The autumn chill deepened, carrying the crisp scent of chrysanthemums on the wind. The lotuses in Taiqing Pond had long withered, and phoenix tree leaves blanketed the lakeshore. The great hall was as still as a placid, translucent autumn lake. Sun Di’s voice drifted through the hall like the lingering fragrance from a gilded bronze incense burner, accentuating the emptiness and silence.
"Princess Yunkang, Lady Huayang of the First Rank, the Princess Consorts of Runan, Duanqing, and Jing’an have all submitted memorials expressing their willingness to enter the palace and raise the young emperor. The Princes of Runan, Duanqing, and Jing’an, along with Generals Situ, Consort An, and Consort Yun, have also submitted memorials in support. The court is currently divided into two factions—the military officials largely support the Prince of Jing’an, while the civil officials advocate for the three princess consorts to jointly raise the emperor, with the three princes overseeing state affairs as regents."
A gentle breeze rustled outside, scattering the moonlight through the swaying flowers and trees. Chu Qiao sat on a soft mat, dressed in a plain white indoor brocade robe. One hand rested on the windowsill, her chin propped on her palm as she gazed quietly at the moonlit phoenix trees outside. Her wide sleeves drooped slightly, revealing a slender, pale forearm. Her face was thin, her eyes calm, betraying no hint of her thoughts.
"Xie Xu, the Swift Cavalry General of the Ministry of War, has arrived at Xizhao Mountain with 70,000 troops from the Southern Army and will reach the capital in a few days. Xie Xu was once a servant of the Prince of Jing’an. His arrival with an army is cause for concern. I have ordered General Xu Su to set up defenses at the Han River. If Xie Xu claims he is coming to pay respects to the new emperor, he may cross the river alone but must leave his troops behind."
"Xie Xu?" Chu Qiao leaned against the window, not turning her head, and said quietly, "When Prince Luo rebelled, he showed no such loyalty to the throne. Now he acts with such arrogance."
Sun Di’s tone remained steady as he replied, "When legitimacy is lacking, dissent is inevitable. It is no wonder the court officials harbor divided loyalties."
Chu Qiao glanced sideways at Sun Di, her gaze fixed as if she already understood what he meant to say. Yet she did not voice it, nor did she give him a definitive answer. Instead, she quietly turned back to the shimmering waves outside the window and remained silent for a long time.
"Additionally, Liu Yuanzong, the son of Elder Liu, approached me privately. He expressed willingness to rally some of the old Liu faction’s supporters to assist you when the time is right. However, he requires a suitable opportunity and a legitimate pretext."
Just then, hurried footsteps echoed from outside the hall. Both turned to look and saw the young emperor, dressed in a small golden python robe, running into the hall barefoot, without even his boots on. Tears streaked his face as he rushed into Chu Qiao’s arms, sobbing loudly. Two nursemaids followed behind and immediately knelt upon seeing Chu Qiao and Sun Di.
The child’s small, soft body trembled as he clung tightly to Chu Qiao’s waist, crying out, "Aunt! My mother came to see me! My mother came to see me!"
Chu Qiao tenderly lifted the young emperor, using a handkerchief to wipe away his tears. Softly, she asked, "Did Your Majesty have another dream?"
The child’s lips quivered as he cried, "My mother’s head was covered in blood, and it smeared all over me."
Chu Qiao comforted him, "Do not be afraid, Your Majesty. It was only a dream, not real. The Empress Dowager loved you dearly in life—why would she frighten you?"
"Aunt—" Li Xiuyi clung tightly to Chu Qiao, refusing to let go.
Sun Di watched the emperor and remarked with regret, "The emperor is still so young. If he falls into the hands of those with ulterior motives, who knows how much suffering he will endure?"A wave of irritation suddenly rose in Chu Qiao’s heart. Without even glancing at Sun Di, she coldly and firmly declared, “The night is deep. It is not appropriate for you to remain in the palace any longer. Mei Xiang, see the guest out.”
Sun Di showed no anger. He bowed politely to Chu Qiao, then turned and leisurely departed.
Mei Xiang glared at Sun Di’s retreating figure, her expression filled with resentment. After he left, she said indignantly, “Miss, don’t listen to his nonsense. At worst, when the Fourth Young Master arrives, we’ll take the young emperor and leave.”
Before Chu Qiao could respond, Li Xiuyi in her arms lifted his head and asked, “Aunt, where are you going?”
Chu Qiao lowered her head and looked into the child’s pitch-black eyes. Vaguely, it seemed as if she could see the shadow of another person through them. Back then, with willow catkins drifting everywhere and a biting wind as cold as knives, he had defied the nation’s opposition and doubts, leading his army to rescue her from the chaos of war. His armor was icy cold, pressed against her cheek, yet it felt like a towering mountain shielding her from the wind, majestic and unshakable, as if it would never fall.
She tightened her arms little by little, holding the child in her embrace even more closely.
White candles burned brightly. The nights in the deep palace were always so interminably long.
The side gate near Tai’an Gate slowly opened, and Sun Di emerged, dressed in light robes with a relaxed sash.
Tie You crouched in a dark corner and, upon seeing him come out, silently approached. Sun Di smiled faintly at him, speaking as if nothing were amiss, “Commander Tie, are you here to share a drink with me?”
“Did you kill Empress Dowager Yuan?”
Tie You’s voice was low, his eyes as still as water, as he suddenly spoke gravely.
Sun Di’s expression remained unruffled, a faint smile playing on his lips as he replied clearly, “What do you mean by that, Commander Tie? Empress Dowager Yuan died by crashing into a wall. Everyone in the palace witnessed it, including you. What does it have to do with me?”
Tie You furrowed his brows, his tone unchanged as he said, “Qing Yuan said that on the eve of the palace coup, you sent a secret letter from prison, specifically addressed to Empress Dowager Yuan. After reading your letter, she went to the emperor’s bedchamber and did not leave until the night of the coup. The maids attending the empress dowager said she cried all night and didn’t even eat. What did you say to her?”
“What could I have said? I merely advised the empress dowager to be cautious of the Zhan siblings.”
Tie You suddenly took two steps forward, his eyes fixed intently on Sun Di, and said in a low voice, “Then why did you secretly execute the eunuchs who delivered your letter? And why did you conduct a thorough search of Yixin Hall last night under the pretext of clearing the palace?”
Sun Di’s expression turned cold as he turned away sharply and said icily, “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
With that, he made to leave.
“Sun Di!” Tie You suddenly roared, startling the distant guards into looking their way. His chest heaved as he lowered his voice and slowly said, “If you don’t want others to know, don’t do it. With thousands of eyes in the palace watching you, do you really think you can cover your tracks flawlessly?”
The cold moonlight cast a silvery glow on Sun Di’s back. His simple, unadorned blue robes fluttered gently, yet an indescribable radiance seemed to emanate from this young noble.
He slowly turned around, his eyes calmly fixed on Tie You, and spoke each word deliberately, “Tie You, you haven’t forgotten your origins, have you?”
Tie You was taken aback, a flash of displeasure crossing his face as he replied coldly, “I am of humble birth, of course, I cannot compare to Minister Sun.”"I am not asking you about that," Sun Di said indifferently. Under the clear moonlight, his face appeared handsome yet sinister. The man stood straight-backed, his robes fluttering gracefully as he spoke calmly, "What I mean to ask is, you haven't forgotten the grace His Majesty bestowed upon us, have you?"
Tie You was momentarily stunned, but quickly replied coldly, "Killing the young emperor's only birth mother, inciting unrest among the court and the people—is this how you repay His Majesty's grace?"
"What else could be done? Allow the young emperor to ascend the throne with Empress Dowager Yuan assisting in governance? Hah, if that were the case, within three years, this Great Tang empire would follow Jing'an Prince Zhou Yun's surname Zhou."
A cold smile played on Sun Di's lips, his young eyes cunning as a fox. The night breeze blew, making his garments flutter, giving him an almost ethereal appearance.
"Indeed, before his passing, His Majesty had already foreseen such a situation and made all necessary arrangements. Yet I deliberately chose not to follow them. I deliberately want to plunge Great Tang into this chaos, deliberately want this treacherous official Zhan Ziyu to die by General Xiuli's hand, so she may claim this achievement. Even if Empress Dowager Yuan hadn't taken her own life that day, I would have killed her afterward. Fortunately, she was wise enough to recognize her own limitations and made her choice early, saving me much trouble. I deliberately muddied the waters in the court—only by forcing the situation to this extreme would Minister Chu become useful to me and not leave Great Tang with Zhuge Yue."
Tie You listened in stunned disbelief. The iron-red city walls appeared heavy and oppressive, while night-flying birds swept past the towering Jinwu Palace, emitting piercing cries. Frowning deeply with his mouth slightly agape, it took Tie You a long moment before he could utter incredulously, "You've gone mad!"
"No, it's not me who's mad."
Sun Di raised his head, his garments flowing in the wind, his straight posture resembling a spear pointing toward the distant northern night sky. His gaze sharp, he declared, "Can't you hear it? The war drums from the north have already sounded. Beneath Wild Goose Cry Pass lie millions of corpses—Daxia is on the verge of collapse. Yan Xun of Yanbei, ambitious and ruthless, possesses military stratagem unparalleled in our time. The only reason Daxia can still resist him is because Zhuge Yue's Qinghai army threatens his flank. Once Zhuge Yue departs, how can Zhao Che alone withstand Yanbei's might? Moreover, Daxia is plagued by internal strife and power struggles, with various clans governing independently. Zhao Yang is no one willing to submit either. Once Daxia falls, our northern defensive barrier will be lost. Then we'd face Yanbei's threat from the southern waterways in the west, direct attacks from Yanbei's main forces in the north, Nalan Hongye—who maintains close ties with Yan Xun—in the east, and internally, schemers like Jing'an Prince waiting to seize power. At that point, would our Great Tang have any chance of survival?"
Tie You stood completely frozen as Sun Di continued, "After the Battle of Luo Prince, Great Tang suffered heavy casualties. Following His Majesty's passing, forces seeking to replace the Li family remain unrestrained. Maintaining this four-way balance is our only chance to fight back. Once this balance breaks and Daxia falls to Yanbei, that will mark the end of Great Tang. His Majesty showed us immense grace—now that he's gone, how can we stand by and watch Great Tang's thousand-year foundation crumble?"
"But... you still shouldn't have killed Empress Dowager Yuan! She was still His Majesty's consort, the young emperor's mother!" Tie You protested, his face flushed red."Just a useless woman." Sun Di snorted disdainfully, speaking in a low voice: "Our only chance now is to find a way to preserve Daxia, which will give us breathing room. If we cannot annex Huai Song before Yanbei destroys Daxia, we will inevitably find ourselves completely surrounded."
After speaking, a flicker of fervor suddenly appeared in his eyes. He turned and stared intently at Tie You, saying solemnly: "As long as Lady Chu remains in our Great Tang for one day, Zhuge Yue will certainly not leave Daxia and return to Qinghai. As long as he stays, Yan Xun cannot ignore Cuiwei Pass and deploy all his forces to attack Wild Goose Cry Pass. With Daxia still standing, we gain time and opportunity to recuperate. Moreover, given Lady Chu's relationships with both Yan Xun and Zhuge Yue, she will inevitably secure political support from both sides for us. If domestic forces show any rebellious intentions, they will have to consider the attitudes of the other two nations, thus ensuring the young emperor's throne remains secure. Even if Prince Jing'an and others want to interfere, they will have some reservations. Furthermore, the Xiuli Army possesses extremely strong combat capabilities and unwavering loyalty, no less than His Majesty's Wolf Army, making them the best guarantee for the imperial forces. Lady Chu herself has remarkable military and political talents, is highly regarded by the remnants of the Great Alliance Society, and is fully capable of handling major responsibilities. She is deeply devoted to His Majesty and has no personal ambitions. As a woman without family or relatives, where else in this world could you find a second such regent figure?"
Tie You was rendered speechless by his words, only able to stare blankly at his colleague as if he didn't recognize him.
Sun Di looked at him calmly and said: "If you wish to watch Great Tang's foundation crumble and become its eternal sinner, feel free to repeat what I just said to others. As colleagues, I won't blame you for being heartless—I only blame myself for having thoughts that cannot be understood by the world."
"But, you're asking Lady Chu to... aren't you ruining her entire life?"
Sun Di shook his head with a faint smile, lightly patting Tie You's shoulder as he said quietly: "Although I believe Lady Chu has no ambitions, I cannot help guarding against others. If Zhuge Yue were to marry her someday, how could we allow the wife of the King of Qinghai to serve as Great Tang's regent?"
The bright moon hung high in the sky, casting silvery light across the ground. The man turned and strode away, his voice drifting faintly from the distance, carrying traces of indescribable sorrow:
"How can the path of emperors tolerate womanly compassion? The depths of hell are terrifying, and since none dare venture there, let me go alone..."
The moonlight slanted, autumn winds swept desolately across the ground covered with paulownia leaves, creating a scene of profound stillness.
**
Mihe Residence remained as quiet as ever, though it had now become the most lively place within the entire Jinwu Palace—at least there were still living people moving about, while other areas were said to be so deserted that even night-flying birds refused to alight.
Jinwu Palace had suddenly fallen silent—no more singing and dancing, no more banquets, no more Eastern Hu dancers with honey-colored skin and blue eyes, and no more entertainers singing through the night.The entire palace fell into silence, even the nightingales wisely flew away from this hushed palace. It suddenly became so quiet that one could even hear their own breathing while walking. Everyone lived in utter silence, as if speaking slightly louder would disturb the souls of those recently departed yet to disperse. The white funeral banners and streamers in the palace resembled snow-white arms of women, vaguely recalling the recent splendor and extravagance, the lavish feasts and overflowing wine vessels. Yet in an instant, all had turned to dust and vanished.
Everything here missed that person—the endless rows of parasol trees, the clear blue waters, every upturned eave and carved bracket, every courtyard and artificial hill.
The emperor had just fallen asleep, lying on Chu Qiao’s bed. The child had witnessed Empress Dowager Yuan’s suicide days ago and had not slept well since. Even now, his small brows were tightly furrowed, as if frightened even in his dreams. Prince Rong slept soundly in a nearby cradle, a slight curve at the corners of his mouth, much like his father.
Chu Qiao sat by the window, not the least bit drowsy. A white candle burned quietly, its wax dripping like tears, with a faint crimson glow in the flickering light, reminiscent of rouge streaking a woman’s weeping face.
In her hand, she held a thick stack of letters, their wax seals intact, all unopened.
She had been sitting like this for over two hours.
Sun Di’s words echoed in her mind once again. She slowly turned to look at the two young children, her heart filled with a vast, empty confusion.
Thirteen letters already. He must be terribly anxious. Were it not for the current turmoil in Daxia, he would have surely come alone by now.
A faint smile touched Chu Qiao’s lips as she imagined his angry expression—brows furrowed, eyes glaring at her, lips pressed into a stern line, like a sulking child.
What would these letters say? Would they scold her in anger? Blame her? Or would they be filled with earnest concern?
Perhaps all of the above, but she had no desire to read them. The path ahead was too cold; she could not afford to glance at the warmth of other roads. If she did, she feared she would lose the courage to move forward.
The warmth in her chest cooled inch by inch, gradually hardening into a block of ice. Hazily, she recalled his words to her that night: the osmanthus trees swaying gently, the moonlight radiant, as he turned to her with a clear, handsome gaze and softly asked, "The road hasn’t reached its end yet—there might still be unforeseen changes. Are you afraid?"
The breeze had been so gentle that evening, the weather warm and comforting. Her sleeves billowed in the wind like fluttering butterflies. At that moment, she had cast aside all worries, quietly smiled, and said she was not afraid. Then he had smiled gently—a rare sight, free of awkwardness, sulking, bickering, or conflict. It was a genuine smile directed at her. Under the moonlight, he slowly leaned in, his lips gently brushing hers, his strong arms encircling her waist. His lips and teeth caressed her softness and fragrance, savoring the sweetness he had yearned for over the years.
Yet, this dream was ending before it had even truly begun.
To her, time had become a torturous dismemberment and tearing. Fate was elusive and vast, like a wildfire sweeping across the plains—unstoppable, unquenchable, never peaceful, never tranquil.She slowly extended her hand, picked up the letter, and held it over the candle flame. The fire leaped high, causing the envelope to curl and gradually turn yellow. The flames spread, eventually reducing it to black ashes.
"Miss!"
Mei Xiang entered carrying a late-night snack and gasped in surprise. She rushed forward, pushing the candlestick aside, and asked in astonishment, "What are you doing?"
Chu Qiao remained silent, quietly watching the mostly burned letter. The remaining half was charred and tattered, like a tattered spiderweb covered in black dust, casting a dim glow under the lamplight.
"Miss!" Mei Xiang's eyes widened in shock. She suddenly grabbed Chu Qiao's thin shoulders and asked worriedly, "You're not... you're not actually considering listening to Sun Di, are you?"
Chu Qiao simply looked up quietly at Mei Xiang. Mei Xiang suddenly felt that Chu Qiao's eyes seemed dead, turned to ashes without any vitality. Anxiously clutching Chu Qiao's hands, she squeezed them tightly and said urgently, "Miss, you mustn't be foolish about this matter. This concerns your entire life. Although the Tang Emperor treated you well, he's no longer here. You're just a woman - why should you bear the burden of the entire Great Tang empire?"
Chu Qiao still didn't speak. Mei Xiang grew so anxious that sweat beaded on her forehead, tears welling in her eyes as she said in a trembling voice, "Miss, you can't let down Fourth Young Master again. You mustn't agree to this. Wake up, you mustn't be foolish!"
A sudden gust of wind swept through, stirring up the letter ashes on the floor. Several partially burned letter fragments flipped over, revealing under the lamplight a few elegantly written characters: Be sure to wait for me...
Wait for you...
Chu Qiao's eyes grew blurry, yet no tears fell. The lamplight climbed from the hem of her skirt, gradually covering her in a soft glow. Her heart ached with pain, but she couldn't speak through the lump in her throat.
"Miss!"
Mei Xiang suddenly burst into tears, falling to her knees with a thud. The child on the bed woke up, sitting up drowsily. Seeing Mei Xiang crying frightened him, and he stared blankly at Chu Qiao, opening his small hands and calling softly, "Auntie."
The child's voice shattered the stillness in her heart. Chu Qiao stood up to check on the child, but Mei Xiang grabbed the hem of her skirt. The maid looked up at her with tear-filled eyes, her voice mournful as she cried, "Miss, why should the living live for the dead?"
Chu Qiao's steps froze instantly. She turned back blankly, looking at Mei Xiang's reddened eyes, her pale hands beginning to tremble unconsciously.
"Miss, you can't let down Fourth Young Master again, you can't." Mei Xiang's tears streamed down as she cried sorrowfully, "Have you forgotten that song? The moonlight shines on your soul, urging you to return home early. Miss, must we only realize regret after losing something? If you repay your debt to the Tang Emperor today, how can you know if you'll have another chance to make it up to Fourth Young Master? The dead are gone - should the living forever remain in pain and sorrow?"
Mei Xiang kowtowed to the ground and pleaded loudly, "Miss, go with Fourth Young Master. I beg you, Mei Xiang begs you, please go!"
"Bad person!"Li Xiuyi suddenly jumped down from the bed and threw herself at Mei Xiang, knocking her to the ground. The small child, like a wild animal, fiercely grabbed Mei Xiang's hair, beating and cursing at the same time: "Bad person! You're a bad person! You want to steal my aunt away, you want to make my aunt leave! Bad person!"
Chu Qiao quickly gathered Li Xiuyi into her arms. The child continued struggling in her embrace, a pair of eyes filled with hatred staring at Mei Xiang, like a wolf cub that had lost its mother wolf.
"Bad person! Yi'er has already lost my father and mother, and now you want to steal my aunt too, bad person!"
The child's voice was like a knife, sharply piercing Chu Qiao's heart. In that moment, it felt as if a mouthful of blood had congealed in her throat, almost ready to spurt out.
Li Qingrong had also woken up. The child stared with pitch-black eyes, quietly watching the few people in the room. Suddenly seeing his older brother crying, he too opened his mouth wide and burst into loud wails.
The wet nurse hurried in from outside, not daring to say much, and simply picked up Prince Rong to feed him in the outer chamber.
The candles in the main hall crackled, while the shadow of the parasol tree outside the window swayed gently. The night was so quiet—she could hear nothing but the children's cries.
"What Fourth Young Master?"
Li Xiuyi's small face suddenly turned cold as frost, carrying a rare murderous aura. He pushed Chu Qiao aside, ran to the bedside, and grabbed Chu Qiao's sword. With a swift motion, he drew the blade almost as tall as himself and shouted fiercely, "I'll kill him! How dare he try to take Auntie away from me!"
"Yi'er!"
Chu Qiao snatched the sword back and scolded angrily, "What do you think you're doing?"
The child's lips trembled, tears streaming down his cheeks as he wailed, "Auntie doesn't want me anymore! I know—you're leaving! You don't want me anymore!"
Chu Qiao knelt weakly on the ground, clutching the child tightly in her arms. Her heart ached as if being sliced to pieces, and she choked up, unable to speak.
"Auntie, please don't go."
The child wrapped his small arms around her back, sobbing loudly, "Yi'er will grow up quickly. I'll protect Auntie just like Father Emperor. Please don't go."
Just then, a jade-like little girl dashed to the doorway. Dressed in a colorful short jacket, she stood there foolishly, her small face pale and plump, with eyes as dark and glossy as grapes soaking in water.
Seeing her, Li Xiuyi broke free from Chu Qiao's embrace, ran over, and grabbed the little girl's hand. Sobbing, he said, "Xiaoxiao, kowtow to Auntie! Kowtow to Auntie so she won't leave!"
The little girl was Li Ce's daughter, only four years old. Due to recent unrest in the palace, Chu Qiao had brought all three children to reside at Mihe Residence. However, Xiaoxiao was accustomed to sleeping with her wet nurse, so she stayed in the nearby outer chamber.
Xiaoxiao froze, perhaps not understanding her brother's words, and remained standing motionless.
Enraged, Li Xiuyi yelled, "I told you to kneel and kowtow! Didn't you hear me?"
Xiaoxiao burst into tears, plopping down to kneel. Supporting herself with both hands on the floor, she kowtowed repeatedly while crying incoherently, "Xiaoxiao won't be naughty anymore! Xiaoxiao won't! Auntie, waa—"
Chu Qiao pulled Li Xiuyi back as he too was about to kneel and kowtow, embracing both children in her arms. A sour bitterness swelled in her heart like an endless, overflowing sea.
"Auntie won't leave. Auntie isn't going anywhere."
She spoke each word deliberately. The two children buried themselves in her embrace, weeping in fearful relief. Their cries echoed through the empty Jinwu Palace, mingling with the night watchman's drumbeats, carrying into this sorrowful late autumn.
Mei Xiang watched the three figures, her heart sinking heavily. Sitting there, she tilted her head slightly, pressing her lips tightly together. A clear tear slid from her eye into her mouth—so bitter, so astringent.
"It's all fate."
She forced a helpless smile, like aged bitter coptis.
The next day, when Sun Di arrived, Chu Qiao had already finished washing and dressing. She wore solemn, deep-red brocade robes woven with gold, a golden lily-adorned cape draped long before her chest, appearing resplendent and majestic.Sun Di glanced at Chu Qiao, seemingly slightly taken aback. After a moment, a faint smile bloomed on his lips as he calmly said, "It seems the young lady has come to a decision."
The woman sat in the main seat of the central hall, the morning sunlight casting a radiance upon her that was almost too dazzling to behold. Though dressed in such resplendent robes, the sharpness in her brows and eyes remained undiminished, instead appearing even more dignified. She gazed steadily at Sun Di, her voice cool and measured as she slowly spoke, "Fortunately, I trust I have not disappointed Minister Sun."
Sun Di’s mind sharpened instantly, yet he maintained his composure and bowed his head. "You flatter me, young lady."
Chu Qiao said no more, coldly waving her hand. "I presume you already have a plan in mind. I leave the arrangements entirely in your hands."
"Yes, I shall not fail in this duty."
In the blink of an eye, the form of address had shifted. Chu Qiao turned away, not even bothering with a cold smile.
Sun Di hesitated briefly before tentatively suggesting, "Three days from now is an auspicious day."
"Three days?" Chu Qiao raised an eyebrow slightly. "Won’t that be too rushed?"
"It is of no concern. I will urge the Ministry of Rites and the Ministry of Works to expedite the preparations."
"And what of the imperial edict and decree?"
Sun Di smiled faintly, a hint of pride in his expression. "Have you forgotten, young lady? The late emperor’s decree conferring upon you the title of princess consort remains unfilled. With minor adjustments, it can be completed. The timing is also impeccable—since it was personally written by the late emperor, the court officials will find it more convincing. Coupled with your current authority, I doubt anyone would dare oppose it."
"How thoughtful of you," Chu Qiao remarked indifferently.
A chill ran down Sun Di’s spine, and he responded solemnly, "Then I shall take my leave to make the preparations."
"Mm."
Chu Qiao nodded faintly, her expression weary. Sun Di quickly turned to leave. Just as he was about to step out of the room, an exceedingly soft voice reached him. The woman said quietly, "This is the last time."
Sun Di’s steps faltered. He turned back, but Chu Qiao had already retreated into the inner hall.
Had he imagined it?
He furrowed his brows tightly.
Under the vast autumn sky, clear and blue, Sun Di suddenly broke into a carefree smile, lifting his face toward the heavens. Vaguely, it seemed as if he could see that man—both his sovereign and his friend—gazing at him with a cheerful expression.
"You must be pleased with this, I imagine. Even if you put on a righteous facade of inviolable purity, deep down, you’re probably overjoyed."
Sun Di took a deep breath and closed his eyes quietly.
"Hate me if you must. So long as the bloodline of the Li Tang is preserved, it will all be worth it."
On the fifth day of the tenth month, Jinwu Palace issued the late emperor’s posthumous decree, appointing General Xiuli, Chu Qiao, as the Imperial Noble Consort, granting her authority over the phoenix seal of the palace. It was also proclaimed to the world that if she were to bear a son in the future, she would be elevated to Empress of Great Tang.
Since the decree was dated three months prior—when Li Ce was still alive—Chu Qiao became the only woman to be elevated to Grand Imperial Noble Consort immediately upon her appointment. Moreover, everyone in the realm understood the nature of this marriage: this General Xiuli, now an imperial consort, would never bear Li Ce’s child in this lifetime. Thus, she would remain a Grand Imperial Noble Consort forever.
The coronation ceremony was scheduled for three days later. The entire Tang Capital was draped in black mourning drapes, and the Ministry of Rites hastily produced the first black phoenix robe in the thousand-year history of Great Tang. Officials from all regions scrambled to prepare gifts, and the courier routes were filled with galloping horses racing toward the capital.Everyone was awaiting the posthumous wedding three days later, with the eyes of various nations converging upon it. The world was once again stirred by this woman, for everyone knew this was not merely an imperial consort, but the true master of Great Tang for the next decade. This woman from Daxia, who had risen from slavery in earlier years, had finally climbed step by step to the pinnacle of power through legendary circumstances.
Yan Xun was hosting distinguished guests in the palace when he received the news. Feng Zhi quietly approached, leaned close to his ear, and whispered a few words. His face suddenly changed, his wine cup tilting in hand as half a cup of fine grape wine spilled onto his black robe.
The rugged guest smiled slightly and inquired with curiosity, "What troubles Your Majesty?"
Yan Xun snapped back to reality with a faint smile, shaking his head. "A old horse I've raised for many years just died. My apologies for disturbing the esteemed envoy."
"So it was just a horse." The guest laughed heartily. "Yanbei is vast and rich in resources. When Your Majesty conquers Daxia in the future, the entire world will be in your grasp—what could you possibly lack? But since Your Majesty appreciates fine horses, I'll immediately send someone back to present you with a thousand superior warhorses, wishing Your Majesty smooth campaigns eastward and immediate victories upon raising your banners!"
Hearty laughter immediately echoed from Shuofang Palace, reverberating far across the Yanbei plateau.
Between heaven and earth, so vast and boundless, fate truly resembles an arrow shot forward—once released, there is no turning back.
That evening, Yan Xun took his attendants up to Nada Palace on Sunset Mountain. The palace floated among clouds, exquisitely beautiful like a mirage. He sat deep within the cloud-veiled halls resembling the Jade Pool for a long time without emerging. The sun gradually sank behind the mountains, the sunset blazing crimson like flaming red flowers on Huolei Plain.
Strong liquor slid down his throat, his vision gradually blurring. His gaze lost its sharpness, becoming somewhat vacant. With no one around, he allowed his thoughts a temporary respite.
"A Chu, marry me."
"Hmm..."
"I will always treat you well."
"I will always believe in you."
"A Chu, once the eastern campaign concludes, let us wed."
...
"A Chu, all storms have passed, and we remain together."
Everyone changes, but we shall not.
We, shall not change...
A soft, brief chuckle emerged from the Cloud Sea Palace. Feng Zhi paused slightly, tilting his head, but caught only the lingering scent of wine. The emperor never used to drink—ever since, ever since that person departed, liquor had become a necessity here.
Thinking of that person, Feng Zhi suddenly felt a pang in his nose.
Ultimately, they were two wounded souls, scattered to the corners of the earth, living as if treading on knife blades, neither finding true peace.
The winds of Yanbei gradually turned cold—winter was approaching again.
At this moment, a group had just come ashore at Xianyang's ferry. Several weathered men led forward horses and said gravely, "Word has come from home—no one knows the young master is absent. Seventh Master instructed that the young master should focus on his own affairs, needing only return within ten days without worry."
The man in purple robes frowned slightly, his features handsome, lips crimson, with eyes like deep pools—ancient wells holding profound light.
He mounted a horse deftly, his face bearing traces of travel weariness."This journey to Tang Capital will only take three days if we take the shortcut, though the route lacks major towns and may be rather bumpy."
"Time is pressing. Let's take the shortcut."
An attendant turned to the man in purple robes and said, "Young Master, should we prepare a carriage? You haven't slept properly for days."
"No need." The man shook his head and said gravely, "Any news from Tang Capital?"
"After the young lady defeated Zhan Ziyu in one strike, the court and the public have calmed down. Recently, there has been some clamor over who will assist in governance, but it has nothing to do with the young lady—it's Biantang's internal affair."
The man nodded and said, "Let's go."
The others mounted their horses behind him. Hooves kicked up dust, and in the blink of an eye, they vanished along the ancient road of Xianyang. Soon, they passed through the western city gate and continued along a remote courier route.
An hour later, the imperial envoy entered Xianyang City and proclaimed the edict appointing Chu Qiao as the Graceful Imperial Noble Consort Dowager. The magistrate of Xianyang knelt in obeisance, then hurried back to his residence to organize the city's wealthy households to prepare congratulatory gifts for their new mistress.
After a long separation, everything had turned upside down, and people and circumstances were no longer the same.
Time flew like a shuttle, and in its haste, a decade of tumultuous years had passed. Vaguely, they were no longer the young girl with her hair in childish tufts, nor the stubborn youth of bygone days. Time had drawn countless boundaries between them—family grudges, national enmity, love, war, displacement, exile, life and death, and separation. In the end, affection and debts had also taken the stage, like layers of silk in a splendid brocade—no matter how one pulled, the endless threads could never be fully unraveled.
A long wind blew from the distant Yanbei, sweeping across the vast lands of Daxia, drifting into Biantang's deep autumn, brushing past Huai Song's flourishing flowers, and heading toward the boundless blue sea in the far east, where it vanished into the white-capped waves.
"The road hasn't reached its end yet. There may still be other variables. Are you afraid?"
"I'm not afraid."
"Remember, I'm waiting for you."
The night was cold, and the moonlight shone like radiance, spreading across the ancient roads and lush forests.
That warm fragment of memory was ultimately washed away by endless storms of blood, the glint of blades and shadows of swords, stripping away the initial happiness and bright expectations, leaving only the stark reality, clearly separating past hopes from the present situation.
The sound of rolling hooves continued day and night, and the long-unseen ancient city of Tang Capital was now right before their eyes.
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