Chapter Two, deep longing, the faint fragrance and the shadows are subtly revealed

He was extremely intelligent and gifted, and by the second year, he often managed to turn the tables. However, at this time, he had reaped the rewards of another lesson from her: she was pregnant

My attire today is entirely prepared according to this painting; what the maids see is a living "Yingying" who has stepped down from the canvas

The feeling of holding her in my arms is a satisfaction and joy that I have never experienced since I can remember

Chunyu Wang turned back to look at me

Her rare tranquility often finds her sitting alone under the old tree bearing green plums, frowning in deep thought

Even if I were to sacrifice my life, I could not exchange it for a single glance from that person, yet I have no regrets or complaints

I originally thought that the one who captivated his heart should be a gentle and graceful woman from the Jiangnan region, but later, upon seeing the portrait in the study, I began to guess that this woman might possess some martial skills, being elegant and nimble. However, now that I hear him mention her, she hardly resembles a woman who is about to become a mother; she is clearly a mischievous girl who has not yet grown up.

He let out a low moan, suddenly released me, and rushed a few steps to the window, forcefully pushing it open

On the wall opposite, several musical instruments are hung, including sheng, xiao, qin, and di, all of which are of superior quality and exquisitely crafted, with even the tassels being beautifully eye-catching. However, the most striking to the eye is not these precious instruments, but rather a painting of a beautiful woman hanging among them.

Madam, are you returning to the Qinfang Courtyard? I will escort you back.

Chunyu Wang observed my expression and asked, "How is this wine?"

In the days that followed, Chunyu Wang did not appear again, nor did he allow me to accompany him for breakfast or to the study.

He believes that his Yingying must have the same thoughts, though it is more likely that she has never considered that there is such a complex world outside.

His complexion was already paler than that of an average person, and at this moment, it was even whiter than the fluttering snowflakes, with his trembling lips seemingly on the verge of dissolving into that expanse of whiteness

I frowned, tightening my fox fur coat, but soon noticed that he seemed to be in a worse situation than I was

At that time, Chunyu Wang did not feel that the plum blossoms blooming in the snow were particularly lonely

He was not prepared for the past, and only when we walked in did the servants hurriedly move the heater from elsewhere and light the heater that had originally been prepared next to the writing desk

I returned to the Qinfang Courtyard, watching as the courtyard gate slowly closed and locked, feeling utterly helpless in that moment

From Chunyu Wang's reaction, it is evident that he is also concerned about my control over Xiao Xiangsi.

I still cannot taste it, merely responding perfunctorily: "I never expected that the wine buried beneath the plum tree could be so spicy. Perhaps only a distinguished gentleman like His Highness Prince Zhen would come up with such ideas? Sweeping the snow and brewing tea, drinking wine beneath the plum trees, truly elegant"

And Chunyu Wang seems to be deliberately trying to prove to me how abnormal his mind is

He was reluctant to even touch her with a finger, so he just continued to hold his head and let her bully him, not even retaliating, fearing that she might get upset.

When he discovered that she could remember nothing, he even immediately told her that her name was Yingying and that she was his wife

He said in a hushed voice: "The first time I saw you, I knew you were not. There is a red mole on your delicate right shoulder"

Longing is a mountain pressing upon the heart, constantly reminding him of the fullness and joy he once experienced. Thus, the wound in his heart grows deeper and darker, swirling around him like a vortex, leaving him breathless

This man is certainly not an ordinary person; his aura is powerful enough to leave one in a half-crazed state, causing me to feel somewhat dazed as well

At this time, the Liang State is in utter chaos due to the succession of imperial power, and the Rui State is sure to send envoys for negotiations. They are well aware that Huo Chun and Chun Yu Hao are both martial and have long harbored ambitions of unifying the world. In addition to negotiations, they will undoubtedly dispatch skilled individuals to secretly devise strategies.

She returned home with him, feeling a sense of relief, but for at least a month thereafter, she would wake up crying in the middle of the night, clinging to his neck and refusing to let go

I should not have acted impulsively, following a few uncles in wielding swords and guns, yet it still allowed my father to see my talent for martial arts

On such a cold day, he unexpectedly sat alone in a small pavilion on the rocky mountain, drinking wine while facing the swirling snow and wind

Even if being regarded as a beloved by him may bring numerous benefits, I do not wish to bask in such glory. Regardless of whether I am in a male or female form, what I have learned since childhood is the pride and arrogance of a warrior, rather than the soft allure seeking favor of a woman

The snowflakes struck his eyes, seeming to dissolve, leaving a bright and moist expanse. His voice, mingled with the cold wind, also seemed to drift unpredictably with the dance of the snowflakes

Her features are as beautiful as a painting, and her demeanor is relaxed and graceful. She wears a simple horse-tail bun adorned with a small phoenix hairpin, and loosely drapes a vermilion fox fur over her light apricot-colored robe, gazing at me with a smile full of warmth.

At that time, longing had not yet been named. They must have been quite idle, as they were actually troubled over whether their daughter should be named Mei or Xue. Even six months into the longing, they had not yet settled on her name

Chunyu Wang playfully swiped at her mouth for the third time, bursting into laughter: "Penny-pinching lovesick fool!"

They smiled humbly, yet their eyes held an undeniable certainty that brooked no refusal

He would rather have nothing at all from the very beginning

I tilted my head and listened quietly

He seemed unable to endure any longer, gasping for breath, turned around and opened the door to the study, and rushed out.

The little one, understanding and thoughtful, nodded gently, her sparkling big eyes still gazing at me with lingering affection

However, it seems that he only bullied her severely that one time; in the days that followed, it was she who bullied him severely.

She is by his side, and all he needs to do is to stay by her side. There is no need to watch over her for a lifetime like a mother, yet he may wait in vain for the person he longs to watch over until death.

In fact, it is excessively solitary and tranquil

That year, I was eight years old. My twenty-year-old elder brother had just died in battle, and my sixteen-year-old second brother was secretly attacked by enemies, leaving him paralyzed for life. My mother, upon hearing the bad news just before giving birth, passed away after delivering my younger brother.

Three years as husband and wife, three years of love, three years of intimate companionship and mutual understanding, all seem like a dream

Longing, come here

The maid received her orders, yet her longing was not satisfied by such arrangements. Sitting on his lap, she swayed like a piece of toffee, tugging at his front repeatedly, and said: "I am very obedient, I do not cling to mother, nor do I disturb her rest. Why am I not allowed to go find her?"

He sighed and turned to look out the door

The small pavilion at a high place is indeed cold to the bone, yet it is also fragrant to the bone

Chunyu Wang regretted his rashness and devoted himself even more meticulously to protecting his beloved, without any complaints or regrets

I noticed that all ten of his fingers were trembling, as if he could not even hold the wine cup, so I said: "Shall I help you call someone to warm the wine?"

He stared at me intently, his gaze initially sharp and intense, gradually dimming, transforming into a vast darkness, like a heavy night, as if it were about to envelop me entirely

I do not shy away either, calmly meeting his gaze

The little lovesick princess is innocent and naive; if given another chance, I will surely be able to turn her into an excellent pawn to deal with him

Chunyu Wang picked up the leopard skin cushion from the stone bench beside him, shook off the snowflakes on it, glanced at me, and said: "Come over, have a drink to warm up a bit!"

Chunyu Sheng, seeing that this younger brother possesses a sense of reverence, especially having watched him grow up, knowing his obedience, instead rewarded him even more generously than his two biological brothers

There is also his love and longing for Yingying, as well as the unusual feelings that extend to me, which can anytime transform into a lethal weapon against him

I let out a scoff of disbelief, unable to conceal the mockery in my eyes

Chunyu Wang nodded, a bitter smile on his face: "You didn't mention it, and I almost forgot that you were the great general of Qin who led thirty thousand cavalry deep into the northern desert and defeated one hundred thousand Rouran troops! Indeed, you are not Yingying. If Yingying could lead troops into battle and become a renowned general of Dairui, she should have returned to my side long ago, instead of flaunting her power in front of me!"

Unfortunately, she gradually became enlightened and was completely indifferent to his "lessons," even becoming increasingly enthusiastic about them.

When Yingying was more than seven months pregnant, she still enjoyed running around the mountains with her big belly, catching sparrows and chasing wild rabbits, never taking a moment to rest. Chunyu Wang did not expect this little girl, only sixteen or seventeen years old, to take good care of herself; he could only grit his teeth and stay close by her side to protect her. He changed from his usual elegant and quiet demeanor, constantly nagging in her ear like an old scholar, advising her to be more settled and take care of her pregnancy.

His expression improved slightly, and he managed to force a smile, nodding and saying: "Yes, longing. If it weren't for her, if it weren't for her..."

After the cleanup of the fire scene, no remains were indeed found.

Chunyu Wang was deeply saddened and mourned endlessly. He witnessed the blood and storm within the court, fearing that Chunyu Tai would harbor suspicions. Thus, he took the pretext of praying for the Empress Dowager and built a monastery on Mount Wanfo, engaging in discussions on Zen and philosophy with a few reclusive individuals. He would only return to the palace to celebrate the Empress Dowager's birthday, reuniting with a few brothers along the way, and rarely interacted with the court officials.

Awake, the dream has vanished

But his delicate figure never appeared again, as if it had simply vanished from the great fire

A lifetime, devoted to watching over one person

until that great fire

Chunyu Wang glanced at me, a sharp light flashing in his eyes. He did not continue speaking, but said: "You are quite injured, you should go back and rest! Sitting in the cold wind for too long may lead to lingering ailments"

This year, Chunyu Wang has already turned fourteen years old

Little Xiangsi was not satisfied, her pink lips pouted high as she continued to sway back and forth on Chunyu Wang's body

I rarely pay attention to whether I have any moles on my body, but as I was talking to him, I suddenly felt that I might really have a red mole on my shoulder

When Cheng Yutai ascended to the throne, Concubine Li became Empress Dowager Li. He immediately conferred princely titles upon her other two sons and even sought the Empress Dowager's permission to bring out Consort Rou from the cold palace to live together.

And I need not remain here to be treated by him as another woman, subjected to his inexplicable tenderness, feeling as if I were sitting on pins and needles.

Emperor Xiaowen may not have initially believed it, but as he heard more, he gradually distanced himself from her. Eventually, he allowed Empress Wang to move her into the cold palace, ignoring her completely.

I drank the remaining bit of wine in my glass, yet I still could not discern any special fragrance in this wine. However, being able to taste a wine that is so highly valued by Chunyu Wang and listening to him recount stories from the past for such a long time is no small feat

I arrived at the mountain, where a guard hurriedly approached Chunyu Wang to report. Upon seeing Chunyu Wang nod slightly, he leaned against the edge and waved his hand downward. Another guard then led me up but did not dare to linger, bringing me to the pavilion before quietly retreating down the stone mountain, remaining below to keep watch.

Do you not feel anything special?

With the assistance of the master who taught them martial arts, these two sword techniques became a complementary dual strike sword technique with greatly enhanced power

Chunyu Wang was almost certain from the very first glance that she was the person he intended to cherish for a lifetime

It is truly laughable that, despite having been tempered through numerous life-and-death struggles, I was so easily affected by this man's emotions

From his prolonged inaction regarding my situation, it appears that he still has significant differences in political views with Chunyu Tai and Chunyu Hao. At the very least, he likely does not intend to hand over Princess Changxi to King Huo for abuse or to use her as a hostage. Although it is unclear what his true intentions are, I believe that at this moment, Princess Changxi should be safe, albeit temporarily, and like me, she is merely under house arrest somewhere within the residence of King Zhen, deprived of her freedom.

Parents and siblings are always entangled in the realms of power and authority, yet are they aware if they have ever enjoyed such unparalleled satisfaction from body to soul?

The warmth has not yet spread, and the study is still somewhat cold

Chunyu Wang never imagined in his dreams that, despite her young age, Yingying possessed an exceptionally rare level of martial arts skills

On that night when he lost his soul, he was awakened by the flickering light in front of the bed, only to realize that the gentle presence beside him had vanished.

The two exchanged a glance and smiled, saying: "Is the lady concerned? Why don't we take her to visit?"

He lifted the wine jug and poured the wine, but it was already empty

The wine should be heated, but at this moment it is merely lukewarm, extremely spicy, sliding down the throat like a ball of fire, burning all the way down, and indeed a wave of warmth rises in the stomach

The steward and the servants soon realized that I was not the woman that Chunyu Wang was looking for, and subsequently discovered that Chunyu Wang had never taken me seriously. The initial warmth and concern vanished instantly; not only were all the maids who had been sent to serve me withdrawn, but even the meals provided deteriorated day by day, gradually becoming coarser than the food of the lower servants. Not to mention the charcoal needed for the room and the change of clothes.

Little Xiangsi asked: "Is Father not free again today?"

He gazed absentmindedly at a branch of wintersweet that stretched into the pavilion, his eyes filled with bitterness, and sighed softly: "At that time, Yingying was already gone. The trunk of the century-old plum tree was charred black by the great fire, yet it surprisingly did not die. In spring and summer, its leaves grew lush and green, but for five years, it has not bloomed a single flower."

Savoring the spiciness on my tongue, I shook my head and said, "It is rare to hear of a woman who enjoys such strong liquor. It seems that His Highness the Crown Prince has a rather unique taste in his affections"

Mental illness is not contagious, but if a person is feeling down or under excessive stress, psychological suggestions can indeed easily lead to hallucinations

Little Xiangsi lowered her head and said: "It is still better to live in the mountains, as my father has time to play with me every day and teaches me to recognize characters every day"

Chunyu Wang is also blowing.

Although Chunyu Wang was not the biological child of Consort Li, he was raised by her. With his gentle and humble disposition, he won the favor of Emperor Xiaowen. He often praised his adoptive mother for her kindness and virtue in front of the emperor, and over time, Consort Li treated him as if he were her own son.

He believed he could continue living this way, away from the intrigues of the court, away from the conflicts of swords and blades, and even away from the noisy and restless world, living in peace and tranquility, from this lifetime to the next

In that year, an earthquake struck the Yuezhou area, and a flash flood occurred in Lishan. Chunyao Wang, who was seeking immortality and enlightenment in Lishan, rescued her from the flood rushing down the mountain.

I did not understand his meaning and frowned at him

He rescued his daughter, then searched each room for his Yingying, until his entire body was engulfed in flames. The guards wrapped him in a wet blanket and forcibly dragged him out.

Sighing, I comforted him: "Your Highness, King Zhen, do not think too much; it is important to take care of your health. At least, Your Highness still has the Princess of Xiangsi to keep you company, right?"

After a moment of hesitation, I walked behind the large teak bookshelf, adjusted my collar, and carefully examined my right shoulder

Her last words to Chunyu Wang were: "Wang'er, do you know why I insisted that your father the emperor name you 'Wang'? Wang means to watch over. For a lifetime, to watch over only one person"

In fact, he was also afraid of truly scaring her, so he did not wait for her to cry for long. Instead, he smiled, opened his eyes, patted her head, and told her: "I am fine"

Special

As I gently rubbed my injured and frozen right hand with my left hand, I glanced around. Suddenly, a chill surged up from my heels, causing me to shiver.

The shadows of the willows are slanting across the clear, shallow water, while the faint fragrance drifts in the dusk of the moon.

Chunyu Wang shook his head, "This idea was not mine. That year, Yingying was filled with longing, yet she still indulged in drinking, openly stealing and secretly pilfering the fine wine I brought back from Lishan in Jiangnan. I was concerned that excessive drinking would be detrimental to the child, so I coaxed her for many days before she finally agreed to stop drinking. However, she feared that she would not be able to resist and was also worried that I would secretly drink it all while she was not paying attention, so she had me bury the remaining twelve jars of wine under the wintersweet tree, preparing to indulge again when the longing subsided and she was no longer nursing next year."

I stood up and slowly said: "Thank you, Your Highness, for your concern. I shall take my leave now. If Your Highness has plans for the princess, you should also take good care of yourself and return to your quarters as soon as possible"

After finishing his recitation, he gazed at me quietly, a faint smile still lingering on his lips, yet there was a distinct sense of desolation and loneliness in his eyes

He heard Yingying's panicked cries as she rushed down, calling his name all the way. She embraced him and cried out: "Awang, Awang, Brother Wang, please wake up. I will listen to you, we will go down the mountain right now, Brother Wang... please don't scare me, you must not scare me!"

I step back, take a deep breath, and gaze at the windowpane, which is rattling from the impact of the snowflakes, striving to calm my turbulent emotions

He truly recounted to me, a captive from an enemy nation, the past he shared with Yingying

The wind and snow continued to fall as I followed two guards while walking through a rocky mountain, and snow had already piled up on my hood

Chunyu Wang met Yingying when he was eighteen years old, and at that time, she was approximately fourteen or fifteen years old

Chunyu Wang smiled indulgently, using his long fingers to stroke her pouted lips

Fair and clean, with no visible red moles or birthmarks at all

I can even tell what she is saying

The successor became the third prince, Chunyu Sheng, born of Consort Li.

I carefully examined the layout of the painting and the lines of the figures, nodding and saying: "The calligraphy and painting of King Zhen have reached a sublime state. Such a perfect combination of form and spirit is rarely achieved among contemporary painters."

Chunyu Wang was observing my expression intently and replied, "That is only natural. I painted that five years ago."

Upon discovering that my younger brother was physically weak and had congenital deficiencies, my father did not hesitate to send me to Ziya Mountain to study under Master Wuliang, and I was gone for ten years. When I returned home after mastering my skills, I took over the command of the Qin family army from my severely injured father, following Situ Ling into battles everywhere.

That night, she nestled in his arms, crying all night long, leaving him feeling frustrated, heartbroken, and somewhat pleased.

Chunyu Wang was the ninth son of Emperor Xiaowen of the Southern Liang. His mother was originally the daughter of a high-ranking official from the previous dynasty. When Emperor Xiaowen seized power through a military coup, her family was implicated, leading to the near-total destruction of her household. She was then relegated to the status of a palace maid, but later caught the attention of Emperor Xiaowen, who favored her greatly. She rose through the ranks from Baohua, to Cairen, to Zhaorong, and eventually became a Guipin. She gave birth to Chunyu Wang and was subsequently promoted to the rank of Roufei. However, she eventually became a target of jealousy, with her background frequently used against her, and she was falsely accused of harboring intentions to commit regicide.

It seems that there is another me, slowly stepping out from the painting, gently parting her crimson lips to smile and speak to me

The more he spoke, the more fascinating it became, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of curiosity as well

However, he is not without flaws

The princes were taught both literary and martial skills from a young age. He acted with caution, showing interest only in calligraphy, painting, and inscriptions, while consistently falling short in other areas such as strategy and military tactics. His martial skills appeared even more lacking, as he never sought to overshadow his eleventh brother, the Prince of Rong, who was renowned as the "Martial King".

I took another sip and remarked, "It is overly spicy and lacks sweetness; it is acceptable for warming the stomach, but if one were to savor it carefully, this wine is not of high quality. However, among us Northerners, this type of wine is commonly consumed, especially when we set up camp deep in the northern desert; at night, this wine is truly indispensable. I was surprised to learn that people from Jiangnan also enjoy this kind of wine"

Their houses were completely burned down, but the discovery was made in a timely manner, and no one perished in the flames. Even the chickens and ducks in the kitchen managed to flutter out alive from the fire. It was impossible for Yingying, who possessed excellent martial arts skills, not to escape.

Chunyu Wang saw me and asked, then brought a wine jug and poured a cup of wine, which he drank in one gulp. He then smiled and said, "If you can endure the wind and snow here, I will tell you about the matters concerning Yingying."

From the day he was born, he has lived in the treacherous court intrigues of life and death, and with Empress Dowager Li's teachings and personal example, he is naturally well-versed in the ways of self-preservation

The bent knuckles pressed against the piled snow, gripping the wooden window frame tightly, as if trembling slightly.

Running over here to warm up, this person really knows how to think!

At that time, they were standing on a slope. With his skills, he could have avoided that kick; even if he couldn't, there were trees nearby that he could use for leverage

It is only because he knows that his young wife has not only become aware of her physical desires but has also truly awakened to her emotions

Yet he could never defeat his wife, who was three or four years younger than him. He often found himself fleeing in disarray after being playfully struck by her with a twig, looking quite miserable. She, on the other hand, was having a great time, playfully hitting Chunyu Wang lightly, and would immediately offer him a kiss to win his favor, leaving him in a state where he could neither be angry nor laugh. He could only take the opportunity at night to teach her a lesson from another perspective.

She is said to be around fourteen or fifteen years old, as Yingying has never been able to remember which year she was born, and even more so, she has never been able to recall her true name

The endless flashes of swords and blades, the clashing of iron horses and golden spears, forge a body filled with cold and fierce resentment, embodying a heart as hard as iron and stone

The horizontal and vertical Li Mountain is located within the territory of Daliang. And on the land of Daliang, it is likely that no family can refuse the marriage proposal from King Zhen, who is favored by Empress Li.

The wind and snow have fallen silent

I have no choice but to hope to recover from my injuries as soon as possible. On one hand, this allows me to take action when the opportunity arises; on the other hand, when the rescue team arrives, I will also be in the best physical condition. Naturally, this increases the chances of escaping through coordinated efforts.

Chunyu Wang did not immediately send me back to the Qinfang Courtyard, but instead took me to his study.

He looked up to the sky, as if laughing, yet also as if crying, reciting softly word by word: "Words of longing, empty and vast; Thoughts of longing, when will they be enough? Droplets on the collar, tears gathered in handfuls..."

Chunyu Wang, being astute and cautious, can naturally see that I am unwilling to surrender easily. It is likely that the defenses outside the courtyard are also tight. Even though I possess the renowned sword, Chengying, one of the best in the world, with my right arm severely injured, it would be as difficult as ascending to the heavens to escape unscathed.

While contemplating, I suddenly heard Chunyu Wang say: "I truly wish to break your other hand as well, to see if you still dare to entertain thoughts of longing!"

Not only did the fourth prince born to the queen die suddenly, but also the first prince, sixth prince, seventh prince, and tenth prince, who were not born to Consort Li, subsequently suffered from "serious illnesses" or were exiled to remote areas due to crimes after Chunyu Tai ascended to the throne, and within three to five months, they all died completely.

He has yet to understand the cause of that great fire; he only knows that a few days before the fire, Yingying seemed somewhat off.

Although he momentarily lost himself in emotion, he immediately became clear-headed when reminded of his longing, and he must have long since grown wary of me

As the swordsmanship took its final form on a snowy day filled with blooming plum blossoms, with the snow weighing down the cold plums and the iron bones exuding fragrance, Chunyu Wang distinctly named these two sets of sword techniques "Dark Fragrance" and "Sparse Shadows"

I let out a sigh of relief and said, "This is the truth; if one cannot devote oneself wholeheartedly, whether in painting or swordsmanship, one cannot achieve excellence"

In fact, I have known for a long time that you are not Yingying

The little one could not help but laugh heartily while playfully patting her father's chest: "Father, you miser! Father, you miser!"

"This is best." Chunyu Wang stood up, shot me an angry glance, and then said, "Follow me."

Chunyu Wang, seeing his daughter happy, placed her on the ground and waved to the maid, saying: "Take the princess out properly and call the teacher to continue teaching her to recognize characters!"

As the day drew to a close, Yingying was having a delightful time. He was only concerned that it would not be safe to walk the mountain path after dark, so he tried every possible means to persuade her to descend the mountain earlier. She grew impatient and kicked him again.

As the maid carried the little Xiangsi out, the door curtain was lifted, revealing a vast expanse of snowy whiteness, as if accompanied by gusts of cold wind that swept into the room

Chunyu Wang finally finished speaking, his face had turned pale to the point of looking bluish

Empress Wang sought to harm the prince, but Consort Li spared him without hesitation. Later, Emperor Xiaowen fell gravely ill, and Empress Wang was condemned for her jealousy, while Consort Li remained by his side.

Perhaps it is the weariness and sorrow in his eyes, as well as the warm affection he shows when looking at the innocent smile of the little one, that unknowingly evokes a sense of melancholy in me

This is not me

Along with the house she lived in, the clothes she wore, and the utensils she used, everything has vanished without a trace

Her body was tender and immature, not yet fully developed, and she had no understanding of the pleasures of intimacy. He had lived in the mountains for a long time and had little experience, his skills were somewhat lacking, yet he was reluctant to let her go

Chunyu Wang's smile carried a hint of bitterness: "Others all say that my calligraphy and painting are good, but only Yingying knows that my talent in this area is limited. Apart from the portrait I painted for her, hardly any of my works can be deemed worthy of a good word. As for my swordsmanship, it is somewhat acceptable; she says it must be because my heart is occupied only with the sword and her."

The snow continues to fall, yet amidst the recitations of this father and daughter, the goose-feather-like snowflakes seem to linger in the air, the wind has also calmed, and only the subtle fragrance of the wintersweet becomes more profound and penetrating. It silently seeps in through the cracks of the door and the window frames, infused with the warmth of the stove, creating a delightful and fragrant atmosphere that wafts gently to the nostrils

She also said, "If you die, I can only follow you to death. This feeling is worse than death"

Consort Rou had spent a full ten years in the cold palace. Although she had received covert support from Chunyu Wang, she had already become quite frail. Upon hearing of the death of Emperor Xiaowen, which was the event that finally granted her freedom, her health immediately deteriorated, and she passed away within a month.

Could it be that an unexpected fire not only claimed Yingying's life but also damaged his mind

"No need!" he suddenly said, "The twelve jars of wine we buried together, I have already consumed six jars. If one day I finish them all, perhaps I myself will no longer believe... I once had her, I once had such a joyful time..."

It is sufficient for one person to go mad; I do not wish to lose my sanity over a painting. I hereby declare once again: "Your Highness, the King, this woman, although she resembles me, is not me. She is much younger than I am."

Then, he heard the nurse's cry for help

When Cheng Yu Sheng ascended to the throne, Consort Li became Empress Dowager Li. He immediately conferred the title of prince upon her other two sons and even sought the Empress Dowager's permission to bring Consort Rou, who was in the cold palace, to live with him.

Chunyu Wang patted her head and smiled, saying: "Your mother is not well; you must not disturb her when there is nothing important, do you understand?"

Princess Changxi is the beloved daughter of my sovereign, Situ Huan. If anything were to happen to her, I would certainly have no face to meet Emperor Rui. Princess Siangsi, on the other hand, is also the apple of His Highness Prince Zhen's eye, deeply cherished and connected by blood; it is feared that he loves her more than life itself. If I were to capture little Siangsi in exchange for Princess Changxi, he would most likely agree to it.

But why do I always feel that you are her? You clearly only resemble her. I never thought... that I would mistake someone for another. Whether she is alive or dead, even if she has turned into a bird or a flower, I should still recognize her. She is my Yingying, Yingying

I was taken aback, yet I calmly picked up the tea and took a sip before lightly smiling and saying: "The young princess is lovely and intelligent, how could I possibly have any designs on her?"

My body seemed to stiffen for a moment as it was struck by the cold wind

This Chunyu Wang is evidently a character of great depth, and it is likely that even his brothers are unaware of the extent of his martial prowess and the depth of his cunning

Chunyu Wang appeared quite disappointed and asked, "Do you really have nothing different to offer?"

Either to strike the Rouran in the north, or to defeat the Liang army in the south, or to quell internal rebellions

I somewhat regret not taking the risk to gamble again just now

He did not respond, but walked up to me, extending his finger to support my chin

However, he is not truly a scholar without the strength to bind a chicken, especially after living relatively freely in the mountains. He has also sought the guidance of a long-retired master from the outside world to teach him martial arts, and even the ordinary palace guards may not be his match

Chunyu Wang then turned to the maid behind him and said: "Be careful to look after the princess, do not let her disturb Madam Yingying's rest at Qinfang Courtyard, do you understand?"

The cold wind, wrapped in snow and sleet, surged in swiftly, sweeping away the little warmth that had been accumulated in the room, leaving no trace behind

He suddenly spoke, his voice as desolate as snow

Thus, I laughed and said: "Your Highness, the King of Zhi, underestimates me too much. How cold can Jiangnan be? Could it possibly be colder than the freezing places of the northern desert where water turns to ice?"

He began to practice with the skilled master Chunyu Wang, and later started to devise some peculiar techniques on his own, even involving Chunyu Wang in the brainstorming process

Her eyes are like the shimmering autumn waters, her brows resemble the gentle spring mountains, her beauty is exquisite, and her elegance is unparalleled

I was walking outside and asked the guard, "Where is His Highness, Prince Zhen?"

After giving birth to her daughter, she devoted the remaining energy to practicing swordsmanship with Chunyu Wang while teasing her child

Understood

Perhaps it was heaven's wish for him to perform more convincingly; as he fell, his forehead struck a rock, and by the time he managed to stop his body at the bottom of the slope, his forehead was already covered in blood.

I miss my mother, who used to hold me in her arms and praise my beauty and obedience during my childhood. However, after so many years of bloodshed and turmoil, I can hardly remember what she looks like.

The branches of the plum tree could no longer bear the increasingly heavy snow, bending slightly, and the snowflakes fell, scattering like rain, creating small pits in the smooth snow-covered ground

Even with such thoughts in mind, I still took the silver cup he handed me, watched him fill it to the brim, and slowly brought it to my lips

He laughed out loud: "This wine was buried for five years under a two-hundred-year-old wintersweet tree, and it originally contained a hint of plum blossom fragrance!"

The little infatuation remains unheeded

When Emperor Xiaowen passed away, while Empress Wang was still dreaming of her legitimate son ascending the throne and regaining power, news of the Crown Prince's sudden death spread.

I nodded, "Drinking it really does make one feel warmer."

Know yourself and know your enemy, and you will never be defeated in a hundred battles

However, he should be well aware of the queen's methods, which is why he entrusted the young Chunyu Wang to the favored Consort Li, who is in constant opposition to Queen Wang in every aspect.

He waved to his daughter

Apart from longing, he possesses nothing at all

When she had almost recovered, he took possession of her and bullied her terribly

It is not surprising that Chunyu Wang would mistake me for someone else. If such a person were to walk up to me, I might very well think that I was looking in a mirror and accidentally saw another version of myself

Day and night, my heart is tormented and my soul is in anguish

He raised his gaze, the snow-white desolation reflected in his eyes, which also held a sense of bleakness, evoking a twinge of sympathy in me for this enemy prince who captured the princess and caused me to lose my freedom

I can no longer remember how long it has been since I last had a meal with my family

red mole

With a hint of expectation in his gaze, I helplessly took another sip and said with a bitter smile, "What hidden fragrance could there be? I can't even taste the aroma of the wine! Perhaps it is because the area around this pavilion is filled with plum blossoms, which are extraordinarily fragrant, that it masks the scent of the wine?"

Chunyu Wangdao: "Yes, my father will be going out later."

As he turned and stepped down the stone stairs, Chunyu Wang suddenly spoke again

Not here anymore? A great fire?

Perhaps I should, like other young ladies of noble birth, spend my days hidden away in my embroidery chamber, diligently working with needle and thread, patiently waiting for the right age when our family's noble consort in the palace will take charge and arrange a good marriage for me. From then on, I could fulfill my duties as a wife and mother, living a peaceful and tranquil life, which could be considered a form of happiness for a woman

This further confirms to me that he took me to see his daughter and the portrait of Yingying, solely to ascertain that I am not the woman he has been desperately searching for

No

Fortunately, having been tempered in the military for a long time, I only set aside the remaining bandages from the initial days to conserve them for application, ensuring that it does not affect the recovery of my injuries, and I did not pay much attention to anything else

There is a subtle fragrance in the wine, can't you discern it

In order to avoid being constantly beaten to a pulp by his young wife, Chunyu Wang began to diligently practice martial arts

Although it is indeed absurd to climb high and drink the wind and eat snow on such a cold day, I do not want to miss this rare opportunity to understand my opponent better

It may not be easy to use longing to deal with him again

Yingying has no memory, and when she uses her martial arts, it is impossible to discern the origins and intricacies of her techniques. Even the experts invited by Chunyu Wang are unable to identify her lineage.

As soon as he stepped out of the study, two guards from the Zhiwang Mansion, whose origins were unknown, immediately followed behind him

It is said that there are two sets, but when two people wield their swords simultaneously, they must coordinate with each other in a remarkably harmonious manner, often displaying unexpectedly superior power.

She should be telling me: "I am Yingying, Yingying."

Ke Chunyu and Wang often have opposing ideas; one person's conception of steadiness and strength contrasts with another's vision of lightness and agility, ultimately resulting in two completely different styles of swordsmanship.

Chunyu Wang pinched her nearly transparent little nose and said, "What do you think I don't know about how mischievous you can be? Behave yourself! If you truly miss your mother, your father will accompany you to see her, alright?"

It was not until I reached the pavilion that I discovered that the stone mountain was surrounded by old plum trees. Some were likely spring plums, with not a single flower bud in sight; others were wax plums, their colors obscured by layers of accumulated snow, yet the unmistakable fragrance, which could not be concealed, wafted through the cold layers of snow, silently enveloping me.

Longing brushed against my neck like a small dog, before sliding down my leg and running to Chunyu Wang's side, where it nuzzled against him like a little dog.

You are mistaken. Yingying does not enjoy drinking overly spicy wine either. This wine was given to me by a winemaking family from Shaocheng; it is authentic "Daughter's Red." Initially, it had a soft and smooth taste, sweet and refreshing, with a long-lasting aftertaste, making it quite enjoyable. However, for some unknown reason, when I dug out a jar to drink a year later, it had turned into this flavor.

However, with a shift in his thoughts, he fell down in accordance with the momentum, rolling straight down the hillside

Fire was everywhere, with flames even leaping out from my daughter's room

Yingying no longer bullied Chunyuwang without knowing the gravity of the situation. Although she remained lively and active, she rarely misbehaved to the point of causing Chunyuwang any trouble

Neither I nor Princess Changxi is a pawn that the State of Rui would easily abandon

Because Chunyu Wang and his daughter were her entire world, her entire thought process

As she gracefully danced with the Dark Fragrance Sword Technique, he saw each falling petal dancing along with her, fluttering like butterflies, each petal imbued with her radiant smile, bright and resplendent, charming and delicate

When he mentioned Yingying, he no longer used the word "you," but instead used "she." Clearly, at that moment, he was not out of his mind and did not regard me as his Yingying.

I certainly did not intend to drag this injured body out of the Wangfu with one arm, especially since I could not possibly abandon Princess Changxi.

The window is open, the door is open, and it is even colder inside the room

Occasionally returning home, my relatives regard me as the head of the clan and the master of the family. In addition to their respect, there is a careful distance, as if they fear being inadequate. Even my younger brother, who shares the same mother, does not dare to speak to me.

Qin Wan, you are not her

Yingying, young and willful, naturally rushed forward to punch and kick him into silence when she grew impatient with his incessant chatter

That appearance, that attire, and even that posture of standing with a sword in hand, all momentarily left me in a daze

The little one is ignoring me, still pouting.

And I also understand why the maid was so surprised after I finished my morning grooming

I am still not at ease, so I pull back my left shoulder to check; there is no red mole at all

She said, "I always dream that you have died and can no longer be awakened."

Since it has been confirmed that I am not being imprisoned with rats and cockroaches, it is already a tremendous favor