On the early morning of the eighth day of the ninth month in the year 775, a strong wind swept across the Nanqiu Plains. The endless stretches of withered grass swayed in the wind like a golden ocean, creating a vast and boundless scene. As far as the eye could see, only a single dead tree stood in the distance at the horizon. The Heqi Peak, the tallest peak in Nanqiu, revealed only a gray silhouette beneath the fog-shrouded morning sun, resembling a slumbering lion.
Li Ce wore a bright yellow cloak, followed by the royal entourage, displaying a rare air of imperial dignity. Seated on his horse, the hair at his temples was tousled by the wind, strands constantly brushing against his face, causing an itch. Impatiently, he swept them aside with his hand and pointed at the royal guards closely trailing him. "You there, go, ride over there and stand to block the wind for me."
Lu Yunxi frowned, his face bitter. "Your Highness, the Yanbei army is watching right ahead."
"So what?" Li Ce raised an eyebrow, his tone as lazy as ever. "What does the Yanbei army watching have to do with me telling you to stand over there?"
Tie You's injuries hadn't fully healed, his shoulder still bandaged, but that did nothing to dull his seemingly dull yet keen instincts. The chief of the imperial guards rolled his eyes impatiently and said gruffly, "Your Highness, the Crown Prince of Yan is right ahead. You should tread carefully."
Lu Yunxi added, "We came here secretly with just a handful of people. They could finish us off in one bite."
"How strange, what are you all talking about? I'm just telling you to stand aside so the southern winds don't damage my skin. What does that have to do with the Crown Prince of Yan?"
Sun Di let out an ill-timed snort. "The truth is, you just don't want us interrupting your romantic rendezvous."
"Ah? What? You actually think that? Do I look like someone who would disregard the bigger picture?"
Their gazes turned to him simultaneously, their eyes clearly stating: Very much so.
"Your Highness, Lady Chu is approaching," a guard suddenly called out.
Upon hearing this, Li Ce quickly turned and said, "Hurry, go! Anyone who doesn't leave will have half a year's salary deducted."
No sooner had he spoken than the area around him was cleared, not a soul in sight. Chu Qiao galloped over on her horse, reining in sharply with a "Whoa!" and asked curiously, "Where did they go? They left in such a rush."
"They ate something bad and are looking for a latrine."
Chu Qiao smiled and said, "Li Ce, thank you this time."
Li Ce raised an eyebrow, his fox-like narrow eyes glinting faintly. "Thank me for what?"
"For all your help during this time, for not taking advantage of others' misfortune, and for remaining neutral and not kicking Yanbei while it's down."Li Ce wagged a finger. "Regarding Meishan, I should be thanking you. Although we had preparations, without you, the soldiers might have mutinied. Once they embarked on rebellion and raised the battle flag, Zhong Peng would have taken military command. By then, even if I arrived, it would be difficult to control an army determined to fight with their backs to the river. This matter concerns Biantang's survival, so it has nothing to do with you. As for the war with Yanbei, you needn't worry either. Currently, going to war holds no benefits for Biantang. Even without you, I wouldn't foolishly act as Daxia's thug. Haha, besides, I've always been an advocate of peace. The battlefield is a bloody mess that would only dirty my robes."
Chu Qiao chuckled without arguing, saying, "Alright then, let's consider ourselves even. If we meet on the battlefield in the future, no need to hold back."
"That won't do." The man immediately changed expression, counting on his fingers: "You stayed at my place for so long, eating my food, living in my residence, wearing my clothes, enjoying my entertainment. Not only did you drive away two of my potential wives in succession, but you also caused discord between me and my consorts. The property losses here are incalculable - economic compensation fees, emotional distress fees, marital discord fees, family breakdown fees, etc. We need to calculate each item clearly. We're all adults, and I see you're quite straightforward in your actions, so I trust you won't welch on the debt. Later, I'll send someone to Yanbei with an itemized list. Since Yanbei isn't particularly wealthy, I'll penalize you like this: for five years, whenever you see my banner on the battlefield, immediately turn around and leave. That Yan Xun fellow is so fierce - I dare not face him. What if he bites me?"
With a "thump," Chu Qiao punched Li Ce's shoulder. The man cried out exaggeratedly: "Ah! Qiaoqiao, can't you express your feelings in another way?"
A warm smile tugged at Chu Qiao's lips. She knew that Li Ce's words meant Biantang wouldn't yield to Daxia's pressure to attack Yanbei within five years. And after five years, Yanbei would surely have established its firm power base. By then, even Daxia would find it difficult to launch a certain offensive against Yanbei.
Her nose tingled slightly, and her voice sounded somewhat muffled, but she still smiled and said: "Dream on. Why don't you make out a list, convert it to silver, and see how much I owe you."
"Ah," Li Ce sighed, lowering his head slightly but with the corners of his eyes tilted upward, gazing quietly at her with subtle light: "What I mentioned earlier is trivial. The main thing is you've made me unable to forget you, yet you cannot stay by my side where I can see you often. In the long years to come, through these tender times, this endless suffering of longing - can it be measured by money?"
A strong wind swept through, whipping up large patches of withered yellow grass debris with a whoosh. The man's robes fluttered, his eyes gentle as water, his expression carrying traces of loneliness and solitude. He gave a faint, wry smile, both helpless and bitter, shaking his head slightly as if mocking himself. The curve of his lips held a pool of quiet solitude, like snow atop a mountain - cold and lonely.
Chu Qiao was instantly stunned, her gaze frozen like molten steel meeting cold air. She wanted to say something but didn't know where to begin.
"Haha!"Li Ce suddenly pointed at Chu Qiao while clutching his stomach, laughing so hard he nearly fell off his horse: "Look at your expression, Qiaoqiao! Did you really think I'd lost my mind like that fool Zhuge Yue?"
Enraged at being teased, Chu Qiao immediately swung her fist to hit him. Li Ce nimbly dodged and said smugly, "If I let you hit me every time, wouldn't that make me look utterly pathetic as the Crown Prince?"
"Bastard!"
Li Ce laughed, "You shouldn't be so full of yourself. Yan Xun was just unlucky—he grew up with you and probably thinks there are no other women in the world besides you. As for Zhuge Yue, he's even dumber. I suspect he's spent his whole life surrounded by stunning, submissive women, so when a dried-up weed like you popped up, he mistook you for some rare treasure. Did you really think I'd be like those two? Haha!"
Chu Qiao snapped, "You're still going on?"
"Alright, alright, I'll stop. Qiaoqiao, I need to ask you something important, and you must answer honestly." Li Ce's expression shifted as quickly as flipping a page, turning serious instantly.
Seeing him so solemn, Chu Qiao also adopted a grave tone: "Ask away. I'll tell you whatever I can."
"You said it."
"I did. Go ahead and ask."
"Well... I want to ask..." Li Ce glanced around mysteriously, then frowned and said, "I want to ask..."
"What exactly do you want to ask?" Seeing him lean in, Chu Qiao wondered inwardly—Li Ce had never acted like this before. What could it be? Was he going to ask about Yanbei's military plans? Or the strategy for the next battle?
"I want to ask..." Li Ce's lips twitched slightly before he suddenly blurted out loudly: "I want to ask if Yan Xun is still a virgin!"
"Li Ce! You're asking for death!"
"Hey! If you don't want to answer, just say so. No need to get mad!"
"I think you're deliberately asking for a beating today!"
"Ah! Qiaoqiao, calm down! I meant no harm! Ah! Sun Di! Tie You, protect me! Protect your lord!"
Pig-slaughter-like screams immediately erupted, the most noble voice of Great Tang carrying far across the wilderness. Unfortunately, none of his attendants came to his aid. Led by Sun Di, a group of the empire's most elite guards crouched downwind behind a slope, enthusiastically engaged in activities not permitted by law.
"Come on, place your bets! I bet His Highness won't fight back—I'll wager ten taels."
A young man in his twenties retorted dismissively, "His Highness wouldn't be that pathetic, would he? Getting beaten by a woman—how humiliating. I bet he'll lose his temper. I'll match your ten taels."
The others immediately looked at him with pity. Lu Yunxi asked, "Are you new here? Not originally from the capital?"
"Yes," the young soldier replied, his face radiating righteous brilliance, clearly a loyal warrior of the empire. His youthful eyes sparkled with vitality as he said, "I was the squad leader of the Seventh Column, Fifth Brigade, Thirtieth Army of the Northern Shu Army. I was promoted by His Highness because I didn't join the rebels and reported the intelligence in time. I hope you'll all look out for me in the future, esteemed sirs."
"No problem. Since we wear the same uniform, we're brothers from now on," Tie You said heartily. "To support you, I'll bet that His Highness won't fight back. That way, if you win, you'll earn more."
"Yeah, living expenses in the capital are high, brother. We support you too."The imperial guards all placed their silver bets on Sun Di's side, declaring righteously, "We're practically giving you money, kid! Work hard and contribute to our united team!"
The north wind howled, casting golden light across the wilderness. The morning breeze was chilly, lifting their cloaks and bringing a biting cold.
"Alright, I won't see you off any further. Have a safe journey."
Chu Qiao nodded and said, "You be careful too. I've been feeling that these recent incidents aren't as simple as they seem. The Biantang court is unstable, and there are those hiding deeper in the shadows. Also, your veteran ministers might not be as incompetent as they appear on the surface. You need to stay vigilant."
"Don't worry. Whoever dares to mess with me, I'll confiscate their property and take their wives."
Chu Qiao laughed. "Not a single serious word from you."
Li Ce grinned, his bruised lips curling, his eyes narrowing into slits. "Life already has too many troubles. If we go around with stern faces all day, wouldn't that be too dull? Qiaoqiao, I should advise you too—some things aren't worth clinging to so stubbornly. Take things as they come, turn a blind eye when needed, and learn to adapt and comfort yourself. You exhaust yourself because you always insist on carrying the world's burdens on your shoulders. Always remember, you're a woman. Besides your beliefs and convictions, there are many other important things in life."
Li Ce rarely spoke like this. Unconsciously, Chu Qiao followed his train of thought and asked, "What important things?"
Li Ce counted on his fingers. "Like going shopping, buying clothes, fiddling with cosmetics, listening to music, putting on makeup... On long nights, find some healthy entertainment to enrich your life. Maybe even create new life to make life more meaningful—Hey! What are you doing? I'm being completely serious here!"
"A dog's mouth can't spit out ivory!" Chu Qiao spat.
Li Ce laughed. "And whose fault is that? We've said goodbye over ten times already, and you're still here listening to my nonsense. What? Can't bear to leave me?"
"Go to hell! I just... I just want to stand here a little longer and take in the scenery of Biantang. Is that not allowed?"
"Allowed, of course it's allowed. Take your time and enjoy the view." Li Ce smiled slyly, like a fox, provocatively watching Chu Qiao before falling silent.
Chu Qiao bit her lower lip, her frown deepening.
"The air in Biantang is so fresh."
"Is it? I heard Yanbei is covered in snow year-round, with even purer air."
"Have you decided to marry the Daxia princess?"
"Whatever. The two countries still need to discuss it. I've handed it over to my subordinates. Given the repeated incidents before, we've decided to invite renowned geomancers from both nations to thoroughly examine the feng shui and calculate our national fortunes. They'll start by analyzing the ancestral graves of the princess's maternal lineage eight generations back and go all the way to our birth dates and astrological signs. Then we'll take a collective vote. I estimate it'll take three to five years to finalize. By the time they're done, the princess will be past marriageable age."
"You're too cruel, delaying her marriage like that."
"How can you say that? I'm doing it for the prosperity of both nations."
"Where did Zhao Chun'er go?"
"I don't know. Daxia took her back, but she didn't return to Zhenhuang. Probably exiled somewhere."
"Have your previous injuries healed? No serious issues, right?""It's nothing serious. If you hadn't beaten me up earlier, I might have recovered even faster."
"Your hairstyle looks quite nice today."
"Really? It's been blown messy by the wind, hardly any style left."
"Your clothes look good too. What fabric is that?"
"Palace mourning gauze. You've worn it before."
"Your belt is quite nice as well. Is that jade from Heluo?"
"No, you're mistaken. It's just a stone I picked up by the river. I lost a bet to Tie You and had no money to pay him back, so he pried the jade off my belt."
"The scent on you is quite pleasant too. Is it some secret recipe perfume?"
"No, actually I was heavily drunk before coming here. Sun Di got drunk and vomited on me. I didn't have time to change clothes before coming."
"You'll be returning to Tang Capital soon, right?"
"I'm not planning to go to Yanbei with you."
"How is he doing?"
"Very well. He's already returned."
The wind on the wilderness suddenly grew stronger. Chu Qiao's expression turned somewhat cold as she sat quietly on her horse, remaining silent for a long time.
Li Ce looked at her, maintaining a gentle smile throughout, as if they had merely been discussing the weather, clothing, and other trivial matters.
"Li Ce, do you think I'm despicable?"
Li Ce smiled faintly: "I have three thousand beauties in my harem and countless women in my past. Wouldn't that make me even more despicable?"
Chu Qiao shook her head: "That's different."
"Qiaoqiao, don't overthink it." Li Ce suddenly reached out and gently patted her shoulder: "And don't blame yourself. He's a very intelligent man, he'll be fine."
"I hope so." Chu Qiao smiled bitterly: "When did he leave?"
"That same night. Right after you and Yan Xun left the imperial mausoleum, he took his men back to Daxia without even saying a word to me."
"Are you two close?"
"Not particularly. We knew each other before, but only became properly acquainted recently."
Chu Qiao lowered her head and fell silent. Li Ce asked with a smile: "Qiaoqiao, have you developed feelings for him?"
Chu Qiao raised her head, her smile faint as she said: "If I said no, would you believe me?"
"I would believe you." Li Ce nodded with a smile.
Chu Qiao's voice suddenly dropped, speaking gravely: "I owe him a great deal, perhaps more than I can repay in a lifetime. I fear he might face family reprimands because of this matter. I dislike owing favors."
"If you truly don't want to owe favors, then don't meet again in the future. Even if you know the other person is in trouble, don't get involved. Believe that without your help and concern, he can safely overcome everything. Some debts can never be repaid - they only become more complicated the more you deal with them."
Chu Qiao was slightly taken aback. She looked up and saw Li Ce's thin smile, like faint mist. She nodded and said: "You're right."
"Qiaoqiao, the situation in Yanbei is unpredictable and complex. I'm far away in Biantang and can't help directly. You must take good care of yourself."
Chu Qiao smiled: "Thank you. Don't worry, besides, I'm not alone - Yan Xun is with me."
Li Ce was momentarily stunned, then laughed freely: "How foolish of me. You're about to get married, yet here I am trying to court favor."
He shook his head, then said seriously: "Well, when you get married, be sure to notify me. I'll send you a grand gift.""Haha, of course! With all your wealth, you absolutely must give me a huge red envelope—don’t even think about running away!"
"Hey, hey! Don’t be so greedy. I’m a poor man—the monthly allowance my father gives me isn’t even enough for one night of drinking at the Drunken Phoenix Pavilion."
The young woman scoffed, "Yeah, keep bragging."
A strong wind blew as the sun slowly rose from below the horizon, the mist over the grasslands gradually dispersing. Li Ce pointed toward the Yanbei army and said, "Hurry up and go. If the Young Master Yan gets impatient, he might come after me with a sword."
Chu Qiao pursed her lips. The morning sunlight cast a soft golden glow on her face. She smiled quietly and said with genuine sincerity, "Li Ce, thank you. I’m leaving now."
Just as Chu Qiao was about to turn her horse around, a hand suddenly reached out in front of her. The man’s expression seemed a bit unusual, carrying an emotion different from his usual demeanor. Chu Qiao raised an eyebrow slightly, "Is there something else?"
"Oh, nothing," Li Ce shook his head distractedly and smiled faintly. "If one day the Young Master Yan suddenly comes to his senses and decides he’s no longer interested in you because he wants a harem, you can always come to me for a meal."
Chu Qiao laughed and replied, "That day will never come."
She gestured at her neck and said, "If he dares to do that, I’ll take care of those women first, then take care of him, and finally seize his inheritance and rule in his place!"
Li Ce gasped in mock horror, patting his chest as if frightened. "What a ruthless woman!"
"I’m off now!"
"Go, go! If you don’t leave soon, it’ll be dark."
Chu Qiao smiled, gathered the reins, and urged her horse forward with a sharp "Hyah!" The horse snorted and immediately shot forward.
"Qiaoqiao! Always keep your wits about you—don’t trust others too easily!"
The young woman waved her arm and shouted back, "Stop nagging!"
"Stubborn girl, eat more meat! Your figure is so lacking, it’s almost off-putting!"
On the Nanqiu Plains, the wind suddenly picked up. Birds flapped their wings noisily as they soared across the sky. The sun had finally fully emerged from the horizon, and the woman’s figure gradually receded into the distance, heading toward the dark mass in the distance.
The Yanbei army stood in silent formation. A man clad in black robes sat tall and straight on his horse. Even from such a distance, one could sense his cold, sharp aura—like a sword honed to perfection.
"Lifeless poker face, but you’ve got quite the luck," a certain petty-minded man muttered under his breath. He then turned away resentfully, taking a deep breath. The strong wind tousled the strands of hair on his forehead, and his robes billowed like a winding kite.
I hope you’ve chosen the right path for yourself.
Li Ce let out a loud shout, cracked his whip against the horse’s flank, and without looking back, raced off ahead in a cloud of dust.
Sun Di and the others were startled. They hurriedly gathered the silver scattered on the ground, mounted their horses, and chased after him.
"Your Highness! Wait for us!"
"Why is His Highness riding off alone? And why so fast?"
Lu Yunxi scolded, "How foolish! Didn’t you hear what His Highness shouted at the end? If we don’t run now, are we just waiting to be torn to shreds by the Yanbei army?"
"Ah! You’re right! Everyone, hurry!"
"Push harder!"Chu Qiao galloped back to Yan Xun's side and reined in her horse. The man was dressed in a black robe, his sword-like eyebrows slightly furrowed, his expression grim. He glanced sideways in the direction where Li Ce had departed, but could only see a cloud of yellow dust. In a low voice, he slowly asked, "What was the last thing he shouted just now?"
Chu Qiao was instantly flustered, her face flushing red as she feigned ignorance. "Ah? I don't remember, I didn't hear it clearly."
Trying to muddle through?
"Why did you talk for so long? Are you very familiar with him?"
Having spent a lot of time with a certain someone, her tongue had grown sharper: "Not too familiar. We were just discussing the bright prospects of cooperation between our two nations and envisioning a promising future blueprint."
Unfortunately, the Heir of Yanbei was not so easily fooled. The man snorted coldly, turned his horse around, and waved his hand to the troops, signaling them to set off immediately. Then he said, "Tell me everything that happened during your time away, no matter how trivial. Don't hide anything."
"Ah?" Chu Qiao immediately grew uneasy. Urging her horse to catch up with Yan Xun, she said, "But it's a long story."
"It's alright," Yan Xun turned his head with a gentle smile, though it no longer carried the amiable tone from his days in Zhenhuang City, instead hinting at an elusive cunning. "Yanbei is thousands of miles away from here. We'll be traveling together, so there's plenty of time."
"Yan Xun," Chu Qiao's face instantly fell. "Why do I feel you're a bit different this time I see you?"
"Is that so?" His response was as light and evasive as a Tai Chi push. "That's because I've realized someone is trying to steal something from me, and it seems this thing is quite coveted. If I don't keep a close watch, I might lose everything."
"Ah? Really? Who dares to be so bold as to take something from you? That's outrageous!" Chu Qiao feigned ignorance, bristling with righteous indignation.
"Haha, so you think so too." Yan Xun chuckled, then straightened his expression and nodded. "Yes, it's truly outrageous. I've guarded an iron tree for over a decade, and it finally blooms—how could I let someone else pluck it? Even if the flower isn't particularly impressive, and its posture isn't as graceful as others, it's still been with me all this time. Even a chamber pot becomes dear after long use, and I'm a sentimental person. Their actions are simply bullying me too far!"
Chu Qiao flushed crimson and shouted, "Hey! Yan Xun, you've gone too far, comparing me to a chamber pot!"
"Haha!" Yan Xun stretched out his long arm, swept Chu Qiao off her horse with a deft motion, and settled her in front of him. He wrapped his arms around her waist and murmured softly, "Whoever dares to snatch you away, I'll fight them to the death."
His voice was faint, his breath gently brushing against Chu Qiao's fair neck, raising fine goosebumps on her skin.
"Don't worry, no one will take me. This flower of yours always knows where she ought to bloom."
The wind howled, whipping the golden banner above them into a furious flutter. Nestled in Yan Xun's embrace, all Chu Qiao's worries and fears vanished in an instant. Li Ce was right—a person only has one pair of legs. Once you've decided to head west, the scenery on the northern path, whether it's raining or windy, no longer concerns you.
She was happy. This time, she had seen a different Yan Xun—not the disheartened Crown Prince from Zhenhuang City, not the man trapped in a cage seething with hatred, not the madman who killed with bloodshot eyes the day they broke out of Zhenhuang. He was warm, even lighthearted, as if the eloquent, spirited youth from the shores of Chishui Lake years ago had come back to life.
Having left the lifeless prison of Zhenhuang, neither of them was the same as before.
The sunlight was blinding, casting a golden glow. Two majestic eagles circled above the procession—their War Eagles, with massive wingspans, soaring and crying out.
"Hyah!"
Yan Xun suddenly cracked his whip against the horse's flank. The steed reared up, and the army behind them surged forward with a roar, churning up clouds of yellow dust in their wake.
"A Chu!"
The wind was so fierce that even at close range, they had to shout to be heard.
Chu Qiao strained to turn her head and yelled, "What did you say?"
"I'm taking you home!"
The man raised his whip-hand, pointing toward the northwestern horizon, his gaze sharp as he declared, "Back to our own kingdom!"
————分割线————Dong'er has created a reader circle called "Four Seas City." Sisters, after finishing the story, please drop by and give Dong'er some extra popularity. The link address is below the description. (^__^).
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