Chapter 5, Breaking the Formation

He asked seriously, "Did you get caught in the rain yesterday?" He gazed at me intently, his warm eyes brushing against my face, "The doctor said you have been overly worried for several days, and that getting caught in the rain yesterday caused you to catch a cold. That recent turmoil left you physically exhausted, leading to your fainting.

Ye Sihan sighed softly: "The servants have all gone to the countryside, and Lord Xining has no time to attend to this matter. Huaiyu, like me, has very important things to attend to, and Lady Xining wishes to return to Yangzhou herself. Furthermore, the situation in Luodu is changing rapidly, and the Tianque... has changed hands. No one can predict what the future holds; Yangzhou will be relatively safer."

I nodded and said, "I am well"

His gaze blossomed like a sacred lotus on the other shore: "Shuyi... you are all very good women, how fortunate Huaiyu is! She is my wife, and I must not betray her"

He was somewhat astonished: "Do you really know?"

I turned around with a smile, only to suddenly freeze, as if a bucket of icy water had been poured over my head—Lu Shuyi was leaning against the door, looking at us with a blank expression. Her trembling body was as delicate as a willow, her face pale, lips dry, and her clear eyes devoid of any sparkle, resembling a dry ancient well, lacking any vibrant color.

Xining Huaiyu gazed deeply at me, as if he would never see me again, momentarily lost in thought; then, with a sense of regret, he said: "If I could see the pear blossoms quietly blooming on the north side of Yuhe Palace one more time, I would have no further wishes. What a pity..."

Ye Sihan let out a light sigh, took a step away, leaving me alone in the corridor.

Lu Shuyi lay on the inside, unconscious and swaying with the jolts of the carriage. Ling Feng sat quietly beside me, neither crying nor making a fuss, and did not ask why we were leaving Luodu or where we were headed.

Farewell, Luodu, your ever-changing fortunes and the decline of your splendor have nothing to do with me, I only wish that your prosperous era and your sorrow may coexist in harmony

I was taken aback: "Are you going to abandon Sister Lu as well as me?"

Through the mist of tears, I saw his knife-like brows, slightly furrowed yet not quite so, and his gaze was gentle. I sobbed, saying: "Sister Lu, the wife of Huaiyu from Xining, is returning to Yangzhou with me"

He summoned a servant, who led me to the guest room to help me change into dry clothes, arranged my hairstyle, and reapplied my makeup. I stood before them, smiling gently.

I asked with concern, "Then... Sister Lu... what should we do?"

When he spoke of "Madam Xining," there was a blend of sorrow and desolation in his eyes. Ah, the beloved has become another's wife; the distance is so close, yet it feels like a world apart. Can one not feel pain? Perhaps this is the most tormenting form of slow death. Am I not the same?

In his heart, he felt a deep emotion; at merely ten years old, he was so wise. Having left his father and mother, experiencing the pain of a fallen kingdom, how could he not feel sorrow? Yet, on his tender face, there was only a tranquil calmness, with his brows furrowed in a worry that did not belong to his age.

However, he was unexpectedly joyful, the heroic face breaking into a smile, looking at me with childlike innocence ... The blush on my face spread all the way to my neck, and I lowered my head even further ...

I almost blurted out: "I went to see it yesterday," but suddenly I choked on the words at my lips, causing a sharp pain in my heart; I gazed at him softly, my eyes filled with tumultuous waves, as if I wanted to cut through the water: "Brother Xining, do you still remember our pear blossoms, don't you?"

Over his shoulder, I saw Xining Huaiyu gazing at us from a distance, his gentle yet piercing gaze directed our way, carrying a kind of anxiousness that made me tremble. A sudden panic surged within me, and I replied coldly, "Brother Tang Rong, I understand your intentions." The deep eyes of Ling Xuan swirled in my mind, and I forced out a distant smile, "I am returning to Yangzhou now, take care, Brother Tang Rong."

Tang Shuyang sat on the edge of the bed, holding my left hand, his cheeks cold and rigid, his brows furrowed sharply like a knife: "After you take your medicine, I will escort you back to your residence."

My heart is filled with the figure of Huaiyu from Xining. And in the depths of Tang Rong's eyes, I see a woman with a sorrowful expression, her brows and eyes clouded, nodding with a choked voice

I said slowly and firmly: "I want to return to Yangzhou, and now I need to find a coachman."

I wearily closed my eyes, and in the final moment, it was his anxious and handsome face, dark and deep like the sea

Tang Rongxiao lightly patted my shoulder and said, "We cannot leave the city tonight. Let us rest for a night, and we should be able to depart tomorrow."

Her eyes were filled with deep remorse: "Upon hearing that your mother is gravely ill, you must return... Ah Man, I have burdened you. If not, you should set off first!"

Xining Huaiyu gently brushed aside her hair, affectionately and naturally, and choked out: "I promise you, I will bring Xining Huaiyu back safe and sound."

I held his cool hand tightly, from now on, Ling Feng's only support will be me and my family

He released me, using a pure white silk handkerchief to wipe the tears streaming down my face, the corners of his lips slightly lifting: "Are you really the only one returning to Yangzhou? Is there anyone else?"

The strands of hair at her temples were damp, clinging closely, appearing somewhat fragile: "Aman, you go prepare, it is hard on you, I am a bit tired, let me rest for a while."

With a gentle "mm," I could no longer care about anything else, only wanting to indulge in his warm embrace and be intoxicated by his momentary tenderness

In the blink of an eye, chaos erupted on the streets. A million-strong army swiftly drew their swords and raised their spears, standing in front of the populace. The crowd was in turmoil, panicking and running in all directions; some ran this way, others ran that way, colliding and crashing into one another, resembling a tangled mess, becoming increasingly entangled and impenetrable.

I raised both hands, pried open his palms, but was once again seized by his grip on my arms. The relentless and powerful force left me unable to break free even a little. In a moment of exasperation, I twisted my body violently, attempting to escape his hold, murmuring: "Let me go... Let me go..."

I smiled and nodded, then rose to walk to the door. Looking back, I saw that Lu Shuyi's face, devoid of color and seemingly transparent, still bore a faint smile like wisps of smoke, ethereal and transcendent.

I found myself unable to break free, the last remnants of strength within me completely exhausted. In this futile struggle, all my grievances and sorrow surged forth, overwhelming me. A bitter taste filled my throat, and a painful heaviness settled in my brow. In an instant, a stream of tears flowed forth, falling onto his moon-white brocade robe.

Waving away the chaotic thoughts in my mind, I quickened my pace towards Xining Prefecture

He wrapped one arm around my shoulder and gently stroked my soft, fragrant hair with the other, speaking in a low voice: "I am not going anywhere... I mean, if you want to live on strongly, promise me, okay?"

Perhaps my excited struggles annoyed him; he held both of my wrists with one hand, pinning them behind my back, while with the other hand he embraced my shoulders, holding me tightly against his chest

His voice was heavy and melancholic, his tone resolute and decisive, as if bidding farewell to someone... My heart trembled, and I felt a deep sense of astonishment: "Not here? Where are you going?"

I just know that he cares for me and loves me. When other men appear around me, he becomes anxious and nervous... My cheeks feel slightly warm as I softly say: "On the day I first arrived in Luodu, I met him by chance in the palace. Brother Xining, is Sister Lu going back to Yangzhou? What about you? Are you also going to Yangzhou?"

The sky above Luodu was filled with smoke from fireworks, thick smoke rising and gradually obscuring the grayish-white heavens; the resounding sound of horns and the faint echoes of battle could be heard from afar, reverberating in the distance, not visible before the eyes, yet the atmosphere felt charged with a sense of impending violence, as if the clash of guns and spears was right before one, piercing directly into the chest.

Lu Shuyi leaned against the large pillow, her complexion growing increasingly pale, yet she continued to smile as brilliantly as fireworks. Xi Ning Huaiyu held her hand, gazing at her tenderly, his eyes seemingly filled with deep affection and strands of regret: "Shuyi ... ... "

Is that so? I casually responded, my mind a chaotic mess, only thinking about what important matters they had that required them to abandon their wives and families. How could they be so heartless!

He stood up, gave her a deep glance, and then left the bedroom without looking back

His gaze shimmered with an inexplicable brilliance, and I could not comprehend his meaning, yet I knew he was worried that I would not be able to endure... I nestled into his embrace, resting against his chest, allowing my tears to fall and dampen his clothing

His warm embrace and steady chest seemed to emanate a strange power, gradually calming my excited emotions

I raised a smile and comforted her, saying, "What are you talking about, sister?"

I silently followed, my head lowered, and slowly arrived at an elegant study. He stood still in front of the writing desk, staring blankly at me, yet it seemed he was not truly looking at me; the light in his eyes was fixed on a single point, quietly passing over me, reaching a place unknown to me

The misty rain obscures the view, further highlighting the desolate and tragic end of the Daling Dynasty, leaving one with a heavy heart and an increasing sense of bewilderment regarding human emotions

Having settled Ling Feng, I instructed the steward to take good care of him, took an umbrella, and made my way alone through Luodu, walking on foot towards Xining Prefecture. My cousin left a message for me, asking me to find him.

He was clad in black armor, draped in a dark cloak, and marched towards Dragon City with a hundred elite guards surrounding him, his chest held high. Behind him was a well-organized and solemn army, resembling a yellow dragon, stretching long behind him, and as they leaped, a chilling aura surged into the sky

I was taken aback, unsure why he kept mentioning Tang Rongxiao Tian. My cheeks flushed, and I awkwardly asked, "Where is Sister Lu? Why haven't I seen her?"

I regained my composure, my cheeks burning with heat, and I forced myself to walk over and support her: "Sister, how did you catch a chill?"

I sat on the edge of the bed, holding her hand—cool and dry, it pierced the softness of my heart, a surge of heat rushed to my brow, and I struggled to hold back: "Are you also going back to Yangzhou, sister?"

Xining Huaiyu excitedly stepped forward, embraced her body, inadvertently brushed against my fingers, quickly withdrew, his face growing increasingly uncomfortable, his voice trembling slightly: "Let me do it instead!"

He grasped my right hand and pressed a heavy, exquisite dark iron dagger into it, his eyes deep and dark as ink, shimmering with a bright, otherworldly light: "This dagger cuts through iron like mud; I have carried it with me for ten years, and I hope Miss Duanmu will not find it unworthy."

He grasped my shoulders, his eyes filled with deep remorse, and earnestly said: "I know, but I have matters to attend to and cannot escort you back to Yangzhou. Aman, please forgive your cousin this time!"

His gentle gaze seemed as if it could squeeze out water, landing on my face, yet his tone was exceptionally resolute: "It is a matter of great importance, I have no other choice"

Xining Huaiyu was shocked and released my hand, as if he were a child who had done something wrong, his face flushed, his gaze trembling slightly, looking at me and then at her in a flustered manner, struggling to force out a faint smile: "Shuyi, why aren't you resting properly?"

Lu Shuyi's cheeks were adorned with a smile, containing boundless tenderness, as she weakly allowed him to embrace her and slowly walk away. A pang of bitterness surged within me; Sister Lu must have witnessed that scene just now. What would she think? Surely, she must hate me.

I said softly: "Sister is the closest person to Aman, how could I abandon her? If I were to heartlessly leave her behind, Father would certainly not let me off easily"

Since the beginning, Xining Huaiyu has never let anyone down, yet he alone has disappointed me... My fingertips are cold, and I gaze at him in silence...

Suddenly, a sharp and piercing scream soared into the sky, akin to the roar of a tiger and the chant of a dragon, resonating in the bright and radiant blue sky. Four sharp arrows swiftly pierced through the air from four directions, plunging straight down towards their urgent target, which was none other than the aloof and disdainful King Pingling.

Lu Shuyi gently nodded: "This time returning to Yangzhou, the journey is long, and my body is not cooperating, I am afraid I will trouble you."

I shouted angrily: "I don't care, I want to go home. If it really happens, then it is my fate, and I cannot blame others."

I was swept along by a tide of people, surging this way and that, cold sweat pouring down, my body aching all over, as if it had been torn into pieces... I felt a bit cold, a bit dizzy, unfamiliar faces swirling before my eyes, heart-wrenching...

Suddenly, a myriad of grievances surged to my heart, a wave of bitterness obstructed my throat, and my eyes were already shimmering with tears.

Thus, Tang Shuyang prepared a horse-drawn carriage for me, hired a coachman, and sent us out of the city

I grasped the smoky-colored floral pleated skirt tightly, pulling it tighter and tighter. I gently called out, and he came back to his senses, staring at me apologetically. After a moment of thought, he said: "Qing'er, may I still call you that?"

I exclaimed, "Why? How can I go back alone? Cousin... would you really let me return by myself? It's a long journey of a thousand miles... Moreover, with the bandits causing chaos, from Luo to Yangzhou, there are many refugees on the road, and I am afraid..."

I said angrily: "What is so important that you disregard my safety and that of Sister Lu? The journey is long; how can you expect me and Sister Lu to manage? Can you be at ease? Cousin, you must stay with Aman, right? Cousin, Sister Lu..."

The icy wind swept across my body, while the damp rain fell diagonally onto my satin gown. The chill penetrated to the bone, as if thousands of icy little insects were scurrying through my limbs and bones, biting me fiercely and causing me to tremble violently, forcing me to clutch my heart and grit my teeth

He made me lean against the headrest and pulled the quilt over me. A somewhat familiar, intense, and uniquely his aura enveloped my entire body, forming an invisible net that ensnared me tightly.

A middle-aged man ran towards me, shouting loudly: "The city gatekeeper has opened the Zhangyi Gate! The Zhangyi Gate is open, we have surrendered!"

He questioned: "What is so important?"

I stepped forward gently, my eyes filled with the tenderness of spring, like water: "Of course, certainly..."

He held my hand and said, "She has caught a cold and is resting in the room; I will take you there."

Approaching, the imposing King Pingling sits high upon his dark warhorse, moving slowly under the bright sunlight, looking down upon all living beings.

Tang Rongxiao's brows furrowed slightly, and a glimmer of disappointment rolled through his eyes. Just as he was about to speak, I smiled quietly, gently supported him, and walked straight towards my cousin. The hem of my skirt swirled low, creating a refreshing breeze. I pulled my cousin to the corridor outside the side hall, "Cousin, I received a letter from my father; my mother is gravely ill... I need to return to Yangzhou as soon as possible, and you must come back with me."

I stepped forward...! ... Entering their room filled with joy, I stood dazed at the doorway, momentarily frozen, my heart in turmoil—this is the warm bedroom of my midnight dreams, yet I am not the master of this place

A group of talented young individuals gathered around a round table in a side hall turned their heads in unison, their gazes directed at me with expressions of surprise, amusement, or indifference. They were all noble offspring, assembled in Xining Prefecture; what could be the reason for this?

She spoke of that night at the Hongxue Tower, and I nervously said, "It's windy here, let me help you back to your room"

The warmth of his palm warmed the chill of my hand, and suddenly I remembered that I had to set off back to Yang at noon, so I met his slightly displeased gaze and said: "I have important matters to attend to, I must hurry back."

Tang Rong walked towards me, his spirited face adorned with a scorching smile: "How are you?"

The pent-up grievances surged completely, my eyes burning with an unusual heat, and I cried out stubbornly: "No, cousin promised father that he would protect me all the way. In this current world, how can I return to Yangzhou? What if I encounter a villain?"

At this moment, he could still joke around as if nothing had happened. What kind of person is he, after all? Suppressing my thoughts, I smiled and said, "It is getting late, Young Master Tang should return to the city soon"

"Aman, come here!" Lu Shuyi turned back with a smile, calling me softly. Her voice was no longer the gentle tone it used to be, now faintly tinged with a hint of hoarseness.

On the afternoon of March 18, in the fifteenth year of the Jia Yuan era, under the bright and sunny sky, I left Luodu for the second time. Gazing at the majestic Yongding Gate, tears slowly welled up in my eyes, flowing down and splashing onto the ground

Standing among the crowd, I saw from a distance a black flag embroidered with a golden coiling dragon, held high, fluttering in the wind, displaying the grandeur and might of the great peace under the bright sunlight

King Pingling led an army of one million bandits into the city, creating a tremendous uproar in the entire capital of Luo. The sounds of warhorses neighing and the synchronized footsteps of a million soldiers powerfully struck the ground, each step resonating clearly, as if treading upon the very heart, shattering my myriad emotions. What will happen to my aunt and my cousin? What about Lingxuan, Lingxuan, and the Crown Prince? And what fate awaits the last emperor of the Great Ling, who mournfully cried, "I am not a king of a fallen nation"? What will happen to my aunt and my cousin? What about Lingxuan, Lingxuan, and the Crown Prince? And what fate awaits the last emperor of the Great Ling, who mournfully cried, "I am not a king of a fallen nation"?

Lu Shuyi's lips curled into a faint smile, as if the scene she had just witnessed had never occurred: "I truly am useless. That night... after returning from your home, I caught a cold, and even after taking medicine, I still haven't improved..."

Xining Huaiyu's scorching gaze lingered on my face, with a strange light flowing, as if hesitating and pondering something. Finally, he slowly said: "How do you know Xiaotian? When did you meet?"

Xining Huaiyu took Lu Shuyi and me to Duanmu's residence. Ye Sihan turned around, walked up to me, and with a face full of remorse said, "Aman, my cousin does not seek your forgiveness, but I believe you will return safely to Yangzhou. You have always been wise and strong."

Lu Shuyi held his hand with a backhand grip, her voice gentle yet resolute: "Go do what you must, and do not worry about me. I will wait for you in Yangzhou, waiting for you all the while. If you do not bring back Xi Ning Huaiyu unscathed, I will hold it against you for a lifetime"

I closed my eyes, and it felt as if my chest had been struck with a punch

He became increasingly aggressive, his thick palms gripping my frail shoulders, gazing at me intently: "You woman, why are you so willful! What does it matter if you return a few days later? Must it be today?" A sly smile crept across his dark face, half-smiling, he said, "Just now I saved you, and since I, Tang, have encountered you, I will certainly see it through to the end, and will never allow you to take risks alone."

Suddenly feeling flustered, I awkwardly break free...

The officials responsible for guarding the city at Deshengmen and Pingzemmen opened the city gates to welcome the surrender, and the outer city of Luodu fell without a fight, with the bandits taking control of the entire outer city

Capture the assassin! Capture the assassin!

Immediately after, the deliberately softened footsteps slowly approached the bed; I turned my face to look, and Tang Shuyang's robust figure loomed over me, asking with concern: "You are awake, how do you feel?"

Leaning on his shoulder, I wept inconsolably: "I want to go home... there is no time left, I must go home today... I want to see my mother... my mother is gravely ill... if I cannot see her one last time, how can I find peace?"

Follow me! He spoke calmly and then walked ahead

I walked briskly along the edge of the street, as silvery lightning flashed sharply across the sky, and low, rumbling thunder occasionally rolled hurriedly from the horizon. A thread of fear crept into my heart, gnawing at the will that I was desperately trying to maintain

On the morning of March 18, a scene of flourishing vitality unfolded between heaven and earth. The brilliant sunrise hung high in the azure sky, resembling a bright red fireball, as rays of light broke through the wispy clouds, casting their glow upon every corner of the capital.

It has only been two or three days since we last met, yet it feels as if a lifetime has passed. Xining Huaiyu's consistently gentle demeanor now appears like the radiant glow of dawn breaking through the sky, dazzling to the eyes, with his brilliance illuminating the depths of one's gaze.

The shadow of the city's fall looms over the skies of Luodu, presenting a scene of chaos and desolation. Thick clouds hang low on the horizon, and the sky remains a grim, pale gray.

I shook my head stiffly in refusal, angrily threw off the quilt and got up. My feet touched the ground, but I was seized by the arm and unable to move. I had no choice but to turn around, raise my face to look at him directly, and coldly said: "Let go! I must return to Yangzhou."

He released my wrists, then wrapped his arms around my waist, one hand gently stroking the dark hair at the back of my neck, and sighed softly: "Alright, alright, I will not stop you... I will help you find a coachman"

I nodded silently, lowering my gaze. He was a passionate yet shy man, not fond of the noble and refined Princess Jinping, yet he took a liking to me at our first meeting. I did not understand why his feelings came so swiftly, but I was touched by his innocent heart

His spirited demeanor suddenly faded, and he gazed at me intently, his eyes filled with varying shades of parting emotions. With a furrowed brow, he said: "This journey to Yangzhou is a long one, a thousand miles away. Take care of everything... I shall return to the city now..."

Surely the person who spoke with him was the doctor! I asked, "What did the doctor say?"

Who stepped on my foot? Who bumped into my waist? Who pushed my back? It hurts! It pains! You are jostling and squeezing me, everyone is frantically crowding as if they have gone mad, and the scene is becoming increasingly chaotic

"Nonsense!" he reprimanded, his eyes swirling with a chilling aura that was daunting to behold, dark and unfathomable. "At this time, Luo is the safest; a thousand miles away, the roads are filled with villains and robbers. As a woman traveling alone, what would you do if you encountered them?"

"Sihan, I told her," Xining Huaiyu suddenly said, his tall and handsome figure standing firmly, casting a faint and elusive shadow.

His gentle gaze fell upon my eyelashes, causing me to tremble softly: "Perhaps, only at the moment I forever close my eyes, will I forget"

"If it weren't for my journey, I would definitely escort Miss Duanmu back to Yangzhou." He smiled slightly, a blend of apology and hope, and shyly said, "I will definitely go to Yangzhou to find you, will you wait for me?"

Ye Sihan was extremely shocked, immediately stepping forward to grab my arm, frowning as she said, "Aman, why are you all wet?"

I smiled and interrupted him, saying, "Don't say anymore, I know, everyone knows..."

Tang Rongxiao suddenly pulled me closer, gently embracing me... The warmth emanating from him warmed my cheeks. Over his shoulder, I saw Xining Huaiyu standing under the eaves, independent of the wind and rain, exuding a clear and serene demeanor, his cold and stern face filled with a sense of sorrow.

The breath from my heart grew increasingly rapid, and I feared my face had turned as red as a cherry. In a fluster, I hurriedly lowered my head, not daring to look at him

Xining Huaiyu looked at me with concern, and a sudden anxious light appeared on her calm face: "Hurry, quickly change into another outfit, don't catch a chill!"

Ah, Tang Shuyang! A wave of dizziness washes over me, as if a powerful whirlwind has swept away all my senses, and my vision gradually shifts from gray to darkness...

I struggled to sit up, lifted the quilt, and intended to get out of bed

The leader of the bandits, King Pingling, issued a strict order prohibiting disturbances to the people, and the spears and blades were directed at the garrison of the Great Ling Dynasty, without unjustly killing innocent civilians

Suddenly, an arm wrapped around me, his elbow helping to fend off the pushes of others, his body creating a barrier to separate me from the frenzied crowd. I turned slightly, and a dark face appeared in my blurred vision, with lips as firm as if chiseled, the tip of his nose tightly drawn, yet a faint smile of mockery curled at the corners of his lips

Xining Huaiyu held me tightly, his breath quickening quietly, and my chest felt as if it were beating like a drum: "Promise me, live well with Shuyi!"

Lu Shuyi coughed lightly, her voice delicate: "Aman, I heard you have arrived..."

Tang Shuyang tightened his cheeks and fixed a compelling gaze: "No, you cannot travel alone."

The more one speaks, the more fear arises, the tighter the heart feels, and the voice gradually weakens

I do not know why his expression changed so rapidly, nor do I understand why he gently comforts me; I only know that no one can change my decision

A group of loyal soldiers surrounded Prince Pingling in the center, leaving no gaps, and quickly rushed forward

Who is he to me? Why does he meddle in my affairs? Suddenly, a spark ignited in my heart, I straightened up, looked at him sternly, and said angrily: "You need not concern yourself with my matters; whether it is a blessing or a curse, it is my own business."

The streets are sparsely populated with pedestrians, and those who do pass by are hurried and fleeting

On this day and night, the bandits have taken control of the entire inner city, just a step away from Longcheng

He murmured, "Xiao Tian... very well, he will treat you well..."

Ye Sihan gently reassured, "It will not be just you; there is also... Madam Xining, who will return to Yangzhou with you"

I nodded slightly, watching him steadily pass by me and walk towards the city gate, his gaze unwavering, his steps measured and deliberate... As I turned slightly, I saw his imposing silhouette inexplicably appear somewhat rigid...

King Pingling narrowed his eyes alertly, instantly drawing his sword to block the arrows. With a series of clanging sounds, the sharp arrows shattered on the ground. Immediately after, four more sharp arrows shot forth like the wind chasing the moon, tearing through the disciplined ranks of a million troops, instilling fear in the hearts of the onlookers...

"Miss Duanmu is being too formal!" Tang Shuyang chuckled lightly, his handsome eyes sparkling, "I will certainly remember this phrase, and I hope Miss Duanmu will not ignore me when the time comes"

"You—" he swallowed the words that almost escaped his lips, softening his expression, his gaze gentle like sheer silk, as if coaxing a child, "Be good and stay in Yangzhou, alright... In a few days, I will escort you for a while, is that okay?"

The voices of two men speaking could be heard from outside, their volume very low, making it difficult to discern what they were saying. After a while, the outside fell silent, as if one of them had left.

The fierce winds howled, ruthlessly sweeping across the skies of the capital, while the rain fell in a sorrowful drizzle, as if mourning for the Great Ling Dynasty. Perhaps it was also to cleanse the capital of its splendor, extravagance, and decay. At the time of transition between the old and the new, the capital should greet the unstoppable King Pingling with a brand new and pristine visage

A sudden jolt in my heart, he is Tang Shuyang, a wealthy magnate of the capital who indulges in the pleasures of the world, how could I be so close to him? Moreover, I have already promised Jiang Xue... From now on, I must not act this way again, I must maintain a considerable distance from him

Farewell, great-aunt, aunt; farewell, Xining Huaiyu; farewell, Tang Shuyang, thank you!

I did not respond because I did not know how to answer

When I stood at the entrance of the side hall of Xining Prefecture, drenched and with rainwater streaming down my face, I was already shivering from the cold, resembling a pear tree battered by wind and rain, its form diminished and its beauty faded.

The carriage exited the southern gate of Luodu, Yongding Gate, and gradually came to a stop by the roadside with a sound of a command to halt. I lifted the curtain of the carriage and saw Tang Shuyang already standing on the street. He also jumped down from the carriage, courteously performed a bow, and politely said, "Thank you, Young Master Tang, for your assistance. Duanmu Qing has no way to repay you, but I hope that when Young Master Tang comes to Yangzhou in the future, I will certainly host you well"

I exclaimed, "This is impossible..."

He quickly pressed down on my shoulder and said with slight anger, "Don't move, just lie still."

I stepped forward and asked, "Tell me, what is the matter?"

He pulled me to the corner of the side hall and awkwardly said, "Last night... it was all my fault. I promise, it will never happen like this again next time..."

Ye Sihan's face showed hesitation as she said, "Aman... I... cannot go back with you"

Upon slowly awakening, I found myself lying in Tang Shuyang's quarters. It seems that Tang Shuyang has brought me to Hongxue Tower. Ha, I must have quite the affinity with Hongxue Tower!

Then, Tang Rongxiao walked heavily towards me, pulling me to a more secluded spot. His sharp gaze fixed on me, emanating a heat that inexplicably made me tremble: "I must clarify something with you; what happened last night was not as you imagined..."

Xining Huaiyu gently caressed my cheek, his eyes filled with tenderness, as if he were intoxicated, gazing at me hazily: "Qing'er, remember my words today, you must live well. If... one day I am no longer here, could you help me take care of Shuyi?"

Ah, control to the end! This bastard, why should he control to the end? Why... whether his intentions are good or ulterior, I will never "submit without a fight"

He said heavily, "I have important matters to attend to, and I will leave shortly."

A sudden chill ran through my heart, leaving me feeling extremely cold. To some extent, I felt a sense of shame, shame for the Empress Dowager and the Noble Consort, and shame for His Majesty.

I wondered, "Why does Sister Lu want to return to Yangzhou?"