The candle holder's flame wept crimson tears.
The third watch's drum had already sounded, yet Yan Xun still hadn't returned. A young maid carefully pushed open the door while holding a brazier, seeing only a lone lamp casting feeble light in the room. The woman's figure appeared thin and delicate, still bent over the desk, not lifting her head at the sound, her brows slightly furrowed as if pondering something.
"Young Miss," the young maid spoke with reluctant sympathy. Though only twelve or thirteen, she vaguely understood something. She spoke softly to this usually stern and taciturn mistress, "It's getting late, you should rest early."
Chu Qiao didn't respond, merely raising her hand slightly to signal her to leave.
Lü Liu carried the replaced brazier to the door, then suddenly turned back and said, "When the Crown Prince returns, this servant will come notify you."
The slender woman slowly lifted her head, her eyes slightly narrowed as she gazed calmly at Lü Liu, her voice low and measured as she said, "Do you have too much free time?"
The young maid froze, immediately falling to her knees with a thud, hurriedly saying, "This servant spoke out of turn, please punish me, Young Miss."
"Leave."
The clear, cold voice suddenly cut through the air. The young woman said nothing more, simply lowering her head to continue reading the letters in her hand. Lü Liu retreated with trembling fear, head bowed, and when the door closed, the room fell into complete silence.
The candle flame burned quietly, occasionally sputtering sparks, its light stretching the young woman's shadow long and thin, its outline blurred and indistinct.
There was no unusual behavior—she continued her work as usual, pondered as usual, even her tone of response showed not the slightest change. Only on those sheets of pristine rice paper, the ink strokes were deep and forceful, penetrating through the paper.
The winter night stretched long. At the fifth watch, the sound of the front courtyard gate opening came. The writing brush paused abruptly. Chu Qiao listened intently for a moment, then stood up and lit every lamp in the room.
Light instantly flooded the space, visible even from afar. Chu Qiao stood by the window, lifting a corner of the window covering. The night wind blew through the window frame, stirring her ink-black hair. The young woman's eyes remained tranquil as she stood in silent stillness.
She was waiting for an outcome. With just one glance, he would know she hadn't slept, that she was waiting for him. If he came, it would mean there was still room for maneuver. If not, then he had already made up his mind and wouldn't change it.
Time flowed slowly by. The lights in the front courtyard remained unmoving. The man wore a silver fox fur cloak, his hood half-covering his face, his blue robe elegant and upright. A Jing stood behind him, holding a green bamboo umbrella over his head as snowflakes drifted and danced upon its surface. A faint wind blew from the distance, sweeping up accumulated snow from the ground, forming small swirling eddies in the corners that brushed against his pristine boots and the hem of his fur cloak.
"Crown Prince," Xiao Li Zi approached with a bow, following Yan Xun's gaze toward the end of the long corridor. There, beyond the plum grove and behind the rockeries, bright lights spilled forth from a distance.
"Young Miss probably hasn't retired yet."
Yan Xun seemed not to hear, standing quietly as he knew that beyond those layered rooms, before the green bamboo window curtains, there must also be a figure standing silently. Between them lay three winding corridors, two vermilion gates, one clear pond, and a garden full of plum branches. The distance to cross was but the blink of an eye.Yet, a heavy sense of helplessness gradually rose in her heart. Why did this seemingly short distance feel so impossibly far?
His gaze remained tranquil, serene as still water. He didn't speak, merely watching quietly as his vision pierced through these seven years of accumulated time, traversing the joys and sorrows of fleeting years. Memories swept past like illusions and dreams—shared hardships, intertwined fortunes.
A sudden gust of wind lifted the bamboo umbrella from A Jing's hand, sending it flying. The young guard started in surprise and turned to chase after it. The swirling snowflakes scattered across Yan Xun's shoulders, and despite his thick fur cloak, he still felt bitterly cold.
"Let's go."
The single terse word emerged from the man's lips. Xiao Li's face lit up with delight as he immediately stepped forward to lead the way, chattering while walking, "The young lady must still be awake, Crown Prince..."
Before he could finish, he saw Yan Xun heading in the completely opposite direction with A Jing. Xiao Li froze momentarily, holding the lantern with his mouth agape, suddenly lost and uncertain where to go.
With a soft thud, Chu Qiao gently lowered the window. Slowly removing her outer robe, she stood in only her thin inner garments and walked to each corner lantern, extinguishing them one by one. Her movements were deliberate, her expression calm.
Finally, with another soft sound, the candle on the writing desk was also extinguished, plunging the room into complete darkness.
Groping her way to the bed, she pulled back the covers and lay down. The wind had quieted, leaving an unusual stillness. In the darkness, the young woman's eyes remained wide open. The cold moonlight spilled its silvery radiance across the floor, and in the hazy light, her cool eyes held no tears. Yet, something indescribable gradually sank within them, layer upon layer, like fine sand and ocean waves.
The next morning, Chu Qiao came to the front courtyard as usual for breakfast. Today, Yingge Court was unusually quiet, as if everyone was carefully restraining themselves from making noise. Chu Qiao and Yan Xun sat facing each other, eating their meal just like any other day, occasionally looking up to exchange casual remarks.
The masters showed no abnormalities, as calm as if nothing had happened. A Jing, Lü Liu, and the other servants exchanged puzzled glances, ultimately sighing in resignation: perhaps they had truly been mistaken.
After breakfast, everything returned to normal. Everyone attended to their duties, their expressions even carrying a hint of cheerfulness.
After all, from now on, within this vast imperial palace, Yingge Court would no longer need to defer to others.
At noon, Yan Xun opened the door to the flower room to find Chu Qiao quietly leaning against the flower stand railing, appearing as if she had been waiting for some time.
"My Blood Ti Orchid!" Yan Xun cried out in dismay, rushing forward. Chu Qiao started, turning to see Yan Xun behind her holding an orchid with a broken stem, his face filled with vexation as he exclaimed, "My Blood Ti Orchid!"
"It wasn't me."
The young woman immediately raised her hands in innocence, "I wasn't leaning on it."
"Didn't you see the silk cord between the flower stands?"
Chu Qiao paused, looking closely to confirm it was indeed there. She shrugged, "Even if it was me, I'll just get you another pot."
Yan Xun shook his head, set the flowerpot aside, and sat in a chair, his expression turning serious. "What are your thoughts on this matter?"
Chu Qiao remained silent in thought for a long moment before saying, "The Emperor has developed killing intent toward you."Yan Xun gave a faint smile, the corners of his mouth lifting slightly. "It's not the first day he's wanted me dead."
"This time is different," Chu Qiao shook her head, speaking gravely. "He doesn't truly wish to reconcile with you, but merely wants to silence the gossip among the people and find himself a gradual way out—to eliminate you while remaining uninvolved."
The young woman's expression was serious as she analyzed clearly: "Now the noble clans hold great power with vast territories. Apart from the capital's troops, the emperor has almost no military authority. Military, political, and financial powers are all controlled by the Elder Council and scattered among the noble families. If Zhao Zhengde wants to reclaim imperial power, aside from relying on a few imperialist generals like Meng Tian, he can only pin his hopes on the princes and marquises stationed in the borderlands. Therefore, he absolutely cannot kill you openly—first, because he fears stirring unrest in Yanbei and provoking assassinations by the Great Alliance Society's death warriors; second, because he worries about alienating the royal families across the land, lest it spark rumors of reducing feudal powers again. After all, the noble clans are waiting for the various princes and royals to raise armies so they can seize territories and expand their family influence. Once the princes' power is eroded by the noble clans, it will be even harder for the imperial family to reclaim authority."
Yan Xun nodded in agreement. The young woman continued: "So if he wants to kill you, he must use others' hands, make it ambiguous, then shift the blame and remain uninvolved. But now, if you die, all suspicion will point to him. That's why he chooses this moment to marry his daughter to you, creating the false appearance of reconciliation and magnanimity, making people believe he truly intends to let you return to Yanbei and let bygones be bygones. Then he'll strike personally to kill you. Once you're dead, his most beloved daughter becomes a widow, and naturally no one will suspect him anymore."
Yan Xun chuckled softly, took a sip of tea, and said, "Everything you say is correct."
The greenhouse was warm. Yan Xun favored orchids, and the room was filled with their subtle fragrance. The gentle breeze was intoxicating.
Yan Xun raised his eyebrows slightly and asked quietly, "Then what does A Chu think I should do?"
"You've already made up your mind, why ask me?" Chu Qiao raised her eyebrows slightly, speaking gravely. "Marrying Zhao Chun'er will bring certain death someday. Not marrying her means defying the imperial decree, disrespecting the emperor's order, refusing to marry your enemy's daughter—your rebellious intentions would be clear for all to see, and disaster would strike instantly. Someone as intelligent as you should have no trouble weighing the pros and cons."
After speaking, Chu Qiao smiled faintly and said slowly, "Over these seven years, we've endured far greater humiliation and hardship—why worry about a mere woman now? The emperor is finding himself an escape route for cover, and aren't we also buying time? It's just pitiful how Zhao Chun'er pours her sincere heart and tender feelings into this."
Yan Xun's expression gradually changed, becoming indifferent yet tinged with loneliness and bitterness. He said slowly, "Is this your true opinion? So you've already planned everything for me."
"Through all these years, we've shared fortune and misfortune—our lives, honor, and disgrace have long been tied together. Of course I must plan for you." Chu Qiao spoke gravely. "Besides, even if I didn't say anything, you would make the same decision. You already told me last night."
Hearing this, Yan Xun was momentarily stunned, then smiled faintly. "A Chu truly is the person who understands me best in this world."Chu Qiao stood up, smiled in relief, and stepped forward to pat Yan Xun’s shoulder, saying, “Of course. We grew up together and share a bond of life and death. That will never change.”
Yan Xun looked at Chu Qiao’s relaxed smile and also grinned, nodding as he replied, “Yes, it will never change.”
“I’ll take my leave now. I’m about to take up my post at the Elite Cavalry Camp, so I’ll go say goodbye to Zhao Song before I go.”
Yan Xun nodded and stood up, saying, “Give him my regards as well.”
Chu Qiao turned and walked out. Just as she reached the door, her steps faltered and she stopped. Slowly, she clenched her fist, then released it, repeating the motion three times, yet still did not step out. Yan Xun seemed to know she had something to say but did not press her, merely standing quietly.
“Yan Xun, too much sentimentality can weaken a hero’s resolve. You still have many aspirations unfulfilled. Focus on what matters.”
A chill ran through Yan Xun’s heart. He remained silent, watching the girl’s figure gradually disappear into the layers of emerald greenery in the flower hall, standing motionless for a long time.
A Chu, I gave you a drop of kindness, yet you repaid me with a flood. So, faced with your overwhelming grace, how should I repay you?
The afternoon sun was bright, but suddenly, Yan Xun felt everything was unbearably glaring.
**
“Who’s there?”
A sharp, low shout came abruptly. Startled, Chu Qiao looked down and saw a head emerging from beneath the stone bridge. The person wore a golden crown, with thick, dark eyebrows, a high nose bridge, and angry eyes. His forehead was slightly red and swollen, as if he had been struck by something hard.
Chu Qiao’s heart tightened, and her brows furrowed deeply. She thought to herself that today was indeed unlucky. Abandoning the idea of turning and fleeing, she stood up and bowed from her elevated position, saying, “Greetings, Seventh Prince. Chu Qiao did not know Your Highness was beneath the bridge. I apologize for the offense.”
Zhao Che was dressed in a sky-blue robe embroidered with dragons, a golden crown, a purple sash, and a jade belt. A dark blue jade pendant of excellent quality hung at his waist. He looked exceptionally handsome and distinguished, a stark contrast to his usual attire. If not for his furious expression, his appearance amidst the snowy scenery would have been a delightful sight.
“It’s you?” Zhao Che frowned, looking up at Chu Qiao on the bridge, his expression dark as he said coldly, “Are you implying it’s my fault for being here at the wrong time, that I shouldn’t have been under the bridge?”
“Your Highness exaggerates. Under heaven, all is the emperor’s land; within the seas, all are the emperor’s subjects. The entire realm belongs to the imperial family. Where Your Highness chooses to be or wishes to be is naturally not for a subordinate to question.”
Zhao Che was taken aback, murmuring the phrase “Under heaven, all is the emperor’s land; within the seas, all are the emperor’s subjects” as if lost in thought.
If not now, when else to leave?
Chu Qiao bowed again and said solemnly, “I will not disturb Your Highness’s rest. I take my leave.”
“Stop!” A clear, sharp voice rang out, halting Chu Qiao’s steps just as she was about to stride away. Zhao Che took a long detour, climbing up from the other side of the frozen lake. The journey was unexpectedly far. The Daxia prince was slightly out of breath as he shouted from a distance, “What are you standing there for? Come here!”
Chu Qiao sighed inwardly, knowing she would inevitably face his probing and harsh words. Her already troubled mood grew even more somber, and with a gloomy expression, she slowly descended the stone bridge.The withered branches on both banks created a desolate scene, with vast snowfields and a frozen lake. The July Bridge spanned the lake's surface, gleaming translucent white, appearing from afar like a dazzling silk ribbon.
After leaving Yingge Court, Chu Qiao didn't seek out Zhao Song. Instead, she came alone to the imperial garden to find some quiet and think things through. Daxia's summers were brief, and its winters bitterly cold. This imperial garden, bleak and uninteresting, was seldom frequented. Unexpectedly, tossing a stone from the bridge, she ended up hitting Zhao Che.
"You referred to yourself as 'subordinate' earlier, not 'servant'—what exactly did you mean by that?"
Chu Qiao was taken aback, not expecting him to question this matter. She quickly replied, "During the grand hunting ceremony, His Majesty graciously removed my slave status and personally appointed me as the archery instructor of the Elite Cavalry Camp. Your Highness commands the Elite Cavalry Camp. Although I haven't formally presented myself yet, you are still my superior."
Zhao Che raised an eyebrow, his voice deepening as he said, "Archery instructor of the Elite Cavalry Camp? You?"
He was surprised, but Chu Qiao was even more astonished. Frowning, she retorted, "Your Highness didn't know? No one informed you?"
Zhao Che's brow furrowed tightly, a flicker of anger crossing his features as he stared coldly at Chu Qiao without responding.
These brief exchanges inadvertently revealed too much information to Chu Qiao. The shock left her momentarily speechless, countless thoughts converging rapidly, overwhelming her senses. After the military exercises that day, Zhao Che had withdrawn and missed her competition with Zhama. Could it be that no one had informed him afterward?
Had the relationship between the Muhe Clan and Zhao Che deteriorated to such an extent? Was the emperor, who had once favored this son, now so distant? Zhao Che couldn't possibly lack spies in the capital—so who was deliberately withholding information? That he remained unaware of Yan Xun's subordinate being appointed as a military officer—what did that signify?
Lost in thought, her eyes suddenly caught something. Chu Qiao started, pointing at Zhao Che's forehead, and said awkwardly, "Seventh Prince, you..."
Zhao Che frowned in confusion. "What is it?" Then he reached up and wiped, his hand coming away covered in blood.
"Don't move." Chu Qiao hurried forward, pulling a white handkerchief from her sleeve. Disregarding propriety, she pressed it against Zhao Che's forehead.
"Stop!" Zhao Che's face showed disgust. The proud Seventh Prince, who despised slaves and valued status, frowned deeply and coldly rebuked her, "Who gave you permission to touch this prince?"
Chu Qiao froze at his words, immediately withdrawing her hand and stepping back. She watched coldly as blood streamed from the Seventh Prince's forehead and said calmly, "Since Your Highness forbids my assistance, I shall obey. However, this place is far from the main hall, and it would take the time of two incense sticks to reach the inhabited areas of the rear palace. Given the severity of Your Highness's injury, you would likely bleed to death before arriving."
"Vile commoner!" Zhao Che snapped coldly. The rapid blood loss made him dizzy, and he could barely stand. Initially struck by the stone Chu Qiao had thrown, it had only hurt slightly without bleeding, but now the flow wouldn't stop. Despite this, he stubbornly insisted, "Daring to harm this prince—I will have your entire clan executed!"Chu Qiao let out a cold, disdainful laugh. "My nine familial clans were exterminated by you long ago. Now I'm the only one left—how convenient. But if Your Highness still refuses my help, you might not even have the chance to tell someone to avenge you."
With that, she casually took out a small packet of trauma medicine and stepped forward.
"Step aside!"
"Stay put!" the plain-faced woman snapped sharply. With a swift grappling move, she restrained the Daxia prince, who was dizzy from blood loss and swaying unsteadily. Her tone was sinister as she growled, "Do you think I want to save you? I just don’t want to be implicated by your death."
This was the first time in his life Zhao Che had encountered such a bold and ruthless servant. For a moment, he was stunned and forgot to struggle.
Chu Qiao grabbed a handful of snow and pressed it firmly onto Zhao Che’s wound. The dazed prince immediately let out a sharp cry, shouting, "What are you doing?"
Chu Qiao snorted coldly. She had thought he was some kind of tough guy, but it turned out he could scream in pain too. As she thought this, she quickly brushed away the snow, applied the trauma medicine, covered the wound with a handkerchief, then grabbed Zhao Che’s brocade robe. Drawing a dagger, she sliced off a strip of fabric with a sharp tear, all while the seventh prince roared in fury.
"Audacious slave," Zhao Che sat on the snowy ground, muttering resentfully, "You dare tear a royal python robe without permission? Do you know what crime that is?"
Chu Qiao frowned and looked at him, slowly shaking her head with a hint of pity in her expression. Counting this time, it was only her sixth encounter with Zhao Che. The first was on her very first day in this era—back then, Zhao Che was still a child, ruthless and cruel, repeatedly aiming his arrows at her, determined to take her life. The second was on the night she and Yan Xun were captured. Zhao Che had led troops to ambush them in the snowy plains outside the city, crushing them in one strike. Their suffering had begun from that moment. At that time, he was arrogant and supremely confident. The third was the day Zhao Che left the capital. She and Yan Xun had hidden in a corner of the imperial city, watching as the child was pushed out of the palace gates. That was the first time they had taken action against a member of the royal family. Their main target hadn’t been Zhao Che; they merely wanted to stir conflict between him and the Wei Clan, using the Wei Clan to eliminate Zhao Che, and then leverage the Muhe Clan’s hatred for the Wei Clan after Zhao Che’s departure to restrain Wei Shuyou, buying themselves a chance to breathe. After that came their recent encounters—once in the imperial city corridor and once at the hunting grounds.
This man gave a different impression each time they met, impossible to ignore. In the past, she had deeply feared him, but now she found it somewhat amusing. Watching him, pale and bloodstained, still stubbornly clinging to his pride, her originally troubled and restless heart gradually relaxed.
"I’ve already committed enough offenses today—tearing your clothes is just one more."
The young woman smiled faintly and sat down against a tree. Her snow-white fur cloak draped over her shoulders, she looked like an orchid in a secluded valley or mist-shrouded trees in the wilderness.
Zhao Che was taken aback by her words, raising a skeptical eyebrow. "I can see it now—you really aren’t afraid of death."
"No, I am afraid of death," Chu Qiao shook her head. "I just don’t believe you’ll kill me."
Zhao Che asked in a low voice, "Why?"Chu Qiao said, "Those who truly know how to seek revenge would first cunningly keep it in mind, beg me to save them, and then come back to kill me for vengeance after being rescued. Although you are somewhat arrogant, self-righteous, condescending, and additionally cruel and bloodthirsty, you still possess a shred of integrity and conscience, so you won’t come after me for revenge later."
This Trauma Medicine was indeed effective—in such a short time, it had already stopped the bleeding. Zhao Che responded with a cold snort and said in a deep voice, "Do you know that based on the insulting remarks you just made about the royal family, you deserve to be executed ten times over."
Chu Qiao smiled and stood up. "It's fine. I've already beaten a prince today, so a few more insults won't make much difference."
"How dare you!" Zhao Che abruptly rose to his feet, his face livid with rage.
"Don't come closer." Chu Qiao also snorted coldly. "You should know I'm not some ordinary defenseless woman. Whether you could defeat me at your peak is debatable, let alone now when you're severely injured. I don't want to beat you up and make you hate me even more."
Zhao Che gritted his teeth. "What an audacious woman."
"Thank you for the compliment."
With a radiant smile, Chu Qiao turned and walked toward the stone bridge, proclaiming loudly, "If I've misjudged you—if you truly are the kind of scoundrel who doesn't know gratitude and bullies others with power—then I advise you not to send anyone to capture me. Because I won't admit to anything, and I might even turn against you at a critical moment. If I remember correctly, this should be the place where Consort Yuan drowned herself in the lake. If the Empress were to find out about this, what do you think would happen?"
The woman's clear voice carried far into the distance. Zhao Che stood on the lakeshore, glaring fiercely at Chu Qiao's retreating figure, his eyes nearly spitting fire.
The sun was exceptionally bright that day—a rare clear winter afternoon with a gentle, warm breeze.
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