Perhaps the onset of any storm begins with an unusually tranquil calm.
On the seventh day of the first lunar month, just after the New Year celebrations had faded, the entire Zhenhuang City was still immersed in a joyous atmosphere of laughter and cheer. A heavy snowfall had draped the city in a silvery-white blanket, and across the frozen landscape, a team of riders swiftly galloped through the city gates. The heavily guarded city defenders saluted the procession from afar, watching until the horses disappeared at the end of the long street.
Zhuge Yue entered the residence through the back gate, turning away all who came to seek information. The servants of Green Mountain Courtyard had made preparations many days in advance. Without a change in expression, Zhuge Yue strode into the courtyard, pulling off his heavy fur cloak and tossing it into Huan'er's hands. In a low voice, he asked, "Where is he?"
"Inside. He has been waiting for you for quite some time, young master."
The door swung open, releasing the fragrance of high-quality sandalwood incense. A man dressed in dark robes stood tall, his appearance handsome and his features resolute. His eyes were sharp as blades, his aura restrained yet dignified.
Their gazes met, and both paused for a moment. A faint smile suddenly appeared on Zhuge Yue's usually frosty and indifferent lips. He stepped forward, and the two men patted each other's shoulders firmly before sharing a manly embrace.
"Was the journey smooth?" Zhuge Yue asked as he unbuckled the sword from his waist, sat down in a chair, and took a sip from the man's teacup.
Zhao Che smiled. Years of experience on the frontier and the ups and downs of life had bestowed upon him a carefree elegance. His demeanor was steady, his eyes profound—no longer the arrogant and domineering imperial prince he once was.
"Not bad, though I'm not quite used to the perfumed air of Zhenhuang. Just now, passing by the Picking Flowers Lane, I sneezed several times in a row."
Zhuge Yue laughed lightly. "You're lucky it's me hearing this. Anyone else would probably want to give you a good beating."
Zhao Che snatched his teacup back, eyeing him sideways. "To still be so calm and joking at a time like this—it seems you really don't take Yanbei's latest move seriously."
Zhuge Yue, who was drinking tea, raised an eyebrow slightly. "You also think they're behind this?"
"Obviously."
Zhao Che sneered. "During the first northern expedition, Huai Song secretly supplied Yanbei with provisions and military supplies, using Biantang's southern waterways and detouring through the northwest. In the second northern expedition, Huai Song repeatedly coordinated with Yanbei to conduct military exercises in our eastern regions, diverting our attention. Yanbei and Huai Song must have some hidden connection. I just don't understand who could possibly persuade Princess Nalan to cooperate with Yanbei in this double act."
"No need to know who it is. As long as we understand their true intentions, that's enough to deal with it."
Zhuge Yue spoke indifferently, as if he didn't want to waste time on the topic. He turned and asked, "How are things in the northeast? Are your preparations going well?"Speaking of the situation in the northeast, Zhao Che's face involuntarily showed a hint of pride. He declared solemnly, "You needn't worry. The northeast under my jurisdiction is now an ironclad territory. The Rou Lan trade route has been opened, and the western regions of Hu and E boast vast fertile lands, countless fertile fields, simple and honest people, and a robust folk culture. We've been secretly developing for two years, and now large tracts of the Eastern Hu lands are under my command. With your commercial support, it has begun to flourish. I believe in another three to five years, the Eastern Hu region will rival our Daxia homeland."
"You've been secretly relocating civilians—has the court noticed?"
"Thanks to Wei Shu Ye, he's been maneuvering for me in the court. Besides, the Eastern Hu is too remote, with the White Granary Mountains as a barrier. The population there has always been a mix of various ethnic groups, so it hasn't drawn much attention from above."
Zhuge Yue nodded and said gravely, "That's good."
Zhao Che let out a long sigh, patted his shoulder, his eyes carrying a weathered depth. He smiled faintly and said, "You've done your utmost for the Eastern Hu. If you have time, you should go see it. You and A Rou haven't met in a long time."
Hearing this, a slight smile touched Zhuge Yue's lips as he teased, "That depends on your skills. If she still wants to fight or kill me, seeking revenge, then I won't go stir up trouble."
Zhao Che laughed heartily and said, "You've committed many evils—you deserve this retribution."
The charcoal fire crackled, filling the room with warmth. Time flowed like water, and two years had swiftly passed. The two men, who had once been destitute and scorned by the world, reunited here, evoking a sense of life's dreamlike transience.
Back when Zhao Yang's northern expedition failed and Zhao Qi died tragically, Zhuge Yue and Zhao Che were thrust onto the battlefield amid the empire's military decline. Leading the remnants of a defeated army, they rushed to Wild Goose Cry Pass for a second northern counterattack.
Over a year, they transformed from political enemies who despised each other and engaged in constant scheming into close comrades who shared deep trust and loyalty. Battle after bloody battle forged an ironclad friendship between the men and ultimately created the strongest alliance of interests on the Ximeng Continent. Having weathered the ups and downs of official careers, the two easily reached a consensus—progressing from initial probing, speculation, and wariness to surprise, admiration, and trust, traversing countless storms and sharing life-and-death experiences.
It wasn't until Zhuge Yue was defeated at Yue Gong and his fate unknown, while Zhao Che was stripped of military authority and escorted back to Zhenhuang, that their connection was temporarily severed.
After returning to Zhenhuang, Zhao Che did not immediately cut ties with Zhuge Yue. Instead, he directed his forces to conduct a thorough search and rescue operation in Yanbei and vigorously defended his reputation in the court. However, this ultimately enraged the entire court. Under unanimous condemnation from all officials, Zhao Che was also implicated and exiled to the harsh, impoverished northeast to guard the frontier.The fleeting warmth and coldness of human relationships once again allowed Zhao Che to see clearly the filthy faces hidden beneath the decaying dynasty of Daxia. Parents and siblings—none could not betray and kill him. Disheartened, he set out on his journey, only to encounter Zhuge Yue, who had traveled thousands of miles to catch up with him just as he was about to reach his destination.
Two noble sons who had lost everything, amidst the icy, snow-covered land howling with northern winds, made a grand vow to save their nation through indirect means.
From then on, one in the north and the other in the west, they actively worked in unnoticed corners, supporting each other and striving for the fervent bloodline loyalty to their homeland. However, Zhao Che knew that the reason Zhuge Yue continued to support Daxia, repeatedly helping it overcome crises in the battles between Yanbei and Daxia, was primarily due to the kindness he had received from him.
He was a man cold on the outside but warm within; even the slightest favor from others would be etched in his heart.
"How is the Emperor's illness?"
Zhao Che's brow twitched slightly as he replied indifferently, "It's beyond cure. I doubt he can hold on much longer."
Zhuge Yue frowned slightly and said gravely, "We still need some time."
Zhao Che nodded, then chuckled lightly, "But it's hard to say. Many years ago, imperial physicians claimed he was beyond cure and had little time left, yet all these years, he has outlived everyone. The sovereign of ten thousand prosperities won't die so easily."
Zhuge Yue turned to him, frowning, "After all, he is your father."
"Forget it. Between him and me, there is only the bond of father and son, and the sentiment of ruler and subject. Back then, if it weren't for Wei Shu Ye pleading for mercy, I might not even have had the chance to be exiled—I would have been executed directly on the Nine Nether Platform. Everyone knows the truth; putting on a hypocritical show of concern is truly nauseating."
Two years of frontier winds and sands had imbued Zhao Che with the straightforwardness of a soldier. He looked calmly at Zhuge Yue and asked, "What about you? How do you plan to handle this matter?"
Zhuge Yue lifted his eyes to him, "What do you think?"
"If you ask me, you might as well agree directly to that Huai Song princess and see how they react. They’re certain you’ll refuse the marriage, so why not defy their expectations?"
Zhuge Yue frowned slightly. This was indeed the best way to respond to changing circumstances with constancy. However, the corners of his lips curled into a faint smile, his expression indifferent, and he did not respond.
"The saying 'long affection shortens a hero's spirit' probably refers to someone like you. Even now, you still refuse to give up?"
Zhuge Yue avoided the question and said, "It's not the only way. Since they want to play, I’ll play along with them properly. It will attract attention and create an opportunity for you."
Zhao Che said gravely, "They are coming with overwhelming force this time. Is there any opening for you to exploit?"
"Is there no opening?" Zhuge Yue's lips curled into a cold smile. "Then we’ll create one."
Zhao Che nodded, stood up with a rustle, his hand gripping the hilt of his sword. Dressed in a black robe that exuded immense pressure and authority, he spoke slowly in a low tone, "Scheming and conspiracies are meaningless. In the end, it all comes down to the sharpness of the sword. Old Fourth, we are not who we used to be. If things become impossible, there’s no need to endure. Show your strength, and no one will dare to force you."Zhuge Yue smiled and said, "You make it sound as though I'm some helpless maiden being forced into this. I appreciate your concern, but you should be careful about your movements after barging into the city like this without regard for the consequences."
Zhao Che replied, "No matter what, I had to see you."
Someone knocked cautiously at the door. Yue Qi's deep voice came from outside: "Young Master, the Lord knows you've returned. The palace has also sent someone to summon you for an audience."
Zhao Che picked up his heavy fur cloak and put it on. With the black hood drawn up, his face was completely concealed. In a low voice, he said, "I should go. Take care of yourself."
"You too. Use the secret passage. Stay safe in all matters."
They nodded to each other. Zhao Che pulled the door open and, accompanied by Huan'er and a few others, stepped out into the swirling snowstorm.
"Young Master."
Yue Qi entered the room to find Zhuge Yue standing there, tall and composed, his expression unreadable. For a moment, it was impossible to tell what he was thinking.
Having friends truly was a good thing.
Zhuge Yue was by nature solitary, and even among his own family, he shared little affection with his brothers.
Given how heavily guarded Zhenhuang was now, the fact that Zhao Che would risk coming to see him under such circumstances couldn't help but move him.
"Young Master? It's getting late."
Yue Qi reminded him.
Zhuge Yue let out a clear laugh and said firmly, "Prepare the carriage."
Yue Qi was taken aback. "Where are you going, Young Master?"
"To court."
"To court?" Yue Qi stared blankly. "Shouldn't you bathe and change before an audience with the Emperor? Besides, as a Minister of War, a military official isn't supposed to ride in a carriage—you should be on horseback."
Zhuge Yue lowered his head slightly, a cold gleam slowly emerging from his long, narrow eyes. He replied with a faint, disdainful smile, "I am not just Daxia's Minister of War. I am also the Prince of Qinghai, commanding five hundred thousand troops. I think they may have nearly forgotten that."
The sun pierced through the layers of clouds. Zhuge Yue strode out of the room, and Fang Chu followed behind, draping a black-gold fur cloak over his shoulders. All eighteen gates of the Zhuge mansion swung open simultaneously, bathing the scene in light. Zhuge Yue, with his jade-like complexion, crimson lips, and ramrod-straight posture, walked out of the main gate. A crowd of officials gathered at the entrance surged forward as soon as they saw him, but the Moon Guards held them back, keeping them at least ten feet away from Zhuge Yue.
Without so much as a glance to either side, Zhuge Yue stepped onto the mounting stone and boarded the opulent carriage drawn by eight horses. Calmly, he said, "Let's go."
"Where to, Young Master?"
The coachman turned and asked.
Fang Chu, his expression as still as water, replied evenly on his behalf, "The Holy Gold Palace."
A cold wind blew into the carriage. Zhuge Yue, his face composed, leaned back slowly against the soft cushions.
He had never lacked the ability to muddy the waters. Since that was the case, he might as well make the situation even more perplexing. No one would be allowed to remain unscathed, and no one would be permitted to stand by and watch from the sidelines.
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