Zhuge Yue had been away on official business in Yecheng for half a month. Three days ago, Chu Qiao received news that conflict had erupted again beyond Wild Goose Cry Pass—merely thirty drunken soldiers had charged past the checkpoint to provoke the Yanbei Army at Dragon's Roar Pass, loosing a volley of arrows that left one Yanbei soldier dead and three wounded, though the Yanbei forces did not retaliate.
By the time this report reached Zhenhuang City, the incident was already ten days old. The frontier garrison commander's memorial to the court urgently requested an imperial decree to launch an attack against Yanbei, vehemently asserting that reliable intelligence indicated Yanbei was now exhausted—short on troops, horses, and provisions, with military supplies depleted and large-scale civil unrest raging domestically. This was touted as the perfect moment for a northern expedition, warning that missing this opportunity would make future confrontations with Yanbei immensely difficult.
Even before this memorial, pro-war sentiments had already been clamorous throughout the court and public spheres. This report acted like oil poured on flames, instantly igniting Daxia's war fervor. From officials to commoners, a wave of warmongering enthusiasm swept the nation. The people of Daxia, with their origins beyond the frontier, were inherently warlike, and now—egged on by certain instigators—the uproar intensified. At night, the sound of blade-sharpening echoed from every household in Zhenhuang City. Civil officials from the Censorate set up recruitment platforms in Zihui Square specifically to enlist ordinary citizens volunteering for military service. Long lists of names densely covered the imperial bulletins, boldly posted at the Zihui Gate—each name marked with a bloody thumbprint, a chilling sight that sent shivers down one's spine.
Public enthusiasm for war reached unprecedented heights, yet the Holy Gold Palace remained silent, withholding any imperial decree. The Emperor, plagued by a recurrence of old ailments, had been absent from court for seven or eight days. With the Elder Council tacitly condoning these activities, civilian movements grew increasingly fervent, even including locally organized militias marching toward the capital with blades in hand.
Chu Qiao sent four consecutive letters to Zhuge Yue, but before she could receive his reply, the long-absent Zhuge Huai paid an unexpected visit, leaving her momentarily flustered.
Zhuge Huai had specifically traveled from the Zhuge family's domain. Although Zhuge Mu Qing had once disowned his son during Zhuge Yue's fall from grace, after Zhuge Yue's triumphant return, the entire Zhuge Clan collectively developed selective amnesia, burying that unpleasant past. Zhuge Huai—who had repeatedly opposed Zhuge Yue—was cast aside by the family and exiled to their remote territories, leaving the imperial capital three years ago.
His return this time, surprisingly, was for Chu Qiao and Zhuge Yue's wedding.
A month earlier, Chu Qiao's dowry had paraded grandly through Zhenhuang's city gates—a procession of carriages and horses stretching beyond sight. Rough estimates by Zhenhuang guards counted over four hundred carts escorted by fifty thousand personnel. Biantang's ceremonial officials, robed in deep, luxurious garments, formed a fully royal entourage.
The journey was filled with celebratory music, vermilion brocade carpeting the roads, and golden silk flowers showering from the sky. Scarlet gossamer canopies and gilded treasure covers led the way, preceded by three thousand lavishly dressed palace attendants. Twenty thousand Xiuli Army soldiers stood in full armor, followed by twenty thousand Wolf Army guards—a display of majesty so extravagant it surpassed even an emperor's wedding or an empress's coronation.The citizens of Zhenhuang City were utterly dumbfounded, and even the officials of Daxia were left speechless. Li Ce had spent two years preparing her dowry, sparing no expense in its extravagance, bestowing upon her the highest honor and glory. Even though he was no longer present, he continued to support her in this manner, ensuring she would not be looked down upon.
The Zhuge family immediately rose in status due to their marital ties with Biantang. Zhuge Mu Qing, who had long been plagued by illness, returned from his fiefdom and warmly exchanged pleasantries with the envoy sent by Biantang to escort the bride. Li Ce had also managed, by some means, to gather even the most distant relatives of the Jing family and bring them along. Although Chu Qiao had never met them before, these elderly men and women with graying hair burst into tears upon seeing her, profoundly expressing their years of longing and affection for her.
Some elderly ladies from the Jing clan moved into Sima Mansion. Although Chu Qiao held no favorable impressions of them, Zhuge Yue still earnestly instructed the servants to treat them with care. In the days that followed, Chu Qiao did not need to go anywhere; she simply sat upright in her room each day, listening as they taught her the customs of marriage, the duties of a wife, and what she should and should not do.
As the wedding approached, she grew increasingly restless, as if all the eyes in the world were converging upon her. Yet she alone could not find peace, feeling that beneath the overwhelming extravagance lay hidden, unseen sharp edges, leaving her unable to eat or sleep in tranquility.
Zhuge Yue comforted her, saying she was simply overwhelmed with joy. She could only console herself in the same way, hoping it was merely pre-wedding nerves and not some unfortunate sixth sense.
However, after Zhuge Yue left, her unease only intensified. Soon after, the strange battle reports from Yanbei and the fervent warmongering in the court made her feel as if she were sitting on pins and needles. Yet she knew nothing and could only guard herself carefully, quietly awaiting Zhuge Yue's return and their grand wedding.
She received Zhuge Huai with utmost courtesy. The two sat formally in the hall, exchanging a few words about daily life as he spoke of the landscapes along his journey and shared amusing childhood stories about Zhuge Yue, embodying the benevolent demeanor of an elder brother acting as a father figure.
The day after Zhuge Huai's visit, the young ladies of the Zhuge family arrived in a group. The third daughter, Zhuge Qing, born to the primary wife, had always held a certain status. Now married to Liu Wenpin, the Vice Minister of Revenue, she came with her unmarried younger sisters to invite Chu Qiao to the Zhuge residence that evening to meet the various sisters and aunts.
Chu Qiao had never imagined she would one day return to the Zhuge family in such a capacity. Surrounded by Zhuge Qing and the others, she stepped out of the sedan chair to see the towering, solemn gates of the Zhuge main residence. The wives and concubines of the Zhuge family stood in a row at the entrance, bowing to her in unison as she descended.
After all, her current status was not merely that of Zhuge Yue's betrothed but also the first-rank King Xiuli of Biantang, enjoying the privileges of a prince, with her own fiefdom, military authority, and immense wealth and influence. In the eyes of outsiders, she was almost like a second ruler of the Great Tang. Throughout history, even if these noble families had married royalty or princesses, who had ever brought home a foreign prince? It was no wonder the Zhuge family went to such great lengths to orchestrate the occasion.The women present were all adorned with pearls and emeralds, dressed in splendid silks and brocades, smiling at her as if the events of many years past were merely a grand dream that had never truly happened.
The sunlight was brilliant, the sky clear and bright. As the weather grew warmer, Chu Qiao wore only a water-colored gown with cloud patterns and wide sleeves, her hair tied up in a low chignon adorned with a sapphire jade hairpin. She looked elegant and simple, yet still carried an air of nobility.
Greetings, pleasantries, and banquets—everything unfolded like a meticulously planned performance. How to walk, what to say, what expressions to wear—Chu Qiao executed each detail flawlessly. The banquet was lively, with several young women from the Jing family accompanying her. Some of them weren’t even surnamed Jing; they were merely distant relatives connected by tenuous marital ties, yet they were still referred to as members of the Jing family, serving as her maternal family representatives.
Most of the wine was intercepted by these maternal relatives. After the banquet, the group moved to the Flower Appreciation Room for tea. With so many women gathered, the atmosphere grew lively. These young ladies from noble families typically spent their days enjoying flowers and embroidering, so sitting together now inevitably felt a bit dull. Someone suggested that each compose a poem to suit the occasion.
Chu Qiao knew full well that this was the Zhuge family’s young ladies trying to put her in her place. To outsiders, she was merely a woman of slave origins, her family long fallen from grace, who had risen to her current status through sheer coincidence and connections with influential figures. Asking her, a lowborn from a military background, to compose poetry was clearly intended to embarrass her.
Sure enough, most of the Jing family’s young ladies faltered. Only one, whose father served as a minor local magistrate, managed to produce a barely passable poem, while the others’ attempts were largely incoherent. The Zhuge family’s young girls covered their mouths in amusement, their eyes brimming with schadenfreude.
Had this been when she first arrived, Chu Qiao might have felt a competitive urge to outdo them. But now, after experiencing life-and-death struggles, she found these high-society young ladies’ tactics utterly crude and tedious. Still, this was her first visit to Zhuge Yue’s home in such a capacity, and she didn’t want to embarrass him too much, lest he tease her about it later. So, she casually recited a few poems from memory that weren’t overly refined, merely going through the motions.
One of the Zhuge family’s young ladies smiled sweetly at Chu Qiao and said, “We’ve long heard that our future fourth sister-in-law is a talented woman skilled in both literary and martial arts. Seeing you today, you truly live up to your reputation.”
Chu Qiao responded lazily, “You flatter me.”
Another Zhuge young lady’s eyes sparkled as she remarked with a smile, “It’s just that our future fourth sister-in-law’s name is quite difficult to address. We’ve discussed it among ourselves and still don’t know whether to call you Miss Jing or Miss Chu. Or, since you were once a retainer of Yan Xun, the Yanbei King, and are now a prince of Biantang, should you perhaps go by the surname Yan or Tang?”
At these words, the expressions of the Jing family’s young ladies nearby instantly darkened. Everyone in the world knew that she had changed her surname after leaving the Zhuge residence. While she herself didn’t care, it was a blow to the pride of the Jing family. For this unknown Miss Zhuge to bring it up in such a setting, along with her past as Yan Xun’s servant, was clearly meant to humiliate her.She wasn't angry either, merely smiling calmly as she slowly said, "If the young lady doesn't know how to address me, you may call me King Xiuli."
The young lady's pretty face instantly turned pale, her willow-like eyebrows shooting up as she was about to speak, but Zhuge Qing quickly intercepted her, hurriedly saying, "The wedding day isn't far off, so let's address His Highness as Fourth Sister-in-law—it sounds more intimate."
Just then, a maid came forward to serve tea, easing some of the awkwardness. The group then drifted into casual chatter—about which family's young lady had married into a prominent household earlier in the year, thinking it a good match, only for the husband to take three concubines within two months. Or about another young lady from some family who, driven mad by infatuation, fell for a poor scholar and, against her parents' wishes, shamelessly eloped with him, her fate still unknown.
Chu Qiao had no interest in their topics, yet she had to feign enthusiasm and listen. Suddenly, someone brought up Zhao Che, mentioning that he had taken a liking to the daughter of the Eastern Hu chieftain—another northern Hu tribeswoman.
The young ladies indignantly declared that the Hu girl must have used some seductive tricks to bewitch the Seventh Prince, but given her status, aspiring to marry into the royal family was nothing but wishful thinking.
Zhao Che had experienced many ups and downs over the years, but now he finally held power and had intricate ties with the Zhuge Clan, which inevitably sparked fantasies among these young ladies. Hearing this, Chu Qiao didn't bother to refute them, as prejudice based on social status was indeed an ironclad rule in this era, and she saw no need to argue over such matters. However, the young lady whom Chu Qiao had rebuked earlier spoke again with a sarcastic tone, "The Seventh Prince is too bloodthirsty, contrary to the ways of benevolence. I heard that in the northern lands, he lived like a savage, drinking blood and eating raw flesh, as if possessed. His maternal clan also committed crimes—I really don't understand why you sisters hold him in such high regard?"
It was common knowledge in Daxia that Zhuge Yue and Zhao Che were close friends. Not everyone present had a favorable impression of Zhao Che, and such remarks were made precisely because Chu Qiao was there. For her to speak up again like this was clearly looking for trouble.
Before Chu Qiao could respond, a young girl named Zhuge Xiu chimed in, "Eighth Sister is right. Father often teaches us to harbor kindness in our hearts. No wonder during the Yanbei mutiny, Elder Brother chose to retreat to his territory rather than stain his hands with blood and engage in indiscriminate slaughter."
"Waging constant war and engaging in killing are matters for low-born military men. For someone of the Seventh Prince's status to act contrary to the teachings of the sages is truly disheartening."
Chu Qiao frowned slightly, her gaze cold as she glanced sidelong at the Eighth Young Lady and said lightly, "Oh? I didn't realize the Eighth Young Lady was so well-versed in the sages' teachings of benevolence. Then, if the entire nation thought as you do, and enemies stormed the capital, holding a blade to your neck, how would you respond?"
The Eighth Young Lady was taken aback, her expression shifting, then she retorted, "Daxia has a million elite troops and impregnable fortresses—how could bandits possibly break through?"
"The Eighth Young Lady advocates for benevolence, doesn't she? If all the soldiers at the borders shared your mindset, then Daxia's downfall would not be far off."
The Eighth Young Lady's eyes widened in anger as she snapped, "How could those of low birth understand the teachings of the sages!""If what the young lady says is true, then the noble clans who understand the teachings of the sages must rely on the protection of commoners who live like savages?" A cold voice suddenly spoke from the corner. Everyone turned to look and saw it was the young lady from the Jing family, whose father was a county magistrate. The woman's expression was aloof as she spoke indifferently, "What benevolence and virtue? The current situation is chaotic, with years of continuous warfare in the northwest and countless casualties among border soldiers. When slaughter begins, where is there room for the teachings of sages? If the Seventh Prince hadn't defended Zhenhuang back then, how could we be enjoying peace here today?"
Though young, the girl spoke with sharp clarity, her few words silencing all the young ladies of the Zhuge family, leaving none daring to speak further.
Just then, a servant knocked on the flower room's door and said, "Third Young Miss, your cousin has arrived."
Zhuge Qing was startled, her face instantly changing dramatically as she quickly stood up. Just as she was about to go out, the Eighth Young Miss pressed her back down. The Eighth Young Miss stood up triumphantly, strode forward in a few steps, personally opened the door, and led a woman in by the wrist with graceful steps.
The woman wore a moon-white dress, her demeanor elegant and transcendent. Perhaps because the wind outside was strong, her hair was slightly disheveled. She brushed away the stray hairs from her forehead and bowed respectfully to each young lady in turn, her expression deferential yet without any trace of humility.
Zhuge Qing looked somewhat displeased. Seeing her finish the greetings, she was about to dismiss her when the Eighth Young Miss took her hand and led her to Chu Qiao's side, saying with a smile, "Sister Su, you haven't paid respects to this lady yet. This is the famous General Xiuli of Yanbei, Princess Xiuli of Biantang, the future Fourth Young Madam of our Zhuge residence, my fourth sister-in-law."
The woman surnamed Su suddenly trembled, sharply raising her head. Her half-bent knees froze in place, unable to bend further.
The surrounding young ladies showed varied expressions - some concerned, some fearful, and some gloating with schadenfreude.
Chu Qiao didn't know who this person was but sensed something unusual. She stood up to support her, saying, "There's no need for such formality."
But the woman instinctively stepped back, avoiding Chu Qiao's touch. Her gaze gradually calmed as she softly said to Chu Qiao, "This commoner woman Su Wanwan pays respects to Your Highness."
"Sister Su, the Helian family has long fallen, and Fourth Brother has redeemed you from the official slave registry. Why call yourself a commoner? Perhaps..." The Eighth Young Miss glanced sideways at Chu Qiao and said with a smile, "Sister Su might one day qualify to address Fourth Sister-in-law as sister."
"Qin'er, don't speak nonsense!"
Zhuge Qing's eyebrows shot up as she scolded angrily, "Our cousin rarely visits the residence. The journey is long and she must be tired. Tao Shu, take our cousin to rest."
"Wait!"
The Eighth Young Miss held Su Wanwan's hand and said firmly, "Third Sister, Sister Su grew up with us and shares a deep friendship with Fourth Brother. Now that Fourth Brother is getting married, as we sisters pay respects to Fourth Sister-in-law, doesn't Sister Su have the right to participate?"
Zhuge Qing's eyes burned with anger, her slender, pale hand tightly clutching a white handker."Fourth Sister-in-law, you haven't met Sister Su yet, have you? She's the biological niece of Second Aunt and grew up with Fourth Brother. If she hadn't been later betrothed to the Helian family, Fourth Brother wouldn't have remained single all these years. Back when Sister Su was getting married, Fourth Brother even brought people to block the wedding sedan and beat up the groom. This incident has long become a romantic tale in Zhenhuang City—everyone says Fourth Brother has been a romantic since childhood."
"Eighth Young Lady, Third Young Lady, I have matters to attend to and won't disturb you further."
That Su Wanwan suddenly spoke loudly and turned to leave. Unexpectedly, the Eighth Young Lady grabbed her arm and snapped, "I haven't finished speaking! Did I say you could leave?"
Su Wanwan bit her lower lip tightly, tears welling in her eyes, and pleaded, "Eighth Young Lady—"
"So spineless! No wonder the Helian family fell so quickly!"
A sharp slap suddenly rang out, stunning everyone present instantly. A distinct red palm print was visible on the Eighth Young Lady's cheek. Covering her face, she stared incredulously at Chu Qiao, pointing a slender finger at her and exclaiming, "How dare you hit me?"
"Why wouldn't I dare?"
After striking her, Chu Qiao calmly sat down, picked up a teacup, and used the lid to skim the tea leaves, raising an eyebrow slightly as she said quietly, "Officially, I am a prince of Great Tang and a guest of Daxia. You shouting and making a scene before me—punishing you for disrespect is perfectly justified. Privately, I am your future fourth sister-in-law. You publicly berate your own cousin in front of all these sisters—even if Patriarch Zhuge himself were here, he'd likely slap you too."
The Eighth Young Lady was furious, pointing at Chu Qiao and shouting, "Jing Yue'er! Don't push your luck!"
"Do you believe I'd break your finger?"
Chu Qiao turned her head, her voice still calm, but her gaze was like a sharp blade, silently slicing across the young girl's face.
Zhuge Qing hurried forward, stepping between them, and said repeatedly, "Your Highness, please don't be angry. Qin'er is young and doesn't know better."
Chu Qiao stood up, her eyes sweeping indifferently over Zhuge Qin. Though the girl still looked defiant, she didn't dare speak again. Turning to Zhuge Qing, Chu Qiao said lightly, "If you know she doesn't know better, then don't let her out to embarrass herself and tarnish the Zhuge family's reputation."
With that, she took Su Wanwan's hand and led her entourage out of the room. The Zhuge family's ladies had already known trouble was brewing when they heard Su Wanwan had entered the residence. Rushing over now, they only saw Chu Qiao's retreating back. A crowd followed them out of the mansion, apologizing profusely. Chu Qiao had Su Wanwan take a sedan chair while she herself mounted a horse. Under everyone's varied gazes, she spurred her horse and rode away.
By the time she returned to her residence, it was already dark. Chu Qiao sat by the candlestand, the halo of light flickering across her face with a pale golden glow.
Mei Xiang cautiously entered and said softly, "Miss, how should we arrange accommodations for that Miss Su?"
Chu Qiao didn't respond, as if she hadn't heard, simply staring blankly at the lamp flame on the table.Mei Xiang knew she was in a bad mood, though she wasn't sure if it was because of that Miss Su. Just as she was about to withdraw, she suddenly heard Chu Qiao say, "Let her stay in the residence tonight and send her back to her place tomorrow. Have someone keep a close watch over her—don't let the people from the main house bully her."
Mei Xiang nodded and said, "Yes, I've noted it down."
"Mei Xiang, do you think I'm meddling too much?"
Mei Xiang was taken aback and asked, "What do you mean, Miss?"
"This Miss Su is an extremely important person to him. When the Zhuge family's crowd used words to provoke me, I didn't really feel anything, but seeing them bully her like this—I just couldn't stand it."
The candlelight glowed golden, and the room was filled with the soft, drifting scent of sinking incense. Resting her chin on her wrist, she murmured softly, "They brought her out just to make me jealous."
Mei Xiang felt that Chu Qiao's words were all over the place and didn't quite connect, so she asked, "Miss, then are you jealous or not?"
Chu Qiao raised an eyebrow and said, "Am I that kind of person?"
Mei Xiang quickly smiled and said, "Yes, I also think someone like you, Miss, wouldn't get angry over such a small matter."
Chu Qiao looked at her, studying her carefully for a long while until Mei Xiang felt her scalp tingle. Finally, she said, "I'm tired. You may go and rest."
Mei Xiang hurriedly left, but Chu Qiao remained seated by the window, showing no intention of going to bed.
Not jealous? How could that be?
But she wasn't exactly heartbroken or sad either—just a little uncomfortable.
Seeing that gentle, elegant, delicate woman standing there so fragile—even a woman would probably feel a desire to protect her, let alone a man.
Look at her skin, so smooth and delicate, unlike her own, which had become rough after years of enduring hardships in military campaigns. And her hands—they probably had never done a day of rough work in her life, as tender and white as freshly peeled lotus roots. As for herself? She had been born a servant's fate and had practiced with spears and swords—how many calluses had she grown? And her chest...
At this thought, Chu Qiao suddenly stood up and ran to the full-length bronze mirror.
Hmm, not bad. Over the years, her chest had gradually filled out. Even if it wasn't as impressive as in her modern life, she must at least be a 34C. Her waist? Probably not as slender as that woman's. She had been eating a bit too much lately and had gained some weight. But her legs were definitely not as long as Chu Qiao's. She nodded with satisfaction—this was something she was quite confident about. Jing Yue'er had left her with a pair of long legs, and after all these years of exercise, her figure should be quite athletic.
She began examining her face in the mirror. Her eyes weren't particularly large, but they weren't small either. Her nose was quite nice—straight and well-shaped. Her lips? A bit thin, not very sensual. Her teeth were decent—neat and fairly white. Her face could barely be considered an oval shape. Overall, she'd give herself an eighty out of a hundred.
Just then, a faint sound came from outside the window. Chu Qiao frowned slightly and cautiously walked over to the window. She flung it open to find a young woman standing outside—the daughter of the county magistrate who had spoken up for her earlier that day at the Zhuge family.
"What are you doing here?"
The young woman was slightly startled but quickly composed herself. She knelt with a thud and said, "Sister, please save my father! He has been falsely accused by his superiors of embezzling disaster relief supplies and is now imprisoned in the celestial prison."
Chu Qiao frowned and said sternly, "I have no authority over Daxia's political affairs. If what you say is true, I can speak to Zhuge Yue about it when he returns."
The young woman was overjoyed and quickly said, "Thank you, sister!"
"Get up. What's your name?"
"My name is Yu Xiaohe."
"You're surnamed Yu? What's your relation to the Jing family?"
Yu Xiaohe hurriedly replied, "The second concubine married to my grandfather's elder brother is the maternal aunt of the wife of a distant cousin of the former Mr. Jing."
Chu Qiao felt her scalp tingle, thinking to herself, What kind of relation is this? Not even eight degrees of separation—more like eighteen! She had no idea where Li Ce had managed to find all of them or how much effort it had taken.At this thought, she couldn't help but feel somewhat dejected. Only today did she understand the significance of everything Li Ce had done for her. Without this status and without this dowry, she wouldn't have been able to walk into the Zhuge residence with her head held high today. Even if she didn't mind, she couldn't help but consider his position. With all this, whether for him or for her, it had greatly reduced the pressure.
Li Ce, that man who was always laughing and playing around.
"You may go back first. I've taken note of this matter."
"Thank you, sister." Yu Xiaohe performed a curtsey, then turned and ran off, her steps light and brisk, like a fluttering swallow.
Just as she was about to close the window, she suddenly noticed a woman in plain clothes standing quietly under a tree not far away. She made no sound, her gaze clear like a serene crescent moon.
Chu Qiao felt a stir in her heart and smiled slightly.
"Miss Su, the wind is strong outside. Would you like to come in and sit?"
Su Wanwan sat on the other side of the small table, her demeanor serene. Now that she was seen up close, she didn't look like someone in her late twenties. Her face was lovely, though there were faint crow's feet at the corners of her eyes, adding a touch of charm.
She sat there without speaking. Chu Qiao poured her a cup of tea and then sat back in her own seat with a smile. Since Su Wanwan remained silent, she didn't speak either.
Su Wanwan's ability to maintain composure was no match for Chu Qiao's. Eventually, she spoke up: "Your Highness, King Xiuli..."
"Miss Su, you may just call me Chu Qiao. There's no need for titles."
Su Wanwan readily agreed, nodding. "Miss Chu Qiao, about today's matter, I hope you won't take it to heart."
Chu Qiao raised an eyebrow and asked, "What matter today?"
Su Wanwan's cheeks flushed slightly as she said, "It's... it's about what the Eighth Young Lady said, about Xiao Si and me."
Chu Qiao laughed lightly and shook her head with ease. "I haven't taken it to heart at all."
Hearing this, Su Wanwan's face grew even redder. After a moment's thought, she said, "Xiao Si and I grew up together. He is a rare good man, noble in birth and deeply sentimental. When I married into the Helian family, it was out of helplessness. He was young at the time and quite stubborn, so it was inevitable that he would do things that were somewhat inappropriate. Over the years, I've heard bits and pieces about the two of you. Xiao Si has always been like this—whenever he cares about someone, he gives them his whole heart. After the Helian family fell into decline, he redeemed me and arranged for me to live in his villa, all out of regard for our past ties. Please, you mustn't take it to heart."
Chu Qiao suddenly laughed, slightly surprised. She raised an eyebrow and said, "Miss Su, you're a bit different from what I imagined. You just advised me not to take it to heart, but the way I hear it, it seems like you're hoping I'll remember every word of it."
Su Wanwan was startled and quickly shook her head in denial. "No, no, that's not it.""Alright, there's no need to say more." Chu Qiao interrupted her, "Actually, you don't need to explain to me. Zhuge Yue and I have been through many storms over the years. If I didn't trust him, I wouldn't be sitting here talking to you today. I understand how you feel, so I ask you to understand me as well. Our identities inevitably create some awkwardness, but those are things of the past and won't affect our future. You don't need to worry about me either. Instead, I have something to say to you: once an arrow is shot, it cannot turn back. Times change, and not everyone will remain waiting for you on the same path forever."
Su Wanwan fell silent at once. After a long while, she slowly nodded and said, "I understand."
"Miss Su, forgive me for speaking so bluntly. I just feel this is better for you."
Su Wanwan nodded, "It's alright. Actually, I understand everything. It's just that occasionally I still hold onto a little hope. Perhaps this is retribution. Back then, I left him for power, and now I'm destined to end up with nothing."
Chu Qiao smiled and said, "Life is like a game of chess. Even if you make a wrong move and lose a territory, it doesn't mean you won't find the taste of victory elsewhere. I've had days more disheartened and more despondent than you, but I persevered and made it through step by step. Miss Su, you're still young. There's no need to sentence yourself to a lifetime of punishment because of one mistake."
Su Wanwan stood up and smiled quietly, saying, "Thank you. Don't worry about me. You and Xiao Si are about to get married. From now on, take good care of him."
Chu Qiao nodded, "I will."
Then Su Wanwan walked out of the room. Her slender figure was illuminated by the lamplight, casting a faint shadow on the ground. Outside, a light spring rain had begun to fall unnoticed, gently landing on her. The willow branches in the garden looked as if frosted, gradually obscuring her figure.
Chu Qiao suddenly remembered the portrait she had seen many years ago in Green Mountain Courtyard - a girl in a goose-yellow dress, her smile as brilliant as a blooming peony.
She was speaking of others, but wasn't she also speaking of herself?
Once an arrow is shot, there's no turning back.
But how many chances to turn back had Zhuge Yue given her along this journey?
Su Wanwan was unfortunate, while she was so fortunate.
Leaning against the doorframe, she gazed at the eastern sky - a gloomy darkness without a trace of light.
When will you return?
She sighed helplessly. The night breeze blew, lifting the hair at her temples and bringing with it a hint of moisture from the night.
Returning to her room, she took a bath, let down her hair, and barefoot in her white sleeping robe, slipped into the bedding that carried his scent. Suddenly, she noticed the letter by her pillow, filled with her detailed opinions on the Yanbei war situation - page after page of writing.
This was meant to be sent to Zhuge Yue, but she hadn't finished it yet.
Yan Xun wasn't one to show weakness. If he appeared strong, perhaps there were indeed problems within his forces. If he appeared weak, then they should really consider whether he was planning some major move.
Ah!
Chu Qiao frowned in contemplation, hoping he truly lacked the strength to fight and could resist Daxia only after Zhao Che ascended the throne.Recalling the strange man she encountered that night and that terrifying dream, her head began to ache slightly.
It'll be fine, right?
She thought this, yet felt her conviction growing increasingly uncertain.
Hopefully not.
————Break————
Still owe everyone four thousand words today, must keep working.
OpenNovel