Love and Crown

We only stayed at Shanhai Pass for a day before rushing to Jinzhou at dawn the next morning. As we entered the city and ascended the city walls, the artillery, provisions, and baggage that followed were passing through the gates. The procession of carts and horses stretched endlessly through the snowstorm, vanishing beyond sight.

Amid the rumble of wheels and the neighing of horses, Xiao Huan led me by the hand to the edge of the wall, gazing at the distant mountains veiled behind the snow. For a moment, he seemed lost in thought before turning to murmur softly, "Let's go down."

With their clansmen unjustly slain, the Jurchens' grief and fury were uncontrollable. Kumoer returned to Jianzhou and immediately marched south without resting his troops. In less than three days, his vast army had arrayed itself outside Jinzhou.

The snow continued to fall intermittently, blanketing the wilderness beyond the city with fresh layers that buried the tracks left by the Great Wu army days before. In their place, wisps of smoke rose from the distant Jurchen Camp.

On the night Kumoer's forces encamped beneath the city walls, I stood on horseback at the foot of Jinzhou's towering battlements. The snow had long swallowed the horses' hooves, and sporadic flakes still drifted from the sky, the air bitingly cold.

Pulling my snow fox cloak tighter, I turned and kissed the pale cheek so close to mine. "Brother Xiao, are you alright?"

His skin beneath my lips was as cold as jade. He smiled faintly at me and shook his head, then whispered to Hong Qing, who was also mounted nearby, "Let's go."

Earlier, at the hour of Shen, after Kumoer's army had trudged through the snowstorm, Xiao Huan had ordered Shi Yan and Hong Qing to prepare to leave the city. As dusk deepened, twelve elite warriors from the Escort Battalion, clad in white tight-fitting suits, quietly gathered outside Xiao Huan's quarters, awaiting his command.

The group then slipped out through a narrow hidden gate barely wide enough for one person, the entire process soundless, unnoticed even by the guards atop the walls.

By now, the officials and generals within the city likely remained oblivious that the emperor had ventured beyond the walls alone—and was heading straight for the enemy camp.

When preparing the horses earlier, I had insisted on sharing a mount with Xiao Huan, tugging at him to hold me around the waist as he sat behind me. Now, at his command, all the horses moved silently toward the distant Jurchen Camp.

The heavy snow brought an eerie silence, where even the slightest sound might alert the patrolling sentries. Fortunately, besides draping the horses in white cloth to conceal them, we had also muffled their hooves with cotton padding. Now, galloping across the snow, they made only the faintest of noises.

As we neared the camp, we slowed our pace. When we were less than a li away, we abandoned the horses. My lightness skill was barely sufficient for self-preservation, so Hong Qing supported Xiao Huan by the waist as the group flitted toward the tents using only their qinggong.

Every member of this mission was a top expert from the Escort Battalion. Avoiding the guards, they glided soundlessly between the tents, soon catching sight of Kumoer's central military tent in the distance.

Noticing only a few sentries stationed outside Kumoer's tent, I sighed in relief. Fortunately, Chi Ku—who usually shadowed Kumoer—was absent. Given Chi Ku's martial prowess and vigilance, breaching the tent would have been far more difficult.

Just as this thought crossed my mind, one of the Escort Battalion guards beside Hong Qing darted forward. With a flick of his finger, the sentry ahead crumpled. Catching the falling body with one hand, the guard swiftly pivoted, delivering a precise chop to another sentry's neck. Without so much as a gasp, the second guard collapsed silently.These two moves were as swift as a rabbit's leap and a falcon's dive, happening in an instant.

The guards at the tent entrance were similarly dealt with. By the time the surrounding soldiers had cleared the area, Hong Qing lifted the leather flap of the tent, and Xiao Huan stepped inside first.

The tent was brightly lit by candlelight. Kumoer was resting on the tiger skin soft couch. Though only a few days had passed, he already looked much more exhausted, with unkempt stubble on his chin. Hearing the commotion at the tent entrance, he didn’t open his eyes. "Didn’t I say to get out?" he growled.

Walking in slowly, Xiao Huan remained silent, stopping only when he stood before Kumoer’s couch.

Finally sensing something amiss, Kumoer’s muscles tensed abruptly. His hand flew to the longsword at his side as he sat up. When he recognized Xiao Huan, his dove-gray hawk-like eyes flickered before he let out a cold laugh. "Well, well. Who do we have here? A midnight visit to the camp—has the Virtuous Blessing Emperor come to claim my head?"

Xiao Huan covered his lips with a light cough. "Kumoer, you know why I’m here."

Though his posture still seemed lazy, Kumoer now resembled a drawn bow, every muscle radiating cold tension. His gaze was sharp as an arrow as he sneered, "Oh? Could it be the Virtuous Blessing Emperor has come to reminisce with me? At this point, what should I even say to you?"

His sneer deepened as he bit out each word: "Congratulations to the Great Martial Virtuous Blessing Emperor—may your reign last ten thousand years, your empire eternal?"

Meeting his gaze, Xiao Huan replied, "Kumoer, I thought we were friends."

"Friends?" Kumoer burst into laughter, as if the word amused him, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "Virtuous Blessing Emperor… did you really think men like us could ever have friends?"

Facing his mockery, Xiao Huan coughed lightly, sounding almost resigned. "I know you’re furious about the deaths of your clansmen. If you need to vent, Kumoer, do it after we’ve discussed the important matters, alright?"

The light in Kumoer’s dove-gray hawk eyes shifted several times before he relaxed slightly. "If the Virtuous Blessing Emperor has come to offer himself to my bed, then I suppose I could reluctantly oblige—"

At this point, if I still didn’t understand, I’d be a fool. When Xiao Huan said he was coming to the Jurchen Camp tonight to see Kumoer in secret, I’d already guessed something was up. And tonight, the guards at Kumoer’s camp were unusually lax—now it all made sense.

Sure enough, adjusting his posture, Kumoer wiped his face and regained his composure. "Xiao Bai, you’re finally here. Any longer, and I’d have started to think I guessed wrong—"

Once I realized what was happening, anger flared up in me. I pointed at Kumoer’s nose. "You knew all along that Brother Xiao wouldn’t do something so despicable, yet you still threw those cutting words at him today? Would you be happy if he coughed up another mouthful of blood because of you?"

Kumoer froze, turning to Xiao Huan. "That night in Datong, after I left… you coughed up blood?"

Caught off guard by my outburst, Xiao Huan smiled faintly. "It was nothing, just a moment of agitation."

A cold glint flashed in Kumoer’s dove-gray pupils as he narrowed his eyes. "Good. Very good, Esen. What a masterful use of a divisive tactic! If I let you get away with this, I’m no descendant of the Aisin Gioro clan!"Time was pressing, so Kumoer wasted no more words. He jumped down from the couch, took Xiao Huan's hand, and led him to the military map on the table. "I've left fifty thousand men on the northern bank of the Suzi River."

The Suzi River was just outside Jianzhou City, the only southern route into Jianzhou. Fifty thousand troops likely represented the majority of Kumoer's available forces. If he had stationed fifty thousand outside Jianzhou, how many had he brought to Jinzhou?

Not only was I puzzled, but Xiao Huan also nodded at the map before asking, "How many men do you have in your current camp?"

Kumoer grinned and held up one hand. "Five thousand." He burst into laughter. "The tents outside stretch far and wide, but they're all empty. Even the cooking smoke is deliberately exaggerated!"

This truly shocked me. When Kumoer led his troops to Jinzhou, he likely hadn't yet determined whether Xiao Huan was friend or foe. Yet he had only brought five thousand soldiers to set up camp beneath the enemy's fortified city. No wonder Kumoer was renowned in Liaodong for his ghostly tactics—this wasn't just strategy; it was outright recklessness!

Xiao Huan, however, didn't seem surprised. He merely glanced at Kumoer and smiled faintly. "Bringing only five thousand men—you really do trust me."

Kumoer raised an eyebrow but didn't respond to Xiao Huan's remark. Instead, he countered, "Xiao Bai, how many men did you bring this time?"

A handful of Imperial Bodyguards and me—likely of little use. If Kumoer ordered his soldiers to block our escape, getting out of this camp would be a challenge.

The two of them exchanged a glance, shared a smile, then turned their attention back to the military map on the table.

Just like during their time at the camp outside Datong, they engaged in swift, intuitive discussions, meticulously planning various routes and troop deployments. Every detail was deliberated and decided upon.

Knowing they wouldn't stop for another hour or two, I relaxed and looked around for a kettle. Just then, Chi Ku entered the tent, silently carrying a red copper kettle wrapped in animal hide. Steam rose from its spout, carrying the faintly bitter aroma of milk tea.

So, Chi Ku hadn't been absent earlier—he had deliberately stepped aside.

I smiled at him, took the kettle and small copper bowls, and poured a serving for both Xiao Huan and Kumoer, placing the bowls by their hands. I even served the Imperial Bodyguards on duty inside the tent to help ward off the cold.

The salted hot milk tea was especially fragrant on this chilly night. By the time the night watchmen had called the fifth watch, the gloomy, snow-laden sky began to show the dim light of dawn. Only then did Kumoer and Xiao Huan finally lift their heads from the map they had been studying all night.

Kumoer exhaled deeply, looked at Xiao Huan, and grinned. "Asilan killed Jurchen civilians. Once it's made clear that this blood debt shouldn't be wrongly pinned on the Great Wu, Xiao Bai, you could actually stay out of this."

Fatigued from the night's work, Xiao Huan's face was slightly pale. He looked up at Kumoer and chuckled. "When I wrote to you requesting reinforcements for Datong, couldn't you have stayed out of it too?"

Kumoer laughed heartily. "That was different. Esen has been a growing threat to the Jurchens in recent years. How could I stand by and let him gain power? Of course, I had to strike and crush him.""Allowing Esen's remnants to roam unchecked in the strategic areas beyond the pass is also a looming threat to Great Wu." Xiao Huan continued Kumoer's words with a faint smile, also smiling.

Watching them talk, I walked over and wrapped my arms around Xiao Huan's waist: "Stop exchanging those meaningful glances, it'll be hard to return to the city once dawn breaks."

Kumoer burst into laughter: "Xiao Bai, what should we do? Cang Cang is getting jealous..."

I knew these two would only come up with nonsense when together. Arguing with them would only lead to being teased. Rolling my eyes, I heard Xiao Huan cough lightly and quickly asked him: "Brother Xiao, are you feeling better?"

He nodded with a light smile to indicate he was fine, then took my hand and smiled at Kumoer: "Then we'll meet beneath the city walls tomorrow at the hour of Hai."

Kumoer nodded with a smile: "Beneath the city walls."

It was indeed getting late. After bidding farewell to Kumoer and being escorted to the edge of the camp by Chi Ku, we retraced our path. By the time we re-entered the city, the sky was already lightening.

Exhausted from the night's efforts, Xiao Huan's body had long been unable to bear it, yet he didn't even rest. Before dawn, he gathered all the defending generals to prepare for the upcoming attack.

Sitting beside him on the soft couch, forcing him to drink his medicine while watching him methodically handle various military affairs, I too hadn't slept all night. Now, warmed by the cozy fire, I unexpectedly dozed off.

When I opened my eyes again, I found the officials in the room had all left at some point. I was lying on Xiao Huan's lap, covered by a soft, warm blanket. The indistinct white glow of a snowy day filtered through the window, filling the room with quiet comfort.

Noticing I was awake, he looked down at me, the corners of his lips curving into a gentle smile: "Cang Cang."

Wrapped entirely in lazy warmth, I stretched my arms around his waist, resting my head lightly against his chest before finally smiling: "Brother Xiao."

Great Wu and the Jurchens had once again joined forces against a common enemy—this time, the remnants of the Tatars hidden beyond the snowy plains.

November 23rd, the heavy snow had just ceased.

At the hour of Hai on November 23rd, under the moonlight, the mountains and fields were blanketed in fresh snow, turning the area outside Jinzhou City into a silver-white expanse.

The air was crisp, each breath layered with biting cold. Standing in silent formation beneath the city walls, the armored soldiers were not in a stance to face the enemy but waited quietly for their allies to arrive.

Inside a carriage amidst the ranks, the curtain was drawn aside. In the faint glow of a red-clay stove, Xiao Huan—rarely idle from military and political affairs—slowly flipped through a chess manual, playing a solitary game on the board beside him.

In the stillness, Liu Shi'an, also in the carriage, suddenly spoke while looking at the board: "Your Majesty is benevolent, reluctant to sacrifice any pieces."

Xiao Huan glanced up at him and smiled without responding directly. Instead, he asked: "Shi'an, how do you assess the current situation?"

After a brief pause, Liu Shi'an replied: "Kumoer's tactics have always been daring and unpredictable, but this time he's acting too hastily. Feigning an attack on Jinzhou to lure the enemy is sound, but the timing is unfavorable, and morale is unstable. With only the Jurchen forces, the outcome is uncertain."

If his previous remark was indirect, this one was clear—he disapproved of Xiao Huan's decision to aid Kumoer.

Xiao Huan smiled again, picking up a chess piece but not placing it. He pressed further: "And beyond that, what do you make of the current situation in Liaodong?"No longer as resolute as before, Liu Shi'an pondered before answering: "Jianzhou has been accumulating strength since the tenth year of Delun, spanning several decades now. Since declaring independence, it has been over ten years. To regard them as enemies would be a grave concern, yet to treat them as subjects would likely invite defiance. However, if we continue to indulge them, there will come a day when they threaten the very foundation of our nation."

Liu Shi'an was indeed bold and unafraid to speak his mind. Had Cao Xi been present, his hands would surely have trembled again.

Xiao Huan nodded and asked further: "What about pacifying Liaodong? What are your thoughts?"

Liu Shi'an paused: "If we dedicate all efforts to governing Liaodong, there might be hope in ten years."

With a faint smile, Xiao Huan lightly placed a chess piece on the board: "Then we shall revisit this matter in ten years."

This seemingly casual remark made Liu Shi'an immediately tighten his lips. It appeared the words stuck in his chest had not been fully vented. His usually composed face paled slightly, even showing a trace of awkwardness.

This newly appointed Ministry of War, Bureau of Operations Director still lacked experience. Speaking with a seasoned fox like Xiao Huan, it was hard not to get entangled.

As they spoke, the muffled thunder of hooves echoed outside the carriage. The figures of Jurchen cavalry were clearly visible across the snowy plains—Kumoer had arrived.

Galloping steeds kicked up snowflakes from the ground. Kumoer led the charge, his silver-gray fox cloak billowing in the icy wind. His handsome features, sharp as if carved by a blade, gleamed under the fresh snow. Reining in his horse before the formation, his voice carried a weight like an impending storm: "I, Kumoer of the Jurchens, stand before you. Great Wu's Virtuous Blessing Emperor, will you aid me in driving out the foreign invaders and avenging our fallen?"

Rising slowly and stepping down from the carriage, Xiao Huan met his gaze across the ranks of soldiers. His voice, though not loud, was clear and carried far: "Great Wu and the Jurchens share flesh and blood. The enemies of the Jurchens are the enemies of Great Wu." After a pause, he continued calmly: "Now, the thirty thousand sons of Great Wu in Jinzhou shall aid Khan Kumoer in encircling the Tatars and purging our homeland!"

With a metallic ring, Kumoer drew his longsword and raised it to the sky, each word heavy as if carved from his heart, filled with solemn resolve: "Drive out the Tatars, purge our homeland!"

"Drive out the Tatars, purge our homeland!" The earth-shaking roar rose, mournful and fierce.

For a moment, it was as if I saw a pack of wolves howling at the moon—their profound sorrow and boundless killing intent tearing through the sky, reaching the very heavens.

Two days later, the combined forces of Great Wu and the Jurchens, numbering a hundred thousand, encircled the remnants of the Tatar army led by Asilan outside Jianzhou City. The battle lasted three days, staining the snowy plains crimson and piling corpses like mountains along the winter banks of the Suzi River. Nearly ten thousand Tatar remnants were annihilated, their leader Asilan slain on the spot. Thanks to Great Wu's formidable artillery, the Jurchen cavalry suffered only slightly over a thousand casualties—a near-perfect victory.

On the morning the shadow of the bloody battle finally lifted, the Great Khan of the Jurchens, having traveled far to return to the gates of Jinzhou, drew the captured saber of the enemy commander and cast it into the ground. The blade sank halfway into the earth, its cold glint shimmering as the Khan's clear voice rang far and wide: "For as long as I, Kumoer, live, no Jurchen cavalry shall cross this blade. Those who defy this shall be deemed traitors to our people!"

At that moment, the sky was pristine, the vast landscape like unrolled silk. Kumoer raised his brows and smiled toward the city walls, eclipsing the heavens and earth in his brilliance.

With many urgent matters awaiting his attention in the Jurchen homeland after the war, Kumoer still lingered in Jinzhou for two days.

Seizing a rare moment when Xiao Huan was occupied, I managed to ride with him to the hills outside the city, where we gazed at the lush grass beneath our feet and the distant, rolling mountains.Galloping alongside him on horseback left me flushed and warm all over, my face surely reddened by now. I threw my head back and shouted into the sky—such exhilarating freedom I hadn't felt in ages.

Watching me cheer with abandon, Kumoer said, "Cang Cang, I love seeing you like this—like a walking flower."

He'd spoken these words to me years ago, and hearing them again made me laugh. "Only you would call me a flower. If my brother saw me like this, he'd say I look like a madwoman."

"To me, Cang Cang will always be the most beautiful flower." Kumoer had this magic—no sweet words sounded unnatural from his lips.

Even after all these years, I still couldn't look away when those dove-gray eyes held mine. Teasing, I said, "Keep being this charming, and I really won't be able to resist you."

"Oh?" His brows lifted with amusement. "Does that mean I outshine even a beauty like Xiao Bai?"

"Of course, of course," I laughed. "Kumoer Khan is peerlessly handsome, utterly captivating."

Our banter faded as Kumoer suddenly grew serious. "Cang Cang, you need to choose—freedom, or Xiao Bai."

I froze, not understanding. "What?"

"You've still been serving as Pavilion Master of Phoenix Come Pavilion these years," he said knowingly. "Xiao Bai mentioned it."

I hadn't realized they'd discussed such personal matters beyond military affairs. Smiling wryly, I admitted, "Balancing both has been... challenging at times."

"Roaming the Martial World freely is wonderful. Xiao Bai has shouldered your burdens these years to let you do so." Kumoer paused meaningfully. "But Cang Cang, if you don't choose between them soon, it'll be too late."

My mind erupted into chaos, thoughts tangling like frayed rope.

Meeting my gaze steadily, Kumoer reached to gently stroke my hair. "No one can carry everything alone forever. Don't wait until Xiao Bai truly collapses before turning back."

Instinctively, I clutched his hand in panic. "Kumoer, has something happened to Brother Xiao? What did you see when you were together?"

Only his calming look made me realize I'd overreacted again—yet the turmoil in my chest refused to settle.

How could I have been so blind? For years I'd stubbornly remained in the Martial World where I could flourish, gallivanting across the land despite knowing his worries, deliberately ignoring what my willfulness cost him. The court's whispers and doubts, the children's health and studies—even if he never complained, how could I have dismissed it all?

When he'd fainted in the Hall of Mental Cultivation months ago, I'd only learned of his failing health at the last moment.

Now he leads troops personally, while I must stay at Phoenix Come Pavilion to steady morale—unable to even watch him depart.

Kumoer was right. I'd left him to bear everything alone. No lofty justification could absolve me—I chose my freedom and abandoned him to solitude.

Now even Kumoer could see he'd endured too long, while I still hid from the truth.What am I still waiting for? Must I suffer the pain of regret only after losing again?

Taking a deep breath, I looked up at Kumoer, composed myself, and smiled. "I understand. Thank you, Kumoer."

A look of approval flashed in his eyes as Kumoer took my hand and gently patted the back of it, smiling. "Cang Cang, what I wish for most is to see you happy."

I blinked at him playfully with a smile. "Oh? Isn't it your beloved Xiao Bai's happiness we're talking about?"

Knowing that the joke between him and Xiao Huan had spiraled beyond control, I let out a soft chuckle. Kumoer nodded with exaggerated seriousness. "That works too..."

After this conversation on the plains, we didn't linger outside for long before returning to the city together.

As I dismounted and handed the reins to a nearby soldier, I saw Liu Shi'an walking out of a building carrying a stack of documents. He bowed upon seeing me. "Your Majesty, the Empress." Then, noticing Kumoer behind me, he bowed again. "Great Khan Kumoer."

Only after his figure retreated did Kumoer stroke his chin, murmuring to himself, "That little bureaucrat has quite a sharp gaze."

I paid no attention to his words, lifting the curtain with some urgency as I stepped inside.

Behind the screen, Xiao Huan sat in a Blue Gown with a dark green Cape draped over his shoulders, reviewing a memorial. Under the white daylight, faint traces of weariness lingered between his slightly furrowed brows.

Seeing me enter in such haste, he looked up in surprise and smiled softly. "Cang Cang?"

I shook my head, walked over, and sat beside him. Gently taking his hand resting on his knee, I looked up and smiled. "Brother Xiao, I'm back."

Seemingly puzzled by my sudden affection, he paused briefly before smiling and nodding, brushing away the stray hairs on my face. "Did you enjoy your outing?"

I nodded, still smiling, then reached out and embraced him, breathing in the faint herbal fragrance of his body, unwilling to let go.

Long accustomed to my sudden bouts of clinginess, he simply wrapped an arm around my shoulders without another word.

Kumoer, who had followed me inside, arched an eyebrow and chuckled softly at the sight.

Silence settled around us. Pressed against Xiao Huan's chest, I could faintly hear his heartbeat and my own—steady and peaceful.

A day later, Kumoer set off, and together with Xiao Huan, we escorted him far beyond the outskirts of Jinzhou.

At the moment of farewell, Kumoer gazed at the drifting clouds on the horizon and smiled slowly. "Xiao Bai, as long as you and I live, Liaodong will have its peace. But someday, war may reignite here, and blood will flow once more."

Xiao Huan also smiled. "Or perhaps there will be a century of peace, where the people thrive."

Kumoer chuckled lightly and said no more. Swinging onto his horse, he rode off into the distance. Only when he was nearly out of sight did he turn for one last wave, his figure eventually blending into the uniform black armor of the Jurchen cavalry until he was indistinguishable.

Not far behind Xiao Huan, Liu Shi'an, who had also been watching Kumoer depart, muttered under his breath—whether from distraction or indignation—"A scourge that will never end."

His voice was low, but unfortunately, it carried clearly.

Xiao Huan smiled and suddenly asked him, "Shi'an, do you believe in the chivalry of the Martial World?"

Clearly caught off guard by the unexpected question, Liu Shi'an answered somewhat awkwardly, "Your Majesty, I've never associated with such companions."

Xiao Huan gave a faint smile and looked up at him. "I do. I believe in those who honor their word unto death."

Liu Shi'an stood frozen in place, stunned, as Xiao Huan turned and walked toward the carriage.

Just as Xiao Huan was about to board, Liu Shi'an suddenly spoke again. "Your Majesty, dark clouds will always obscure the moon, and even the heavens hold filth."With a glance back and a smile, Xiao Huan enunciated each word clearly: "Then let us wait for the day when clouds part, winds clear, and the sun and moon shine anew."

Following behind Xiao Huan past Liu Shi'an, I suddenly felt mischievous and patted his shoulder with a laugh. "Minister Liu, making more friends will make life more enjoyable, you know."

Without waiting to see Liu Shi'an's already ashen expression, I hopped onto the carriage.

Xiao Huan inside had heard what I said to Liu Shi'an and now arched his lips in amusement, extending his hand to me. "Cang Cang, Shi'an has a steady temperament. Don't tease him."

I burst into laughter, taking his hand and sitting beside him. "Already rushing to defend your beloved minister?"

Clearly having heard our exchange, Liu Shi'an's ashen face turned crimson, and his movements as he turned to mount his horse carried a hint of fluster.

Watching this perpetually stern young official lose his composure repeatedly was quite entertaining. I wrapped my arms around Xiao Huan's waist and laughed heartily.

There was still a considerable distance back to Jinzhou City, and the carriage wasn't in any hurry, leisurely making its way across the fields. Some of the snow had melted, leaving just enough to lightly cover the horses' hooves.

In this quiet and peaceful moment, holding Xiao Huan's hand, I smiled softly and lifted my head to kiss the corner of his lips.

This prolonged war had dragged on until, before we knew it, it was already the twelfth lunar month. After Kumoer left, we were busy preparing to return to the capital. After spending another night in Jinzhou, we set off for Shanhai Pass the next day, then onward to the capital.

The accumulated exhaustion of this period could no longer be suppressed. On the day we reached Shanhai Pass, Xiao Huan could only manage a bowl of plain porridge, which he later vomited up entirely. Leaning on the couch, he couldn't stop his quiet coughing.

Sitting by his couch, I wrapped my arm around his shoulders, trying to make him as comfortable as possible, using a silk handkerchief to wipe the thin sweat from his forehead.

Despite the deep weariness in his eyes, he still smiled at me. "It's alright, Cang Cang."

I shook my head gently, holding him and burying my face in his shoulder. "Brother Xiao, how about we go to Azure Retreat Palace after we return?"

The hot springs at Azure Retreat Palace were most suitable for Xiao Huan's recuperation. Li Mingshang had once suggested that Xiao Huan take up long-term residence there and have the Six Ministries and Grand Secretariat handle court affairs from the palace. Since the founding of Great Wu, it wasn't unprecedented for emperors to reside long-term at imperial villas, and given Xiao Huan's poor health, this arrangement was perfectly reasonable.

However, back then, Xiao Huan had ultimately decided to return to the Forbidden Palace—partly because living there made it more convenient for me to come and go from Phoenix Come Pavilion.

Lifting my head from his shoulder, I looked at him with a smile. "Brother Xiao, I want to resign from my position at Phoenix Come Pavilion."

Hearing this, he was momentarily stunned, grasping my hand. "Cang Cang?"

For eight years, aside from him and our children, Phoenix Come Pavilion had been nearly my entire world. Through countless perilous storms in the Martial World, every time I returned alone to the Hall of Mental Cultivation late at night, it was his figure I saw waiting for me by the lamplight. Other than myself, no one understood better than him how much time and dedication I had poured into Phoenix Come Pavilion. And now, I was ready to walk away just like that.Finally speaking my mind lifted the weight I'd felt before opening up. I smiled: "White Pavilion Master, eight years ago you entrusted Phoenix Come Pavilion to me. But I'm mediocre at best—this is all I could achieve even with my utmost effort. Perhaps it's better to step aside for someone more capable." I grinned at him, "So? How did I do these past eight years? Care to give an evaluation?"

His ink-black double-pupiled eyes gazed at me as he paled slightly, suddenly pressing a hand to his chest with a light cough.

This startled me badly. I quickly embraced him, gently patting his back in alarm: "Brother Xiao, what's wrong? Does your chest hurt?"

Coughing lightly, he closed his eyes momentarily, concealing the emotions in those profound pupils before slowly shaking his head. After a pause, he spoke: "Cang Cang, are you resigning from Phoenix Come Pavilion because you're afraid of burdening me?"

Taking a soft breath, I leaned down to rest my chin on his lap, looking up at him: "Brother Xiao, if I said yes, would you start feeling guilty? Would you think it's because you didn't do enough for me that I'm now forced to choose between Phoenix Come Pavilion and you?"

Lowering his eyes, he continued coughing lightly without answering.

Over the years, the more I understood him, the more helpless I felt against his tendency to shoulder all burdens. With a soft sigh, I took his slightly cold hand and pressed it against my cheek: "Though I've truly enjoyed laughing with Su Qian and Mu Yan at the pavilion, galloping under moonlight, drinking the most exhilarating wine, and doing the boldest deeds—Brother Xiao, if such pleasures require your silent sacrifices, I'd rather forsake them all." Kissing his fingertips, I met his gaze, "Now I only want to be with you."

He watched me quietly before closing his eyes again with a sigh: "Cang Cang..."

"Don't tell me to reconsider!" Anticipating his words, I cut him off, wrapping my arms around his waist playfully, "I want to stay with you and Lian and Xiao Xie—why won't you let me? Do you dislike having me cling to you all day?"

"Cang Cang..." His slightly resigned murmur made me immediately look up with wounded eyes.

Finally coaxing a faint smile from him, he sighed: "As long as you're happy... do as you wish."

Letting me nuzzle his hand, he fell silent, though his gaze never left me.

I smiled at him: "Brother Xiao, Zhang Zhuduan once told me you loved me because I was a powerful minister's daughter—that our harmonious relationship served the empire best. So later I asked you: if another woman were empress, would you treat her just as tenderly? Knowing exactly how you'd answer, I still couldn't help feeling disappointed when you said 'yes.' Women are greedy—we want to be the only one, irreplaceable even in hypothetical scenarios we'll never encounter."

Speaking softly, I gazed into his jet-black double pupils with a slight smile: "Brother Xiao, today I'll ask again: if we'd never met, would you dote on and indulge another woman you married, caring for her in all things?"

Without hesitation, he answered softly: "I would."I smiled. "Then if it were another woman you married who was trapped in enemy territory, in grave danger, would you go alone to rescue her, regardless of life or death?"

His voice was soft but steady as ever. "Yes."

"And if it were another woman you married, would you also risk your life to get her out of the Forbidden Palace and arrange everything for her future?" I looked at him, my vision already blurred with mist. "Then what is there that you wouldn't do for her?"

After a brief silence, he spoke gently, without a trace of hesitation or doubt: "I wouldn't return from Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. If it were someone else... I would give up..."

He didn't specify what he would give up, simply gazing at me quietly before smiling as if relieved. "Cang Cang... you've always been the only one."

Tears had long since streaked down my cheeks. I lowered my head with a laugh, wiping them away haphazardly. "Honestly, why is it so hard to get you to admit it out loud once..."

He watched me quietly, those deep black pupils filled with gentle amusement, saying nothing.

The day we returned to the Forbidden Palace, the sky was overcast.

The children came out to greet us. Lian and Yan were fine, but the moment Xiao Xie saw us, her eyes reddened.

I was about to signal Xiao Huan to comfort her when, instead, she pouted and ran over to hug me, crying uncontrollably.

Surprised, I glanced up at Xiao Huan, who simply smiled at me.

This child, Xiao Xie—it was as if heaven had sent her specifically to deal with me. Who would have thought that upon our return, she'd be most worried about me?

Concerned about Xiao Huan's exhaustion, I urged him to rest first. After settling the children, having Lian take them to the study, and sitting with them for a while to read, more than two hours had passed by the time everything was in order.

When I stepped out of the study, a dense autumn rain had begun to fall.

The sound of rain pattered against the white marble steps beyond the railing, where lush flower beds lay below. Here, just like in front of the Hall of Mental Cultivation, orchids were planted, their occasional buds peeking out from slender stems like scattered stars.

Xiao Huan hadn't returned to his room but was sitting alone on a cushioned chair beneath the corridor. Seeing me, he looked up with a smile. "Cang Cang."

I walked over and bent to embrace him. His body was cool, his thin cyan robe slightly damp with a faint chill.

I kissed his thin lips lightly and gave him a reproachful look. "Why are you sitting out here dressed so lightly? Trying to make me worry on purpose?"

He smiled. "I only meant to sit for a moment, but then it started raining..."

I huffed lightly. "You just never let me rest easy, do you?"

He merely chuckled, his dark eyes watching me quietly.

Though he hadn't shown any discomfort today, the journey had clearly worn him out—his face remained pale, the weariness between his brows more pronounced than ever.

I knew it would be better to send him back to the warmer Azure Retreat Palace, but with the army's triumphant return, there were surely many matters to attend to, so we had to stay in the palace for now.

It was rare for him to set aside his usual enthusiasm for memorials and instead come out to watch the rain, so of course I wouldn't urge him back inside. I fetched a pure white fox fur cloak to drape over him, then squeezed onto the wide chair beside him.

Wrapping my arms around his waist, I tilted my head to place another light kiss at the corner of his lips, grinning playfully. "Well then, I suppose I'll just have to sit with you for a while."He chuckled softly, wrapping an arm around my shoulders and nodding. "Alright."

At that moment, the courtyard was serene and peaceful, with only the sound of rain. Smugly, I nestled my head against his chest, unwilling to move.

The result of such comfort was that, though I had intended to watch the rain with him, I ended up falling asleep in his embrace. When I opened my eyes again, a small, furry head had appeared on the armrest of the recliner.

Seeing me awake, the owner of that little head giggled, her bright black eyes crinkling as she pinched her nose teasingly. "Mom’s a sleepyhead, still napping at dinnertime!"

In just half a day, this little girl was already picking on me again. I sat up with a scowl. "Who’s a sleepyhead? Watch me spank you!"

The little girl wasn’t fazed by my threat at all, sticking out her tongue defiantly. "Deny it, deny it! All you know is scaring people when you’re caught!"

A few stifled giggles came from the doorway of the small hall behind us, where Lian and Yan—two figures of differing heights—were peeking at us from behind the door.

"Xiao Xie," Xiao Huan, who seemed to have also been asleep earlier, smiled gently from beside me. "Don’t always argue with your mother."

Xiao Xie stuck out her tongue playfully. "Got it, Dad."

After fooling around with the kids, I pulled Xiao Huan up by the hand, and the whole family went to have dinner together. As usual, the three children were restless the entire meal.

Lian and Yan huddled together, whispering and giggling, while Xiao Xie tried to climb onto Xiao Huan’s lap—only for me to swiftly pull her onto mine instead.

Then, before I knew who started it, the three little rascals began chattering away. Some reported their daily activities, others asked about homework troubles, some tattled on each other, and some boasted about their "impressive" feats… Of course, eight out of ten things were said to Xiao Huan, leaving me to just listen or interject when I couldn’t stand being left out.

I wasn’t sure if we ate more or talked more.

After dinner, we finally managed to shoo the little troublemakers off to the study to do their homework, thinking we could finally relax—when Hong Qing suddenly walked in, smiling. "Your Majesty, the Prince is here."

I could imagine how Xiao Qianqing would make his entrance, but I never expected him to appear like this—before I could even see him clearly, a flash of white flickered at the doorway, and he was suddenly right in front of Xiao Huan.

Half-kneeling, he took Xiao Huan’s hands in his, his light-colored eyes shimmering like water. "Brother Huan," he murmured, his slender, pale fingers tightening around Xiao Huan’s hands. His usually lazy voice carried a faint tremor. "You’ve worked so hard… Why couldn’t I go to war in your stead…?"

Xiao Huan smiled gently at him. "Qianqing… I’m alright. It’s nothing."

Xiao Qianqing gazed at him, his voice soft and laden with restrained sorrow. "Brother Huan…"

I stiffened, raising an eyebrow. "Xiao Qianqing, did you hit your head on a tree after leaving the house today?"

Glancing up at me, Xiao Qianqing released Xiao Huan’s hands, stood, and brushed off his white robes before flashing me a radiant smile. "Cang Cang, what are you talking about? I was just being affectionate with my brother." He turned back to Xiao Huan with another smile. "Isn’t that right, Brother Huan?" He emphasized the last three words deliberately.Xiao Huan also smiled faintly and nodded. "Qianqing is right." Then he turned to me with a smile. "Cang Cang, could you fetch some ointment for bruises? I hurt my hand."

Startled, I quickly took his hand to examine it and saw a patch of dark bruising along the edge of his palm. No doubt it was from Xiao Qianqing’s "heartfelt" grip when he affectionately called out "Brother Huan" earlier.

Using concern as a cover to exact underhanded tactics—just as expected, Xiao Qianqing would never suddenly start being nice to Xiao Huan.

I felt a vein throb in my forehead. "Xiao Qianqing, can’t you pick a better time for your jokes? Now’s not the moment to settle personal grudges!"

Xiao Qianqing blinked his beautiful, light-colored eyes. "Oh? Isn’t this the perfect time for settling grudges?" As he spoke, the hand that had been resting intimately on Xiao Huan’s shoulder subtly pressed down with more force.

Seeing this, I immediately jumped over and shoved his hand away. "Stay away from Brother Xiao for the next few days!"

Gazing regretfully at the bruise on Xiao Huan’s hand, Xiao Qianqing sighed wistfully. "I really want to pinch it a couple more times..."

I knew he still resented Xiao Huan for leaving him behind to personally lead the campaign beyond the pass, but I hadn’t expected him to resort to such childish revenge. I could only grit my teeth in frustration.

Just then, the children, hearing the commotion, peeked out from the study. Recognizing Xiao Qianqing, they cheered and ran over. "Uncle Qing!"

So, after bullying the elder, Xiao Qianqing immediately turned his attention to the younger ones, mischievously tugging at little Lian’s ear as the uncle and nephews tumbled into playful chaos.

The day had truly been a whirlwind of madness... Standing helplessly in the middle of the noisy, disorderly room with my hands on my hips, I turned and met Xiao Huan’s dark, smiling eyes.

Seeing his smile, my lips unconsciously curved upward in response. In that shared glance, all the clamor around us seemed to fade away.

The rain that had fallen all night had finally stopped. Outside the window, the cool autumn breeze scattered the late-blooming flowers in the courtyard, some of their delicate yellow petals drifting onto the desk. The children played and laughed nearby.

Later, after we moved to the Azure Retreat Palace, with Xiao Qianqing’s assistance, Xiao Huan’s workload lightened considerably, allowing him to finally rest and recuperate.

One day, on a whim, I asked Xiao Huan to paint a portrait of the two of us. It was just an offhand remark, but to my surprise, on a sunny afternoon, he actually picked up his brush and began.

I leaned against him, watching as he slowly sketched the green willows along the riverbanks of Jiangnan, and the smiling young girl and the youth in blue robes walking through the radiant landscape.

He painted with deliberate care, and I was in no hurry. After all, we had all the time in the world—enough for him to leisurely capture this picturesque scene, and enough for me to sit by his side, chatting and laughing beneath the gentle breeze and warm sun.