Chapter One, when the winds and thunder surge, and the stars are in motion

I am fully aware that it will be disastrous, yet I cannot stand by and watch a defenseless maid being oppressed and seeking help; moreover, even if I wanted to hide, could I truly escape from it?

Chunyu Wang replied: "She came back to find us yesterday, and in her haste on the way, she fell and injured her arm. Miss Qingsi, do not touch your mother's injured spot."

Chunyu Hao laughed as he pointed at the woman on the bed, who was retreating in panic: "General Qin, is this the legendary beauty, Princess Changxi, who can topple a nation? I find her less handsome than General Qin himself"

I did not even look, standing up to face Chunyu Wang, I smiled faintly and said: "So this is how the Zhi Wangfu treats the Rui people with such courtesy. When I return to my country, I will certainly prepare a grand gift to express my gratitude"

I steeled myself to continue to obstruct, "There has always been a distinction between the inner and outer circles, even if it is a sister-in-law. In our Rui State, it is also unacceptable to be so disrespectful. The Liang State is a land of propriety and righteousness; could it be that they do not have such rules?"

As I placed two branches of plum blossoms into the flower vase, I suddenly felt a moment of daze, as if at some point in time, I too had inhaled the fragrance of plum blossoms in this manner, inserting them into such a large flower vase

I was in excruciating pain, enduring the agony in my right hand, I extended my left hand to grasp my Chengying sword.

After I was brought into the Zhi Wang Mansion, he never inquired about the whereabouts of Princess Changxi. I even thought that this person had been captivated by my resemblance to him and had completely forgotten about this matter.

The little longing can no longer be detected; she has become the dish that interests me the most, climbing onto my lap, wrapping her arms around my neck, her warm little face rubbing against my cold cheek.

He seemed annoyed, but merely sighed: "Fortunately, I am not among the majority of men whom you can trample underfoot!"

Drawing the Shadow Sword from my waist, a sharp cold light swept across, the old plum tree's branches merely trembled slightly, and two branches with perfectly blooming plum blossoms had already fallen into my palm

A small pink ball rolled over quickly and landed in Chunyu Wang's arms, giggling joyfully

Indeed, indeed, my longing is warm! Chunyu Wang smiled, yet was reluctant to use his fingers, which carried the chill of the outdoors, to test the warmth of his daughter's face

That time, it was also the last time Situ Ling told me, better to shed blood than tears

The candle tears fall quietly, one drop, then another, the shape of the tears, red as blood

The main gate has been opened

As Situ Ling stated, many people from the south are treacherous; beneath their seemingly virtuous facade often lies a shameless countenance that is unfit to be seen.

Amidst a throng of heavily armored knights, two men dressed in the attire of princes slowly made their entrance

The states of Rui and Liang have repeatedly clashed due to disputes over border demarcation, resulting in casualties on both sides; however, Rui, having just experienced three years of severe drought, is somewhat weakened and does not wish to take action at this time. Before Rui can make a firm decision, it sends envoys to seek an audience, requesting to convene a meeting and establish a good relationship.

When I was jolted awake by excruciating pain, surrounded by fragrant mythical beasts and red candles shedding tears, I found myself in a meticulously arranged bedroom

It was at the moment of the joint alignment that I was abruptly awakened by pain

As he spoke, the Shadow Sword at his waist had already been drawn from its sheath, swiftly deflecting the sword he had thrust towards the maid, and without the slightest pause, it rapidly turned towards his neck

Such gentle and delicate character-painted porcelain vases are unique products of the Jiangnan official kiln; in the north, we also have similar flower vases, most of which feature beast face and string patterns, with much coarser lines

He held in his hand a gold hairpin inlaid with jewels, shaped like a phoenix holding a pearl, and sighed with emotion: "It is already comparable to what is sold in our Daliang City, but it still falls short compared to those made in the Liang Palace. The pearl is acceptable, perhaps it is produced in the East China Sea?"

As I walked towards the third courtyard of the princess's residence, I felt an uncomfortable sensation on my back, akin to being pricked by needles.

Before his death, he pointed to the imperial plaque inscribed with "Loyalty and Righteousness of the Qin Family" and said: "Wanwan, for five generations, the Qin family has been prominent ministers of the Great Rui, receiving royal commendation through the ages. Yet in your generation, you are the only one capable of supporting the entire family. Remember, to achieve great things and pursue grand ambitions, do not waste your exceptional martial skills and your wealth of strategies"

I hurriedly reached out to stop him, "Your Highness, it is not appropriate to meet the princess in her disheveled attire."

He gently lifted the hairpin towards me, his gaze filled with tenderness and affection, resembling a refined and elegant gentleman of unparalleled charm. He smiled and asked, "Qin Wan, am I not correct?"

However, I do not mind being infused with the fragrance of the wintersweet; this dim yet refreshing scent seems to resonate with a certain longing hidden within me, inexplicably making me feel at ease

Most of the entourage they brought is outside the door, and the few bodyguards who entered only stand near the door, quite far from this side

His gaze became increasingly gentle as he smiled and asked, "When will the State of Rui begin to appoint women as generals?"

Fortunately, the outside is also lively, and no one pays attention to the tense atmosphere among the people inside

Princess Changxi, at the age of 29, possesses an unparalleled beauty and has long been renowned for her talents. From the moment of her birth, fortune tellers recognized her as having the destiny of a phoenix, destined to be a virtuous mother and to assist her husband in strengthening the nation and prospering the state. Chunyu Sheng, also a great emperor, is tall and majestic, in the prime of his life, and is perfectly matched with Princess Changxi, who embodies the grace of a dragon and the elegance of a phoenix, benefiting both the country and the family.

Chunyu Hao received a warning; although he was taken aback, his reaction was swift. He quickly leaned back to evade my lethal strike. Despite my efforts to change tactics in an attempt to pursue him, I was already too late

Having arrived at the princess's quarters, only I, Chunyu Hao, and Chunyu Wang, accompanied by a few personal guards, entered the bedroom quietly

I think my complexion has also turned pale, and I even asked a question that clearly would not receive an answer: "Where is the princess?"

At that moment, someone behind called out: "Eleven, get out of the way!"

I am not clear on the specifics of the discussions. I only know that the final outcome was that Chunyu Sheng demoted his already neglected empress to the rank of a noble consort and married Princess Changxi, the legitimate daughter of Emperor Situ Huan of the Great Rui.

He turned his head and shouted at the guards who had already taken control of the situation behind him: "Come here, take him away!"

I have just noticed that the hem of the skirt is indeed a bit short; it turns out that these garments were worn by his unknown beloved or concubine.

This is quite remarkable. Before I turned eighteen, I spent my time in seclusion in the mountains to learn my craft. The five years following my eighteenth birthday were spent serving as an official in the court of Da Rui, first as a palace guard, and later accompanying the Minister of War, Ling, in battles, delivering the princess to her marriage. This is my first time coming to Jiangnan, and how could I have ever crossed paths with Chunyu Wang, who has never been to the frontier?

Blood dripped slowly, seeping into the white snow, spreading until it reached inside the door

Chunyu Wang indeed did not respond, but merely tapped the edge of the bowl with a hairpin, softly reciting in a clear rhythm: "The white gull asks me about the lonely boat, is it the body that stays, or the heart? If the heart remains, why is there a furrow on the brow? The wind flutters the small curtain, the lamp's halo dances, facing the idle shadows, cold and clear, reminiscing about old travels"

The icicles on the plum blossoms began to melt, dropping one by one onto the table, silently weeping as if unable to withstand the intense and terrifying atmosphere of murder in the capital city.

Before I could come to my senses, she had already left Chunyu Wang and rushed over to me, grabbing my collar with both hands and lunging towards me, repeatedly calling out: "Mother, is Mother back? Hug me, hug me, Mother, hug me with longing..."

Having completed my makeup, the beauty in the mirror gazes at me with a cold and reproachful look

The person on the left was dressed in a deep blue and crimson python robe, adorned with a scarlet cloud pattern and a dark crane cloak. He was tall and imposing, with eyebrows that extended to his temples and eyes that contained a fierce glint. In contrast, the person on the right wore a moon-white and azure python robe, complemented by a jade-colored feathered veil and a white fox fur cloak. He was slender and upright, with handsome features, yet his gaze was profound, cold, and solitary like a tranquil deep pool. He cast a cool, indifferent glance in my direction, seemingly taken aback for a moment, and unexpectedly halted his steps.

It is not due to the aggressive words and actions of Prince Chunyuhao, but rather because of the burning gaze of Prince Chunyu Wang.

Is the princess's illness quite severe? Let this king take a look at her complexion

Indeed, one should become accustomed to hardship

My right hand is inconvenient, but my left hand can still move and is much more agile than that of an average person

Chunyu Wang had arrived at the bedside and softly inquired, "Who are you? Where is the princess?"

If he has any sense, he should understand that staring at someone is impolite, even if his status is noble, surpassing mine by tenfold

He stared at me, his gaze still intense and fiery, incongruous with his serene expression, revealing a peculiar pain as if he were torn apart.

I ... ... I ... ..." The maid did not dare to respond, looking at me in panic

His sword was drawn, pointing directly at the maid on the bed: "Speak, where is the princess? If you utter even half a lie, I shall have you bleed on the spot!"

His Highness the Prince of Zhi is certainly not someone I can easily contend with. My information is clearly incorrect; he is by no means a leisurely prince who only finds solace in mountains and rivers, indulging in poetry and wine. His few actions may seem ordinary, but even if I am not injured, I may not necessarily be able to evade them.

Chunyu Hao furrowed his brow and said, "Since we are related by marriage, we are family now; what harm is there in meeting?"

I could not understand, as I squinted my eyes and struggled to rush out, he quickly pinched two fingers and intercepted at one of my pulse points.

utterly defeated

The last time I shed tears was four years ago

A few maids came to assist me, but I casually brushed them off and cast a cold glance at them

He smiled, "You have forgotten, I once promised Eleventh Brother that I would take responsibility for the matter of Princess Changxi."

No need for formalities! Chunyu Hao looked behind me and asked, "Where is the esteemed Princess Changxi of your country?"

It has been a long time since I have tasted the flavor of tears

I wiped the sweat from my forehead and the tip of my nose, and glanced at the floral goblet again

Oh! Chunyu Hao's smile does not reach his eyes. In that case, please lead the way, General Qin, while my brother Jiu and I go to pay a visit.

I truly feel that burden pressing down on me like a mountain

The wind drifts by, and the fragrance of the wintersweet at the steps, accompanied by the snowflakes, strikes against the face, penetrating the lungs along with the chill, leaving a bone-deep coldness

I have always detested others commenting on my appearance, and I rarely show any displeasure towards people. As a result, most soldiers in the army fear me to some extent, and very few dare to gaze at me for an extended period.

The maid turned pale and cried out: "General Qin, save me!"

It is none other than the renowned poet and scholar, King Zhen, Chunyu Wang!

Yingying, is she his deceased lover or his runaway concubine? I wonder if she resembles me to some extent

Chunyu Wang nodded and said: "Leave this matter to me. We have kept the city gates closed for the past few days; the princess may escape from the mansion, but it is impossible for her to escape from Yongdu City"

However, I do not feel that the Liang State is warmer than our Rui State

General Zhao Wu

The breakfast was not particularly lavish, consisting of a few bowls of congee and some small dishes, along with several plates of exquisite pastries, and that was all. It seems that the tastes of this father and daughter are quite light.

They immediately halted, and their expressions clearly showed signs of fear

A soft handkerchief gently covers my face, lightly wiping the sweat from my forehead and the tip of my nose

I whispered urgently, "Don't panic!"

A wave of metallic sweetness surged up my throat, and I struggled to suppress it. Just as I was about to raise my sword to confront the enemy, Chunyu Hao's heavy boot struck hard against my elbow

I turned sideways to block the bed and said in a low voice: "The princess is gravely ill, her complexion is poor, and she has not yet dressed up; it is not surprising that she has temporarily lost her original appearance."

He must have heard my words, turning his head to glance at me, his face pale and ethereal as if it had merged with the surrounding ice and snow.

The little doll on me seemed to be listening, and at that moment, it surprisingly held chopsticks, imitating its father, tapping rhythmically on the edge of the bowl, echoing the high and delicate rhythm, and reciting with its father: "Old travels, old travels, are they still here? The building beyond the flowers, the boat beneath the willows. Dreams, oh dreams, I cannot dream of them, the cold water flows empty. The vast yellow clouds, all say no one is as sorrowful as I, tonight's snow, with plum blossoms, resembles my sorrow."

The trusted ministers of Chunyu Sheng were awakened from their slumber, and before they could mobilize the troops, they discovered that the nine gates of the capital were sealed, and the entire city was under martial law. They soon found themselves trapped, and any hint of resistance would lead to severe punishment.

You cannot blame me for not being cautious enough

He smiled at his precious daughter and said, "Xiangsi, quickly bring your mother over to have breakfast together, she is about to starve!"

I have wielded a sword since I was six years old, and it has been seventeen years since then; moreover, having fought in battles for many years, when it comes to experience in facing enemies on the battlefield, I would not be inferior to Chunyu Hao, and I look forward to achieving a decisive victory.

Little Xiangsi immediately stopped twisting and sensibly took my hand to walk towards the table, then asked her father: "Father, why is Mother’s hand hanging like that?"

Chunyu Wang's palm, however, is warm

After a while, he continued to walk forward and said softly, "Yingying, let us hurry along, for the longing must be growing urgent."

Leave him

The guards fell silent, and then continued to warm their hands as they stood watch over the empty mansion

Emperor Yuan Guang of the Liang Dynasty, Chunyu Sheng, was not a virtuous man. It is said that his ascension to the throne was somewhat illegitimate, yet he was ruthless and merciless, with most dissenting court officials or royal relatives having become unjust souls unable to reincarnate in the mass graves. After twelve years of consolidation, his position had become as solid as a rock, and under the instigation of several military generals, he began to contemplate an attack on the Rui Kingdom

Chunyu Wang crouched down and kissed the little girl, smiling as he said: "Father has just come in from outside, and he is quite cold. Xiangsi, why don't you sit by the warm stove?"

The pain is excruciating, yet I shed not a single tear

Upon waking, a maid was already standing by with my toiletries. As soon as I opened my eyes, she immediately stepped forward to assist me with changing my clothes

The only thing I am grateful for is that this inexplicable obsession with Chun has allowed me to escape the torment of imprisonment, and I am even able to live more luxuriously than when I am not at war.

Chunyu Hao was taken aback: "Oh, the princess is ill? This is serious! It must be that the accommodations are too simple, and the princess is not accustomed to living here. Just in time, my fifth brother has ordered me to bring the princess to the palace. It would be a good opportunity to change the environment and seek the imperial physician for proper adjustments, what do you think?"

This is my first time in Jiangnan, and I believe I have never seen such a flower vase before

Stepping out suddenly from the room with the warm stove, it is truly cold, and the plum fragrance inhaled seems to have frozen within.

I brought several personal guards forward to pay their respects: "The envoy from the State of Rui, General Zhao Wu, Qin Wan, pays homage to His Royal Highness, Prince Rong, and His Royal Highness, Prince Zhen"

Once again, that fair hand, with its slender fingers curved, swiftly withdrew the Chengying sword from beneath my palm

He waved his hand, leading the captured maidservant and bodyguards of the Rui Kingdom away, while the sounds of fighting in the courtyard immediately became deafening. The screams of those soldiers who had once fought alongside me pierced through like sharp arrows.

I suddenly raised my eyes to look at him, and he was also staring at me. After a long while, he slowly turned his gaze away, focusing on the flickering candlelight.

He carefully held all five of my fingers in his palm, gently intertwining them, and said: "The cold in the south is quite different from the cold in the north. The north is dry and cold, while the cold in the south is piercing. It has been a bit cold these past few days; are you still managing to cope with it?"

I nodded and asked, "Is there any commotion outside?"

Yet he not only did not restrain himself, although his face appeared calm and his expression serene, his eyes seemed to burn with two dark flames that had emerged from the depths of the earth, piercing towards me like needles, entangling with unspeakable emotions, such as hatred, anger, and resentment

The boots crunch in the snow, making a crackling sound

Little Xiangsi did not sit beside her father, but instead clung to my side, using chopsticks to pick up two kinds of pastries for me, saying: "Mother, eat this, this is the best! I had a plate of it yesterday! — I won't eat it today, all for you, Mother."

The guard replied: "Several groups of people have rushed over, and it is estimated that King Huo and King Rong are still clearing out the remnants of Emperor Yuan Guang."

The biting cold did not make me shiver, but at this moment, his words sent a chill down my spine, leaving me with goosebumps all over.

I slowly lowered the ivory chopsticks in my hand, fixed my gaze on that hairpin, and asked, "Where did you get this?"

When the imperial physician finished bandaging and withdrew, I was already drenched in sweat, my body soaked. The pain in my chest and abdomen from being kicked made it difficult for me to breathe, forcing me to emit a series of hoarse coughs

I originally thought it was a maid, but when I opened my eyes, I was surprised to see Chunyu Wang's face so close at hand

I spoke, not looking at their pale or ashen faces, and walked with my head down towards the front hall of the mansion

Chunyu Wang was leaning against the window frame, gazing at me from a distance. The once fiery blaze in his dark eyes had vanished, replaced by deep concern and unease

Yingying

I lowered my head, stepping on a stone hidden beneath the snow, and slowly said: "Just like when the princess was here, we continue to light the fire for warmth and cook our meals as usual"

Then he said, "Yingying, don't be angry. I will have someone help you make a new dress shortly, choosing your favorite light blue and light apricot colors, alright?"

The little one nodded, carefully holding my left hand, tiptoeing step by step to lead me towards the dining table, as if by lightening her touch and steps, she could lessen my pain

Indeed, mental instability can be inherited by offspring. The father is mentally unstable, and the daughter is quite foolish as well, mistaking any woman she sees for her mother

Crimson blood, pure white snow, the stark and dazzling contrast makes it difficult for one to breathe

As I reached out to stop Chunyu Hao in front of the curtain, a white shadow flickered behind me. Before I could intervene, the light curtain was already lifted by King Zhen of Chunyu Wang, revealing the scene behind it in its entirety

Unable to endure my disgust any longer, I forcefully shook off his hand and managed a smile, saying: "Chunyu Wang... ha, very... very good, Chunyu Wang..."

Shoulders like those carved from jade, a waist as slender as silk, eyes holding the chill of stars, brows condensed like willow smoke, hair in a cloud-like bun tilted slightly, a phoenix hairpin inserted askew, a light apricot-colored cloak draped over a vermilion red fox fur, all styles are simple, yet beyond the coolness, they add an extraordinary beauty

Achieve great things, pursue grand ambitions, and become the sixth generation of prominent ministers in the Qin family

The guards have all lost their color, and some, unable to contain themselves, have drawn their swords.

A dozen or so guards from the Rui Kingdom, who were on patrol, were huddled under the courtyard wall, constantly rubbing their hands together. The large puffs of warm breath they exhaled could not even melt the snowflakes resting on their brows

The Rui Kingdom has always placed great importance on monitoring its opponents, and there are numerous informants in Yongdu. Fortunately, they received the news early enough, and while it was still dark, they disguised the princess and her two personal attendants to send them out. However, the large entourage that came to escort the bride had no opportunity to leave.

Father was severely injured during the battle between Liang and Rui. After a year of recuperation, he ultimately succumbed to his injuries and illness.

Perhaps it is more appropriate to call him Chunyu Wang. I cannot associate His Highness, the King of Zhi, whose swift actions have led to my utter defeat, with this young man before me who appears to be psychologically unstable

Situ Ling has always told me that to be a qualified general of the Rui Army and to become a competent guardian of the Rui Nation, one must possess a strong will, willing to shed blood but not tears

With eyes closed and breath held, waiting for the unbearable pain in the elbow to subside slightly, Chunyu Hao had already started to laugh beside him: "I really can't tell, this little thief's face is a bit dark, but his body is delicate and fair | tender white | soft. No wonder Situ Ling likes to take him everywhere!"

After a long time, he finally took my hand, holding it in his palm, and slowly walked towards the outside of the house

Although I know that this person's delusion of calling a deer a horse does not harm me, I still cannot help but remind once again: "Your Highness King Zhen, I am General Qin Wan of the Rui Kingdom, and until yesterday, we had never met."

The guards either leaned against the wall or propped themselves up with their weapons in the snow, muttering curses under their breath

General Qin! Before he could rush out of the hall, a guard, with his head covered in snow, rushed in, saying, "It seems that King Rong and King Zhen have come in person!"

"Your Highness, King Zhen, invites me to have breakfast together; it is my honor," I said with a smile. "Please lead the way ahead!"

It is said that the winter in Jiangnan is warmer than that in the north

A chill ran through my neck, and I realized that half of my shoulder was exposed to the air. Just as I hurried to counterattack, a tremendous force suddenly struck my chest, sending me flying and crashing heavily against the edge of the bed

Suddenly, a scream pierced the air, and the heavy door was violently struck by a heavy object, resulting in a loud bang, causing the accumulated snow on the door beam to tumble down.

Huo Wangchun, with his martial prowess, is the greatest supporter among the generals of the Liang Kingdom who advocate for external conquests to unify the Central Plains. If he were to declare himself emperor, I cannot bear to imagine the fate of Princess Changxi, just as I am currently unable to foresee the outcome for myself and my subordinates

Someone presented the medicine, and upon testing it with my hand, I found it to be neither cold nor hot, perfectly suitable for consumption. I lifted the medicine bowl and drank it all in one go, and immediately afterward, someone presented sweet soup and sugar cubes.

Especially in the capital city of Yongdu, which is permeated with a strong smell of blood, even the fragrance of the wintersweet in the guesthouse seems to tremble in the biting wind

Upon seeing me arrive, they busily straightened their spirits, stood upright, and respectfully saluted me: "General Qin!"

At this moment, what he holds in his hand is the beloved hairpin of Princess Changxi

However, I never expected that the seemingly obedient younger brothers of Chunyu Sheng, namely King Huo, King Rong, and King Zhen, would actually unite under the support of Empress Dowager Li to commit regicide and seize the palace

The maid was also stunning, but in her gaze, beyond the astonishment, there seemed to be more surprise, along with a reverence that extended from this surprise

Chunyu Wang was staring at me intently, and only after hearing me speak did he furrow his brows, glance silently at the bed I had slept in the night before, and say: "Let's go, it's time for breakfast!"

The man in the white python robe immediately took a step forward, smiling casually, "This general is quite young and very handsome."

On the offering table in the hall, there is an antique-style large blue and white flower vase. The lower part is adorned with painted branches of hibiscus, embellished with blue flowers among the red blooms and green leaves; the upper part features the painting "The Immortal Lady and the Jade Maiden," where amidst a cluster of flowers and the harmonious calls of phoenixes, a fairy in colorful garments holds a golden plate, stepping on auspicious clouds, gracefully soaring into the sky

I silently lamented, even resorting to heavy tactics, but Chunyu Hao truly possessed exceptional skills, and for the time being, I was unable to gain the upper hand

The prepared garments range from small clothes to medium shirts, jackets, cotton skirts, and fox fur, all in complete array. The military attire originally worn by the general has completely vanished, but fortunately, the accessories and the treasured sword remain.

I tossed my long hair behind my head and said coldly: "Whether it is martial skills or military strategy, I can trample most men underfoot. Why can’t I become a general?"

The ivory chopsticks brought a small osmanthus cake to the mouth, then hesitated, slowly directing it towards the throat of the little longing.

Outside, the sounds of a woman weeping and a man scolding grew closer, accompanied by an increasingly palpable scent of blood.

As we took action, their bodyguards inside the house moved forward to assist, while my personal guards did their utmost to obstruct them. Outside the house, upon hearing the commotion, there was also a stir.

I have long heard that women bathe with flower petals not only to have a fragrant body but also to nourish their skin. However, I have never considered myself a woman, nor would I engage in such things that please men.

It is another illusion

I have just learned that the courtyard where I reside is called Qinfang Courtyard, which is located at the most flourishing area of the plum blossoms in the back garden of the Zhen Wang Mansion. The buildings are exquisite and the layout is intricate, making it one of the most important courtyards in the mansion

Then here ... ...

A family? Your own brothers who are related by marriage have been slaughtered by you in the inner palace. How can I still recognize you as a family of the princess?

After all, it is their territory; they hold the knife, while I am the fish on the chopping block. Fighting back would only lead to unnecessary casualties

Chunyu Wang evidently also noticed my aversion, and as he pinched his empty fingertips, he unexpectedly flushed with embarrassment.

Chunyu Wang sneered coldly: "Perhaps you can leave the Rui Kingdom again. However, this time, if you wish to leave, you must step over my dead body to do so"

Although I was severely injured and it was inconvenient to bathe, the maid still brought a large basin of hot water for me to wash. Floating in the water were the petals of wintersweet, and amidst the rising steam, a refreshing fragrance permeated the air, embodying a subtle and cool natural elegance, which was precisely to my liking.

I cast a glance at the splendid and bright building and said softly, "There is no need to stand guard outside; go over to the porch and start a fire, and have some hot tea instead"

At this moment, my left hand is holding an ivory chopstick, which, although not as sharp as a sword, is evidently much harder compared to the soft neck of the little girl

As long as the sword is in hand and the medicine is not lost, even if the Zhi King's residence is a den of dragons and tigers, sooner or later, an opportunity to escape will be found

He paused for a moment and then said, "Yingying, even if you are angry, do not call me Zhi Wang. You know very well that I have always disliked the power struggles and disturbances in the court."

It is truly ridiculous to be so infatuated and to speak in a daze just because of a woman who bears a slight resemblance to someone else

Perhaps it is also because of the medicinal soups prescribed by the imperial physician for treating internal injuries

Two princes have arrived

I was taken aback, staring at this five or six-year-old child, at a loss for what to do

The little girl's rosy cheeks turned this way and that, and suddenly she caught sight of me, immediately exclaiming: "Mother!"

The matter arose suddenly, and I was able to find a maid to impersonate the princess whose appearance was quite ordinary. At this moment, with her hair disheveled, she was naturally far from beautiful

Such a beautiful name sent shivers down my spine, and I hurriedly pressed my chest to suppress the pain as I replied: "Your Highness, King Zhen, you have mistaken the person. I am Qin Wan, the General of Zhao Wu from the Great Rui."

This time, he didn't even mispronounce my name.

Chunyu Wang gazed at me, and the weariness between his brows was surprisingly more pronounced than yesterday

Chunyu Hao said this and was about to reach out to lift the light curtain

Hearing that they were passing in front of the embassy, I did not inquire further and silently pressed my hand against the sword at my waist; the guards also held their breath, vigilantly staring at the heavily barred entrance of the residence.

I wept before my father's increasingly cold and rigid body

I replied with a smile: "The princess has been frail since childhood, and after a long journey, she was further startled upon arriving in Yongdu. She has been bedridden for the past few days. Although a distinguished guest has arrived, she is unable to rise to greet you. I hope for your understanding in this matter"

Go open the door and welcome them in! I walked outside, waiting for the subordinates to gather in the courtyard. In a low voice, I instructed, If they ask about anything regarding the Rui Kingdom, you should simply say you do not know; all inquiries should be directed to General Qin.

I know that I am handsome, but I never expected that I could also be so beautiful

Even with a daughter's makeup, the years of battles and bloodshed have unknowingly left deep marks on me. Even if I am wounded and unable to wield a sword, the aura filled with murderous intent is not something a mere maid can endure

Without turning back, I already know that the visitor is Chunyu Wang

A sudden darkness enveloped me, and I immediately lost consciousness

I did not find anything amusing, and I looked at him with a frown and indifference

And his voice clearly carried a strange pain: "Why did you leave me?"

At this moment, Chunyu Wang suddenly said: "Wait!"

Someone behind sighed: "I knew it, your complexion is also feigned. Your skin is exceptionally good, looking as beautiful as if it were covered in powder."

Unable to resist turning back, she cast him a fleeting glance with a slight frown

His brows were gentle, and there was a hint of fatigue at the corners of his eyes. He softly asked me, "Yingying, do you feel any better?"

Before the sharp pain struck, I seemed to hear the crisp sound of bones breaking. The Chengying Sword fell to the ground with a "ding" sound, and I could no longer support myself. With a groan, thick and bloody liquid began to spill from my mouth

He regained his composure, swiftly raised his sword to counterattack, and shouted, "You little thief, how bold you are!"

My head throbbed painfully, and I experienced waves of darkness before my eyes. I could barely stand, hurriedly reaching into my waist pouch to take a pill and swallow it. After a long while, I held the invigorating sachet to my nose, gradually regaining my composure

As he stood rigidly, staring at the little creature clinging to him, twisting endlessly like a noodle, Chunyu Wang began to speak

At a glance, my hand suddenly froze, and I began to feel cold all over my body

The little girl nestled in his arms, giggling: "It's not cold, it's not cold, Father, touch me, my face is warm, and my hands are warm too!"

Upon catching sight of me approaching, he closed his mouth and regarded me with keen interest

The guards lowered their heads and did not dare to speak

I smiled and said: "His Highness King Huo, His Highness King Rong, and His Highness King Zhen have good intentions, and I will certainly convey this on their behalf; we also have the royal physician of the Rui Kingdom accompanying us, who is currently providing careful treatment. This morning, they mentioned that the princess is weak and should not be moved. It would be better for the three princes to be patient and wait until the princess recovers before personally entering the palace to apologize!"

Chunyu Wang's voice is pure and deep, filled with sorrow and melancholy, yet her small thoughts are accompanied by a rich, childlike tone, innocent and tender, completely oblivious to the complexities of the world, as if she is merely providing accompaniment for her father with syllables whose meanings she does not comprehend

It is evident that he is quite angry; and I too am at a loss for words

His expression did not reveal much fluctuation, but as he brushed his sleeves and left, his shoulders seemed to tremble slightly

Before sending Princess Changxi to marry into the Liang Kingdom, I had carefully studied the situation of the Liang Kingdom

In the light drapery, the woman lying inside stirred slightly, coughed twice, and then spoke in a trembling voice: "This... this princess understands, thank you both for your kind intentions, but I am unwell and unable to receive you. Please... please have General Qin receive you on my behalf"

Given his height and the position he was standing in at the time, it was entirely possible for him to see things that men should not see

The vast expanse of white snow did not illuminate the interior much; within the slightly dim light of the sheer curtains, shadows flowed softly, their hues faint and nearly imperceptible, yet an unstoppable aura of killing intent surged forth.

A person who is somewhat close to me quietly approached and asked, "General Qin, what shall we do?"

Chunyu Wang's brows arched, and the smile lines slowly formed at the corners of his lips, leaving one unable to discern whether it was mockery or self-mockery

To fall ill again at such a moment

People come and go, even though the sky is still filled with falling snow, it cannot cover the muddy ground that has been trampled upon.

In a moment of panic, I exclaimed: "Your Highness, the Prince Rong, you must not be disrespectful to the princess"

During the campaign against the Rouran, I once traversed the vast desert in a blizzard for twelve hours without feeling cold

With all one's might, although a large area of his chest robe was pulled open, it evidently infuriated him

The freshly fallen snowflakes on the petals of the flowers sway down, still wrapped in transparent icicles around the delicate pale yellow petals, resembling drops of tears cascading down

Through the small gap that was forced open, I clearly saw a woman slowly sitting down along the door seam, falling to the ground

The person on the left turned to look at him strangely, "Ninth Brother, what is it?"

Moreover, the princess is still in Yongdu, and after hearing the news, the Rui Kingdom will surely send someone to rescue her. With Situ Ling present, they will certainly not turn a blind eye to my situation

It is just that I have never paid much attention to such trivial matters of life. To say that I enjoy it is merely to plant a few more plum blossoms in my residence, and when they bloom, to place a couple of fully blossomed branches in various vases.

As long as I see that the purse and the Chengying sword are still there, I feel much more at ease. I hurriedly changed my clothes and hung these two items at my waist

The imperial physician has already applied medicine for me and is currently using a splint to stabilize my broken hand

Just be mindful when looking out the window. If it is a disaster, it cannot be avoided; this is our fate

I originally thought that Xiangsi should be one of his concubines or favored maidens, but as we entered the dining hall of Tingxue, just as we lifted the brocade curtain, we heard a childish voice calling out: "Father King!"

I am not skilled in makeup; occasionally, I may dress up as a woman, but it is merely a casual attempt at a loose bun. Now, with one hand unable to move, I can only let my maid arrange it for me

The fireplace is still burning fiercely, radiating waves of warmth

From their conversation, I immediately discerned that this person must be the formidable Rong Wang, Chunyu Hao, who is unmatched by anyone. The man in the white python robe is the legendary Zhen Wang, Chunyu Wang, who is said to be deeply immersed in poetry, wine, and landscapes, rarely concerning himself with state affairs.

Chunyu Wang's pale cheeks immediately flushed with color. He replied with a smile: "Longing!"

Her father clearly dotes on her, and she is leaning against me without a care in the world, laughing happily, impossible to drive away.

It is said that Prince Rong, Chunyu Hao, and Prince Huo, Chunyu Tai, are born of the same mother. If I can successfully capture Prince Rong, perhaps my subordinates and I will have a chance to escape from the Liang Kingdom.

Chunyu Hao immediately glanced at me and smiled ambiguously: "So it turns out that Ninth Brother has a taste for this! Never mind, let Ninth Brother handle this person. However, this Princess Changxi..."

Two physicians from the Liang Kingdom are gathered around the soft couch where I lie, placing my arm on a cotton pad, rolling up my sleeve, and carefully setting my bones.

Chunyu Hao sneered: "General Qin, do you take us for fools? Princess Changxi possesses an unparalleled beauty; my imperial brother was captivated by her at first glance, and her portrait still hangs in the Chonghua Palace. Fifth Brother specifically instructed that no matter how chaotic it gets outside, we must not disturb this enchanting beauty, and that we should personally come to welcome her to show our seriousness! With such an ordinary appearance, how dare she claim to be a princess?"

There are no children in the military camp. Occasionally, when I see a child from someone’s family, they seem to catch a whiff of the blood on me and instinctively avoid me, never approaching me on their own. Yet now, a little one, resembling a ball of cotton, has actually come here, calling me mother!

I lowered my head to glance at my severely injured arm and said in a somber tone: "If I can survive and leave the Rui Kingdom, the outcome of the next battle remains uncertain!"

I do not dare to decline, and I raised my hand to say: "Your Highnesses, please!"

As I let out a sigh of relief, my palms were already slightly damp with sweat

I quietly slipped the small love token onto my arm, slowly picking at the food, chewing while searching for the optimal angle of retreat

The person on the left smiled ambiguously: "Qin Wan is already known for his handsome appearance. It is said that he has a connection with the commander of the Rui Kingdom, Situ Ling..."

On the night we arrived in Yongdu, the candlelight flickered in the Zichen Palace, and by dawn, the news of Emperor Yuanguang's passing was conveyed.

When Chunyu Hao turned around, Chunyu Wang had already walked up to him and whispered a few words in his ear

Through the continuous, mist-like light pink curtains, I softly reported inward: "Your Highness, Prince Liang Guorong and Prince Zhen have come to inquire about your health"

He smiled gently at me and said softly: "At first, it was Chunyu Wang, later it was just Wang, and occasionally... he would also call me Brother Wang."

Moments later, the lifeless body was dragged up amidst Liang Bing's curses, pulled like a wild dog across the snow, leaving a long, dark brown trail in the filthy snow trampled by countless people and horses, heading eastward.

I did not respond; when I tried to pull my hand away from his grip, he only tightened it further

Within the residence, there are merely over one hundred servants, including those of a rough disposition. If the intention were simply to kill us or imprison us, a single troop of soldiers would suffice; these two need not intervene

He reached out his hand, swift as lightning, and quickly pulled out the jade hairpin that held my hair in place

As I saw him thrusting another sword towards my vital point, just as I was about to dodge, a fair hand reached out from the side, leisurely slipping into the opening in my defense, grasping my collar and forcefully pulling at the front of my garment.

Suddenly, a heavy and urgent knocking sound came from outside the door

And he suddenly pulled my collar while I was fighting with Chunyu Hao, was it to see whether I was a man or a woman

Looking down at my skirt, he said again: "What did I say back then? I said that you, little girl, would definitely grow taller, and indeed you have grown quite a bit. This skirt, when worn now, actually feels a bit short."

The weather remains unfavorable, with a sky filled with thin, lead-colored clouds, and the falling snowflakes dance like the catkins in spring. Amidst the fragrant plum blossoms, the eyes are filled with the sturdy branches of the wintersweet, resembling iron, and the petals that are as delicate as silk.

I looked down at the girl. She resembled her father remarkably, with delicate and well-defined features, bright sparkling eyes that moved playfully, and a charmingly innocent and lovely demeanor

I was surprisingly unaffected in my sleep despite being in enemy territory, and I even slept more soundly than usual, with my dreams filled with the subtle fragrance of plum blossoms

I felt a sense of schadenfreude, pondering whether this could become an opportunity for my successful escape, while casually asking, "What should I call you?"

I was startled and sprang up, but I could not evade in time; a head of black hair fell down in disarray, loosely cascading over my shoulders

I am completely convinced that this person is insane, at least in matters of emotion; his mental state is absolutely abnormal. His paranoia can no longer be judged by the reasoning of a normal person

Chunyu Wang tore open my garment, simultaneously pulling me away from Chunyu Hao's sword edge; however, Chunyu Hao immediately took advantage of my distraction and kicked me down.

At this moment, one suddenly heard Chunyu Wang exclaiming: "What a beautiful hairpin, what a beautiful hairpin, such exquisite craftsmanship is indeed rare in the North"