Chapter 8, the halberd clouds stretch across the sky, malevolent energy surges to the heavens

I have seen the methods of Shen Fengyi before, so I could only force a smile and say: "How could a queen appointed by His Majesty be so malicious?"

The sly smile in his eyes deepened as he leaned closer to her ear and whispered something softly. Shen Fengyi's face immediately turned crimson, and she stammered, "I... I did not mean it. Just now, I only said I would take a stroll in the garden to sober up a bit before returning to accompany the Emperor. Who would have thought someone would come to report that Ning Zhaoyi was secretly meeting with an outsider here? I was afraid that if I arrived too late, she would do something unworthy of the Emperor, so I did not have time to inform the Emperor and hurriedly brought people over to stop it." I was afraid that if I arrived too late, she would do something unworthy of the Emperor, so I did not have time to inform the Emperor and hurriedly brought people over to stop it.

When I turned around to look at him, he merely brushed his sleeve and strode past me without even casting a glance in my direction

The guard received the order and immediately rushed outside

Zhuang Bilian remained silent, her slender fingers reached to my neck to unfasten my cloak

Your Majesty

Tang Tianxiao's expression, however, changed.

In front of Zhuang Bilian, being spoken to in this manner naturally left me feeling both embarrassed and awkward. However, we all understood the underlying meaning of his words.

I resent you, I have resented you for three years. The messenger you sent brought me your handwritten words, telling me that this is your final work. He said that you were forcefully taken by the Emperor of Chu in the palace, and after that, you fell ill and passed away in sorrow.

Tang Tianxiao is by no means as incompetent as he appears on the surface. I cannot deduce whether he discovered the anomaly from the Empress or if someone from Yiqing Palace informed him of my secret movements. However, the fact that he was able to timely learn of the Empress's actions today and rush to my aid further reveals the meticulousness of his thoughts and the multitude of his informants

Zhuang Bilian chuckled to herself, "Lady Ning, the Zhaoyi, is exceptionally beautiful, causing unrest in the imperial harem of the Great Zhou and discord between the ruler and his ministers. How could I not have heard of this? Moreover, according to my informants, Lady Ning originally served in the palace of Empress Dowager Du. Aside from you, I truly cannot think of another Ning beauty in the capital who could captivate the hearts of so many!"

It was only then that I realized, upon seeing Tang Tianxiao, that I unconsciously took two steps in his direction

Jiu'er was momentarily taken aback, and immediately said: "Um, Young Master Zhuang, Miss Ning, I will go out first"

How can one allow others to sleep soundly beside one's own bed?

The pale fingertips continued to tremble, and the drum-like chest still ached intermittently; yet it was this mixture of unease, joy, and excitement that finally gave me a sense of reality in being together with Zhuang Bilan.

As she withdrew, the faint glow of the torches reflected in the four window panes gradually dimmed. The attendants retreated more swiftly than they had arrived, and they remained silent, not daring to make a sound, causing the previously tumultuous Jingyi Courtyard to suddenly fall into a terrifying silence

Zhuang Bilian looked at me in astonishment, her eyes also sparkling.

The sharpness in Tang Tianxiao's eyes swept across my face, as if it had instantly softened considerably, even the thin corners of his lips gently lifted upwards

Zhuang Bilian smiled bitterly and said, "You wrote a poem called 'Someone Sends It to Me.'"

I no longer wish to be pulled and pushed around like a puppet, allowing my mind to gradually become as numb as that of a puppet.

I am simply weary, lazily sending them away, turning off the lights, and wide awake in the profound darkness, listening to the sounds from outside

Knowing full well that he is under the same roof, and merely a distance of over ten steps apart, I suddenly experienced that feeling again

The attendants had already rushed forward, leaving two guards by my side and Tang Tianxiao, while the remaining skilled fighters, each wielding swords and blades, charged ahead. One could see the cold gleam of the sharp edges flashing, accompanied by the sound of "shh-lah-lah" as they tore through the air, and amidst the swirling dust, the shredded curtains fell scattered around.

Tang Tianzhong is fortunate, having ventured deep into the Chu Palace and still having me to rescue him; but what about Zhuang Bilan

Every stitch and thread, woven intricately, brings forth the bittersweet longing of love and the joy of reunion

I rose from the bedding early, hastily found my clothes and put them on, and with my usual silence, quietly knelt to one side, not interjecting.

And Zhuang Bilian ... ...

You still say that you have completely dampened my spirits

At this moment, a crisp slap echoed from outside, accompanied by Shen Fengyi's mocking shout: "Vile servant, you dare to lie in front of me! Do you not inquire which palace the Emperor is resting in tonight!"

Although I am unclear about his intentions, I can at least be certain that he harbors no ill will towards me. His hasty arrival is merely an attempt to suppress the impending disaster that is about to bring me to my demise, before the Queen can intervene.

But he happened to arrive; coincidentally, the queen also came, and she was imposing, clearly well-prepared, undoubtedly confident and determined to catch the thief and seize the stolen goods, to catch the adulterers red-handed.

His shoulders seem to have broadened somewhat compared to before, or perhaps it is that my waiting for him has left me haggard and withered, no longer possessing the original luster and grace, causing me to curl up in his embrace like a withered autumn leaf.

If he comes to me in a fit of rage, does it not prove that Zhuang Bilian has safely escaped, leaving him empty-handed?

"Bi... Bi Lan..." I still refuse to believe, my palm still rubbing against his face randomly, "Is it a dream, yet another dream?"

Subconsciously wanting to push him away, half of my lips were suddenly pressed by his fingers, and the warm breath from his mouth was blowing against my ear as he whispered: "Qingwu, you wouldn't want to implicate your beloved, would you?"

For me, Zhuang Bilian did not respond, and I had no choice but to give up; for Zhuang Bilian, having received my news of death, he could not help but feel despair

No wonder the wild geese have vanished without a trace, leaving no news behind

The night wind carried a chill, causing one to shiver as it blew against the body. I tightened my cloak and, with my head bowed, passed by Tang Tianxiao when I suddenly heard him call back the attendant who had gone to deliver a secret decree.

He tightly grasped my struggling arms, dragging me out of the room while commanding in a low voice: "Take it down!"

Now, as long as he safely escapes danger, I should be content, right

Beneath his gentle and refined exterior lies a fierce and unyielding spirit born of a military family, which is why he struck down the Emperor of Chu in a moment of unbearable frustration, thus creating a tremendous calamity for me

Young Master Zhuang, someone is coming! It is... a large group of people, so many people...

With tears in my eyes, I smiled and said: "Bilan, I will only be your wife, you must not betray me."

Zhuang Bilian's delicate brows furrowed tightly, her right hand pressed against the hilt of the sword at her waist, and she was about to release me and walk outside

My hands and feet were icy cold, and I was momentarily at a loss for words, tightly gritting my teeth. However, Zhuang Bilian remained remarkably composed. After giving me a reassuring glance, he pushed me back with a swift motion. With a light and crisp sound of the sword being drawn, his precious sword glimmered under the light, trailing a brilliant, mercury-like sheen as it swiftly cut towards the person rushing into the room.

Shen Fengyi let out a cold snort, her hurried footsteps quickly approaching this way

Zhuang Bilian had clearly noticed as well, and did not continue the attack. With a hint of hesitation, she pulled me back and tightly shielded me behind her.

Jiu'er was beaten and dared not to obstruct any further, only murmuring: "This servant does not dare to lie..."

The misty daze in Zhuang Bilian's eyes quickly dissipated, revealing a clear gaze that flashed with a slightly unfamiliar sharpness and vigilance. Still tightly holding onto my shoulder, she took a step forward and asked in a low voice: "Who is it?"

In this world, only he alone is worthy of my longing, and moreover... he has not betrayed my affection.

This letter conveys my longing, yet it is mistaken for a death warrant

That is a corner where even the night wind cannot reach, quiet as death. If I had not seen Zhuang Bilan hiding there with my own eyes, I would never have believed that there was a person concealed in that place

When Jiu'er helped me back to the bedroom, her two eyes were like a lost fawn, anxiously darting around in confusion. Through the thin fabric of her clothing, I could feel the sweat seeping from her palms.

Swift and nimble, yet not heavy, it is evident that only one person is approaching this way, and their steps are not hesitant, clearly indicating a familiarity with the environment of this room

"She is not a Zhaoyi!" Zhuang Bilian suddenly interrupted Jiu'er's words, decisively and resolutely

Not only are you not allowed to betray me, but you are also not permitted to abandon me again. Whether in life or in death, you must allow me to remain by your side

And what are the chances that I can meet him again and hear him say a single word, "Take me away"?

In today's perilous heart of the Zhou Palace, who can save him?

Jiu'er set down the palace lantern, turned around to light a long candlestick, and softly said: "Zhaoyi, you quickly change your clothes, I will wait outside in the courtyard"

I looked up in astonishment, "Aunt? What has she... done?"

Outside, Jiu'er's voice could be heard scolding: "Hold on, who are you? The Emperor and Noble Consort Ning are here, who dares to disturb them!"

Behind the curtain, there is a row of partition windows adorned with a pattern of auspicious interlocking designs, one of which is slightly ajar. When the attendant pushes it open, it reveals a corridor leading out to the courtyard.

Or, take me to death

Vaguely, I recall under the brilliant moonlight, that cold and stern-faced man appeared like a specter by the lotus pond of that year

"Your Majesty..." I opened my mouth to ask him, but immediately thought it would surely be a futile endeavor, so I closed my mouth again, tightly biting my lip

As I anxiously considered the likelihood of subduing Tang Tianxiao with Zhuang Bilian's skills, using him as a shield to escape, Tang Tianxiao had already pointed at me, shaking his head in resignation and sighing: "My imperial concubine is in a perilous situation; I cannot allow the empress to act on a moment's impulse and harm my most precious eyes. That would truly be... the greatest regret of my life"

The curtains hang empty, the corridors are empty, and even in the courtyard, there is only the old tree swaying in the night breeze after the splendor has faded, with no one else around

I gathered my long hair into the guard's armor, and as he lowered his head, he kissed my lips and whispered, "Once the reinforcements arrive, we will leave, and from then on... we shall never be apart!"

It turns out that she had long known that I secretly sent someone to deliver a message to Zhuang Bilan and had bribed the messenger to manipulate the situation

Three years ago, witnessing him being captured by Empress Dowager Du, the profound sorrow and desolation that pierced the heart yet was beyond one's control

Although Shen Fengyi was uneasy, she still took a couple of steps into the room, looking around and said: "Perhaps... the palace maid who reported it misheard, mistaking the eunuch sent by the Emperor to clean for an unidentified man"

A night without sleep, listening to the fluctuating sounds of the wind and frogs, nothing else.

The arms are as white as lotus root, with a touch of bright red that is dazzling and translucent. The light and color flow, representing the proof of purity for an unmarried girl, known as the vermilion mark.

As I watched Jiu'er leave, Zhuang Bilian tightly grasped the garment in her hands. After a moment of silence, she gently pressed the garment onto the bundle, her dark eyes deeply fixed on me as she solemnly asked: "Wuer, if you were to follow me... you would no longer be the esteemed and precious Da Zhou Zhao Yi, but merely my wife. I might not even be able to ensure your safety and peace for a lifetime. Would you still be willing to go with me?"

Tang Tianxiao clicked his tongue and complained, "In the imperial court, where could there be any outside men? I found it quite dull after seeing you leave, and reminiscing about the time spent with Noble Consort Ning in the Jingyi Courtyard, I ordered the eunuch to tidy up this place and quietly summoned Noble Consort Ning over.

My body stiffened, and I immediately fell silent

I nodded immediately and replied in succession, "Alright, alright, I just want to be with you"

I was so nervous that my legs went weak. When I finally saw the empty curtain, I no longer knew whether it was disappointment or surprise. I could no longer stand, and my body sank down into Tang Tianxiao's arms.

He smiled lightly and walked out as if nothing had happened, the earlier anger having completely dissipated

Bilan

In fact, I have not dared to indulge in such a luxurious dream for a long time, which makes it difficult for me to accept that he could appear in reality so suddenly

The night breeze surged in through the open window, causing the already disheveled fragments of the curtain to flutter as if about to rise.

The long lantern was suddenly extinguished by the howling wind, yet the sparks produced when the weapons clashed were particularly dazzling

Ke Zhuang Bilan unexpectedly accomplished the impossible

But with a loud "bang," the bedroom door was kicked open, and the sound of hurried footsteps entered.

Perhaps I am no longer the original, graceful, and intelligent Ning Qingwu, but I can at least be certain that his feelings for me remain steadfast, just as they were three years ago, unwavering and not diminished by the grievances of family and country

That long-lost joy of stepping into the clouds seems to bridge the three years of separation, bringing us so close that we can almost hear the carefree laughter of the young men and women by the lotus pond

Jiu'er suddenly realized, hurriedly agreed, and rushed out

Although my voice was weak, Tang Tianxiao still heard it. Her phoenix eyes narrowed into a line, fixating on me intently, while her hand exerted more force, gripping my arm tightly as if she intended to crush my bones mercilessly.

As I raised my tearful eyes, I distinctly saw that pair of bright eyes under the dim palace lights. They were less impulsive and flamboyant than in youth, yet more refined and gentle, like jade polished by the passage of time, but the same unwavering and devoted love remained.

He came and then left

The soft, delicate lips leave not only a slight moisture on the skin, but also a delightful intoxication and tingling sensation

I have always hoped that Tang Tianxiao would appear, even if filled with resentment, to unleash his anger in Yiqing Palace

I shivered for a moment, and suddenly became acutely aware that he was the emperor of the Great Zhou. Even though he was determined to protect me, he still had to prioritize the interests of the Great Zhou above all else.

From now on, I only wish to be with you, through life and death.

Jiu'er took a step back, weakly leaning against the door frame, and said softly: "I'm afraid... I'm afraid we won't be able to leave either. It should be at the door by now!"

To meet without reason is difficult to achieve, even with great effort. If there was no fate in a past life, let us wait to reunite in the next life, with hopes for a future together

The sound of hurried footsteps approached the hall, and Tang Tianxiao glanced outside, gesturing to Jiu'er, who stood dazedly to the side: "Aren't you going to stop them?"

Meanwhile, the faint sounds of revelry and commands from outside the palace were clearly coming from a large group that had yet to enter the palace grounds

Jiu'er is my maid, and among them, there will always be someone who knows her. Even if they come to arrest someone only after hearing some concrete news, they will still carefully consider whether what Jiu'er said has any possibility of being true

My heart is in a flutter, allowing him to be affectionate and intimate with me, responding with utmost tenderness, surrendering my body and mind to the intoxication of his caresses, my thoughts gradually becoming elusive

His gaze was also fixed behind the heavy curtains

"Indeed, it is my Mu'er..." he sighed, "Before I saw you, I was always worried..."

The slanted, radiant phoenix eyes shine brightly, and the fluttering cuffs adorned with golden embroidery depict a soaring dragon eager to take flight; this is none other than the current sovereign of the Great Zhou, Emperor Tang Tianxiao

Slightly raising my head, I saw him rolling his throat, the corners of his lips spreading into a lazy smile. He chuckled softly in my ear, "Girl, do you want to act as a shield to ensure his safe departure? You are too good to him, yet he seems to care little for you!"

At this moment, Shen Fengyi's expression was quite remarkable; she had reined in the imposing demeanor of seeking accountability, yet she could not momentarily relax her tense face. Her thick lips parted for quite a while before she managed to utter a few words, having even forgotten to bow.

Tang Tianxiao smiled and said, "If it is sent by me, then am I not taking unnecessary risks, making a fool of myself?"

The person brought by Shen Fengyi surrounded the courtyard so tightly that not even a drop of water could leak through. Tang Tianxiao had no choice but to muster his spirits to deal with his plague goddess empress, neglecting the fact that Zhuang Bilian was hiding just a short distance away. She managed to use her family's inherited skills to quietly open the window and slip away unnoticed

In front of Shen Fengyi and so many palace attendants, Tang Tianxiao took two steps forward in disarray, fastening his belt while tugging at the creases of his garment, and sighed: "Fengyi, what is this commotion about? I saw you were going for a stroll in the garden, so I took the opportunity to come and see Ning Zhaoyi, yet you are making such a fuss..."

Shen Fengyi had probably maintained the demeanor of a refined young lady since childhood, and she was equally unaccustomed to his unabashed flirting in public. Without taking the time to scrutinize the situation closely, she took a hesitant step back and said, "It seems... these servants have truly made a mistake!"

Tang Tianxiao's long hair fluttered before his taut and handsome cheek, and his cold tone gradually spread: "Convey my secret decree, immediately seal the palace gates, and conduct a thorough investigation of all guards on duty, ensuring that the spies are uncovered"

Suddenly, my heart tightened, and I grasped his collar tightly, calling out sharply: "Bilan, don't leave me! Take me with you, or..."

Three years is sufficient

I even had to hope that he would distance himself from me, further away, as quickly as possible, to escape to a place beyond Tang Tianxiao's reach.

Not only I and Tang Tianxiao, but even the maidservants of the Yiqing Palace sensed the undercurrents.

Like countless tranquil and uneventful long nights spent in the depths of the palace, the surroundings are very quiet, with the rustling of the wind through the treetops clearly audible. In the distance, in the lotus pond that passes in front of the De Shou Palace, the noisy and intricate croaking of frogs merges into a desolate expanse, surging like a tide in the ears.

Zhuang Bilian's porcelain-like face was also tinged with a blush. She turned her head away from me and gently sighed, "Wu'er, I should not have allowed you to suffer such grievances... It was Empress Dowager Du... who wronged you and wronged me."

I remained kneeling in the same place, anxiously listening to the sounds coming from the direction of Zhuang Bilian, while nervously glancing at Tang Tianxiao

Outside the courtyard, there was a moment of silence, followed by whispers that rippled like water.

The noise from outside grew closer, and chaotic footsteps rushed into the courtyard. The torches illuminated the window paper in front and behind, clearly indicating that the surroundings had been surrounded. However, Tang Tianxiao stood alone facing Zhuang Bilan, the son of the renowned general of the Southern Dynasties. Any misstep would be tantamount to delivering himself into the jaws of a tiger

The freshly embroidered sachet is gently falling onto the scattered garments, releasing waves of fragrance. The exquisitely stitched twin lotus flowers, under the faint light, appear in a delicate pink, resembling a pair of perfect partners holding hands, their smiles radiating the essence of spring.

I felt a wave of panic and shortness of breath, so tense that I could hardly breathe, and in a hoarse voice, I called out softly: "Bilan?"

For three whole years, my heart has been as dead as ashes. I had long ceased to hope for the revival of the old dreams of the Lotus Pond from those years. I even dared not to fantasize in my dreams that there would come a day when I could hold hands with Zhuang Bilian and share our innermost feelings with each other.

I deduced his actions, sighed in relief, yet my heart felt as if it were filled with something, a corrosive pain, leaving me unable to discern whether it was hope or despair

Tang Tianxiao furrowed his brow, then suddenly grabbed me, removed the helmet from my head, and quickly hid it under the brocade quilt. He then swiftly unfastened his own belt and hissed at me, "If you don't want to die, quickly change out of this outfit!"

The palace maid hurriedly responded, and Shen Fengyi could not stand any longer, so she could only perform a bow and hastily take her leave

Tang Tianxiao narrowed her phoenix eyes, then raised her head, slowly standing up from my side. Her captivating gaze shifted to a lazy surprise mixed with amusement, "Feng Yi?"

He gently twisted the sachet, his eyes sparkling, momentarily unable to discern whether it was joy or sadness, yet the corners of his lips curved slightly, a faint smile. After donning male attire, he slowly draped it over me and said in a deep, measured tone: "I will not fail you. Moreover, I have never failed you."

Tang Tianxiao had clearly made arrangements before coming over. Just as Empress Shen's people had left, light and swift footsteps could be heard from outside. His trusted servant was quickly sealing off the doors and windows of the bedroom, ensuring that Zhuang Bilian would have no way to escape.

Indeed, tonight Tang Tianxiao was supposed to be in the gentle embrace of the Empress in Xiqing Palace, which is also the reason I dared to sneak over to meet Zhuang Bilan without any reservations

With a hint of uncertainty in my question, I merely wish to confirm whether he has truly left behind the curtain.

I also know that if Shen Fengyi sees this prepared escape attire of a guard, even Tang Tianxiao may not be able to protect me. He is well aware that the Zhuang family has always been an enemy, whether in the Southern Chu of that year or in the current Great Zhou, yet he hurried over to rescue me. Regardless of his motives, this cooperation is essential at this moment

Reluctantly, you leave me once again, yet once more shattering that gentle illusion, allowing me to awaken anew amidst the pain, while hoping that this pain will soon dissipate, so that my spirit may once again become numb

Zhuang Bilian no longer hesitated, gently tapped my hand, and swiftly moved behind the curtain that was sufficient to conceal her figure with her sword in hand

Tang Tianxiao was clearly also paying attention to the movements outside the house. Although we were huddled together under the brocade quilt in disheveled clothing, with our breaths clearly audible to each other, his thoughts were not focused on the warm and fragrant embrace before him.

Suddenly, I let out a sigh of relief

Under the dim light of the long lantern, Jiu'er's face turned pale as she nervously twisted her sleeves, her teeth chattering with fear as she replied: "No... I... I don't know. There are... many people, running this way quickly with lanterns!"

Zhuang Bilian frowned and said, "The people outside... are they not sent by the Emperor"

I felt a pang in my nose, and tears nearly fell again. I hurriedly sniffed and held them back, just like in my youth, wrapping my arm around his. I softly said: "I am your wife, so naturally I will go with you."

Lowering my gaze, I carefully fastened the fragrant pouch at his waist

Zhuang Bilian? Young Master Zhuang?

In times of chaos and turmoil, Jiaozhou is merely a corner of refuge. Once the Central Plains stabilize, the calamity of war may be imminent. Who can guarantee a lifetime of peace and security for anyone?

This night was destined to be a sleepless one

As soon as the words fell, the door of the main hall, slightly ajar, creaked open with a sound, and swift footsteps could be heard approaching.

Now that Tang Tianxiao has subdued me, given his previous temperament, it is absolutely impossible for him to remain hidden in the shadows, calm and unperturbed.

He does not know what risks he has taken to stand before me, yet he still feels so anxious for my sake, worried that he may not be able to grant me happiness and peace.

I do not want him to blame himself, nor do I want him to misunderstand me as frivolous. I approached him, gently lifted the silk sleeve, and with a flushed face said: "I am not wronged. What Tang Tianxiao likes is the Lady of the Kang Marquis, Nan Yayi, who was married back by Tang Tianzhong. I am merely a pawn in his revenge against his cousin for taking away what he loves. This young emperor is not too bad; at least he will not bully the good sister of the one he loves."

However, there was an emptiness behind him, with no guards or eunuchs accompanying him

Summer has arrived, and the clothing is as thin as a cicada's wings, yet I can no longer bear to have him leave my sight. Moreover, I will eventually belong to him, so I do not shy away, blushing as I accept the court guard attire he hands to me

Let him not abandon me, but in the end, he has no choice but to leave me

I gasped in pain, suppressing my voice, and silently lowered my head

The person moved with remarkable agility, their wide sleeves swirling, as a faint light streaked by, swiftly clashing against Zhuang Bilian's sword blade

After how many years of muddled existence did my mind begin to stir, allowing me to vaguely recall that in the months following the delivery of the letter, Empress Dowager Du seemed particularly concerned about me, frequently inquiring about my well-being, yet her gaze was somewhat flickering and uneasy

He sniffed his nose, leaned closer to Shen Fengyi, lowered his voice, and joked: "Isn't this jealousy a bit too much? You ignore me and don't allow me to seek other concubines? Look, you even brought so many people in! Fortunately, I have a bold heart; if I were a bit more timid, a scare like this would..."

Behind the heavy curtains, there was not a sound, while Tang Tianxiao stood silently at the door, pursing his lips in a daze. The earlier lazy smile directed at the Empress had vanished without a trace, and the slightly turned profile of his face appeared resolute and somber, inadvertently exuding an air of coldness.

I am tired

I am deeply concerned for Zhuang Bilian, and I imagine she is also worried about her cousin who serves in the palace. Moreover, it was she who led me out; if someone were to seriously investigate, it would be a capital offense from which there would be no escape.

Leaning closely against him, I replied without hesitation: "Alright!"

The back of my hand still holds the warmth of his palm, the tip of my nose feels his warm breath, yet he seems to have vanished in an instant into the depths of the heavy curtains

Ning Shuang, Qin Yue, and Wu Shuang, my close maidservants, were quite anxious. While assisting me with changing clothes, they inquired about what had happened. Seeing that I was lazily unresponsive, they took Jiu Er to the outer room to quietly ask about it, all wearing expressions of worry and concern. However, it was difficult to discern who among them might be secretly reporting my whereabouts to Tang Tianxiao.

I immediately understood the meaning of this "injustice," and I no longer knew to what deplorable extent the matter between me and the Tang brothers had been spread throughout the court and the common people.

Zhuang Bilian released her embrace, cupped my face, kissed my forehead, and said softly: "Then, come with me to Jiaozhou!"

Tang Tianxiao's apricot-colored everyday robe was cast in a grayish shadow under the flickering light, while the golden embroidered dragon pattern, which was not easily noticeable in the sunlight during the day, appeared particularly vivid, revealing the fierce and proud gaze of the dragon's head.

Tang Tianxiao pointed to the dim curtains behind the bed and urged softly, "If Young Master Zhuang does not wish to disturb Qingwu, please step aside!"

In such a situation, what is the likelihood of Zhuang Bilian successfully escaping?

He lowered his gaze and quietly looked at me, filled with both pity and pain, "Tang Tianzhong is arrogant and overbearing, Tang Tianxiao is a good-for-nothing dandy, and I am caught in between them... I have wronged you!"

Jiu'er was also looking at me with fear and trepidation, and upon seeing this situation, hurriedly came over to help me out the door

Her clear eyes, which were originally tinged with a hint of worry, instantly sparkled like stars, and even the gentle smile at the corners of her lips rippled outward, making his already exceptionally handsome features appear even more radiant.

Surrounded by formidable enemies, he had no choice but to escape quietly, leaving me behind

"Impossible!" Tang Tianxiao murmured to himself, a flicker of confusion and anger passing through his eyes. "It seems I have underestimated him!"

After all, there is only one head on the neck; unless absolutely necessary, no one is willing to take the risk of moving this head.

He did not mention what he was worried about, but abruptly pulled me back into the bedroom, opened a package on the table, and said in a low voice: "Come here quickly, change into this set of guard uniform, and come with me immediately!"

I instinctively let out a cry, stepping forward to grasp his garment, but I ended up grabbing nothing.

He probably just wants to put on a good show in front of Shen Fengyi, right

Indeed, regarding the song "Bu Suan Zi," even until today, upon seeing that line of poetry on the silk scarf, I have been speculating whether it was never delivered to him at all, or if he refrained from responding due to deep-seated enmity.

This is sufficient

Considering that the palace guards led by Shen Fengyi are all men, it is not appropriate for them to rush into the Jingyi Courtyard. Most of them are surrounding the courtyard. Even if someone is inside the courtyard, with Zhuang Bilian's martial arts skills, it should not be too difficult to leave the dark corridor and then hide in the shadows, blending in with the guards to escape when the Empress retreats in a panic.

With icy fingers, I hurriedly unfastened my outer garment and carelessly stuffed it into the quilt, when suddenly a strong force pulled at my waist. Before I could comprehend what was happening, I found myself rolling onto the bed with Tang Tianxiao amidst low exclamations of surprise

But as soon as I moved, Tang Tianxiao swiftly darted to my side, seized my arm, and pulled it back, easily pinning me in place with his grip.

His face was mostly obscured by the strands of hair falling over his forehead, and in the dim shadows cast by the long lantern, his expression was indiscernible, save for a pair of eyes that shone with a chilling light in the subdued illumination

He chuckled lightly, revealing Zhuang Bilian's identity in a single remark, and slowly sheathed his short sword, concealing it back into his sleeve

Remember, I want to stay alive

Knowing it was inappropriate, I still took two steps in his direction before stopping, turning back to glance at Tang Tianxiao

Zhuang Bilian and his son command a significant military presence in Jiaozhou, echoing the North He. Although they do not harbor intentions to confront the Great Zhou, they are undoubtedly a thorn in its side and a source of concern.

Then, I heard Zhuang Bilian suppressing her sobs with a light laugh, "If this is a dream, Wuer, will you accompany me to continue this dream, alright"

If it were in the past, he should have rushed out at the first moment without waiting for me to find him, protecting me behind him and doing his utmost to take me away

At that moment when the dragon's head swayed lightly, I took a deep breath, suddenly stood up, and was about to rush towards Zhuang Bilian's hiding place

Indeed, life and death are inseparable

Whether it is due to guilt towards Nanya or because I am a useful pawn to restrain Tang Tianzhong, Tang Tianxiao indeed does not want me to come to harm, yet he absolutely wants to eliminate Zhuang Bilan. I can only hope that the feelings I share with Tang Tianxiao on a daily basis can become a factor he must consider when making decisions, making him cautious, and perhaps allowing Zhuang Bilan to escape unscathed

The people outside suddenly fell silent, accompanied by the somewhat familiar scolding of a woman, along with the vague urging of Shen Fengyi, who was growing impatient

Especially thinking of Zhuang Bilian watching from not far away, I could not help but feel both ashamed and embarrassed, nearly brought to tears

Tang Tianxiao gritted his teeth, yet affectionately tapped her forehead with his finger. The radiant light in his eyes made it impossible to discern whether he was scolding her or indulging her

If it were changed to the previous one

At a glance, she caught sight of the overlapping figures in the bedchamber, and Shen Fengyi's imposing voice resounded: "Come here, seize this pair of debauched adulterers who have disrupted the harem!"

The palace servants behind her suddenly knelt down in a flurry, lowering their heads and daring not to look at the enchanting scene by the bedside

I dare not look at his face, but can only gaze foolishly at the elegant silhouette of him cast by the light on the wall

I cannot imagine how bleak it would be for him to receive news of my death, he asked in a low voice: "So... how did you find out later... that I was still alive?"

In such a short time, can Zhuang Bilan manage to escape

Tang Tianxiao's lips were still curled up, her phoenix eyes reflecting the flickering lights, as she smirked and sighed: "Girl, do you really want to be inseparable from him, to create a fragrant pool of lotus blossoms in full bloom? Then do not blame me for not having warned you; if the crime of consorting with an outsider is confirmed, with the Empress involved, you and your Young Master Zhuang might not even be left with a bone to spare!"

After I was sent back to the palace, there were guards stationed outside, claiming it was the emperor's decree that Ning Zhaoyi had been startled at night and should not be disturbed again, thus not allowing anyone to enter or exit

Zhuang Bilian did not sheathe her sword; she merely pointed the tip downward and slightly bowed to him, saying softly: "Your Majesty, with your esteemed position, do you not fear that it is disrespectful to tread upon dangerous ground?"

Tang Tianxiao finally released his hand, as if letting out a low sigh. He turned his head and instructed, "Someone, escort Ning Zhaoyi back to Yiqing Palace. I still want to play for a while longer... it seems quite interesting."

I cannot fathom what this young emperor, who is of a similar age to mine, is thinking. Clenching my fists, I dragged my weary steps forward, inching my way out.

It should be Shen Fengyi who personally came with her close maidservant

Tang Tianxiao impatiently said: "I see that you have drunk a couple more cups, and that is why you believe in these slanderous words!"

Even though I guessed it to be this way, when the warmth of his body came so closely through the thin clothing separating us, I could not help but tremble slightly. I made an effort to raise my arm, trying to create a barrier between us that might be utterly futile.

Zhuang Bilian gazed at the cobwebs filling the beams and sighed: "At that time, I thought to myself, you clearly know... that my father is my only remaining relative, and I cannot abandon him to follow you. Yet you are so careless about your own well-being; I truly resent you for this. Even if one is wronged by others, one should endure humiliation for a time. How could one easily throw away their own life? You were not truly ill, yet I suffered for two or three months, my heart filled with... all I remember is my Wuer, who has been lively by my side since childhood, playing the qin and flute with me, writing poetry and painting. You were not truly ill, yet I suffered for two or three months, my heart filled with... all I remember is my Wuer, who has been lively by my side since childhood, playing the qin and flute with me, writing poetry and painting..."

As Jiu'er hurriedly approached with anxious footsteps, Zhuang Bilan had no choice but to reluctantly release me, yet she still held me tightly, frowning as she gazed towards the door.

You did not reply to me. I thought... you resented me

A drop of warmth suddenly fell into the palm, causing a sharp pang in the heart.

I smiled brightly, quickly pulled out a few hairpins from my hairline, let down my long hair, took the opportunity to wipe away the tears in my eyes, and then proceeded to remove my outer garment and skirt

He turned to the palace attendants and shouted: "Why haven't you sent the Empress back to Xiqing Palace? Have the imperial physician prepare a remedy for her to sober up!"