The tent flap was lifted, and along with the dazzling sunlight came the aroma of roasted cured meat. Jingjing frowned, turned over, and drowsily opened her eyes, clearly not fully awake yet. The morning breeze carried a refreshing sweetness, instantly dispelling the thick medicinal smell inside the tent.
Chu Qiao did not look up, resting her forehead on one hand while tapping a black agate chess piece between her index and middle fingers against the white jade chessboard. The sound was crisp, frequent, and monotonous, carrying a faint sense of irritation. Yet she seemed oblivious, her gaze fixed on the crisscrossing grid of the board, scattered with pieces, hesitating as if unable to decide where to place her next move.
"Young Miss, everyone is ready."
Duoji stood at the entrance, speaking in a low voice.
Chu Qiao's brows furrowed slightly into a crease. Duoji's voice lingered quietly in the air, but she remained unresponsive for a long time. Just as Duoji thought she hadn't heard and was about to repeat himself, she suddenly swept the chess pieces into disarray, turned her head, and said solemnly, "Tell everyone that starting today, we will travel day and night. Be prepared."
Chu Qiao and her companions had left Academy City the day before and were now on their way to Tang Capital.
Half a month ago, Shen Jun, the only son of the great Biantang scholar Shen Mobai, had suddenly paid a visit, explicitly asking to see Chu Hui.
Chu Hui was Duoji's Eastern Land name, chosen by himself, adopting Chu Qiao's surname and the "Hui" from Huihui Mountain.
Shen Jun's visit to Duoji was not particularly unusual, as Duoji had gained a reputation for erudition over the past year in Academy City. However, what followed made Chu Qiao wary.
According to Duoji, when Shen Jun saw the Way of Worldly Salvation he was currently transcribing, he took it very seriously and even wrote to his father overnight. Shen Mobai, who was stationed far away in Meishan, returned to Academy City on the third day and detained Duoji at his residence for three consecutive days, subtly hinting at an intention to recruit him.
At first, this seemed harmless—an elder fond of a talented junior wishing to mentor him was not unheard of. But half a month later, when Shen Mobai introduced another person to Duoji, Chu Qiao finally recognized the looming crisis.
The person was young, dignified, and mysterious in identity. Even a scholar like Shen Mobai treated him with respect. Combined with Duoji's description of his appearance and demeanor, Chu Qiao couldn't help but vaguely recall someone she had met only once. Recalling recent rumors she had heard, she felt an increasing tension, as if a storm was brewing. Three days later, she decided to head north, determined to see Li Ce to ease her worries.
The group reached Xiuling on the second day. Along the way, they passed high streams and lush vegetation, with endless green pines. Had their minds been at ease, it would have been a perfect journey for rest and sightseeing.
However, on the evening of the third day, a heavy rainstorm halted Chu Qiao and her companions' progress.
The mountain paths were treacherous, muddy, and sunken. By the afternoon of the fourth day, they finally reached the Qingheng River, only to find that the heavy rain had washed away the only bridge. A team that also seemed to be crossing the river was hastily repairing it, but with only thirty or so people, progress was inevitably slow.
Now, only two options lay before them: either turn back and detour through Huai Song, which would delay them by at least ten days, or wait for the bridge to be repaired before crossing.Chu Qiao gave each of the hired coachmen and guards an extra ten silver coins, and these simple, honest men immediately joined the bridge construction team ahead with great joy.
A short while later, Duoji approached the carriage and said, "Miss, the other party has sent someone to thank us."
Seeing that the other party had no intention of speaking in person, Chu Qiao was content to remain idle and nodded faintly, saying, "Go and reply that since we are traveling the same path and both need to cross the river, there is no need for thanks."
The sky quickly darkened, with thunder rumbling in the distance. The weather was unusually stifling. Chu Qiao slightly lifted the carriage window curtain and saw dark clouds gathering in the west. It seemed another heavy rain would arrive soon.
Mei Xiang, along with a few servants, had finished cooking the meat porridge. Chu Qiao noticed that the team on the other side of the ferry was unusually quiet. All their servants were busy repairing the bridge, leaving only a simple blue-cloth carriage parked quietly beneath an ancient pine tree. Under the evening's red glow, the carriage seemed tinged with a rosy hue. As a gentle breeze passed, the curtain lifted slightly, revealing a corner of an exquisite, snow-white, gold-embroidered long boot—calm and aloof, unmistakably the mark of someone of great nobility.
Mei Xiang called their own guards and urged everyone to eat the porridge. Seeing this, Chu Qiao instructed her to take the extra porridge to the people on the other side. Unexpectedly, when Mei Xiang returned, she was carrying a large bundle wrapped in oil paper. Upon opening it, it was filled with high-quality pastries and cakes, along with two large pieces of dried beef.
"They truly are people who repay kindness with gratitude."
Mei Xiang cheerfully picked up a pastry, brought it to her nose, and said, "It smells like the thousand-layer pastry from Yufu Ji at Baishui Pass. Miss, take a whiff—does it resemble the goods we import from Baishui?"
Chu Qiao frowned as she took it, examined it for a moment, and said calmly, "It's not the same. What we buy is mid-grade pastry, not as crisp as this. Pastries like these can't withstand long-distance transportation and aren't suitable for business. They must have bought them for their journey."
Mei Xiang was slightly taken aback. Although they had lived comfortably in recent years, she came from a humble background. She murmured, "To give away such expensive pastries—they must be incredibly wealthy."
Jingjing had been feeling unwell for the past few days, often lethargic and asleep. At this moment, she caught the scent, opened her eyes, and without clearly seeing what it was, called out to Mei Xiang, "Sister Mei, I want some."
"One must always be cautious of others. These people are of unknown origins, so it's best to be careful. Mei Xiang, find a place to discard these things. No one should eat them."
Mei Xiang was momentarily stunned but quickly nodded and said, "You're right, Miss."
The thunder had rumbled for a long while, and the wind had howled fiercely, but by nightfall, it had all subsided. By the time the sky was completely dark, the wooden bridge was finally completed.
The other group seemed eager to continue their journey. One of them came over, exchanged a few words with Duoji, and then left first.
Chu Qiao also had no desire to delay any longer. After the other group crossed the river, she led her own people to follow.
However, when they reached the ferry, she noticed the porcelain bowl that Mei Xiang had used to deliver the meat porridge was placed among a patch of reeds. The porridge inside was untouched, not a single mouthful taken. A few wild mice were crouched beside the bowl, feasting heartily.
Chu Qiao lowered the carriage window curtain, leaned back quietly against the soft cushion, and slowly furrowed her brow.At midnight, they finally emerged from the mountains onto a flat grassland. The guide said this was Youyouyuan, and beyond it lay Xizhao Mountain. Crossing this mountain would bring them to Qiufeng City, the largest city in the southwest. From Qiufeng City, one could travel east to Tang Capital or north to Baishui Pass. Beyond Baishui Pass lay the lands of Daxia.
Having trekked through mountain streams and wilderness for days, everyone felt their spirits lift at the sight of the plains.
The plains were always like this—a tree visible in the distance might seem close, but reaching it could take a full day on horseback.
After two full days crossing Youyouyuan, they finally reached the so-called Xizhao Mountain.
The mountain lived up to its beautiful name with equally stunning scenery. Several continuous peaks stood facing each other, adorned with verdant pines and cypresses interspersed with blooming flowers. A white waterfall cascaded from the mountaintop like a silken ribbon, its mist rising like a celestial realm.
Proximity to Qiufeng City meant the mountain paths were exceptionally wide, easily accommodating two carriages side by side without crowding.
As the sun set in the west, its crimson glow bathed the pine forests in a rosy hue. Amid lush flowers, birds sang, and fragrant blossoms bloomed—a breathtaking view truly worthy of the name "Xizhao" (Sunset Glow).
That evening, Chu Qiao ordered the group to set up camp in a valley. The servants cheered collectively, their exhaustion evident after days of nonstop travel.
But before they could sleep, the howls of wild wolves echoed intermittently—piercing and chilling.
Jingjing, pale with fear, huddled in her tent, burying herself in Mei Xiang's embrace with eyes tightly shut, yet sleep eluded her.
Chu Qiao felt uneasy too. She had long heard of the fierce wolves in the southwest. Their party was small, mostly hired guards and drivers, with women and children among them. A wolf attack would be disastrous. She summoned Duoji and Ping An, gave instructions, and had everyone prepare, which eased her mind slightly.
By midnight, the wolf cries grew louder, mingled with men's shouts.
Chu Qiao stepped out, draped in her cloak, ordered Ping An to guard the camp with a few others, and led Duoji and over ten guards toward the source of the noise.
Just beyond a slope, the stench of blood assaulted them. Peering cautiously, they saw a low-lying valley where over a hundred wolves were attacking a group. Though outnumbered, the defenders moved with fierce agility, their strikes powerful and precise—clearly formidable fighters. The wolves, baring white fangs, showed no fear in their pack.
Blood splattered, the stench thickened, and screams pierced the air, sending chills down their spines.
"Miss?"
Duoji frowned, his voice low. "The wolf pack is large. If those people fall, we won't last alone."
Chu Qiao nodded. "Everyone, get ready."
The guards and drivers, seasoned travelers, lacked military training but were bold. They nocked arrows coated with pine oil. Duoji's expression turned icy as he commanded, "Fire!"
Rows of flaming arrows shot forth in unison. Instantly, the wolves were ambushed from behind, and over a dozen fell with agonized howls.
Enraged, the pack wheeled around and charged toward them—swift as lightning, closing the distance in mere leaps.Duoji moved with swift precision, hoisting a bucket of tung oil and splashing it forward with a whoosh. As he tossed a torch, a wall of flames instantly erupted before the mountain, tongues of fire leaping three zhang high. Several starving wolves, unable to halt their fierce charge, plunged headlong into the blaze, immediately emitting piercing, agonized shrieks.
The wolf pack, fearing fire, fell into disarray at once. Seeing the assistance, the group of riders grew more emboldened. Their leaders roared and charged forward, hacking and slashing with their blades, pressing their advantage in pursuit.
The starving wolves proved truly ferocious. The brutal battle raged for over two hours before they finally retreated in panic. Before departing, they let out several protest howls, faintly hinting at vengeful intent.
Wolf corpses littered the ground, the stench of blood thick in the air.
From the valley below, someone shouted, "Friends above, who has aided us? My master thanks you for your righteous assistance!"
Hearing this, Duoji paused slightly, leaning forward to look. But obstructed by trees and the ink-black night, he couldn't see clearly. He called back loudly, "Is that Brother Cao? We met by the Qingheng River."
After a moment of silence, the other party suddenly laughed heartily, "So it's Brother Ji! I'm currently in an awkward position, but I'll surely come to thank you for your great kindness later."
Duoji quickly replied, "No need for formalities, Brother Cao. Are you injured? Do you have any Trauma Medicine?"
"Minor injuries, not worth mentioning. You're too concerned, little brother."
Chu Qiao detected a note of wariness in the other's tone and gently tugged Duoji's sleeve, gesturing toward their own camp.
Understanding, Duoji promptly said, "Then I'll take my leave now. Take care, Brother Cao."
When they returned to camp, Ping An was anxiously pacing back and forth. Spotting Chu Qiao, he rushed over and asked, "Sister, are you hurt?"
"I'm fine," Chu Qiao shook her head, then told Duoji and the others, "Tonight, everyone should stay extra alert while sleeping. Keep the torches burning all night, and prepare fire arrows along with sulfur and tung oil. Wolf packs hold grudges and seek revenge—be careful they don't come back for retribution."
Everyone nodded in agreement. Chu Qiao returned to her tent to find Jingjing already asleep.
Mei Xiang helped her remove her cloak, saying softly, "You could have just sent Duoji. Why did you have to go yourself, miss?"
Chu Qiao shook her head, her brow furrowed with worry. "I've been feeling unsettled these past few days. I don't know if something might happen."
"You're worried about the Tang Emperor, aren't you? Don't fret—the Tang Emperor is such a shrewd man. How could petty villains easily succeed against him?"
Chu Qiao sighed softly, cradling a cup of ginseng tea that Mei Xiang handed her. Steam rose from the cup, yet it couldn't warm her icy hands.
"I hope so."
For some reason, her thoughts drifted to the group in the valley below, and inexplicably, a thread of concern wove through her heart. Without thinking, she said, "Mei Xiang, is there any Trauma Medicine left from what we bought last time at Xinglin Hall?"
Mei Xiang started, asking urgently, "Who's injured? Are you hurt, miss?"
"No," Chu Qiao quickly shook her head. "No one's injured."
She lay down on the felt mat with some annoyance. Mei Xiang watched her with lingering fear, as if suspecting she was being deceived.
What's wrong with me?
Chu Qiao faintly frowned.
Early the next morning, not long after Chu Qiao and the others had set out, they saw a group of riders quietly waiting ahead—clearly the same people from the previous night.A middle-aged man in his thirties approached, exchanged a few words with Duoji, and after some polite remarks, walked up to Chu Qiao’s carriage. He bowed and said, "My master thanks you, miss, for your timely assistance. It may be presumptuous to intrude, but having received such kindness, we feel obliged to remember it. Therefore, I must boldly ask for your name. Please forgive the impertinence."
Chu Qiao frowned slightly and replied in a low voice, "It is only right to help those in need when encountered on the road. There is no need for such courtesy."
The man seemed taken aback by her response but pressed on, "May I still ask for your name, miss?"
"You are quite strange," Chu Qiao retorted. "Your master sent only you, clearly unwilling to reveal his own identity. Why insist on knowing my background? We are but strangers who happened to cross paths—mutual caution is only natural. Since we neither trust each other nor have pressing matters to attend to, why linger here with idle talk? Isn’t it rather pointless?"
The man was left speechless, stunned by Chu Qiao’s sharp retort. He retreated in a daze.
Shortly after, the group ahead swiftly departed.
Jingjing gasped in admiration, "Sister, you’re amazing!"
Chu Qiao sighed and leaned back against the soft cushions.
Amazing? She simply had no desire to waste time with them. With each passing day, her anxiety grew, and the other party gave off an oppressive sense of danger. She could clearly tell they were no ordinary people. At such a critical moment, it was better to avoid trouble and remain cautious.
However, before half a day had passed, another unexpected incident brought their journey to a halt. Even someone as slow-witted as Ping An began to sense that something was amiss.
On a relatively narrow mountain path, several fallen trees and a pile of mud and rocks blocked the way, piled as high as a person’s waist. It was evident that the landslide and debris flow were likely caused by the heavy rain a few days prior. Yet, after so many coincidences, no one was willing to believe such a simple explanation.
The other party stood ahead, watching Chu Qiao and her group’s belated arrival with undisguised hostility.
Duoji and Ping An frowned in suspicion, their hands resting naturally at their sides, fingers subtly brushing against the hilts of their swords and knives.
The sky was blue, the clouds white, birds chirped overhead, and the sun shone warmly. Yet, beneath the clear weather, the atmosphere was tense and eerie. No one moved to clear the debris from the road; instead, they stared each other down, neither side taking a step forward.
"What a coincidence," the man surnamed Cao sneered coldly.
Ping An’s eyebrows twitched, but Duoji pulled him back. The young man frowned slightly, a faint smile on his lips. "Indeed, it is quite a coincidence. Over the past few days, we’ve repeatedly faced hardships alongside Brother Cao. Even someone like me, who doesn’t believe in fate, must admit that the heavens are unpredictable."
"In my opinion, it’s not the heavens at work," Cao retorted, "but someone deliberately stirring up trouble."
Ping An flared up, "Who are you talking about?"
Brother Cao demanded coldly, "Who are you people? State your intentions!"
"You’re the one who doesn’t seem like a good person!" Ping An shouted angrily. With a sharp ring, he drew his blade, its cold gleam flashing as he stepped forward, ready to strike.
The other side immediately drew their weapons in response. Just then, a flash of silver light suddenly appeared, striking Ping An’s sword hilt with a clang. The sword fell to the ground with a metallic clatter as a clear, sharp voice said calmly, "Ping An, do not act rashly."Like a splash of cold water poured into boiling liquid, the tense atmosphere instantly subsided.
A profound silence fell over the scene, where even the sound of breathing became distinctly audible.
A gentle breeze rustled past, brushing against everyone's brows. In the distance, green pines swayed like endless emerald waves, while birds circled and danced in the midair, chirping melodiously.
"Crunch."
A faint sound suddenly emerged, resembling the rustle of boots stepping on gravel. The wind lifted the blue cloth carriage curtain, prompting the men surnamed Cao and others to exclaim in surprise, "Master?"
Without a word, the man strode directly toward Chu Qiao's carriage.
Duoji raised an eyebrow and immediately shouted, "Halt!"
The man paid no heed. Duoji gripped his sword hilt, his sharp eyebrows furrowing as he prepared to draw his weapon.
But just as the sword was halfway unsheathed, a dull thud echoed through the air. With eerily swift movements, the man disarmed Duoji and casually tossed the sword to the ground.
Duoji's face flushed crimson. With an angry snort, he lunged forward, but the man showed no fear. He quickened his pace to Chu Qiao's carriage and reached out to lift the curtain.
"Whoosh"—a fresh gust of wind swept in. The midday sun glared blindingly bright. Chu Qiao held a small crossbow, its arrow aimed at the carriage door, yet she froze the moment the sunlight pierced her pupils.
Duoji charged from behind, fingers curled like claws, aiming for the man's neck. With over three years of training under Chu Qiao, his strike at this moment could undoubtedly be lethal.
Yet the man neither dodged nor flinched. Dressed in a moon-white robe adorned with cloud patterns, he stood tall with sharp eyebrows and bright eyes, exuding an aura of refined elegance. He remained composed, his gaze calm yet inscrutable as deep, silent icy lakes—unreadable and profound.
"Swish!"
The crossbow bolt left the string, grazing past the man's ear and narrowly missing Duoji's arm. Swift as lightning, it carried a sharp, killing intent that froze everyone in place.
"Duoji, step back."
Chu Qiao spoke quietly, without anger yet with undeniable authority.
Duoji's eyebrows twitched. "Miss?" he protested.
Chu Qiao merely glanced at him sideways without a word, her expression cool and detached.
Duoji immediately sobered up and retreated slowly, though his eyes still glared defiantly at the man before the carriage.
The warm breeze was intoxicating, the weather so splendid it felt unnerving. A row of vibrantly plumaged orioles alighted on a nearby branch, singing sweet, melodious tunes. The trees stretched luxuriantly, like freshly painted eyebrows, while the dense forest nearby flourished with lush greenery, dotted with charming blossoms of various hues—exquisite and enchanting, as if plucked from a painting.
As the wind swept by, the man's robe fluttered gently. Unlike the perfumed scents typical of wealthy young nobles, he carried a unique, subtle fragrance of Zhi Lan—refreshing and elegant, like a handful of pristine snow.
"Ah!"
Jingjing, seated behind Chu Qiao, suddenly pointed at the man's waist and exclaimed, "His jade pendant is just like elder sister's!"
Gleaming white and exquisitely smooth, the jade pendant hung from the man's waist, shimmering with a soft, serene radiance as he stood against the wind.
Chu Qiao's expression gradually softened. While everyone stood in stunned silence, she suddenly reached out, placed a hand on the man's shoulder, and leaped down from the carriage. With a gentle smile, she instructed Ping An, Duoji, and the others, "Don't just stand there. Hurry and clear the road ahead.""Ah?" Ping An widened his eyes, looking at Chu Qiao, then at the man, before asking foolishly, "Sister, do you know each other?"
"Mm."
Chu Qiao nodded with a relaxed expression, seemingly even carrying a hint of delight.
Ping An very much wanted to ask who this person was, but before he could speak, he saw the man's gaze drift over indifferently. It wasn't particularly stern, yet it carried a frost-like coldness, as if he were quite unwilling to listen to this foolish young man's incessant chatter.
Seeing this, Brother Cao and the others immediately lowered their heads and retreated, taking out tools to begin clearing the road.
Chu Qiao turned to the man and said, "Come with me."
With that, she walked toward the back.
"Miss!"
Duoji quickly stepped forward, blocking Chu Qiao's path, and said in a deep voice, "Where are you going?"
Chu Qiao replied, "Duoji, don't worry. This is my friend."
Duoji looked doubtfully at the man, only to see him slightly furrow his brows and cast a faint glance his way. His eyes were like a frozen mirror lake, exceptionally cold and detached.
It was not the usual kind of indifference or aloofness, but an innate arrogance forged through countless experiences and a position of authority. Duoji instantly felt as if a basin of cold water had been poured over his head, sending a chill down his spine. In a daze, Chu Qiao and the man had already walked far away.
The weather that day was exceptionally fine, clear as a lake of emerald water, with sunlight golden like molten gold. The two walked one after the other, and in no time, they entered a secluded small valley. A waterfall cascaded from the mountaintop into a cold pool, splashing large droplets of water, each one clear and sparkling, reflecting the brilliant sunlight in a dazzling array of colors.
Chu Qiao turned around and looked at the man before her. It had been over a year since they last met, yet he seemed unchanged, still the same as ever. She wanted to say something, but a thousand words gathered at the tip of her tongue, unsure where to begin. In the end, they dissolved into a faint smile at the corner of her lips, though she didn't know whether she was laughing at herself or at others.
"What are you laughing at?"
Zhuge Yue remained as he always was, his brow slightly furrowed, as if impatient to be standing there with her.
"Nothing," Chu Qiao shook her head, still smiling. "It seems every time we meet, it's in a strange way."
Zhuge Yue turned his head away, looking elsewhere, still with that familiar awkwardness.
"What are you doing here?"
Zhuge Yue gave her an answer that was both precise and vague: "On business."
"Oh." Chu Qiao nodded and said, "Are you going back now?"
"Mm."
Then, the two stood where they were, neither speaking another word.
In the blink of an eye, nearly two more years had passed. During this time, he had wielded immense influence in the court, turning the tides at will, and had become one of the most powerful figures on the continent. Chu Qiao, in her remote location, would occasionally hear news of him and feel a strange sense of unreality. At times, she even wondered if the person she knew was the same as the man in the rumors—decisive, sharp, and resolute.
She had also heard various rumors from Qinghai.
It was said that although Qinghai was nominally under the jurisdiction of Daxia, it practiced self-selection of officials, not through recommendations from noble families but via imperial examinations, allowing even commoners the opportunity to participate. It was said that new laws had been established there, encouraging agriculture, building water conservancy projects, and protecting commerce and industry. Among merchants from the inland, the bolder ones had already ventured to Qinghai to do business. It was said that slavery had been abolished there; noble and wealthy families could purchase servants, but if the servants were willing to pay for their freedom, they could be released from servitude. Moreover, even servants could not be killed arbitrarily, or the perpetrators would face severe punishment under the law. It was said that Qinghai was not as desolate and ruined as the legends claimed but was instead a vast land with its own unique character, densely populated, and now home to many prosperous and bustling towns...There are also rumors that the King of Qinghai has now become notorious, known as the Bandit Minister of War. In court each year, he seizes money and grain, competing for various resources under all sorts of pretexts, continuously transporting them to Qinghai. Every month, Qinghai reports major disasters, droughts, floods, and glacial calamities, claiming its people are clothed in rags and starving, desperately pleading for the court to provide funds and grain to rescue the refugees.
Yet, as soon as those supplies leave Zhenhuang, they flow into the market, exchanged for vast amounts of gold and silver, which are then openly transported to Qinghai's headquarters. Currently, most of Yanbei's military strength is tied down by Qinghai, and Daxia simply dares not confront him, forced to let him run amok.
Rumors say this man is called "Father of the People" by Qinghai's citizens, "Bandit" by Ximeng's populace, and "Vampire" by Daxia's officials. Even his close friend and ally, the Seventh Prince Zhao Che, has tactfully advised him: "Enough is enough. If you're eating the meat, at least let them have some soup."
Though Ximeng's people despise him to the bone, the bolder ones have quietly begun preparing to move. Every day, Cuiwei Pass is overcrowded, filled with families trying to sneak in.
The Elder Council of Daxia has angrily accused him of intentionally allowing the garrison at Cuiwei Pass to neglect their duties and become corrupt, permitting Ximeng's inland residents to flow into Qinghai.
Yet he innocently spreads his hands and says, "The Yanbei Army is too formidable. We have no extra troops. If we wish to effectively curb such incidents, the Ministry of Revenue must immediately allocate one hundred thousand units of gold to Qinghai to expand its military reserves..."
So many rumors abound, but when Chu Qiao saw him now, those tales suddenly vanished from her mind like mist and clouds.
He was still himself—not the King of Qinghai or the Minister of War, not the brilliantly talented Father of Qinghai, nor the cunning and shameless Vampire of Daxia. He remained that aloof, proud man, still slightly awkward and willful, the Young Master Zhuge who had repeatedly faced life and death with her and saved her from peril time and again.
A wave of emotion rose in her heart, gradually suppressing the excitement and joy of their reunion. She looked at him—still handsome, still cold as ice—but fine lines had begun to form at the corners of his eyes, and upon closer inspection, his gaze carried a trace of weary exhaustion.
She pursed her lips softly and said quietly, "It's only been a little over a year, yet you've aged."
Zhuge Yue was momentarily stunned, the weariness in his eyes fading as he lowered his gaze to her. Her face remained unchanged, though she seemed a bit thinner.
He was only twenty-six this year—by no means could he be considered old. Yet the hardships of these years, the struggles and campaigns through turbulent times, the bloodshed and slaughter that had stained his brow and eyes—all of it seemed to surge like a tide through his weathered gaze with that single word, "old."
Behind the glory and prestige lay sleepless nights by lamplight, solitary shadows cast by the cold moon outside his window, restless tossing and turning in the chill, and the bleak loneliness of standing alone against the wind.
His face remained the same, but his heart had grown weary.
How could he not age? How could he possibly avoid it?
He looked at her, and the anger he had held for over a year suddenly vanished. Even that childish willfulness seemed to wither away with her simple words.
"How have you been this past year or so?"
"Neither good nor bad—just alive."Zhuge Yue spoke calmly, his words though unpleasant lacked the usual cold tone. Yet Chu Qiao knew he wasn't bickering with her, but expressing genuine sentiment. Perhaps only people like them could understand—there's no such thing as good or bad, just being alive is good enough.
"I'm doing quite well too."
Without being asked, Chu Qiao volunteered: "I opened an inn, living quite comfortably."
"I know."
The man replied indifferently, but Chu Qiao was taken aback, looking up at him: "You know?"
"I've stayed at your place three times."
Chu Qiao was completely stunned, then heard Zhuge Yue say solemnly: "It's been a year. Have you figured things out?"
"Fig-Figure out what?"
The man slowly furrowed his brows, wearing an expression that said you're really playing dumb: "Do you truly plan to run an inn for the rest of your life?"
Chu Qiao stared wide-eyed, speechless. Actually, that was exactly what she had been thinking.
"Or do you plan to marry just anyone before you turn thirty?"
Chu Qiao flushed with embarrassment: "Who told you that?"
"Who else?" Zhuge Yue said: "Naturally it was Li Ce. Didn't you know? The Spring Rain Tower across from you was opened by him, and the Four Seas Inn diagonally behind was opened by me."
Chu Qiao was rendered speechless by the shock. She suddenly remembered those two sparsely attended inns—before this, she had been quite smugly proud, thinking her inn had squeezed them out of business, never imagining they were the handiwork of these two masters.
So that meant Li Ce must be fully aware of the affairs in Academy City. Regarding those people's movements, he should have made preparations long ago.
Suddenly remembering something, she looked up and asked: "So you knew our identities from the beginning?"
"No." Zhuge Yue said, seeing Chu Qiao's disbelief, he added impatiently: "Although I've been there, I never saw you."
Yes, over this past year she had lived in seclusion, rarely going out indeed.
"Why did you come out this time?"
Chu Qiao didn't know how to explain, since it concerned Li Ce's state affairs, she vaguely said: "I'm going to Tang Capital."
"Hmph—"
Zhuge Yue snorted coldly. The green trees nearby were entwined with faint wisteria and pollia, their delicate fragrance drifting over like floating clouds.
"Young master."
A man surnamed Cao called from afar: "The road has been cleared, we can proceed."
Zhuge Yue didn't respond, standing quietly for a long time. Seeming somewhat impatient with the oppressive atmosphere, he turned to leave.
"Zhuge Yue!"
Chu Qiao suddenly called out: "Next time you come to Academy City, you can come see me."
"I don't have time to go." Zhuge Yue answered coldly, then slowly turned around, his face stern as he said: "I'm returning to Qinghai soon. Are you coming with me?"
He said these words as naturally as asking an acquaintance if they've eaten, but Chu Qiao stood there dumbfounded. She was always like this—able to handle anything with composure, except when facing him, when all her wisdom would desert her. She stared blankly at him, as if trying to find another mouth on Zhuge Yue's face to prove he hadn't just said those words.
"Li Ce said you're stubborn, that you couldn't think clearly after experiencing great changes, and advised me to give you more time."
Zhuge Yue said with complete calm: "Have you figured things out now? Are you coming with me or not?"
"You... you're Daxia's Military Minister? And your family is...""You don't need to worry about any of that." Zhuge Yue frowned and said sternly, "Just tell me whether you're coming with me or not."
One flock of birds flew past, then two flocks, then many flocks had flown over the forest, yet Chu Qiao remained silent.
Zhuge Yue suddenly grew furious and snapped, "Are you coming or not?"
"I'll go! I'll go! I'll go!"
Chu Qiao answered loudly. The two of them shouted at each other with flushed faces and strained necks, their echoes reverberating around, making the silence feel even more eerie.
"It's just as well meeting you here, saves me another trip to tell you." The man deliberately pretended to be nonchalant, as if everything was under his control, unaware that this wasn't his usual talkative nature.
"Don't wander around everywhere. Go back to your courtyard and wait. Once I finish my business, I'll send someone to fetch you."
With that, he turned and walked away with a dashing air.
"After all, I can still run an inn in Qinghai."
A voice suddenly sounded from behind. Zhuge Yue whirled around and glared at her fiercely, his expression vicious.
White clouds drifted across the sky, and birds peeked out from behind the leaves, as if also marveling at how things in this world truly couldn't be measured by common sense.
When she returned to the carriage, Mei Xiang was waiting for her with a smile, while Jingjing was even more delighted, grinning from ear to ear. Chu Qiao naturally understood her little thoughts but didn't want to voice them. Everything today was simply too unbelievable. Chu Qiao sat down quietly, her heart still pounding wildly.
Had she been too impulsive?
"Miss."
Mei Xiang smiled as she added a soft cushion for her, saying, "Not everything in this world can be handled with pure rationality. I think you were too calm before, Miss. Being impulsive occasionally might not be a bad thing."
Chu Qiao turned to look at her in surprise, astonished by Mei Xiang's sharp insight.
But Mei Xiang laughed heartily and said, "Don't you know, Miss? Right now, you wear everything on your face. Compared to how you were before, I actually find you more likable this way."
The carriage began to move. Duoji came over frowning and asked, "Miss, are we going to travel with those people?"
"Of course we're going together!" Jingjing lifted the curtain and shouted, "We're going together, and we'll even live together in the future, hmph!"
With that, she let the curtain drop with a huff.
Mei Xiang poured Chu Qiao a cup of ginseng tea and sighed softly. "Miss, not everyone will wait year after year for another person. Some things, if you don't seize them at the moment, you might regret it if anything changes in the future."
The warm breeze drifted in through the slightly lifted carriage curtain, like a mother's gentle fingers. The sky was a clear azure, with distant eagles soaring high, piercing through the clouds, far from the dust of the world.
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