Chapter 4, The Flowers of the Rear Garden

It is rare to find a man with such a physique and thick eyebrows from all corners of the world. Who could he be? What is his intention in entering Long City?

The deep voice of a man called out. I turned to look back, my heart startled—beside the green trees stood a tall black figure, Tang Rongxiaotian

The sound of branches shaking, steady footsteps winding out from beneath the pear tree

Miss Duanmu? Miss Duanmu!

At noon, the bandits began their assault on Pingze Gate, Zhangyi Gate, and Xizhimen. The official reported: the bandits were clad in yellow armor, surging towards Luodu like a tidal wave, surrounding the capital so tightly that not a drop of water could escape.

Bending down to pick a flower as white as snow, a refreshing fragrance permeates the heart and mind, instantly bringing a sense of tranquility and delight. With a crisp crack, the sound is quite startling, resembling the noise of a branch snapping.

A warmth surged within me; he truly cares for me. That day, with just a glance, he became unforgettable to me. How marvelous it is! Why does he not like Ling Xuan? ... Yet, Ling Xuan likes him so much. I could secretly be with Tang Rongxiao Tian ...! ... Ah, what am I thinking? My heart only belongs to Xi Ning Huaiyu!

A soldier nearby leaned in close to him and whispered a few words before stepping back. The leader awkwardly forced a smile, grinning slyly, and respectfully said: "I am unaware, please forgive me, miss! Did you see the assassin? Which way did they go?"

Could it be that the Xining family and the Duanmu family have had some grievances? Or perhaps due to differing political views, they once formed an irreconcilable conflict? I asked, "Why? Why exactly? Grandmother, tell Aman..."

In the midst of silence, the sudden tinkling sound broke forth, startling his unease and my apprehension. I turned around, and my astonished gaze met a fleeting white shadow, standing gracefully, with bright eyes as deep as the azure waters beneath the night, shimmering with a faint blue light

The Empress Dowager took a silk handkerchief to wipe away the tears on my face and gently said, "Aman, it is not that I, your aunt, do not wish to fulfill your wishes, but rather, the Xining clan and our Duanmu clan..."

Of course. He gazed deeply at me, a profound affection suddenly appearing in his eyes, gradually becoming intense. "Miss Duanmu, take good care of yourself. In the days to come, I will definitely be by your side, ensuring that you suffer no harm!"

I laughed and said, "Not at all, I was just about to head towards the princess."

My marital fate has been irrevocably severed due to the numerous entanglements between families and within the court.

I whispered, "Aman dares not!"

The flowing dark clouds obscure the bright moon, leaving only a faint glow illuminating the resplendent Dragon City; with its red walls and yellow tiles, flying eaves and flowing colors, under the night sky, the imperial city remains so vibrant, still standing majestically like the towering green mountains, its imposing grandeur striking awe in the hearts of onlookers

Ling Xuan seemed to be in a desolate wilderness, her hunched back trembling slightly, a sense of loneliness and bitterness emerging, evoking a feeling of compassion in others

With a heavy heart, I spoke softly: "Indeed, Your Majesty, Princess Jinliang is still young, and it is only natural for her to be afraid"

A sudden chill wind arose, howling as it blew through, causing the intricately carved window frames to creak; the fierce wind swept through the inner hall, lifting the bright yellow drapes with a rustling sound, swirling and rushing towards me, the coldness penetrating my skin, causing a shivering pain.

What guarantee can an assassin provide? I remained silent, only hearing him growl in anger: "You don't trust me? What... how can I make you believe?"

The Empress Dowager paused briefly, stroking the back of my hand. The translucent jade ring on her thumb touched my skin, cool at first, followed by a warm sensation.

Her beautiful dark eyes were filled with deep sorrow, her tone calm yet anxious: "Yesterday, the bandits have already reached Juyong Pass. Father Emperor summoned the ministers to discuss countermeasures, but the ministers were at a loss for words, and Father Emperor was extremely angry, yet helpless. Early this morning, the eunuch delivered an urgent document, which reported: at dawn, the bandits had captured Changping, and the general fled. Subsequently, the bandits invaded the ancestral royal tombs, setting fire to the Hall of Ancestral Worship and recklessly cutting down the pines and cypresses. Early this morning, the eunuch delivered an urgent document, which reported: at dawn, the bandits had captured Changping, and the general fled. Subsequently, the bandits invaded the ancestral royal tombs, setting fire to the Hall of Ancestral Worship and recklessly cutting down the pines and cypresses. Father Emperor is deeply worried, staying alone in the Qingning Palace, dressed in plain white garments, kneeling facing the royal tombs without rising, refusing to eat or drink, and despite Mother Empress's repeated attempts to comfort him, she could not persuade him."

He approached and joyfully said: "How did you come to be in the palace?"

A muffled voice came from above and behind, deep and fierce, revealing a hint of urgency: "Don't make a sound, otherwise..."

I gazed at her with hope; that serene face concealed the once radiant beauty of the past, now graced with the marks of time, which only enhanced her dignified presence. Her voice seemed to come from afar: "To speak frankly, in Xining, a man marries either a royal princess or the daughter of a prince; what is the Lu family? How could they be worthy of being the primary wife?"

The assassin chuckled softly and confidently said: "The young lady must be wondering, who exactly is this assassin? Why has he intruded into Dragon City? Am I not right?"

The Empress Dowager has prepared a carriage, and Ling Feng is peacefully asleep, hidden in a concealed spot within the carriage, completely unaware of everything around him. This is the Empress Dowager's intention, to preserve a trace of the Ling family's bloodline

The Empress Dowager let out a soft sigh, her gaze shifting lightly, and with a sense of helplessness said: "Alright, just stay here! How can I rest easy with the two of you!"

"Empress Dowager, Xuan'er has heard that Father Emperor and the ministers are discussing countermeasures in the court, but the ministers are only crying, feeling helpless, and have not come up with any useful strategies... Empress Dowager, what should we do if the bandits break in?" Ling Xuan furrowed her brows, her voice filled with anxiety and already tinged with tears.

The Empress Dowager waved her hand and closed her eyes: "Stay with me for one night, and tomorrow you shall leave the palace! I know you cannot let go of Xining Huaiyu. In fact, I have long been aware of your matters. I also wish to grant you a marriage, but..."

"Clever!" the assassin remarked with faint approval, speaking firmly, "If you do not allow me to leave unscathed, I will take you down with me."

The Empress Dowager softened her solemn expression, her arched brows twitching with gravity as she waved her hand and said helplessly, "Alright, alright, everyone return to your respective places!"

A small squad of Imperial Guards rushed forward, their footsteps hurried. One of the leaders asked sternly: "Where is the assassin? Which palace are you a servant of? Why are you here?"

The Empress Dowager shot a sharp glance at Ling Xuan, her gaze fierce, sweeping across her face like a green willow branch striking through the air, and sternly exclaimed, "How dare you speak recklessly about matters of state?"

Liu Che, a veteran of three dynasties, is known for his straightforward disposition and his unwavering integrity in governance. The late emperor intended to win over the Liu Che family to balance their power with the Xi Ning family in the court. Princess Yongyang, feeling wronged, married into the Liu Che household, her heart heavy and her spirit troubled, leading to a prolonged illness. Two years later, she gave birth to a son but passed away due to weakness and exhaustion. Four years later, Liu Che married again, having a son and a daughter, but later, in remembrance of Princess Yongyang, he too followed her into the afterlife.

She continued, "Xining Wang also understood the late emperor's concerns, and in anger, he married a girl from a small family in Luodu, yet they treated each other with respect and lived harmoniously. It is rumored in Luodu that the Minister of Personnel does not take concubines because of his deep affection for his beloved wife. Three years ago, Lady Xining passed away, and Xining Wang mourned deeply. Missing his beloved wife, he resolved never to remarry. However, this is not the case; the one Xining Wang truly loves is still Princess Yongyang. His decision not to remarry stems from his guilt towards the princess. He once vowed to Princess Yongyang: in this life, he would only marry her. He broke that vow by marrying another, and after Princess Yongyang's passing, he has been tormented day and night by his conscience, remaining indifferent to his wife. How could he possibly remarry?" In truth, the one Xining Wang loves is still Princess Yongyang. His decision not to remarry is due to his guilt towards the princess. He once vowed to Princess Yongyang: in this life, he would only marry her. He broke that vow by marrying another, and after Princess Yongyang's passing, he has been tormented day and night by his conscience, remaining indifferent to his wife. How could he possibly remarry?"

The bandits launched a fierce assault in the pouring rain, and King Pingling ordered a full-scale siege. The eunuch turned and left, and an eerie atmosphere pervaded the inner hall of Yongshou Palace, which was as still as dead water.

The flames soared into the sky, illuminating the Imperial Garden to the north of Yuhua Palace. Suddenly, the tranquil Longcheng was filled with a cacophony of voices, as the Jinwei Army surged forth like a tide, their rapid footsteps and the clamor of battle cries echoing throughout the entire Imperial Garden

The assassin tilted his head back and laughed heartily: "How could I possibly be caught by those fools? What a joke!" Suddenly, he pondered for a moment, his eyes fixed on me with intensity, and a hint of inquiry in his tone, "I find it a bit strange; aren't you afraid that I might take you away right now?"

I did not know how to comfort her, so I could only softly say: "Princess..."

Everyone calmed down, and the Yongshou Palace was as silent as a dried-up river or lake, devoid of life.

My heart was tightly clenched, my whole body stiffened, and for a moment, I did not know how to move. How could there be an assassin? Was it theft or murder?

I let out a cold smile, extremely disgusted by his sycophantic demeanor, and gestured towards the east, choosing not to speak further. The leader was taken aback for a moment, then led the way, and in an instant, the pear garden returned to its previous tranquility

He is of robust stature, with broad shoulders and a solid chest. The faint moonlight casts a glow on his face, revealing thick, dark eyebrows, a wide forehead, and bright black eyes. In this dim night shrouded in thin mist, his eyes shine with a fierce brilliance.

He increased his grip, pressing the sharp edge even tighter against the neck

The sound of chaotic footsteps and shouts came from ahead, indicating that a group of Imperial Guards had arrived in this direction. I hurriedly stepped back and shouted, "If you don't leave now, I will call for help!"

Qing'er, do you like to hear me play the flute? Hmm... let's play a piece of "Yangzhou Slow".

Tang Rongxiao looked at me anxiously, his pleading gaze brushing against my face, tense and burning... Yet, it was not that I did not want to help him, but rather that I was unable to do so

I laughed and said, "It is you who made me believe in you, and I have no other choice. Moreover, I feel that... you should not be a heartless villain who kills without blinking."

In their hearts, they understood; they too wished to enter and exit Long City freely, at least at this moment, they longed to escape this cage-like nine-tiered palace

Ling Xuan forced a bitter smile: "Rumors are rampant in the palace, all saying that the bandits are about to attack Luodu."

"Sister Duanmu, there is no need for such formalities!" Ling Xuan said cheerfully. She wore a delicate long dress with a white base and lotus patterns, her slender figure exuding an air of simplicity and grace; she continued, "I heard that you entered the palace, so I hurried over to see you. You have never truly regarded me with any concern."

I cannot foresee the events of the future, however, I would rather never step into this stormy Dragon City again. The splendid and resplendent facade is merely a lofty and illusory shell, while within the red walls and yellow tiles, the people, each with their own hues, are all faces filled with sorrow and destinies adrift

There is an assassin! There is an assassin!

A piercing neigh of a horse echoed as the carriage moved forward slowly, gradually picking up speed, smoothly passing through the Meridian Gate, the Eastern Gate, the Gate of Heavenly Purity, and the Zhengyang Gate

Ling Xuan said with a hint of melancholy: "I will go first and come to find you later"

I calmly said: "No, I can only leave the palace tomorrow. Just for one night, it won't matter, right!"

The grand wedding of Xining Huaiyu is taking place, with Xuan'er being sixteen and Xuan'er fifteen, both of whom have reached the age for marriage. His Majesty has not arranged any marriages, and Xining has long ceased to hope for such. The reason for agreeing to Xining Huaiyu marrying the Lu family as his primary wife is twofold: firstly, our Great Ling Dynasty is beset by internal and external troubles, with bandits advancing fiercely, threatening the capital, and the Heavenly Throne is in jeopardy; secondly, there is a desire to covet the substantial wealth of the Duanmu family, with intentions to intervene in the salt industry, to ally with the Lu family, and to compete with the Duanmu family for the enormous profits of the salt trade.

Both wrists were subdued behind my back by him, and I could only feel the immense strength of his grip, which was simply beyond my ability to resist

All fears suddenly retreat, the body relaxes, as if falling apart, more like being drunk, sliding down to the ground in a soft and powerless manner

Ling Xuan walked over slowly and reproached him, saying: "I was waiting for you over there, how did you end up here?"

My cheeks flushed, but fortunately, under the cover of night, no one could see the redness. I gently freed my hand from his grip and lowered my gaze, saying: "It's better not to. I want to accompany the Empress for one night, and after leaving the palace, I must return to Yangzhou immediately."

Standing under the pear tree, the fine grass has swallowed my shoes and socks; the branches tremble softly, producing a rustling sound; I squint my eyes, just in time, as clusters of pear blossoms fall from the branches, dancing gracefully, scattering among the green grass.

Such a straightforward and eager assassin, eager for others to believe him, is indeed rare. I chuckled softly and said calmly, "Alright, but you must listen to me. The Jinwei Army is on its way..."

Ling Xuan is the daughter of my aunt, with a slightly plump face, rosy cheeks, a smooth nose resembling goose fat, and delicate earrings shaped like a jade rabbit pounding medicine, exuding charm and cuteness

I gazed deeply at the Empress Dowager, her expression calm and composed, with strands of worry etched on her face, yet her eyes radiated tranquility and determination, as if everything was within her control

The Empress Dowager looked at me with kind eyes and smiled, saying: "Enough, how can an old woman eat so much? Besides, with your small appetite, you won't be able to finish such a lavish dinner."

The assassin stepped forward, suddenly halting his advance, firmly rooted in place, and hurriedly said: "Alright! Thank you, miss, for your rescue! Until we meet again!"

A chill ran through my heart, and I weakly sighed: "Indeed, how can one waste such a beautiful time and scenery?"

"Your Majesty, Your Majesty, it is terrible! The bandits have invaded the city!" Two elegantly dressed young ladies rushed in anxiously without waiting for an announcement.

She said to Yan: "I dare not, but I do feel resentment. Today, I summon you to the palace; it may be the last time I see you. I truly wish to return to Yangzhou and take a look!"

Ling Xuan grasped my hand and led me to a secluded spot, her fingers tightly clenched. Suddenly, she exclaimed with excitement, "Have you heard about the bandits while you were outside? Do you think the bandits will reach Longcheng? Will they?"

I smiled faintly; he is an open-hearted person, with a simple mind, and all his thoughts are reflected on his heroic face. I said, "I haven't had the chance to tell him yet, could you please convey my message to him?"

I was taken aback, what an impressive person! With my brows furrowed, I coldly snorted, "Aren't you leaving yet? Are you hoping to be captured by the Jinwei Army?"

Her thin and pale hand gently rested on my slender shoulder, giving it a light pat twice. A faint line appeared across her brow, and a flash of sternness swiftly flickered in her eyes: "It is getting late, and I find myself feeling hungry. It has been a long time since I have tasted the famous Yangzhou dish made by Aman. Let the old lady have a taste today!"

Fear? If it is not fear, why urge him to leave quickly? The terror grips my emotions like an iron hand, forcing me to the brink of breathlessness

Ling Xuan straightened her chest, her eyes lowered: "Xuan'er... Sister Duanmu is here, wanting to keep her company and have a chat, and also wishing to accompany the Empress Dowager, as that palace chamber feels a bit desolate..."

Auntie ... ...

Listen, doesn't that rustling sound resemble the sound of Qing'er walking? Haha ... Haha ...

I stood in the wind and rain, gazing sorrowfully at the Yongshou Palace, my figure slender, my brows tightly furrowed, tears mingling with the rain, flowing down in streams... I bit my lip and climbed into the carriage, lowering the curtain.

Ling Xuan and Ling Xuan curled up on the ground kang, embracing each other, trembling with fear, their moist eyes startled like deer, their faces adorned with disheveled makeup, through the faint red, their pallor appeared even more ethereal.

The warmth in my hands and feet receded like a tide, while waves of fear surged over me, enveloping my entire body.

Ling Xuan helped him up, naturally linking her arm with his, affectionately leaning against him, smiling shyly, and looking at me with a charming gaze, yet her eyes were cold, devoid of warmth. "Sister Duanmu, Brother Tang Rong has invited me to enjoy the moon tonight. Look, the moon is still so round, and the moonlight is still so hazy. How can we waste such a beautiful time and scenery?"

Suddenly, the hall was thrown into chaos, as several figures of women floated back and forth, creating a rather eerie scene

Touching my neck, I felt a surge of joy; fortunately, there was no blood. I rubbed my arms a couple more times, then took a large step forward in the direction of the Jinwei Army, shouting loudly: "There is an assassin! There is an assassin! Someone come, there is an assassin!"

The muffled thunder rolled low from the horizon, and the silvery lightning struck down, illuminating the dark chamber, striking fear into the hearts of all; it flashed across every face, a ghastly white, as if a thousand-year-old ghost, devoid of any warmth

The Empress Dowager's slightly relaxed expression suddenly turned stern

The Empress Dowager's expression changed suddenly, and her slender, pale hand resting on the table trembled slightly. She then scolded, "Silence! What kind of manners are these, acting so flustered!"

With a swift turn, his towering black silhouette vanished into the darkness

The passage of time, moment by moment, feels to us as if each day is a year, as we await the report from the elder.

The leader circled around me, hesitating and saying: "The young lady is ... ... "

The Empress Dowager sat in the warm chamber, took my hand, and had me sit beside her, gently asking: "Aman, do you still hold a grudge against me?"

Ling Xuan smiled shyly and slightly nodded: "He gave me a wooden hairpin, which I originally intended to show to my sister, but I forgot it when I went out"

Brother Xining, I will not forget you, and I will strive to restrain my longing for you. Regardless, you love me, and that is enough. For the blooming of the pear blossoms, for you, I will live well!

Seeing the surprised and sincere smile on his face, the corners of my lips involuntarily formed a faint arc: "The Empress Dowager summoned me to the palace, what about you? Are you here to visit the princess?"

The young lady is truly intriguing. The assassin slightly raised his eyebrows, and a glimmer of hunting light emerged in his eyes, akin to the gray wolf of the northern desert, emanating a fierce brilliance

Qing'er, you have had too much to drink... What kind of dance is this? I have never seen it before... The dance of Qing'er is like pear blossoms falling like sleet, as if a fairy has emerged from the emerald lake, exuding a captivating exotic charm. Where did you learn this?

A figure clad in black attire loomed before me, its massive shadow strikingly formidable, creating a stark contrast to my petite frame, truly a chasm between us

The smell of sweat emanating from him wafted over, pungent and overwhelming, inducing a slight feeling of nausea. Struggling to suppress the panic that surged within me, I calmly said: "Kill me, and you will never be able to leave Long City."

A palace maid stepped forward to report: "Your Highness, the Empress requests your presence."

It is snowing, remember to wear a cloak when going out. Qing'er, I cannot enter the palace for a while, but when the pear blossoms bloom next year, I will definitely invite you to see the pear blossoms, alright

As the wrist relaxed, the cold dagger at the neck also vanished, and the body suddenly slackened, resulting in waves of soreness. It was evident how overwhelming the earlier fear had been; the calmness and composure were merely a facade, maintained with utmost effort.

I sniffed, forced a smile, and recounted as if sharing treasured memories: "Ah Man hasn't cooked in a long time either. If it doesn't suit your taste, you must bear with it, dear! Hmm... let's have three plates of hot dishes: tender and refreshing stir-fried tiger tail, sweet and sour vinegar-glazed mandarin fish, and soft and flavorful braised dried tofu strips. Let's also have a sweet beetroot honey cake, and two dim sum: jade siu mai and chicken rolls. How does that sound? What else would you like to eat, dear?"

A massive black shadow swiftly approached, pulling my body close, a dagger pressed against my neck, the icy touch penetrating my skin, the sharp blade causing me to tremble all over

After a while, I finally managed to stand up with great difficulty and exerted all my strength to run back to the Yongshou Palace

I slightly tug at the corners of my lips, maintaining a gentle and humble smile; however, only I know how bitter and desolate it truly is

Tears flowed uncontrollably, as if the oppression and frustration of these past few days could no longer be contained, pouring out freely. What the Empress Dowager said is also my question: "Then... what is the reason?"

For over a hundred years, the Xining family has been a prominent leader of our dynasty, forming marital alliances with the royal family across generations and holding significant power within the court. Most officials in the court are affiliated with the Xining family, following their lead. Only our Duanmu family and the Liuchao family have had little interaction due to differing political views. Approximately thirty-two years ago, Xining Wang fell deeply in love with Princess Yongyang. The late emperor, fearing that his reputation would rise further, harbored ulterior motives and did not allow the marriage of the princess to Xining Wang, instead bestowing Princess Yongyang in marriage to Liu Che'an, the son of Liu Chemin, the Minister of War.

I was taken aback: "Why does the princess inquire about this matter?"

Tears roll down my face, wetting both my cheeks and my heart. Brother Xining, I cannot forget you. What should I do? ... Please tell me ...

Tang Rongxiao was increasingly astonished, looking at me in confusion. Just as he was about to speak, Ling Xuan hurriedly interrupted: "Sister Duanmu, we shall take our leave first. The night is fleeting, and we should seize the moment."

The Empress Dowager leaned against the autumn fragrance-colored satin backrest pillow, her eyes slightly closed, her brows deeply furrowed, and her face contorted with a heavy shadow of sorrow

Tang Rongxiao was being led away by her, the moonlight was dim and hazy, and I clearly saw that at the moment he turned back, his face reflected anxiety and pain. As for me, I merely looked at them coldly, a bitter smile forming in my heart

The interplay of warmth and coolness is akin to how she alternately scolds and comforts me, with an exceptionally precise grasp of both gentleness and harshness

Suddenly, his voice transformed into a gentle wave like spring water: "May I ask for your name, young lady?"

Upon exiting the gate of Yongshou Palace, a delicate figure approached and asked, "Sister Duanmu, where are you going?"

Ling Xuan's beauty is exquisite, her bright eyes resemble water, and as they move, they ripple like clear water, captivating one's thoughts: "By the way, has sister seen Brother Tang Rong in the past two days?"

The sky grew increasingly gloomy, with a chilling wind howling, and the entire Dragon City was shrouded in a haze of despair, enveloped in the panic of a change of dynasty

I nodded, watching her slender figure disappear into the ornate palace walls and tiles... Wandering aimlessly, it felt as if a heavy stone was pressing down on my heart, exceptionally burdensome

A cold sneer escaped my heart as I fully understood that the wooden hairpin she mentioned was merely a ruse. I smiled faintly and hypocritically congratulated her, saying, "Congratulations, Your Highness"

In a moment, a myriad of emotions intertwined within my heart, and a feeling of deep sorrow arose spontaneously as I choked out: "Aman understands, dear lady, cherish everything."

She looked at me with pity and said earnestly: "Ahem... Aman, your temperament is just like your great-aunt's, stubborn to the end. As for this matter, you should forget about him; Xining Wang will never agree to his son marrying a daughter of the Duanmu family."

Brother Tang Rong, what are you all talking about

Who would know if I will return to this resplendent and once-prosperous celestial palace

Although the Empress Dowager maintained a calm demeanor, the anxiety etched on her face revealed her deep-seated fear; with the fall of the nation imminent, who in Longcheng was not terrified? The palace maids and eunuchs could serve two dynasties, but the descendants of the Ling family were destined to share the fate of the Great Ling Dynasty, sacrificing themselves for their country, buried here, with no other choice.

Who is the assassin? For now, it does not matter; they surely do not wish to perish in Long City. Taking me hostage is merely a means to gain leverage. With my mind somewhat settled and my fear slightly receding, I parted my lips and smiled faintly: "Do you wish to leave unscathed?"

A sudden chill wind arose, sweeping into the sleeping quarters as if entering a deserted realm, crashing about wildly. The bright yellow curtains billowed up, creating a desolate atmosphere akin to late autumn. As the chill wind swept through the hall, various items were knocked to the ground; some were caught mid-air, some rolled about, and others spun low. Four or five servants bent down to pick them up, but they were utterly unable to keep up.

Ling Xuan murmured to herself: "Perhaps, perhaps, tomorrow, the day after tomorrow, the bandits will attack Luodu. Changping, so close..." She looked at me with hope, "Aman, are you leaving the palace tomorrow?"

Even though I have long understood that marriage is closely related to political affairs and family interests, hearing this at this moment is still deeply shocking

The Empress Dowager let out a sigh and turned to me, saying: "It is time! Aman, go ahead, what is meant to come will come, what is meant to go will go, everything is destined."

Bidding farewell to the Empress Dowager, as I stepped out of the Yongshou Palace, in the fleeting moment of turning around, I caught a glimpse of Ling Xuan and Ling Xuan gazing at me with infatuation, their eyes sparkling with a certain hope, as if I were their charming suitor

I smiled slyly, looking at her with a hint of meaning

She choked with emotion and pleaded, "Empress Dowager, Xuanyuan... wants to stay by your side... I beg you, Empress Dowager."

I raised my charming face and angrily reprimanded, "How dare you! The assassin has run that way, why aren't you going to chase after him? If you disturb the Empress Dowager and the Imperial Concubine, can you bear the consequences?"

Suddenly, the shouts of the Imperial Guard came from ahead, rushing towards this direction one after another

Two graceful young girls lowered their brows and eyes, responding softly as they stood to the side, their hands tightly wringing their silk handkerchiefs, their skin like congealed fat, their faces filled with panic and fear

It is hard to say..." He suddenly stepped forward, grasping my hand, his warm breath gradually becoming hurried, "Tomorrow I will go out with Sihan, I am worried about you... unable to leave the palace, for now... come with me out of the palace."

Ling Xuan looked up at him with joy and said, "Brother Tang Rong, the wooden hairpin you gave me is also praised by Sister Duanmu for its beauty!"

The Empress Dowager's personal maid held an oiled paper umbrella, paving the way for me as I passed through the heavily guarded city gates.

The Empress Dowager Ya Yi's gaze shifted elsewhere, her eyes calm and distant, as if lost in the tumultuous affairs of the past thirty years

Tang Rongxiao was momentarily taken aback, glanced at me, furrowed his brows tightly, and hurriedly bowed, saying: "Commoner pays respects to the princess"

The surroundings are silent, and the lush pear trees are shrouded in a hazy mist, creating a rather eerie atmosphere. For me, however, it is verdant and flourishing, with the blooming and falling of flowers marking yet another year of spring's splendor. It is both familiar and melancholic.

Tang Rongxiao's expression turned cold as he firmly stated: "No! I am going to the palace to see my elder sister." His brows slightly furrowed, "When will you leave the palace? The situation in Luodu is critical, with bandits attacking the city. It is likely to happen in the next day or two. You should leave the palace with me."

Ling Xuan's pair of clear eyes shimmered like distant waves, her gaze enchanting and ethereal. With a slender waist, she knelt gracefully, softly saying, "Your Majesty, please do not be angry!" She lowered her pointed chin, her voice as faint as a mosquito's buzz, "Sister Xuan spoke thoughtlessly out of fear in her heart, please do not blame her, Your Majesty!"

Tang Rongxiao was taken aback, and a look of panic suddenly rose in his eyes: "You want to return to Yangzhou? Does Shihan know? Why are you in such a hurry to go back to Yangzhou?"

Ling Xuan fell to the ground with a thud, and with a sense of grievance, she replied, "Xuan'er does not dare!"

Immediately following, like the beating of a drum, the thunder grew increasingly urgent, rumbling and shaking the heavens and the earth, piercing the hearts of men. This is the first thunder of spring this year. ... A fine rain poured down incessantly, as if it would never cease ... . ... The Dragon City was enveloped in dampness, becoming even colder.

The bandits number in the millions, advancing with great momentum; how can the Daling Dynasty endure? Will this magnificent palace soon change hands? Is the prosperous capital of Luoyang on the brink of turmoil?

A sudden jolt in my heart made me pause for a moment, as if I could not recall this person. Then, I suddenly realized: "Ah, it is Young Master Tang Rong, how could I possibly see him? The princess and he..."

Ling Xuan raised her head, her expression somewhat calm, and said softly: "Your Majesty, I have heard from the public report: last night, the bandits advanced along the Sha River towards Luodu, directly targeting the Pingze Gate outside the city. Early this morning, the bandits launched an offensive towards Gaobeidian from the east and Xizhimen from the west, and they have already begun shelling."

The Pear Garden to the north of Yuhe Palace, a secret meeting place for Xining Huaiyu and me. Unknowingly, I strolled to this place, only to see the flowers blooming exuberantly, which is indeed the time of romance and charm

When she spoke of Liu Che Min, I noticed that the corners of her brows softened slightly, a unique radiance gently floated by, meandering away, disappearing into a sea of fragrant red flowers.

"That's all, take your time to speak." The Empress Dowager took a sip of "Emerald Shadow Dancing," set down the blue-and-white porcelain teacup adorned with lotus and egret patterns, and quietly said, "Xuan'er, you may speak."

I gazed intently and offered a slight support: "I have met Princess Jinping."

March 17, at the hour of the snake

Assassin's Delight: "Alright! As long as you help me, I can guarantee that I will never harm you"

The assassin's voice, rich and deep, carried a strong sense of admiration: "Young lady, you possess considerable courage and are quite clever, I... greatly admire you!" The masked figure stood before me, teasingly saying, "I thought you would betray me."