Zhuge Yue, clad in deep purple robes, had sharply arched brows and tightly pressed lips that held an eerie crimson hue. His hands, however, were as pale as paper, their icy fingertips gripping Chu Qiao's arm firmly. Gathering his robes, he knelt on the ground and spoke in a deep voice, "I beseech Your Majesty to grant this request."
"Grant?" Emperor Xia's voice was cold as he slowly asked, "Grant what?"
"Please bestow this person upon your servant and spare her life."
The sovereign seated above curled his lips into a faint smile, his gaze sweeping over Chu Qiao. "Such audacity."
Kneeling on the ground, Zhuge Yue's eyes subtly shifted toward Yan Xun's direction, narrowing slightly as an unmistakable sharpness gleamed within them. Yan Xun stood among the crowd in white robes, a chilling wind blowing from behind him. The men's gazes intersected mid-air, invisible sparks crackling through the brightly lit hall.
This was a vast hunting ground—only the most skilled hunters could return with a full bounty. Since everyone was confident in their prowess as hunters, let the game unfold openly!
"Your Majesty, I have failed in discipline and guidance. I am willing to accept punishment alongside her," Yan Xun declared, striding forward and kneeling with a resolute tone.
Zhao Qi let out a cold laugh and said slowly, "Last month during the hunt, this woman was already released from slavery by His Majesty. She is no longer Young Master Yan's servant. For Young Master Yan to insist on involving himself—what ulterior motives might he harbor?"
"By Third Brother's logic, since she has been under my command this past month, should I then bear responsibility for her crimes today?" Zhao Che, dressed in black robes, stepped forward coldly. "Father, Crown Prince Li is known for his unrestrained nature. Even a woman passing on the street might catch his eye. Must my subordinate be executed merely because of his whims? I cannot accept this."
"What does the Seventh Prince mean by this?" Ambassador Yu Jing of Biantang said sternly. "Is this how Daxia treats its guests—by allowing such disrespectful slander against our Crown Prince?"
Zhao Che lifted his head. "I meant no offense—only stating a fact. Throughout his journey, Crown Prince Li Ce took four months to travel, with carriages escorting women back to Tang Capital never ceasing. His romantic indiscretions are known to all. Should someone lose their life because of a sudden fancy? Though the Crown Prince's status is exalted, the women of Daxia are not livestock to be slaughtered at will!"
"Preposterous!" Yu Jing exclaimed angrily. "It was Emperor Xia who ordered this woman's execution, not our Crown Prince! Your argument is utterly unreasonable!"
Zhao Che sneered. "The world is not blind—all can see the truth. Crown Prince Li claims to have met his beloved and wishes to marry her, yet upon hearing the execution decree, he showed no grief, only excitement. Is this how one protects their beloved? A mere whim, spoken carelessly, without considering that a life might be lost because of it."
"Seventh Brother is right," Zhao Song stepped forward. "Father, he is simply causing chaos!"
"Enough!"Emperor Xia suddenly snorted coldly, his voice was deep.""Father!" Zhao Che knelt on the floor and stepped forward, kowtowing heavily before speaking solemnly: "The foundation of our Daxia's statehood is to protect our clan's elderly and young from being bullied by outsiders. For centuries, our Daxia soldiers have never retreated one step on the battlefield, never ceded an inch of territory. Our Daxia ancestors built this foundation from nothing through lifelong military campaigns. Must we let it be destroyed today at our own negotiation table?"
"The more you speak, the more absurd you become!" Consort Shu snapped coldly and sharply.
"Crown Prince Li Ce," Yan Xun suddenly lifted his head, gazing at Li Ce as he spoke gravely: "If you truly care for A Chu today, then spare her life and choose another woman as your consort. A Chu's status is too humble to bear such deep affection from the Crown Prince. If you're merely jesting, I beg you to release her. She has endured hardship since childhood and suffered numerous setbacks. Please don't condemn her to eternal damnation because of a momentary whim!"
"People truly shouldn't joke too often," Li Ce shook his head with a bitter smile. "When jokes become habitual, no one believes you even when you occasionally speak the truth."
The emperor half-closed his eyes, his gaunt face etched with deep wrinkles. Watching the girl's slender yet stubborn back, his thoughts suddenly raced back through time, recalling so many bygone memories buried in the years. The aged emperor sighed softly and uttered words no one understood: "So similar!"
The great hall fell silent, the earlier liveliness completely vanished. Emperor Zhengde seemed to have suddenly lost interest. He waved his hand, no longer displaying his previous fury, and murmured: "You may leave."
Everyone exchanged glances, their hidden agendas suddenly losing their foothold in the darkness. Emperor Zhengde's mercurial temperament was legendary throughout the land, but none expected his mood to shift so rapidly.
Zhao Song reacted fastest. Overjoyed at the words, he kowtowed to the ground and exclaimed loudly: "Father is wise!" Then he stood up, rushed to Chu Qiao's side, grabbed her wrist and said: "A Chu, come with me."
Zhuge Yue's eyebrows twitched as he tightened his grip on Chu Qiao's hand. Suddenly, another force came from his side - Yan Xun stood beside him with a smile, patting his shoulder as he said lightly: "Brother Zhuge, would you care for a drink?"
Music and dancing resumed, and the hundreds of banquet seats quickly regained their lively atmosphere. Daxia's state banquets were always relaxed, allowing free movement. Li Ce frowned slightly and was about to step forward when Zhao Che approached and blocked his path, saying solemnly: "My apologies for being occupied with matters when Your Highness visited the military camp today."
Just then, Chu Qiao and Zhao Song's figures disappeared through the main entrance. Li Ce's gaze froze momentarily before he raised his cup and said lightly: "No matter. Having witnessed the Seventh Prince's sharp rhetoric today, Li Ce considers this trip worthwhile."
The night was pitch black, cold wind whipping through Chu Qiao's clothes. She suddenly felt chilly. Zhao Song removed his outer robe and draped it over her shoulders, asking concernedly: "A Chu, are you cold?"
Chu Qiao shook her head, gazing into Zhao Song's bright eyes as she smiled faintly: "Zhao Song, thank you."
"You're still saying such things to me?" Zhao Song said unhappily. "A Chu, are you no longer treating me as your brother?"Chu Qiao felt a warmth in her heart. She stretched out her arms and gently hugged Zhao Song, smiling as she said, "We're good brothers."
"Loyal to the core," Zhao Song chimed in, then burst into laughter. He spread his arms and lifted Chu Qiao up in return, exclaiming, "A Chu, don't be afraid of that Biantang scoundrel. I'll help you."
The night breeze whispered, lifting the sleeves of his snow-white robe. Under the bright moonlight, a man in white stood on the other side of the flowering trees.
The rivalry among several young nobles of the imperial clan over a young woman was but a small ripple in the treacherous political waters of Daxia, regarded as nothing more than a laughable romantic anecdote over tea. The subsequent banquet was a joyous affair for both hosts and guests. Crown Prince Li Ce, with his silver tongue, charmed the princesses and noble ladies, delighting them. Officials from Daxia and Biantang mingled harmoniously, conversing cheerfully.
At least, that was how it appeared on the surface.
Unexpectedly, after the banquet, the emperor issued an order: Chu Qiao was to remain in the palace, serving as a female official in Shangyi Ward under the administration of the Imperial Household Department.
Thus, Chu Qiao's brief military career came to an abrupt end. Whether Zhao Che's friendship was genuine or had ulterior motives, the matter had to be cut short. When she returned to the Elite Cavalry Camp to collect her belongings, Zhao Che did not see her. She merely bowed in gratitude outside his tent before turning to follow the ritual official from Shangyi Ward.
Regardless of Zhao Che's intentions, he had truly stood up for her in the grand hall that day. Reflecting on his words now felt like walking a tightrope over a cliff—one misstep could have triggered a storm of bloodshed.
Yan Xun and Zhao Song rescuing her had been part of the plan, but she no longer wished to speculate about Zhuge Yue's motives. She stubbornly believed that this man intended to reclaim her only to humiliate her and exact revenge.
She had always been clear about what she needed to do; there was no time to dwell on anything else.
The work in Shangyi Ward was simple: each day, she would sort the scrolls delivered from the Imperial Academy into volumes and distribute them to the various tutorial officials.
One day, while carrying a scroll to the Imperial Academy, Chu Qiao happened to pass by the corridor just as the imperial princes were dismissed from class. Through the crowd, she saw a group of young children gathered in a circle, laughing boisterously. In the center knelt a boy of about fifteen or sixteen on the stone pavement of the corridor, his neck held straight, his eyes large and stubborn.
"Sixteenth Brother, just go tell Father. With Hanjia blood in your veins, how can you possibly read Eastern Continent books? It's not your fault if you can't memorize them!"
The children erupted in laughter. A young prince, barely ten years old, chimed in, "That's right! Sixteenth Brother should go back and learn that twisting dance from his mother. I heard all Hanjia men know how to dance. Next time during the imperial examination, if you just dance for Father, maybe you won't be punished."
The children's taunts continued. Chu Qiao cast only a brief glance before turning to walk away. She had witnessed too many such scenes in this resplendent palace. In those past years, she and Yan Xun had endured far more insolent insults and bullying. Survival of the fittest was the eternal law here.
"Oh, excuse me."As soon as she turned around, a figure suddenly bumped into her, knocking all the books and scrolls from her hands. The young man quickly apologized and bent down to efficiently gather the fallen scrolls.
Chu Qiao was momentarily stunned, then crouched down as well: "It's alright, it was this servant's carelessness. I can handle it myself."
The young man's sleeves were somewhat worn and faded, but one could still discern the fine golden threads of the Coiled Dragon embroidery. He was quite thin, and carried a pleasant scent of pine branches. After picking up the scrolls and handing them back to Chu Qiao, he stood up and stepped back slightly to make way. Chu Qiao thanked him and passed by, then saw the young man stride into the crowd without a word, silently kneeling beside the Sixteenth Prince.
The children seemed somewhat afraid of him; as he arrived, their voices gradually quieted down, and before long, they all scattered.
After a brief glance, Chu Qiao entered the Imperial Academy. Passing the screen wall and winding through the five-curved corridor, she happened to meet Zhao Song coming from the opposite direction. Spotting Chu Qiao, he smiled and approached: "A Chu! Are you here to see me?"
Chu Qiao gestured with the scrolls in her arms and said, "I'm here to see Grand Tutor Lu. Is he inside?"
Zhao Song snorted in disappointment: "He's inside. A Chu, couldn't you say you came to see me?"
Chu Qiao chuckled and replied, "Alright, I came to see you, and I'm just delivering something along the way."
"Haha," Zhao Song laughed happily, "For the first time in my life, I feel that Father Emperor's decision was wise. It's really great that you're staying in the palace. I always feel that guy has ulterior motives toward you."
As he spoke, Zhao Song raised a finger to form the character for "seven." Chu Qiao swatted his hand away and said, "Stop talking nonsense."
"Nonsense?" Zhao Song tilted his head back, "Just wait and see. You should be careful. That Li Ce has been wandering around the palace a lot lately. Don't get involved with that madman. Things will calm down after Father Emperor's birthday celebration. I can't accompany you now; I have to go see Mother Empress."
"Oh, by the way, on my way here, I saw the Sixteenth Prince kneeling in the corridor. What happened?"
"Father Emperor came to check on the studies today, and the Sixteenth couldn't recite a single essay, so he was punished. He's always being punished—what a blockhead."
"Oh," Chu Qiao nodded, "Then you should hurry along."
Zhao Song called out a farewell and turned to leave. Chu Qiao entered the teaching hall of the Imperial Academy, only to find Grand Tutor Lu dozing off. Unable to disturb him, she had no choice but to wait outside. She waited for over two hours before the old man slowly awoke from his pleasant dream.
By the time she left the Imperial Academy, the sky had darkened, and rain had begun to fall. The rain this season was bitterly cold, and the air was icy. Chu Qiao's clothing was somewhat thin. As she stepped out of the academy, a strong wind immediately picked up. Hugging her shoulders, she hurried along the corridor.
With the wind and rain sweeping in, the crowd had long since dispersed. In the distance, two stubborn figures could be seen kneeling upright. Faintly, indistinct voices drifted over with the rain, reaching Chu Qiao's ears.
"Why are you kneeling here? Your studies are excellent; Father Emperor didn't punish you."
A stifling silence followed, lasting a long while before a young man's low voice replied:
"I am your elder brother."
"I have plenty of elder brothers," the stubborn young man retorted loudly, his voice filled with anger, "They're all my elder brothers, but I'd rather have none of them!"
"I am your elder brother."The sky was gloomy, wind and rain swirling. The boy's voice was stubborn and unyielding, though low, it carried an unmistakable heaviness.
A tile on the corridor roof was broken, and cold raindrops drifted through the gap, falling drip by drip precisely where the two boys knelt. Stubbornly, they did not move, remaining kneeling like stones.
Chu Qiao's heart suddenly felt cold, colder even than the rain outside. Her eyes were fixed on them, yet it seemed as if she were looking through them into the distant past, seeing two children huddled together in thin clothing, shielding each other from the pervasive chill.
"Huh?"
Zhao Yang frowned in confusion, tilting his head upward. The hole in the roof that had been leaking just moments ago was now inexplicably patched, and no more raindrops fell. Puzzled, he asked, "Fourteenth Brother, the water stopped?"
Zhao Yang's brows furrowed slightly when he suddenly heard footsteps approaching. He looked up to see a girl with a slender, frail figure and a straight back. Unlike ordinary palace maids who always kept their heads bowed cautiously, or those favored women who held their heads high, she walked calmly and steadily, her thin frame radiating an indescribable warmth.
"Fourteenth Brother?"
Zhao Yang's voice sounded beside him, but Zhao Yang seemed not to hear. He noticed the girl's neat clothing and clean shoes, yet as her skirt fluttered, the soles of her boots were stained with traces of green moss.
It was very late by the time she returned to Shangyi Ward. Several female officials had already retired for the night. After tidying up, Chu Qiao also went back to her room. But a short while later, the window shifted quietly, and a dark figure swiftly slipped out, disappearing into the courtyard in a few moves.
By the Nine Carp Lake, a blue painted boat was moored at the shore. The girl lifted the curtain and met the man's bright eyes as he looked up at her with a faint smile.
"You're here." Yan Xun smiled lightly, reaching out to take her hand. "Have a cup of hot tea to warm up."
"I heard your wedding with Zhao Chun'er is in half a month, so I figured you'd be here tonight."
Yan Xun nodded. "I've been waiting for you here for three nights. If you hadn't come, I would have gone to the Imperial Academy to find you tomorrow."
"That's too dangerous," Chu Qiao frowned. "The emperor has people watching me now, precisely to guard against you. When he threatened to kill me before, it was to test your reaction. You must be extremely careful."
"Don't worry about how I handle things." Yan Xun's smile faded as he said solemnly, "It's time to settle accounts."
Chu Qiao was taken aback. "Are you prepared?"
"In fifteen days, the envoys from Huai Song will arrive in Zhenhuang. The emperor will host a grand state banquet, and envoys from both Biantang and Huai Song will enter Zhenhuang City. That will be our best opportunity."
"Fifteen days from now?" Chu Qiao frowned deeply, her voice low. "Isn't that the day of your wedding with Zhao Chun'er?"
Yan Xun nodded. "Exactly."
Chu Qiao fell silent at once, her brows tightly knit, lost in thought."At the appointed time, I will depart from Duange Hall. A Jing will be responsible for receiving you, and we'll meet at Yuechang Gate. The musicians will launch a surprise attack on the Crown Prince of Bian Tang in the main hall to create chaos. Members of the Great Alliance Society, led by Miss Yu, will first attack the foreign embassy disguised as envoys from Huai Song and assault the main west gate. We will exit the palace through the main east gate, rendezvous with Mr. Wu on the western shore of Red Lake, then have Yanbei death warriors impersonate us to charge out through all four city gates—east, west, south, and north—to draw the pursuing Daxia Army. We'll cross over Canglang Mountain, enter the Western Toppling Snow Mountains via Hopeless Cliff, bypass the Zhuao Wilderness, and circle back to Yanbei. During this period, the Yanbei Army will seize the opportunity to rise up, attacking Jialeng Pass, Baishui Pass, and Wacheng Fortress to create the illusion that I've already returned to Yanbei. All the safe houses along the route have been arranged—those hidden bases you previously established in Xiye have been instrumental and will serve as the first line of support. Miss Yu has already produced gunpowder according to your formula. Although its power isn't as great as you described, as long as it's detonated in the temple, it will certainly cause major chaos."
Chu Qiao was slightly dazed, remaining silent even after listening for a long while.
Yan Xun smiled slightly and teased her, "What's wrong? Too happy to speak?"
Chu Qiao chuckled softly and shook her head. "It feels a bit like a dream. After waiting all these years, with hope suddenly before us, I can't quite believe it."
Yan Xun's heart ached. He stood up, walked around the small table, came behind Chu Qiao, and half-knelt down, gently wrapping his arms around her.
Chu Qiao's body instantly stiffened, not daring to move at all.
Though Yan Xun wasn't holding her tightly, a continuous warmth radiated from him. The man's voice was low, carrying an indescribable hoarseness and restraint: "A Chu, this isn't a dream. We've finally endured to this point. I will take you back to Yanbei. No one will ever bully you again, no one will ever take you away from me again."
Chu Qiao was completely stunned. She hadn't expected Yan Xun to speak so naturally. Suddenly, she felt a shameful nervousness—despite being nearly forty years old combining her previous life and current one, she blushed like a fifteen or sixteen-year-old girl, her face burning as if on fire. Then, a cool kiss slowly landed on the nape of her neck.
"A Chu," Yan Xun's voice was hoarse and deep, like continuous ocean waves, as he whispered softly, "I've never told you this before, and I'll only say it once, so listen carefully. I want to thank you—thank you for accompanying me through hell all these years, thank you for not abandoning me during the darkest days of my life, thank you for always standing by my side. Without you, Yan Xun would be nothing. He would have died long ago on that snowy night eight years ago. A Chu, I won't say these words again in the future. I will spend my whole life making it up to you. Some things don't need to be said between us—we should understand each other. A Chu belongs to Yan Xun, only to me alone. I will protect you and take you away. When I took your hand eight years ago, I never intended to let go."
Chu Qiao slowly closed her eyes. The night wind rustled like silkworms eating mulberry leaves, and her heart felt like those leaves, being gently pecked away bit by bit.
Yanbei, the Fire Thunder Plains, Huihui Mountain...
"Yan Xun, I never had a hometown. It's because of you that I've come to regard your hometown as my own."The man took a deep breath, then slowly tightened his arms. His heart was like a vast lake, warm as spring.
"A Chu, believe in me."
He sighed softly. He didn't specify what he wanted her to believe, but A Chu understood. She told herself inwardly, "Believe him. If not him, who else can I believe in?" In this world, they only had each other.
Perhaps they were still too young back then, unaware of what the world truly meant, what human nature entailed, what benefits and prospects involved. They knew nothing about the storms that lay ahead or the obstacles on their path. They were like two young hedgehogs, huddled together quietly for warmth in the freezing cold outside, not realizing that with the passage of time, they would eventually grow sharp spines.
The hidden storms lurking in the darkness were silently drawing closer, destined to shatter everything on some suitable day in the future.
"A Chu," the man turned around in the drizzling night breeze, his robes fluttering lightly as he spoke softly.
Chu Qiao's face was slightly flushed, her eyes bright as stars, her lips pressed tightly together, and her nose bridge high and straight, carrying a rare heroic spirit uncommon in women.
"Go back and rest well, wait for my news."
Chu Qiao smiled brightly and nodded firmly: "Mm."
The road ahead was bleak with wind and rain. It was already May, and Daxia's winter had passed. All things were gradually reviving, along with those hidden thoughts buried deep in the heart.
The man and woman went their separate ways, one heading south and the other north, disappearing into the layers of darkness.
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