years now. Aren't you tired of it?"

Xiao Huan and Kumoer exchanged a glance before simultaneously lowering their heads to stifle their laughter.

A pair of old foxes...

Just then, a soldier entered with two side dishes and a bowl of porridge, placing them on a nearby table before leaving. The expedition had been too rushed to bring palace maids or eunuchs along, but knowing Xiao Huan's personality, even if there had been time, he probably wouldn't have brought a whole entourage of attendants.

Though the military rations were simple, the aroma wafting toward me made my stomach growl—I must have gone too long without eating. Unable to resist, I craned my neck to peer longingly at the food.

Noticing my expression, Xiao Huan smiled. "Hungry?"

"Yeah," I admitted shamelessly, throwing off the blanket and searching the floor for my shoes so I could dash over.

But the floor was bare—no shoes in sight. As I blinked in confusion, still looking, an arm wrapped around my waist. Xiao Huan chuckled. "I carried you in here. Your shoes aren't here."

My mind was still foggy from sleep, and I stared at him blankly.

Smiling again, he bent slightly, scooping me up in his arms and carrying me to the table. Sitting down with me on his lap, he encircled me with his arms and picked up the bowl of meat porridge. "Should I feed you, or will you do it yourself?"

Dumbfounded by his smiling face, I struggled for words before finally managing, "How come you can carry me so easily?"

Beside us, Kumoer seemed unable to hold back any longer, snickering. "Xiao Bai, it seems this little girl thoroughly underestimates you..."With a mix of amusement and helplessness, Xiao Huan sighed softly as he looked at me, "Cang Cang, between the two of us, I think I’m the one who ends up holding you more often..."

I thought about it and realized he was right. Taking the bowl from his hands, I nodded, "Then I’ll practice more so I can hold you more often in the future."

Kumoer burst into even louder laughter beside us.

The simple dishes were light and tasty, and after finishing two bowls of porridge, I finally felt refreshed.

The orderly brought over some tea, and Xiao Huan continued to hold me as we sat at the table.

Now that I was full and energized, I sipped my tea and glanced at Kumoer, noticing the long sword always at his waist. It dawned on me that Kumoer staying in Xiao Huan’s tent wasn’t just for late-night reminiscing. A quick moment of reflection made it clear: "Has Esen sent people to this tent before?"

Kumoer raised an eyebrow at me. "Not just this tent—ever since Juyong Pass, almost every place Xiao Bai has stayed in has been personally visited by Prince Esen!"

So Esen had already attempted to assassinate Xiao Huan. Kumoer’s presence in the command tent was likely for close protection.

Xiao Huan hadn’t come unprepared—he had brought capable personnel from the two Imperial presence battalions, including Shi Yan and even Ban Fangyuan, the usually inactive commander of the Venom Battalion. Yet, despite their presence, Kumoer still had to stay in Xiao Huan’s tent, accompanying him everywhere... Esen must be an exceptionally formidable opponent.

The thought made me instinctively grab Xiao Huan’s sleeve. "Brother Xiao... Esen came to Phoenix Come Pavilion. He told me..." I hesitated but continued, "He said... he wants your life."

Xiao Huan frowned slightly but didn’t seem overly surprised. He lowered his gaze, deep in thought.

Kumoer narrowed his eyes as well. After a pause, he spoke, "Xiao Bai, Esen’s intention—"

He didn’t finish, but Xiao Huan seemed to understand. He nodded, then looked up at my worried expression and smiled gently. "It’s alright, Cang Cang. As long as you’re unharmed."

I nodded, then quickly remembered to ask, "By the way, Brother Xiao, that guy didn’t hurt you, did he?"

Xiao Huan shook his head with a smile, but before he could speak, Kumoer glanced at me and chuckled, "What? Cang Cang, don’t you trust me to protect Xiao Bai?"

"I trust you, but I still need to confirm," I retorted, crossing my arms and giving him a sidelong glance. "Well, since you’ve done such a good job protecting my Male Concubine this time, I’ll reward you later."

"Oh?" Kumoer stroked his chin. "How will you reward me? How about giving me your Male Concubine?"

He was teasing Xiao Huan again. I rolled my eyes. "A joke stops being funny when it’s told too many times."

Kumoer’s grin widened as he turned his gaze to Xiao Huan’s face, finally unable to hold back a snicker. "It’s just that Xiao Bai is too charming—"

"Kumoer!" Xiao Huan, still holding me, scolded lightly, a rare hint of irritation in his voice. "If you’re going to laugh this much, maybe you should go have a drink."

"Fine, fine, I’ll go drink," Kumoer said, still stifling laughter as he stood up.

I twitched my lips. This was definitely the fallout from their time at Shanhai Pass. The emperor of Great Wu and the Khan of the Jurchens—I doubted they’d ever have a more serious way of interacting...The military camp was tense with ongoing warfare, and intelligence reports arrived swiftly. Holding a cup of tea, I sat beside Xiao Huan, watching him concentrate as he slowly reviewed the documents. Under the pale light inside the tent, his profile still looked somewhat pallid.

From the day the imperial expedition set out, the journey had been arduous and relentless, with no respite. He likely hadn’t had a single moment of ease since then.

I waited quietly until he finished reviewing the reports and set down his vermilion brush. Handing him the warm teacup I had been holding, I murmured, "Brother Xiao..."

He smiled and took it, bringing it to his lips for a sip.

Lowering my head, I grasped his slightly cold hand and leaned against his arm. "Brother Xiao, back in the capital, I had nightmares at night."

Placing his hand lightly on my shoulder, he chuckled but said nothing.

"Often, I dreamed of heavy snow falling endlessly. I wandered through the snow, unable to figure out where I was—was it Shanhai Pass, or the Tianshan Mountains... So I just kept walking..." I paused, then looked up at him with a faint smile. "There was only the vast snow... and you were nowhere to be found."

He gave a soft laugh, his deep ink-black eyes quietly fixed on me, but he remained silent.

"Later, Esen barged into Phoenix Come Pavilion and threatened right in front of me, saying he would take your life. At that moment, I couldn’t think of anything else—I just wanted to see you as soon as possible." Recalling that false alarm, I couldn’t help but laugh too, biting my lip before continuing to gaze at him. "So even though my coming here hasn’t been of much use, and I even fell ill right away, making you worry and care for me... I still came."

He chuckled softly, sighing as if resigned. "Well, you’re already here..." Then he paused briefly before adding, "Since Esen could reach Phoenix Come Pavilion... perhaps it’s for the best."

Come to think of it, both Xiao Huan and Kumoer had acted strangely when mentioning Esen earlier. And last night at Phoenix Come Pavilion, Esen’s behavior had been baffling. He’d had the chance to kill me with a single stroke of his blade, yet he held back, leaving only that ominous threat before vanishing—as if he had raced to the capital in the dead of night just to see me and deliver that one line.

Was all that elaborate effort just to warn me he intended to kill Xiao Huan? At the time, I’d been too frantic to think clearly, but now the more I reflected, the stranger it seemed. Frowning, I tugged at Xiao Huan’s sleeve. "Brother Xiao, what kind of game is this Esen playing?"

After a brief moment of contemplation, Xiao Huan didn’t answer my question. Instead, he smiled and gently smoothed the crease between my brows with his fingers. "Don’t worry, Cang Cang. I can handle him."

Dazed once more by his smile, I could only nod. "Alright, then."

Before I could say more, sudden commotion erupted outside the tent. Hong Qing burst in, gripping his longsword, his teeth clenched. "Your Majesty, he’s back! Should you take cover?"

On the other side of the tent, Kumoer, who had been resting with his eyes closed on a reclining chair, sprang to his feet, hand on his saber’s hilt. He sneered. "Oh? Now he’s coming twice a day, is that it?"

Before Kumoer’s words even faded, a playful, mocking voice chimed in. "What? You won’t let me take him away, and now you won’t even let me visit often?"

Following the voice, a lithe black figure appeared at the tent’s entrance, his longsword tracing a golden arc. His youthful, handsome face wore a smirk, his gleaming golden eyes narrowed.

With a loud shout, Hong Qing immediately raised his sword and charged forward.Kumoer's laughter grew even colder. "Fine, go ahead and look. Even if you stare for a hundred years, he still won't be yours!"

With a loud laugh, he deflected Hong Qing's longsword with a single stroke of his blade. A murderous glint suddenly flashed in the man's eyes: "Whether he's mine or not isn't for you to decide!"

As the man charged forward, Kumoer didn't even draw his sword, merely sneering, "Oh? Then come and see for yourself whether he's yours or not!"

I was momentarily stunned by this rapid series of events, still trying to make sense of the situation when Xiao Huan was abruptly yanked away from my side.

"Ah! You—" A voice filled with fury rang out from across the tent. A trembling longsword pointed at the tip of my nose. "You—how do you manage your husband?!"

Blankly shifting my gaze to his face, I recognized him—those eyes belonged to Esen, the one who had ambushed me last night. I twitched my lips and replied flatly, "I can see it even more clearly from here, and I'm not the one making a fuss. What are you screeching about?"

Kumoer, with Xiao Huan in his embrace, raised a brow slightly. "Prince Esen, do you see clearly now?"

"You—" Esen's face turned ashen, his lips pressed tightly together, his handsome features now twisted with rage. He gritted his teeth and turned to Xiao Huan. "What exactly is going on between you and him?"

His tone was righteous, as if he had every right to demand an answer.

I remained silent... If I recalled correctly, wasn’t I supposed to be Xiao Huan’s empress?

Kumoer burst into laughter. "Esen, if you lose, you lose. Clinging like this is just embarrassing!"

Esen was practically hopping with rage, his teeth grinding audibly. "I want to hear it from the beauty himself!"

"I've already said that I have no interest in you, young prince," Xiao Huan replied coolly, still leaning against Kumoer, his eyes lowered. His tone was light. "As for what is between Kumoer and me, I'm afraid that's none of your concern."

Well, that was brutal. "Young prince" versus "Kumoer"—just the difference in titles made the distinction in closeness painfully clear.

Sure enough, Esen's face paled instantly upon hearing those words. His lips pressed into a thin line, his golden eyes narrowing.

To prevent him from lashing out in humiliation and attacking Xiao Huan, Hong Qing stepped forward, sword raised defensively.

But Esen suddenly lifted his head, his eyes still blazing with determination. "It doesn’t matter. Even if you truly like him, it doesn’t matter." He smiled at Xiao Huan. "He calls you Xiao Bai, doesn’t he? Fine then, Xiao Bai. One day, I’ll make you fall for me."

With that, he let out a long laugh and vaulted out of the tent once more.

Amid the chaos outside, his laughter quickly faded into the distance. To come and go freely under the interception of the Imperial Bodyguards, as if strolling through an unguarded land—Esen’s martial prowess was undoubtedly on par with the greatest masters.

As the clamor of Esen’s departure faded, Xiao Huan pushed himself away from Kumoer’s chest inside the tent. The corner of his lips curled into a faint smile. "Great Khan Kumoer, are you taking advantage of my lost martial arts and inability to resist?"

Before he could finish, Kumoer immediately feigned heartbreak. "Xiao Bai, even now, do you still not understand my heart?"

"Your heart?" Xiao Huan lowered his gaze, smiling faintly. "I no longer dare to believe in it..."

"Xiao Bai..." Kumoer hesitated, as if wanting to say more.

I twitched my lips again. "Are the two of you done with this act?"

The sorrow on Kumoer’s face vanished instantly as he turned his head and snorted with laughter.

Xiao Huan straightened his robes and instructed Hong Qing, who had sheathed his sword and stood to the side, "Pour me a cup of tea to rinse my mouth—the stronger, the better."Hong Qing agreed and ran off. I looked at Xiao Huan, then at Kumoer, and decided to ask, "Has Esen taken a liking to Brother Xiao?"

That Kumoer had a smirk on his face, clearly enjoying the show, and even pretended to sigh dramatically. "It's all because Xiao Bai is too dazzlingly beautiful. That delicate beauty in white robes firing an arrow from the city walls—it completely bewitched Esen, who's been chasing after him ever since..."

"Kumoer, if you dare say 'peerlessly elegant and exquisitely charming' one more time, I'll cut you down." The tone remained calm and unhurried as Xiao Huan didn't even look up.

Kumoer turned his head, covering his still-twitching lips.

I rolled my eyes upward. Was I some kind of reinforcement Esen had summoned from the capital to catch a cheating lover? All that tension and anxiety, scaring me into galloping overnight from the capital, only to find it was just Esen and Kumoer fighting over their love interest!

The more I thought about it, the angrier I became. I let out a cold laugh: "What a fine Esen, daring to steal my man! If I spare you, my surname isn't Ling!" Then I glared at Kumoer, "And you! From now on, you're not allowed to touch Brother Xiao again!"

Kumoer and Hong Qing, who had just entered with tea, stood in the room watching me and Xiao Huan.

After a moment of silence, Kumoer seemed to snap out of it and cleared his throat: "Thankfully I never seriously intended to compete with you for Xiao Bai..."

Hong Qing also stopped staring and coughed lightly, coming forward to set down the tea: "Your Majesty, please drink." Then he looked at me seriously, "Empress, next time we encounter young ladies trying every means to squeeze into the harem, I'll be sure to tell them never to enter the palace and compete with Her Majesty for someone."

"Cang Cang..." Xiao Huan, whom I'd pinned to the bed, spoke up with a light laugh, "My chest feels a bit tight."

Removing my hand from his chest, I quickly jumped up to rub it for him: "Brother Xiao! Are you alright?"

Shaking his head slightly with a smile, he supported himself with my hand to sit up, his tone still unwaveringly calm: "Kumoer, I'll be resting for the next few days. You'll take over all affairs."

Kumoer's eagle-like eyes widened as a bitter smile appeared on his face: "All of them... Xiao Bai... Even if I took advantage of you earlier, you don't have to torture me like this, do you?"

"You're overthinking it... Am I not the delicate, ethereal beauty who should rest more?" Xiao Huan smiled, then added, "Oh, and remember to report any important military matters to me."

With a pained expression, Kumoer was speechless for a long moment before turning to me: "Cang Cang, I was wrong... Xiao Bai is only delicate in front of you."

If Xiao Huan was truly angry, things wouldn't be fun anymore—Kumoer was definitely in for a hard time. Without a shred of loyalty, I turned my face away from him, still gently rubbing Xiao Huan's chest: "Brother Xiao, is your chest still tight? Let me get you some tea..."

The Tatars currently had about fifty thousand troops garrisoned in Datong city, plus those scattered forces that frequently harassed the Great Wu camps, totaling less than eighty thousand. However, cities had always been easy to defend and hard to attack. Following the conventional wisdom that an attacking force should be three times the size of the defenders, the elite troops Xiao Huan had brought from the capital amounted to roughly one hundred thousand. Combined with the eighty thousand cavalry Kumoer had brought, facing Esen's eighty thousand defenders would still be quite challenging.

If Esen truly dug in his heels and defended stubbornly, this battle might well drag on past winter.

After dinner that evening, Kumoer finished handling daily military affairs and sat down with Xiao Huan before the map spread out in the tent to draft attack plans. Within moments, they had several proposals, but after comparing them, they still couldn't settle on the most optimal one. Unconsciously, they talked late into the night.

At first, I could still interject with a few suggestions, but eventually, my head was spinning and I couldn't follow their discussion anymore. Seeing how late it was, I urged them: "Kumoer, Brother Xiao, it's too late—time to rest. Can't this wait until tomorrow?"Seeing that no immediate conclusion could be reached, Kumoer nodded and said, "Cang Cang just arrived today and needs to rest early. Xiao Bai, let's discuss this further tomorrow."

Xiao Huan also smiled and nodded in agreement, lowering his head as he coughed lightly a few times.

Ever since nightfall, he had been coughing intermittently, and I had long noticed it. I grasped his slightly cold hand and asked, "Brother Xiao, have you been like this all these days?"

Before Xiao Huan could answer, Kumoer nodded. "Today is actually better. There were days when he coughed so badly I feared he might cough up blood. Cang Cang, Xiao Bai’s relentless drive hasn’t changed much from back then."

I gritted my teeth in frustration and shot Xiao Huan a glare. "If he could change, I would’ve strangled him into it long ago!"

Kumoer nodded solemnly. "Xiao Bai isn’t someone you can change. I believe that."

Xiao Huan, who had been silent until now, chuckled faintly and slightly furrowed his brows. "Cang Cang, it’s getting late, and I’m a little tired..."

Hearing him say he was tired, my anger instantly dissipated. I quickly turned to him. "Brother Xiao, you’re tired? Is your chest still tight? Should we rest early?"

Beside us, Kumoer looked dumbfounded. After a long pause, he sighed. "Cang Cang, I thought you had Xiao Bai wrapped around your finger. Turns out, it’s Xiao Bai who has you wrapped around his."

Rolling my eyes, I decided to ignore him. Xiao Huan, whose arm I was supporting, cast him a cool glance. "Kumoer, you should go back and rest."

"Xiao Bai!" Kumoer immediately put on a pitiful expression, his face full of sorrow. "Are you always this cold to me?"

Xiao Huan didn’t even look at him. "There’s colder. Want to try?"

Kumoer grew even more woeful. "Xiao Bai... What must I do for you to look at my heart again..."

Suddenly lifting his head with a gentle smile, the light in Xiao Huan’s dark eyes was dazzling in that instant. His thin lips curved slightly as he said softly, "Kumoer, I’ve always been looking at your heart..."

Propping my chin on my hand, I watched with amusement as Kumoer’s handsome face twisted from exaggerated sorrow into something between laughter and tears.

Finally satisfied, I turned to Xiao Huan and said, "Brother Xiao, I suddenly think it’s quite entertaining when you flirt with Kumoer. Next time, hug each other for me to see."

The central military tent was spacious, divided by a curtain in the middle. Xiao Huan and I slept on the large bed on this side, while Kumoer slept alone on the tiger-skin bed on the other side.

The night passed without incident. The next morning, as dawn barely broke, the rustling of clothes being put on came from the other side of the tent.

Hearing the noise, I opened my eyes, pushed aside the brocade quilt, and slowly sat up. Even though I tried to move quietly, I still disturbed Xiao Huan beside me.

He coughed lightly, his dark eyes half-open, his voice still hazy from sleep. "Cang Cang."

Leaning down, I kissed him and tucked the quilt back around him. "I’m going on patrol with Kumoer. Sleep a little longer."

He didn’t say anything, just smiled faintly and nodded.

After kissing the corner of his lips once more, I quickly dressed and left the tent’s leather curtain. Kumoer was already clad in his Soft Armor, a long saber at his waist. Seeing me, he grinned. "Cang Cang, you’re coming on patrol with me?"

I nodded without hesitation. "What, your Jurchen camp is off-limits to me?"

Kumoer chuckled. "Of course, no outsiders are allowed near the barracks of my Eight Banners. But if it’s you, Cang Cang..." He didn’t elaborate further, simply extending his hand to me. "Let’s go."I grasped his hand and smiled, "Thank you for your generosity, Great Khan?"

With another laugh, Kumoer took my hand, and we walked out of the barracks together.

Outside, his personal guards had already prepared the warhorses. Kumoer mounted his steed and gestured for me to ride another.

With a crack of the whip, several horses galloped forward in unison.

The military camp was built on a sunlit highland. It was early morning, and the soldiers had just finished their drills, returning to their units for breakfast. Wisps of cooking smoke rose among the scattered tents like stars.

Following Kumoer on horseback, we soon arrived at the Jurchen warriors' camp. Amid the vast expanse of snow-white tents, disciplined soldiers moved about in orderly fashion, while mounted patrols rode through the grounds.

As soon as Kumoer's horse arrived, a group of soldiers came forward to greet him. The face of the man at the front looked familiar. They clasped their fists and bowed from their saddles: "Great Khan!"

Kumoer laughed heartily and waved his hand. "Chi Ku, you've worked hard."

It was then I remembered—this was the same Chi Ku who had always followed Kumoer years ago. After all this time, his expression remained as unreadable as Shi Yan's stone-faced demeanor.

Chi Ku clasped his fists without another word, silently guiding his horse to follow behind Kumoer.

Though this was called an inspection, once we reached the Jurchen camp, Kumoer mostly wandered freely, visiting the soldiers in various areas. The hierarchy among the Jurchen was far less rigid than in Great Wu. Seeing their khan arrive, the Jurchen warriors wore expressions of joy, enthusiastically greeting him.

Responding to each in turn, Kumoer rode slowly through the camp. Following behind him, I also received many greetings, though some gazes flickered with surprise as they darted between Kumoer and me.

After a while, a bold young soldier suddenly called out, "Great Khan, is this lady beside you the Khan's Wife you've found for us?"

The young man's words were rather blunt, and I felt slightly awkward. Over the years, Kumoer had already taken two secondary wives and had several sons and daughters, yet for some reason, he had never appointed a principal wife. This matter had not only spread widely among the Jurchen but had even become a topic of rumor in Great Wu.

Kumoer burst into laughter. "Indeed, this is the woman I intended to make your Khan's Wife!" As he spoke, he turned to look at me and smiled again. "But alas, someone else got to her first." After glancing at me, he swept his gaze over the gathered soldiers and raised his voice. "This is the Empress of Great Wu, Her Majesty Virtuous Blessing. Emperor Virtuous Blessing is our Jurchen ally, and Her Majesty the Empress is my friend, Kumoer. How do we Jurchen welcome our friends?"

Following his words, the Jurchen soldiers erupted in cheers, slapping their scabbards against their thighs and saddles as they shouted, "Welcome, Her Majesty the Empress! Welcome, Her Majesty the Empress!"

The earlier awkwardness was instantly swept away by the fervent cheers of the grassland warriors. Their spirited cries stirred my blood, and a surge of boldness rose within me. I reached out to take the longbow from Chi Ku's hands, raising it high as I shouted, "Great Wu will always be a friend to the Jurchen!" With that, I nocked an arrow and, without much aim, loosed it toward a distant triangular red flag at the camp's boundary. The arrow flew like a shooting star, embedding itself in the flagpole with a sharp sound. Before the echo faded, the flag fluttered to the ground.

Turning to Kumoer, I raised the bow high. "Great Wu and the Jurchen—eternal friendship!"Kumoer smiled and also drew his saber, raising it high: "Great Wu and Jurchen, everlasting friendship!"

"Great Wu and Jurchen, everlasting friendship!" The soldiers raised their sabers in unison, shouting in perfect harmony.

This inspection of the camp truly rekindled a heroic fervor I hadn't felt in a long time. Even after the inspection ended and Kumoer and I rode to a hill outside the camp, the excitement from that rallying cry still lingered in my chest.

Stopping our horses atop the hill, Kumoer turned back to smile at me: "Cang Cang, to this day I still regret not forcing you to stay at Shanhai Pass back then."

At Shanhai Pass, although the Jurchen's defeat was already certain, Kumoer still had many opportunities to kill Xiao Huan. Yet in the end, he chose not to. Truth be told, Xiao Huan and I were able to return safely behind the pass largely thanks to Kumoer's mercy.

Smiling, I urged my horse forward to stand beside him: "Thank you, Kumoer. I've said it before, but I'll say it again—thank you."

With a faint smile, he gazed into the distance: "Back then, I could have killed Xiao Bai and kept you. But slaying an enemy emperor on the battlefield, while it might boost our soldiers' morale, would have only fueled the enemy's determination for vengeance. Moreover, Great Wu had no shortage of successors—Prince Chu was a formidable rival no less capable than Xiao Bai. And Xiao Bai was willing to cease hostilities with the Jurchen, whereas others might not have been. At that time, the Jurchen were utterly defeated and greatly weakened. Had a new emperor risen under the banner of avenging his predecessor and launched a full-scale attack, the Jurchen would have been in grave danger." He chuckled softly. "In the end, I chose the greater good and the Jurchen... over keeping you."

After parting at Shanhai Pass, Kumoer and I rarely met again. Later, when Xiao Huan disappeared and I rushed beyond the pass to borrow troops from him to counter the Empress Dowager's coup, our meeting was brief, with no time for conversation. This was the first time we'd spoken so quietly, just the two of us.

"And then, when you rode day and night to borrow troops from me, carrying Xiao Bai's bloodstained Imperial Edict," Kumoer continued, his eyes softening, "I thought, losing to a man like that—I truly have no regrets. Someone who would cast aside everything for you, time and again, without hesitation... losing to him was only natural."

I looked up at him with a smile. "Kumoer, a man as handsome as you, with such superb swordsmanship, such skilled horsemanship, so domineering yet refined, and just as tender when he wants to be—I'd absolutely fall for you... if I hadn't already met that tight-lipped gourd who never says anything." Smiling, I met Kumoer's gaze earnestly. "Kumoer, I was already deeply grateful to you back then. Don't make me feel indebted to you for life."

Suddenly laughing, the corners of Kumoer's sharp eagle eyes crinkled. "No need to feel indebted... just hand Xiao Bai over to me as a Male Concubine."

Just when he'd started being serious, he was back to nonsense...

I immediately glared and punched his shoulder. "Then I'll stay indebted! Keep your hands off my Male Concubine!"Kumoer burst into laughter, his gaze drifting seemingly unintentionally to a certain point high on the distant walls of Datong. After pausing briefly, he narrowed his eyes and said, "That kid Esen really can't stay put in the city."

Following his line of sight, I saw soldiers continuously coming and going along that section of the wall. They would arrive at the battlements, look around for a while, and then retreat. As soon as one group withdrew, another would take their place, repeating the same routine—scanning the area before retreating again.

"They're making sure all the soldiers understand the situation outside the city," Kumoer sneered. "Esen is preparing to launch an attack."

This was rather strange. Given the current balance of forces, Esen might have a chance to endure the harsh winter if he stayed within the city walls. But if he actively opened the gates to attack, he would most likely face defeat. So why was he making preparations for an offensive?

"With just the troops currently in the city, venturing out would certainly mean certain defeat. But if Esen receives reinforcements, the outcome becomes uncertain." With another cold laugh, Kumoer tugged on his reins. "These preparations will take at least three more days. Cang Cang, let's head back for now."

I quickly agreed and urged my horse to follow him. We had already spent quite some time outside, so we rode straight back to the main tent.

Upon reaching the central camp, I dismounted with Kumoer and entered the tent. Xiao Huan seemed to have just woken up, draped in a blue cape as he leaned against the headboard.

Though it was already late, a lingering chill hung in the air. I hurried over, sat down, and took his hand. "Brother Xiao, are you feeling unwell? Have you had breakfast yet?"

His dark eyes, still slightly hazy, turned to me and quickly cleared. He smiled. "Cang Cang, I'm fine. No need to worry."

Pursing my lips, I leaned in and wrapped my arms around his waist. "I don't believe you."

He patted my shoulder lightly, sounding somewhat resigned. "Cang Cang..."

Kumoer walked in as well and immediately said, "Esen is making moves. It looks like he's planning a preemptive strike."

Xiao Huan showed no surprise and simply nodded. "Mm, understood."

Walking over to sit at the table, Kumoer took out his personal flask and took a swig of strong liquor. He chuckled. "Even after retreating to Datong, he still won't give up. This kid's ambitions are even bigger than mine back in the day. I just wanted to seize the capital, but he wants to take the emperor home too."

Xiao Huan ignored his teasing and calmly remarked, "All ambition, no substance. As an opponent, he's not even as qualified as you."

Kumoer raised an eyebrow at that. "Oh? So I should be flattered?"

Xiao Huan gave him a faint glance, his expression unchanged. "You should be honored."

Kumoer immediately turned to me. "Cang Cang, when did Xiao Bai's tongue become so sharp?"

"Oh?" Still holding Xiao Huan around the waist, I pretended to think hard while staring at the tent ceiling. "When talking to you? Seems like it's always been this sharp."

Naturally, Kumoer couldn't resist lamenting his woes with a pitiful expression, his act of playing the fool becoming more polished by the day.

After the three of us joked around for a while, Kumoer finally stood up to go arrange the offensive and defensive formations.

Once he left the tent, I continued holding Xiao Huan, resting my head on his shoulder and laughing. "Brother Xiao, ever since that kiss last night when I took advantage of you, Kumoer seems to have grown a guilty conscience. He doesn’t dare challenge you as much anymore, does he?"With a soft acknowledgment, Xiao Huan remained silent for a while before finally letting out a faint scoff. "At the time, there were at least dozens of ways to both discourage Esen and ensure you wouldn’t be targeted by him. Yet he chose this one... Does he still dare to challenge me? Does he not want to make it back to the Jurchens alive?"

I had already figured it out the moment I saw them kiss. Their exaggerated display, even going as far as kissing in public, was likely to divert Esen’s jealousy toward Kumoer, ensuring I wouldn’t be in danger.

I was well aware that Xiao Huan would do anything to protect me, but the fact that Kumoer would also go to such lengths for my sake did move me a little—though he had chosen the most outrageous method and seemed to enjoy it thoroughly.

Shivering at the coldness in Xiao Huan’s tone while desperately holding back laughter... If Kumoer dared to pull another stunt like that, I absolutely believed Xiao Huan would draw his sword and cut him down.

Nearly doubling over with laughter, I cheerfully declared, "Exactly! My male concubine can only be kissed by me! If I’m ever in the mood, you and Kumoer can hug for show, but anything further—kissing or undressing—is off the table!"

Amused, he glanced down at my beaming face and couldn’t help but curve his lips. "Oh? So there’s something even further?"

His warm breath, tinged with coolness, brushed close. Not one to pass up an opportunity, I tilted my head and pressed a kiss to the corner of his mouth. "Don’t even think about it! You’re mine! You’d better keep yourself pure for me!"

With a resigned sigh, he lowered his gaze and chuckled softly at me.

Even before arriving in the capital, I had worried that Xiao Huan’s health wouldn’t hold up under the strain of the frontlines. Now that I was here, the situation was indeed no better than I’d feared.

His coughing had been intermittent last night, and after waking up today, he had barely eaten anything by noon. The only time he managed to swallow medicine was when I forced him, and even then, he’d lower his head, covering his lips with a light cough, making me too afraid to push further.

So that afternoon, while Kumoer sat in the tent handling official matters, I hovered near Xiao Huan, who was reclining on a soft couch, holding a bowl of snow pear and red date soup. I scooped up a spoonful, blew on it to cool it down, and offered it to him. "Come on, Brother Xiao, just one more bite. It’s sweet!"

Though he had no appetite, Xiao Huan never refused food I brought to his lips. Without even looking up from the Records in his hands, he gave a faint "Mm" and opened his mouth to accept the soup.

Encouraged, I perked up immediately and quickly scooped up a large, soft red date to feed him. "Brother Xiao, have another date!"

Watching my enthusiastic efforts, Kumoer couldn’t help but laugh. "Cang Cang, if he doesn’t want to eat, just let it be. Don’t force him—what if he ends up vomiting? That’d be even worse."

"It’s just two spoonfuls of soup! And I specifically asked for it to be made light and refreshing. It’ll be fine!" I retorted, though a bit guiltily, clearing my throat.

"I’m just saying, don’t stuff him too much," Kumoer replied, still focused on his documents, smiling.

Just as we were talking, Xiao Huan suddenly let out a soft "Hn" and raised a hand to cover his mouth.

My heart nearly stopped. I lunged forward. "Brother Xiao! Brother Xiao! What’s wrong?"

His brows slightly furrowed, and after a moment, his expression remained odd. "That date just now... the pit wasn’t fully removed."It turned out to be a false alarm, and both Kumoer and I breathed a sigh of relief. The cooks in the military camp naturally weren't as meticulous as imperial chefs—the red date I had just stuffed into Xiao Huan's mouth still had its pit intact.

Coming back to my senses, I quickly grabbed an empty plate and held it out. "Brother Xiao, spit it here."

Kumoer sighed dramatically from the side. "Xiao Bai, don't scare people for no reason, alright? Don’t you know that even the slightest stir from you makes others uneasy?"

Spitting the date pit into the empty plate I handed over, Xiao Huan said leisurely, "To have the Great Khan of the Jurchens so unsettled on my account—I'm truly overwhelmed."

"Xiao Bai..." Kumoer instantly put on a pained expression, "Haven't I been constantly unsettled for you these past eleven years?"

Long accustomed to their affectionate exchanges, I completely ignored Kumoer and scooped another spoonful of soup. "Brother Xiao, can you eat more? Just one more bite?"

On that peaceful late autumn afternoon, the three of us bickered idly. In the central military tent, this tranquility before the great battle was rather nice.