He told everyone that she was his sworn sister, because of her complicated life experience, she had been hiding from the world all along. Due to her weak body, she was sent to Xiayigou for recuperation since childhood and only returned to the mansion a few times a year to visit, thus avoiding the catastrophe of the Mocheng family's downfall.

  When he told me, I was a little skeptical, but I didn't think much of it. After all, Murong Qinggui was the queen of the Southern Dynasty and was still in the Zijing Palace Fengmao Hall. Although he had never mentioned this sudden appearance of a sworn sister, I really couldn't think of any motive for him to deceive me.

  So I just asked with some curiosity, given the status of the Murong family in Southern Dynasty at that time, how complex was your sister's identity that she needed to be hidden like this?

  He didn't look at me, but said lightly that I've known since I was old enough to understand things that I had a sworn sister like her. As for her origins and background, my parents never mentioned it and forbade us from asking, so I don't know either.

  At this moment, it is the critical period when the two countries are about to go to war, and his attention to this battle is unparalleled. He has come to the front line early, planning and deploying troops, and every move is a careful consideration of the situation. I know that he wants to achieve a decisive victory in one battle, and he will not let himself make any mistakes.

  But I didn't expect that at this critical moment, he would personally go to Evil Doctor Valley to pick up his adopted sister.

  Lu Xiu didn't seem to think there was any problem, perhaps only I had secretly harbored doubts and unease. Everyone thought that under the circumstances of the massacre, he would have an extraordinary concern and protection for the few surviving relatives, which was a perfectly normal thing.

  But as I looked into his eyes, I saw the huge joy and longing that he couldn't hide, an emotion that had not appeared on my husband's perfectly flawless face for a long time. For a moment, I even thought that time was flowing backwards, and in front of me was still the young general from back then, who was satisfied with holding his sister's letter as if he had obtained the whole world.

  After all, he did not completely abandon his mission and responsibility at this moment. He set off for the Evil Doctor Valley only after making arrangements for everything.

  I know that in his heart, he has never completely abandoned the shadow of the frank and upright man of yesterday. I am not worried that he will be gone for good, he is not such an irresponsible person.

  When he bid me farewell, I knew it was just a formality. I knew I couldn't stop him, so I just smiled and urged him to mount his horse, saying: "Hurry up and come back soon, tell Yiyi that I will prepare the most beautiful room and dress for her when she comes."

  "She doesn't care about these things."

  He smiled, and though he said so, his eyes took on a hint of gentleness, which was exactly what I wanted.

  I watched him ride away in the distance, disappearing so quickly that I suddenly felt a sense of fear. At the bottom of my heart, there was an inexplicable and absurd premonition that lingered and grew more pronounced.

  Perhaps, the "sworn sister" he mentioned was none other than the current Queen of Southern Dynasty, Murong Qing, who had no blood relation with him and was rumored to be frail in health, bedridden for years in the deep palace without showing her face.

  So when she really appeared in front of me, I was able to control all the emotions that shouldn't be there, without a single leak.

  Or maybe it's because I was eager to share with him the news that I'm pregnant, and that huge joy temporarily outweighed everything.

  But I didn't expect that after hearing the news, his most direct and real reaction was to turn around and look at her. Although it was only for an instant, before I could even gather my cold intentions, he had already warmly hugged me and formally introduced us to each other.

  News came from the palace that Father Emperor's condition had worsened again, and I had to rush back to the capital in a hurry.

  Before leaving, I told Wei, "Yongcheng is biased and the environment is so bad. Why don't you let Yijie and me return to the country together first? I've already arranged for the Chonghua Palace to be cleaned up, just waiting for her to come and live there."

  He smiled and shook his head, lightly pushing it away, saying that she didn't care about these things, but rather the palace had many rules, and since she was used to being idle outside, she might feel constrained, so it's better to adapt in Rong City for a while first.

  I don't know if his refusal was due to not wanting to part with her, or worrying about her safety and wanting to keep her by his side to protect her at all times, or perhaps it was both.

  I only know that I couldn't change his decision. All I know is that he let Qing Wei bring all the Qin Zhengs collected over the years to Rong City.

  I don't know either, whether what he said to her that day was meant to comfort her or because he knew I was outside the door and did it on purpose.

  I only knew that if I still had doubts in my heart, and was still hesitating, then when I heard him say with his own mouth that he would use the heavens to repay me for this, I clearly felt my heart softening inch by inch. Even if it were a trick, I would willingly let him succeed.

  The Grand Minister's face was almost twisted in anguish as he stared at me and said: "Your Highness, you clearly know that the Marquis's adopted sister is probably the current Empress of Southern Dynasty. She looks exactly like the portrait I found for you a few years ago. Why did you let her go? You should know that having her in our hands would be a weapon more useful than any sword!"

  "If this makes the Marquis hate me, even if he doesn't turn against me - to be honest, I don't even have that much confidence - I would feel it's not worth it. And Chancellor Wen, you've also said that today's Murong Liu is someone no one wants to make an enemy of; for his sister's sake, he can do anything." I looked at Chancellor Wen and spoke quietly: "And I believe that even without relying on Murong Qing's status, my husband has the ability to win over the entire world for me!"

  The Grand Preceptor Wen sighed and shook his head, "Princess, have you thought about it? Perhaps this is the purpose of what the Prince said."

  I lowered my eyelashes and smiled to myself: "As long as I know that, even if it's like this, his words weren't insincere, that's enough."

  Wen Chengxiang informed the retreat to go down, and arranged manpower and routes. Meanwhile, Lüxiào couldn't help but whisper in my ear: "Since the princess has decided to give up using Murong Qing's identity as the Southern Dynasty empress, why not do it once and for all, and completely remove this thorn from your heart?"

  "I calmly opened my mouth: 'Are you trying to make me and the crown prince quarrel, or are you trying to make Qi Yue never be at peace again?'"

  The green sleeve hastily knelt down: "The princess knows clearly that the maid is not this meaning. Moreover, there are many ways to make a person disappear without leaving any trace, and the prince will never know anything about the princess."

  "You think that as the current Emperor, there's anything he wants to know that he can't find out? I smiled self-deprecatingly: "Actually, letting Murong Qing leave is something that probably won't be able to escape his notice either. I just hope that by the time he realizes it, everything will already be set in stone."

  I know that death will always make some things eternal, I have always believed that one day I will win his heart, so I won't take her life and let her become the only one he can't surpass in his heart.

  I want him to know that she chose to leave on her own, that she gave up on him. A woman like this isn't worth his persistence.

  I didn't hurt her, nor did I commit any unforgivable mistake, and he still needs my royal identity now, so I believe that he won't break up with me just because I let her go.

  This is actually a gamble, but my chances of winning are much higher. I know that if he finds out, he will definitely blame me, but he won't do anything to me. I know that deep down, he will never forget the day when I hugged him and said "I'll give you a home".

  What's more, at this moment, I have his flesh and blood in my belly.

  I stood at the highest point of the official residence in Rong City, looking towards the small path she was about to leave from. Green Sleeve asked me, "Princess, will she listen to our arrangements?"

  I smiled faintly: "Green sleeves, do you know that when I went to find her, I only realized then that she had long since lost interest. With her intelligence, she wouldn't fail to see my intentions, so rest assured, she will definitely come."

  It seemed to be in response to what I said, and two vague figures appeared on the quiet and deserted path, although they couldn't be seen clearly, but I knew it was her and Lian Ke.

  I watched as their figures on horseback gradually disappeared into the distance, my heart still not fully at ease, when I suddenly noticed that there were several black-clad figures on the small path from earlier, riding horses to follow in the direction they had gone.

  I was shocked in my heart, turned around and stared at Green Sleeve, and angrily said: "Is it you or Wen Chengxiang who took the initiative? Hurry up and let them stop!"

  The green sleeve hastily knelt down: "Since the princess has already ordered, how dare the servant and Wen Changxiang disobey? These people's hands, the servant really doesn't know what's going on!"

  I was just about to speak, but my gaze suddenly froze on the ancient tree in front of the Yungcheng government office, where a faint figure was hidden under its dense branches.

  I subconsciously pulled on Green Sleeve's arm and hid behind a pillar in the corridor, afraid of being seen by him.

  After a moment, he smiled self-deprecatingly again, his gaze always falling on the distant figure of someone gradually moving further and further away, as if everything around him didn't exist, how could he notice a small me.

  Besides, since he can watch her leave here, it must be that he knows everything. What I want to cover up is ultimately in vain.

  In her heart, a thought suddenly flashed by quickly - were those black-clothed men sent by him to intercept her return? If so, why didn't he go himself?

  Suddenly turning back to look, it wasn't until I took a closer look that I realized the speed of those black-clad men was not very fast, and they kept a certain distance from the two people in front, as if they were afraid of being detected.

  I closed my eyes, and in my heart everything was clear as a mirror.

  He knew what I had done and didn't want to fall out with me, so he helped me out by letting her go, and those men in black were arranged by him to protect her completely.

  Yes, I thought so at that time.

  He let her go, I thought it was because of me, until much, much later, I found out that he had always been for her alone.

  She wanted to leave, so he let her go.

  She wanted freedom, so he gave it to her.

  He married me, feeling that he no longer had the right to give her the pure and unreserved happiness he once wanted to bring to the woman he loved. He didn't want to wrong her in any way, so he let go.

  He was unwilling for her to be torn between him and her husband during the war between Qi and Southern Dynasty, so he let her leave, but secretly sent someone to protect her safety.

  His feelings for her were deeper than I could have imagined.

  Her figure had actually disappeared into the distance long ago, and even the shadows of those black-clad men could not be found, yet he remained motionless, staring fixedly at the far-off horizon.

  I don't know how long it took for him to leap down from the tree, with a flourish of his arm, "Zhan Lu" unsheathed, the sword light flashed like lightning, dazzling and blooming.

  "In the ninth heaven, with a lingering intention, I entrust my seven-stringed guqin to the wind, and wield my sword leaning against the high sky. The four seas are calm, **gather**, alone drunk and laughing on the battlefield, pouring wine into the vast expanse..."

  This is the second time I've seen him dance this sword technique, and it's also the last time.

  I recall the daytime, in the courtyard, at the same place, that one scene of breathtaking piano and sword intent, every note, every sword move perfectly coordinated, as if made in heaven, born together for a thousand years.

  At this moment, without the sound of "Thoughts Returning", he was alone under the clear and cold moonlight, quietly performing this set of sword moves.

  Every action is done to the extreme, perfect and flawless, yet there is always a faint and subtle aura surrounding his figure, is it sadness or weakness?

  He finished a set of sword moves and gazed at the long sword in his hand for a long time, but he was too far away, so I couldn't see his expression clearly.

  That sword "Zhan Lu" I am familiar with, it is the famous sword that he never parts with. On the day of our grand wedding, I had given him the "Yu Bing Long" which was passed down through generations of the Qi Yue royal family, he smiled and accepted it, but the one he always carried with him was still this "Zhan Lu".

  Qing Wei didn't know if it was because of the sound, but he came to his side and seemed to have instructed him in a sentence. Qing Wei turned around and went back to the house, and soon brought out the "Jade-handled Dragon".

  He accepted the past, one hand grasping "Zhan Lu", one hand grasping "Jade Handle Dragon", slowly pacing in the courtyard.

  Then, with a sudden burst of strength, before anyone could react, the "Zhan Lu" and "Yu Bing Long" in his hands shattered into two pieces with a loud "bang".

  Qing Wei was completely stunned and didn't move, while he alone, holding the broken "Zhan Lu", came under that ancient tree - the last place where he and she harmonized with zither and sword, and buried the sword deeply.

  He turned around and gave Qing Wei a few more instructions, Qing Wei hesitated for a moment but couldn't resist his persistence, and returned to the house. Before long, he carried out one after another of Qin zithers from the house.

  When he personally set fire to that Qin zither, I didn't know why my heart ached so much.

  He faintly stopped the green lotus and the official guards who rushed to the scene, gazing quietly at the raging flames, but ultimately couldn't bear it, dashing into the inferno and rescuing that one Qin zither he just couldn't part with.

  His fingers slowly stroked the already charred surface of the purple sandalwood zither, as if he couldn't feel the scorching high temperature at all.

  That guqin, he had personally tuned and polished it, she had personally plucked its strings.

  Actually, at this moment, the guqin in his hand had already been burned by the fire for a small half and could no longer be played.

  But it doesn't matter, he wouldn't have let anyone touch this sword again anyway.

  I slowly closed my eyes, not wanting to look anymore.

  I went to tell him that when I let his sister leave, he was having the broken "Jade Handle Dragon" sent to Qī Yuè's best swordsmith for repair.

  I told him, whether he believed it or not, his sister had been unhappy from the start.

  I told him that I didn't want any misunderstanding between us because of this matter, so I came to confess to him in person. If he wants to blame me or know something, I hope it's from my own mouth, not through others'.

  He looked at me, his eyes calm and quiet, without any extra emotions. After a moment, he slowly spoke up, "I made you feel uneasy, it's my fault. But I hope you believe me, I've always been trying my best to be a good husband, and in the future, I will also try my best to be a good father. I will present the whole world to you."

  It's not that I'm not moved, but the subtle bitterness in my heart just can't be shaken off.

  It's because you'll never be able to love me like I love you, so you want to use the whole sky to make up for it, right?

  I didn't let such emotions show on my face, nor would I let it occupy my heart for too long. I just smiled at him with tears in my eyes and said, "Sorry, I understand, I've always believed."

  I tell myself, no matter what, the one who has him now is me, the one who will give birth to his children and raise them with him is me, and the one who will gaze out at this beautiful landscape with him in the future can only be me.

  I won't let anything or anyone else irrelevant interfere with me and destroy my happiness.

  Our lives went on as usual in their quiet way, so quietly that I often found myself wondering if the woman had ever really entered our midst at all.

  If it wasn't for that one time, I wouldn't have bumped into him standing alone in front of the half-burnt wok, lost in thought.

  I asked Qing Wei: "Is the son-in-law always like this?"

  He hesitated for a moment, then nodded and hastily explained to the princess on behalf of his young master: "Princess, don't blame Young Master, he's just because..."

  I smiled and stopped him: "I understand, I won't blame him. What I'm thinking now is just how to win this battle, that's all."

  The war between Qi and the Southern Dynasties was severe and grand, lasting for many years.

  Every small battle we have won with great difficulty, but fortunately, we have always been moving forward.

  I don't know what kind of emperor Nan Chongyao is, but why is he so careless about this war?

  I once heard that he was a rare and great general in a hundred years, but now, when the war is raging on and we are approaching the capital of Southern Dynasty step by step, he still stays in the Imperial Palace of Jingjing with an attitude of indifference, as if he had never thought of leading the army himself.

  According to news from Beijing, even in court, he has always been only allowed to report and never made any decisions.

  I don't know if it's because of this, but even if we keep winning, it's hard for Yan to show a happy face.

  He put all his heart into this one battle, originally thinking he could have a fair and square showdown with an evenly matched opponent, but unexpectedly the other side didn't take it seriously at all.

  But even so, at this moment, everyone has already been unstoppable.

  In front of us, from the distance to the capital, there is only one last barrier left, Yongzhou.

  The general guarding Nanjing was Qin Zhao, who had rushed from north of the desert.

  Qin Zhao, this name is not unfamiliar to me.

  He is the name mentioned most often after his second sister.

  Although I have never seen them before, I can feel that their relationship is extraordinary. I know that in his heart, Qin Zhao is both a teacher and a friend.

  I left my son in the palace and entrusted him to Qingxiu's care, then set out for Yangzhou myself.

  I know he will have a hard time meeting Qin Zhao with swords drawn, so at this moment, I must be by his side.

  At that time, he had been attacking Yongzhou for three months without success. Yongzhou could be said to have relied solely on Qin Zhao, steadily resisting the wave after wave of Qi Yue's offensive.

  When I arrived at the military camp, he was having a feast. It never occurred to me that this guest would be Zhao Tianyi, the former governor of Yongzhou, who had come to surrender.

  "...The King of Qin several times advised Zhao Zheng to surrender, with sincere and kind intentions. But that little brat refused to recognize the situation...In today's world, those who know how to adapt are heroes. The unification of Qi and Yue is already destined by heaven...If Your Majesty doesn't despise me, I, Zhao, am willing to offer you Qin Zheng's head as a token of my sincerity..."

  Zhao Tianyi kept talking incessantly, with a faint smile on his face all the time. Only those who knew him very well could detect the disgust in his eyes.

  It wasn't until he heard Zhao Tianyi's last sentence that he casually asked: "Oh, how does Lord Zhao plan to do it?"

  Zhao Tianyi said: "If we talk about martial arts and the hearts of the people, I, Zhao, am naturally not comparable to Qin Zhao. But Qin Zhao is a gentleman, while I am just a petty person. As they say, 'a visible spear is easy to dodge, but an invisible arrow is hard to guard against.' Moreover, I came here today without anyone knowing, and Qin Zhao trusts me, so he won't be on his guard against me. In short, Your Excellency doesn't need to worry about how I'll do it, just believe that I will definitely succeed. Actually, I mentioned this in my previous letter, but Your Excellency never responded. Today, I came personally to express my sincerity to you."

  I didn't say a word and quickly thought over Zhao Tianyi's words in my mind.

  The Southern Dynasty has the advantage of terrain, waiting for us to tire ourselves out, while our army is fighting on a long line, and the supply of food and grass can no longer keep up. If we cannot quickly capture Yangzhou, we can only retreat and regroup, and come again, which undoubtedly gives the Southern Dynasty a chance to counterattack, and the victories we have won so far may be lost in an instant.

  The reason why the state of Wei can hold on until now is largely due to Qin Zhao's presence, and once he is removed, the opportunity to capture the city will be imminent.

  I know that Qin Zhao is both a teacher and a friend, but the harsh reality of war allows no room for mercy or softness, nor does it allow for any gentlemanly conduct. It's either you die or I perish; there is no third option for compromise.

  I won't let go of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, nor do I want my husband to bear the shackles of guilt. So, all decisions will be made by me, and all blame will be borne by me as well.

  "Lord Zhao only mentions his son-in-law in every sentence, doesn't he put me in his eyes at all?" I smiled brightly at Zhao Tianyi.

  He was momentarily stunned and repeatedly replied "I dare not".

  I turned to Wei: "I have something to discuss with Lord Zhao, please withdraw, Imperial Son-in-law."

  The water is calm and still.

  I actually expected him to be like this, and I didn't mind. I just smiled: "The son-in-law shouldn't forget that even though we're in Qi Yue now, it's still my word that counts. This opportunity today, no matter what, I won't let it slip away - Lord Zhao, would you mind following me to another tent for a detailed discussion?"

  "It's enough." He closed his eyes lightly, then opened them again and said in a low voice without any emotion: "Leave him intact, don't let him suffer too much."

  Zhao Tianyi was taken aback, but still nodded slightly.

  "...try to persuade him one last time before you take action."

  "He would have surrendered long ago if he was willing to surrender, why bother..."

  "Just go when I tell you to go, why so many useless words?!" Yan almost furiously interrupted him.

  Covering my face, I cannot be saved, blood and tears flow together.

  I understand, at this moment, his heart is in great pain.

  The deepest, most sinking, most sorrowful and most painful is not because of being powerless, but because of having the power yet unable to use it.

  It's not that he can't be saved, but rather that no one is saving him, and instead, they are even hastening his death with their own hands.

  Zhao Tianyi nodded and retreated, I walked to the front of Lin, knelt down in front of him, stretched out my hand to touch his cheek, made his line of sight meet mine, then word by word, lightly but firmly spoke to him: "Your decision is not wrong at all, war has always been like this, it's either he dies or you die, and you know that I and Xiang'er cannot lose you, the entire Qi Yue also cannot lose you."

  His voice was tinged with fatigue: "But I would rather kill him with my own hands on the battlefield than use such means."

  I got up, gently embracing his head in my arms, and Wen Ning continued firmly: "The cruelty of war lies in the fact that whether you win or lose, it's always just about winning or losing, and has nothing to do with the process. Lin, you also know that our long-term warfare has already exhausted our supplies, I saw when I came earlier that many soldiers could only eat one bun per meal, if we continue like this, more people may die, they may not be as important to you as Qin Zhao, but they also have their own brothers and wives. By doing so, you are sacrificing Qin Zhao alone, but the thousands of soldiers and civilians in Yongzhou and Qive can avoid the suffering of war, your decision is not wrong at all."

  He shifted his body, burying his face in my chest, holding me tightly, silent for a long time.

  Zhao Tianyi fulfilled his promise on the seventh day after returning to Yangzhou, I don't know how he did it, nor do I want to know, and even less do I want to let Lin know.

  I simply buried Qin Zhao with the most dignified and respectful rites of the noble princes of Qi Yue.

  Qin Zhao died, and the city of Yongzhou immediately became a scattered sand. Then, Zhao Tianyi, the governor of Yongzhou, stood on the city wall, facing all the soldiers and civilians in the city, and tearfully said: "I, Zhao, have been in Yongzhou for over 20 years, but I haven't achieved any great merits, and I have no kindness or virtue towards the people of this city. Now, I've also dragged everyone into such a long period of war suffering, how can I bear it?"

  Then he opened the city gate and surrendered, welcoming the great army of Qi and Yue into Yangzhou.

  Before entering the city, he issued a strict order to restrain his soldiers, forbidding them from harming or disturbing civilians in any way.

  I ride on horseback looking northward, the golden jade inlaid gate of the Imperial Palace in Beijing seems to be already in sight.

  By the time we entered the Imperial Palace of Zi Jing, Father Emperor had already passed away, and Zhen Cheng became the rightful ruler of Qi Yue.

  I don't want to be an empress, but choose to be his queen, standing by his side.

  Some conservative ministers repeatedly petitioned to advise me, but I just smiled and ignored them. Firstly, I truly loved him and didn't care about these empty titles.

  Secondly, it's because I see through the situation clearly. At present, his prestige and influence among the people of Qi and Yue are already above mine. Rather than one day he wants to take this throne or someone wants to force me to give up, I'd rather give it to him now.

  I'm doing this, although it can't be said that I'm the most popular choice, but at least in his eyes and heart, my position will be more stable. What I want is nothing more than this.

  He rode on horseback, and gave a faint smile to me who was galloping alongside him, his demeanor so impressive that everything around us paled in comparison.

  He said to me, Tian Lian, I've told you before, I will win the whole world for you. Now, let's go and create our own dynasty together.

  He didn't hide me behind him, and I was never that kind of woman.

  In times of peace, I can play the zither with a gentle hand; in times of war, I can strategize and ride out storms and rains without showing weakness.

  I want to be with him, together we'll gaze out at the rivers and mountains, together create a dynasty for our children that is free from turmoil.

  Because I knew Nan Chongyao hadn't left and was still in the Zi Jing Palace, we went all the way to the Ding Qian Palace, but he wasn't there.

  We found him in Fengniao Palace, which was surprisingly quiet compared to the bloody storm outside, as if it were isolated from the world.

  On the intricately carved rosewood bed, a red dress lay in place of its mistress, solitary and still.

  I see, her eyes, subtly deepening.

  "You didn't try your best, I don't need you to let me win, I would have won anyway." Yi spoke expressionlessly towards Nan Xiangyao.

  Nan Chengyao smiled carelessly: "I've done my best."

  "Did your best? At least I know you didn't do your utmost." Yi Leng sneered: "I'm too familiar with your abilities. If you had done your best, would you have stayed here waiting for death instead of taking charge personally? If you had done your best, would you have only allowed others to make decisions at court meetings and never made any yourself? You dismissed the old servants who used to attend to you, didn't you anticipate that things would turn out like this today?"

  Nan Chengyao drained the wine in his cup: "What's the difference, you've already won, and my original purpose for wanting this dragon throne was just to overthrow it."

  His figure, in the faint light of dawn, under the golden dragon embroidery, was clear and cold. I couldn't say a word, and could only stare at him with rapt attention.

  Perhaps seeing us like this, he smiled faintly and opened his mouth indifferently: "Too many people have been buried for this dragon chair. What I want is just the opposite, to bury the whole country for one person, that's all."

  He was unwilling to continue speaking, for the first time he narrowed his eyes which had been careless and looked at Yan asking: "What about her?"

  She hesitated for a moment, then calmly opened her mouth: "I don't understand who you are referring to."

  Nan Chengyao smiled and said, "I know she came out of the Evil Doctor Valley and went to Qi Yue with you. The people I arranged to report back that they had never seen her leave, but she didn't seem to be living by your side either. After searching for her in all directions without finding any results, so now I'm asking you, where is she?"

  After a long time, Zhan finally shifted his gaze from his face to the red dress on the fragrant wood bed: "With your temperament, after losing the battle, you would actually stay here until now, just to ask this sentence, is it?"

  Nan Chengyao didn't say a word, he just quietly waited for his response.

  She suddenly smiled coldly, took out a porcelain bottle from her bosom, poured a crimson pill into the wine cup, filled it with wine and handed it over: "If you want to know, go ask her yourself!"

  Nan Chengyao's face gradually turned pale, his voice low and tense: "You're saying that she...she..."

  Someone like him can't even finish a sentence.

  "With a tone full of resentment, he began: 'You think she's strong enough to withstand the hurt you've caused her time and time again. After falling off the cliff, her body has never been well. I originally thought that by bringing her to Qi Yue, I could take good care of her, but...' "

  The words that followed seemed to have touched a deep emotion in him, his tone was slightly choked, he turned away his eyes and stopped talking.

  Nan Chengyao, however, remained still and unmoving due to his completely genuine tone and demeanor.

  In the depths of his dark, mysterious eyes, there was a mixture of despair, pain, and self-blame... all sorts of complex emotions howling, eventually slowly settling into an emptiness like the aftermath of a catastrophic collapse, while on his lips, from start to finish, there was always a hint of self-mockery.

  It seems that the deeper the pain, the more intense the laughter, and when the pain reaches its peak, the smile also solidifies to an extreme.

  I couldn't bear to open my eyes again.

  I didn't know why Wei intentionally misled him. I thought it was hatred at first, but later I realized it was a test or an examination.

  I watched as Nan Chengyao downed that cup of poisoned wine in one gulp, a bright yellow sleeve brushing up, luxurious and coldly quiet.

  Leading me out of the Fengwu Hall, holding my hand, someone had already temporarily cleaned and tidied up a room for me to rest in. She helped me lie down on the bed, personally pulling the quilt over me before turning to leave.

  I pulled him: "Don't you rest?"

  He smiled slightly: "I still have things to deal with, you go to sleep first."

  Perhaps it was because the days of traveling and fighting had exhausted me, or perhaps it was because my long-held wish had finally come true, allowing me to let out a sigh of relief. So, even in a completely new environment, I slept soundly through the night and quickly fell into a deep sleep.

  I was woken up by the noise outside and looked out of the window to find it still dark.

  I summoned my maid, Yi Qi, who was attending me in the army, and asked: "What happened?"

  Yi Qi replied, "Last night, the Emperor and Empress of Southern Dynasty were in Feng Mou Hall, this fire was only put out now, they all rushed to that side to watch the excitement."

  "Emperor and Empress?" I exclaimed in surprise.

  Yi Qi looked at me with an unclear expression: "Yes, they were defeated and would not survive anyway. Burning themselves to death is also a way to preserve their dignity."

  I suppressed the doubts in my heart, and calmly instructed her to help me dress up, then smiled and said: "Anyway, there's nothing much going on, so I might as well go to Fengmo Hall to join in the fun."

  The Phoenix Pavilion, which was once resplendent with gold and jade, lost its luster overnight.

  I found him when he was using his fingers to carefully depict the hem of the red dress in his hand, where a phoenix was embroidered with golden thread.

  His expression was focused and gentle, even with my arrival, he didn't notice a bit.

  I didn't go in, I just knocked on the open door.

  He heard the sound and lifted his face, with a distant thought still lingering in his eyes.

  He carefully put away the red dress that I had seen on the Xiangtan wooden bed in Fengwudian, and then got up and walked towards me.

  I told myself not to bother with these unrelated people and things, even if that dress was hers, what's the difference, anyway, he had already lost her for so long.

  Those people he sent to protect her didn't take long to come back, she's so clever and Lixue has martial arts skills, it's not surprising that they noticed someone following them and shook them off.

  But he was furious and sent people all over the world to look for her, but there was no news.

  This world is so big, especially for someone who wants to deliberately hide themselves.

  "Why don't you sleep a bit more?" he asked.

  "I was woken up." I curved my lips at him and chose to be straightforward: "They all say that Nan Chengyao and his empress were in Fengmiao Hall last night, what's going on?"

  "The rumors and fire were all spread by me," he said calmly: "I've hated him for so many years, but it wouldn't be good to let the world know that their future emperor has such a narrow mind."

  He didn't look into my eyes, but gave me such an irrefutable answer, so I chose to believe.

  I didn't tell him that I went to see the two charred skeletons, which were burnt beyond recognition. I still remember Nan Chengyao drinking poison and falling straight down, but those two skeletons were curled up in a ball, as if they had really been burned alive and died in agony.

  I didn't tell him that every time he lied to me, he would avoid looking into my eyes.

  I didn't tell him all the things I associated with it.

  I knew he had received a gift of medicine from Evil Doctor Valley in the past - Bi An Sheng Xiang. He once told me that it was a small, crimson pill that, when taken, could make a person's breathing almost imperceptible for a day and night, their body stiffening like death. And after a day and night, the effect of the medicine would naturally dissipate, leaving the person who took it no different from normal. It was precisely this "Bi An Sheng Xiang" that he had relied on to fake his own death and escape disaster back then.

  He finally let go of Nan Chengyao, I don't know if it was to repay his feelings from back then or just for that woman.

  He couldn't bear to see her alone and struggling, and knowing how deeply he loved her, he spared his life, hoping that outside the gloomy palace gates, amidst the mountains and rivers, there might be a chance for them to meet again.

  What a deep affection! What a silent and helpless dedication and expectation?

  He even deceived me, was he worried that I would be uneasy afterwards and secretly find someone to take Nan Chengyao's life, ruining the woman's possible happiness?

  I really want to tell him I won't.

  A man who can overturn the world with a single spit, any power in his eyes is just a fleeting cloud, perhaps not even worth a shallow smile from the one he loves.

  But that woman, even if I didn't interact with her deeply, I wouldn't misrecognize her calm and quiet temperament. She doesn't like the intrigue and conspiracy in the palace, and she absolutely won't come to seize her brother's dynasty.

  Since you won't pose a threat to me anyway, why bother killing you off completely?

  Complete a beautiful story, leave some room for myself, and accumulate blessings for my child, why not?

  "Why aren't you saying anything? You're disappointing me." Perhaps it was because I had been silent for so long that she opened her mouth to ask.

  I recall my thoughts, lift up my face, and burst out a most brilliant smile at him. I stretch out my hand to hook around his neck: "What are you talking about? How could I possibly be disappointed in you? You're the best man under heaven, the most suitable husband for me and our child, and more importantly, you're the one I love most in this lifetime. I don't have enough time to love you, where would I find the spare time to be disappointed in you?"

  In his eyes, a look of movement appeared, perhaps with a hint of guilt, but I didn't need it.

  I proactively pressed my soft lips onto his, a long and lingering kiss, entwining and affectionate.

  But someone came to make trouble, a fake coughing sound was heard, and I, who was usually calm and composed, couldn't help but blush and bury my face in his chest.

  Smiling and releasing me: "I'll go with them to handle some things first, and then come back to accompany you later."

  I nodded and watched them leave with a smile, then wandered aimlessly alone in this beautiful and elegant Purple Palace.

  "Your Highness." Wen Chengxiang walked towards me and bowed.

  I smiled slightly: "Your Majesty and General Yun are discussing state affairs, Chancellor, you'd better go quickly."

  As soon as I spoke, I saw his expression change and knew I had misspoken.

  Indeed, Wen Chengxiang brought a hint of melancholy and bitterness to his tone as he said: "Your Majesty didn't summon me, and I'm now just nominally holding the title of Chancellor. The current Emperor promotes and reuses new people he has cultivated himself, it's not bad that these new people have vigor and ability, but they shouldn't treat the old veterans like Qi Yueyuan so lightly..."

  What Wen Chongxiang said, I knew, but it didn't matter. I could let him be and even help him eliminate those who disobeyed him, continuously consolidating the power and prestige that belonged to Murong Wei, as long as it was for my child, for Qi Yue, and for our new dynasty's good, I wouldn't argue with him over these trivial matters.

  Moreover, those he promoted and reused were by no means incompetent people.

  Wen Chengxiang saw me and didn't respond for a long time, then changed the subject and said: "I came specifically to find Your Majesty, I want to ask how the imperial clansmen and concubines of the Southern Dynasty should be dealt with?"

  I smiled: "This matter should be decided by Your Majesty, I can't make the decision. However, you just mentioned imperial consorts? But I remember that Nan Chongyue only established one empress when he ascended to the throne and soon went to war with Qi Yue, so he never had any imperial consorts."

  "She was a concubine of the previous Southern Dynasty emperor. Except for one noble consort who swallowed gold and followed the old emperor in death, all those consorts are now tonsured and practicing Buddhism at Puzi Temple." Wen Chengxiang first answered my question, then paused for a moment before continuing: "It's actually Your Majesty who ordered me to investigate these remnants of the Southern Dynasty imperial family and their consorts. I'd like to ask what Your Majesty thinks about this matter, whether you have any general ideas on how to handle it, so that when you ask, I can respond accordingly."

  Looking at his white hair and slightly hunched back, this person who has taught me the ways of governing the country since I was young, just like my father emperor, is really old.

  Suddenly, a hint of mercy emerged from the bottom of my heart, and I swallowed back the words that had already been prepared to deceive. I sighed softly: "Those concubines can't stir up too much trouble, they can be spared, this way, it will also give people an image of Your Majesty's benevolence. But those royal descendants, not a single one can be left, when cutting grass, the roots must be eliminated."

  He nodded repeatedly and walked with me, obviously wanting to say something but hesitating.

  So I asked: "Chancellor, say what you want to say. In my heart, you have always been like a half father to me."

  His aged eyes flashed with emotion and tears, his voice trembling as he spoke: "Since that's the case, I'll speak frankly. I know Your Majesty and the Empress have always had a good relationship, but now that the world is unified under one rule, Your Majesty will inevitably...will inevitably need to have consorts. The Empress should understand that the harem has always been an extension of the court's struggles, an important place for Your Majesty to balance the power of the officials. So although I clearly know the Empress's grievances, I still can't help but bring it up..."

  My smile hung on my lips for a long time without speaking.

  "...General Feng's niece and Mr. Li's daughter are just the right age, with good character and appearance in all aspects. General Feng and Mr. Li have been my loyal officials for a long time, and their nieces and daughters will certainly serve Your Majesty and the Empress wholeheartedly after entering the palace... Compared to those new concubines from unknown families who don't know their place..."

  I took a deep breath and smiled at Wen Xiang: "I understand, please trouble yourself to inform General Feng and Lord Li to send the portraits of the eligible women in their households to the palace as soon as possible. I will find time to speak with His Majesty about it... Ah yes, I remember that you have a granddaughter who is also around the right age, why not include her portrait as well?"

  The old man's face showed a surprised and pleased expression, but his eyes couldn't hide the joy of getting what he wanted. He continued to decline repeatedly with a humble attitude: "My granddaughter Bó Liǔ is not worthy to be compared with the thousand golds of the Feng and Li families."

  The smile on my lips grew even more intimate: "Look at what you're saying, could it be that you can't bear to part with your own granddaughter and don't want to send her into the palace for me to have as a younger sister?"

  "Your Majesty, since you don't despise me, I will definitely teach your concubine to serve Your Majesty and the Empress well!" Wen Chengxiang repeatedly responded, heartily satisfied, and took his leave.

  I watched him walk away unsteadily, lowering his eyelashes to cover the fatigue, helplessness and faint sorrow within.

  "Look, princess! Isn't it beautiful!"

  Gasps of wonder rose behind me, and I followed her pointing hand to look over, the sun was rising from behind the ancient palace walls, bit by bit, bright sunlight, with glazed tiles and clear blue lake color interweaving, sprinkling every corner of this magnificent palace.

  I smiled at myself in the dawn glow.

  No matter what, this is a brand new day, and in front of me, there is a brand new dynasty, it's so beautiful and peaceful, created by me and Lin personally, and will eventually grow stronger and more prosperous in our hands, one day at a time.

  ∞ Ink Pavilion ∞ No Pop-up Window ∞