Chapter One Hundred and One: Three Feet of Green Silk

  Darkness descended upon the vast land, Qing Xia wore a long cloak, standing in the military camp, her head raised, only feeling the cold wind blowing past her body, like a drowning person, feeling icy cold to the bone.

  For Xilin Chen, she always couldn't make clear what kind of feelings she had.

  Pity? Guilt? Or perhaps, forgiveness?

  If it is forgiveness, then who is being forgiven?

  After leaving Nan Chu, she always forced herself not to think about anything related to Chu Li, even if she occasionally heard news about him, she would pretend to be nonchalant and quickly suppress all her thoughts deep in her heart. She had thought that she should hate him for deceiving her, using her, and playing her like a fool. But why was it that when midnight came and she saw his aged face and blood-stained clothes in her dreams, she still felt an unbearable pain? Was it really just a foolish infatuation, treating someone who didn't care about her as her own family?

  From a certain perspective, she understands Chu Li and is aware of his actions, having taken into account her own feelings to the greatest extent. Having seen many politicians' unscrupulous means, Chu Li's repeated consideration for herself seems foolish from a political standpoint. If in a modern military lecture hall, the instructor would certainly criticize this king for not being decisive enough. At that time, putting aside purely political factors, he was also a person, a flesh-and-blood person living in the world, and as a person, how could he completely abandon emotions and face each thing without any feelings?

  Qing Xia thought, perhaps it was because she hadn't put her relationship with Chu Li right. If they were just friends, or unrelated people, being on guard against each other was normal. She had worked for the country for so many years, wasn't she easily abandoned? Then why blame Chu Li for keeping everything from her and pushing her out?

  Or maybe, I still had high hopes for Chu Li, naively thinking that I should be different, thinking that he should trust me, thinking that the people I valued should also be valued by him, thinking that my thoughts should be recognized by him. That's why, when the truth arrived, there was such pain and despair, such heartache and regret.

  People always have high hopes for those they like, but are more lenient towards friends. So, is it to say that at that time in the Nan Chu military camp, she had unknowingly developed feelings for that man who repeatedly clashed with her?

  Otherwise, why would I repeatedly plan for him, why would I risk my life to help him out every time, why would I disregard my own life and death to rescue him in the desert, why would I abandon Qin's flames and follow him back, and how could I leave him after knowing everything and be heartbroken and desperate to flee to a distant land?

  Love, perhaps always comes quietly and unexpectedly, Qing Xia can't tell whether it was on the hunting ground in the desert, or on the luxurious big bed of the southern Xinjiang witch, or on the night when she first saw Mrs. Zhu Lan, or on that earlier night when she left the desolate wilderness of Nan Chu Sheng Du?

  But no matter when, this feeling was brutally crushed at the moment of its emergence. Those passionate emotions and unrealistic fantasies died abruptly in the North Camp of South Chu. In that bloody coup that shook the entire power system of South Chu, it turned to ashes.

  But despite this, she still unconsciously took on Chu Li's guilt, repeatedly saving Xi Lin Chen, was it really just because of the helplessness of being unable to save Xi Lin Yu Qiao?

  Qing Xia slightly shook her head and smiled bitterly, never thinking that she would one day be so troubled for a man.

  Facing one's own heart is actually a very correct approach, it can make oneself clear his mind and thinking, think clearly what road to take next, and how to face old acquaintances. She has been hiding in that small village in the north for too long as an ostrich, now it's time to recognize reality.

  Xilin Chen and Chuli will inevitably clash one day, with one side bound to fail and get hurt. Although Xilin Chen's chances of winning are slim, this child has a deep mind and is hiding his true abilities, so he may still have the opportunity to turn the tables and make a surprise attack. But can she stop these things from happening? Everyone has their own path to follow and responsibilities to bear, and as the only heir of the Xilin family, it's only natural for Xilin Chen to seek revenge for her loved ones. Chuli's hands are stained with blood, and being targeted for assassination is a common occurrence for him; whether he can escape with his life depends on his abilities. Why must she intervene in other people's affairs?

  Sometimes being selfish is not necessarily a bad way of dealing with people.

  Thinking of this, Qing Xia smiled faintly and reluctantly turned to walk towards her own camp. In the past, her circle of life was very narrow, and apart from missions, it was all training. She could master dozens of ways to kill people without a trace, but she didn't have good interpersonal skills. Nobody is perfect, when you gain something, you always need to give up something else, this might be her true self now.

  Just as he was about to lift the curtain of his tent, he suddenly found a commotion on the side of the central army's large tent. Two military doctors with medicine boxes on their backs rushed over in big strides, looking very anxious and flustered.

  Qing Xia furrowed her brow and slowly leaned in.

  The two little soldiers guarding the gate saw Qing Xia and hastily stretched out their hands to block her way: "Miss, His Highness has given orders that no one is allowed in, regardless of who it is."

  Qing Xia raised an eyebrow and asked in return: "Am I a person from your military?"

  Two little soldiers stared blankly at each other, clearly not expecting to encounter such a situation. They mumbled for a while but didn't say a word.

  Qing Xia glanced at them and was about to walk in, but the soldier who had spoken earlier stepped forward, blocking her way. "Miss, no one is allowed in! The prince has given orders that no one can enter."

  Qing Xia nodded and smiled faintly: "Alright, you go in and let me know."

  "Without being summoned by Your Highness, I dare not enter the grand tent on my own."

  "Alright, then you tell me, how can I get in."

  The soldier thought for a moment and said in a low voice: "As long as Your Highness summons the young lady, she can naturally enter."

  "What else?"

  "Unless I die, no one can set foot in this camp..."

  With a flash, Qing Xia's hand knife slashed onto the young soldier's neck. Before he could finish speaking, his body went limp and fell to the ground. Another soldier was stunned, unable to believe what had just happened. Just as he was about to speak, Qing Xia struck again like lightning, using the same method to make this soldier also fall to the ground.

  A hand lifted the curtain, and inside the large tent was steaming hot, like a huge steamer. Only a large copper stove stood upright in the middle of the camp, already burning bright red. A faint voice came from inside, Qing Xia slowly approached, only to hear an old voice say in a low tone: "Your Highness, this medicine must not be taken in excess. Four days ago, you were diagnosed with a general condition and then forced to lead the troops to fight against the people of White Deer Fortress, which has already injured your internal organs. If you take too much medicine, something big will happen sooner or later."

  Another slightly younger voice said: "Your Highness, Mr. Cang Xu is right, this is already the third time this year. If there is such a large amount of bleeding again, even if the descendant of Shangqiu's family comes to life, I'm afraid it will be too late."

  "I understand." Qin Zhiyan's thick and mellow voice suddenly sounded, but this voice at the moment seemed so tired and weak, just like he had just been seriously ill. He only heard him cough twice, and said in a low voice: "Trouble you two gentlemen."

  "Alas, I've said it before, Your Highness. If you were to cast aside all worldly concerns and rest quietly, without exerting your mind or body, you might still have six or seven years of life left. But with the way you're neglecting your health, I..."

  "No need to say more, sir. I've disturbed the two gentlemen's peaceful rest, and for that, I'm truly sorry. Han Zhou, please escort the two gentlemen out."

  "Yes!"

  "Alas," said the old man with a sigh, "Your Highness should rest early, I'll take my leave first."

  "Go slowly, sir."

  Qing Xia saw them about to come out, just thinking of turning around and leaving, who would have thought that the young guard named Han Zhou was extremely alert, suddenly rushing out from the inner room, drawing his sword from his waist, and fiercely attacking Qing Xia, shouting: "Who are you?"

  "It's me!" Qing Xia dodged swiftly and said hastily.

  "Miss?" Han Zhou was taken aback, standing still on the spot, and somewhat awkwardly turned his head to look towards the inner room, apparently also knowing that this girl who suddenly appeared in the military camp had a profound significance for her master.

  "Han Zhou, you all go out first." Qin Zhiyan's voice faintly sounded, and surprisingly swept away the previous weakness, becoming clear and loud.

  Two old doctors looked at Qing Xia with suspicious eyes under Han Zhou's accompaniment and slowly backed out.

  Qing Xia stood in the front hall and, seeing that there was no sound from inside for a long time, softly said: "Qin Zhiyan, are you in there?"

  As soon as the words came out, I wanted to slap myself hard. Just after listening to him speak, I asked such a stupid question, it's really getting dumber and dumber.

  "Hmm," Qin Zhiyan's voice slowly rose, surprisingly calm, he said in a low tone: "Yima, it's so late, what brings you to find me?"

  "Oh, nothing, I just saw a doctor entering your tent and wondered if you were okay."

  Qin's voice was low and husky as he said, "It's an old illness, nothing serious. If you don't mind, could you leave first? I'm very tired and want to rest."

  "Oh." Qing Xia replied gloomily, feeling somewhat displeased in her heart. She had come to take a look with good intentions, but the other person not only didn't appreciate it, and seemed to be blaming her for being nosy. She turned around, thinking of leaving, when suddenly she heard a low, suppressed coughing sound coming from inside. The voice was weak, but Qing Xia still heard it clearly. Qing Xia furrowed her brow, lifted the curtain with one hand, made a show of walking out with her feet, and then heavily swung the thick curtain shut once more.

  Inside the big tent it was still as quiet as death, Qing Xia pricked up her ears, held her breath, and felt that even all the hairs on her body were tense.

  Just then, a heavy coughing sound suddenly rang out, accompanied by great pain, just like a late-stage tuberculosis patient. Qing Xia didn't think twice and rushed two steps into the inner room.

  Qin's flames wore a pure white long shirt, leaning against the bed, his clothes stained with blood, his face pale, his black hair scattered on his shoulders, hearing the sound slightly turned his head, seeing Qing Xia didn't say anything, just slowly shook his head, coughing and getting up, walking towards a small table nearby.

  Qing Xia saw him and hurried over, picked up a teacup from the small table, hastily poured a cup of tea, and handed it to Qin Zhiyan.

  This wasn't a clear tea, but rather a bitter taste similar to Huang Lian, with a hint of herbal fragrance. Qin Zhiyan took a sip and felt slightly relieved, his cough subsiding, finally calming down. He turned around to look at Qing Xia, just in time to meet her tense gaze. Although he knew she had intentionally deceived him earlier, he couldn't bring himself to say a word of blame. Instead, he shook his head slightly and said softly, "Mischievous."

  Qing Xia was taken aback, and his cheeks actually flushed with a hint of redness. He supported Qin's hand, letting him sit slowly on the bed, then ran over to pour another cup of tea and brought it back to offer to Qin, saying: "Would you like some more?"

  Qin's flames faintly shook his head, sat on the couch with a tired expression, his face pale as paper, black hair hanging down to cover half of his face, only revealing a chin.

  Qing Xia stood aside, holding the cup of tea, looking at Qin Zhiyan with some embarrassment, seeing that his clothes were stained with blood. She quickly ran to the cabinet and rummaged through it, finally finding a plain blue cotton undershirt. She hastily ran back and handed it to Qin Zhiyan, saying softly: "Qin Zhiyan, change your clothes."

  Qin's flames slowly raised his head, good-looking Danfeng eyes with a hint of smile looked at Qing Xia, the corner of his mouth twitched, and he smiled slightly.

  Qing Xia was laughed at by him and felt quite embarrassed, rarely seen childish expression also appeared on her face, she pouted lightly and bit her lip saying: "Are you going to change or not?"

  Qin Zhiyan smiled and stood up, opening his arms wide in a gesture that let Qing Xia help him change clothes.

  Qing Xia slightly stunned, then put down the clothes in her hand and stretched out to unbutton Qin Zhiyan's shirt.

  A large patch of bright red blood splattered on his snow-white collar, like a blooming flower. Qing Xia's slender and white fingers swept across the warm **, as if she could still smell the pungent smell.

  Qin's flames were very high, a whole head higher than Qing Xia's. Qing Xia's head could only reach the bottom of his chin, and his fluffy hair occasionally swept across his neck and chin, causing waves of numbness and small goosebumps.

  Qing Xia's hands could hold a knife, hold a gun, control warships, fighter jets and various explosive devices, but at this moment, facing a button, her forehead slowly sweated, and she didn't know if it was because the house was really too hot or if she was really nervous.

  The clothes of the ancients were really hard to take off, Qing Xia had used a lot of strength, but not even one button was undone. She felt a wave of annoyance in her heart, and with a slight effort, she heard a soft "poof" sound. The voice was so light, yet in such a quiet room, it seemed like a stone breaking the calm lake water. Only to see that button suddenly popped out of Qing Xia's hand, fell to the ground, rolled around on the pure cotton rug for a few laps, and then quietly lay there, trapped in the plush of the rug, with only half of its face exposed.

  Qing Xia was taken aback, her eyes widening slightly as she tilted her head back, her small mouth agape in shock, staring blankly at Qin Zhiyan.

  Qin's flames were also stunned, lowering his head to find Qing Xia's astonished expression, looking at her half-raised hand, and foolishly staring at himself with a bewildered expression. A hint of smile suddenly slipped from his eyes, he turned his head, looking up from below, only to see his gentle outline and the hidden smile at the corner of his mouth.

  Qing Xia was getting angry, her hand half-pressed on Qin Zhiyan's chest, so she could feel the faint smile hidden beneath his slightly raised chest. She angrily exerted a bit of force and gave Qin Zhiyan's chest a gentle push.

  A sudden, violent coughing fit erupted, and Qin Zhiyan was laughing so hard that he choked. Qing Xia was shocked and quickly supported him, patting his back urgently, but Qin Zhiyan's coughing didn't subside at all, instead it grew more severe. He bent over, looking like he was in great pain. Qing Xia panicked, her eyes welling up with tears, regretting what she had done and wanting to run out of the tent, but Qin Zhiyan tightly grasped her wrist, and she didn't dare struggle free, only staring at him anxiously as she continued to pat his back.

  "Don't be afraid." Qin Zhiyan finally stopped, his face pale, but he still smiled weakly at Qing Xia and patted her little head, comforting her: "It's okay."

  Qing Xia pursed her lips, looking at him with an inexplicable feeling of distress that almost brought tears to her eyes. She lowered her head and continued to unbutton his clothes in silence. With the first button undone, the rest became much easier, and soon she had unfastened a row of buttons, leaving only the two toggle buttons on his collar. Qing Xia tiptoed up, raised her hands, and felt Qin Zhiyan's warm breath on her forehead. The faint scent on his body was like a sedative that gradually calmed her thoughts. Her fingers moved nimbly, like butterfly wings, unfastening the tie, the buttons on his collar, and the sable fur trim around his neck, which she slowly placed on the bed beside them.

  Qing Xia went around to the back of Qin Zhiyan's body, took off the outer layer of his clothes, then reached out from behind and wrapped his arms around Qin Zhiyan's body, unbuttoned the front of his shirt, and took off another layer of clothing.

  Qin Zhiyan's body gradually emerged under the flickering candlelight, Qing Xia felt a little embarrassed, she didn't know what was wrong with her, she had never been a naive and innocent girl, in modern times, for the sake of the mission, that kind of experience wasn't just once or twice, but now, just seeing Qin Zhiyan's bare upper body made her face feel hot, almost as if she didn't dare to lift her head.

  Qin Zhiyan was very thin, but not as thin as he had imagined himself to be. Perhaps due to his martial arts training, his physique was solid and muscular, with a clear definition of muscles, tall and powerful. Yet, unlike the average martial artist, he didn't have an exaggerated or showy demeanor, instead exuding a calm and elegant air. His skin was pale, almost translucent like ivory, likely due to his illness. Qing Xia had previously thought that Qin Zhiyan must be as thin as a skeleton, but upon seeing him in person, she found that beneath his clothes, he still maintained the same dignified and extraordinary aura as his appearance suggested.

  "Emma."

  Qin Zhiyan's voice suddenly rang out, interrupting Qingxia's thoughts and her blank stare. Qingxia was startled and subconsciously said: "Huh? What is it?"

  "Hmm," Qin Zhiyan hesitated slightly, seemingly finding it hard to get the words out. After a moment's thought, he cleared his throat lightly and said slowly: "I'm a bit cold."

  Qing Xia's face was as red as it could get. She hastily picked up the clean robe and put it on Qin Zhiyan, then went back to the front and tied a row of buttons for him.

  Perhaps having just gone through a diagnosis, Qin Zhiyan was now very weak, and with just a slight chill, he started coughing lightly. Qing Xia could clearly feel the heavy pressure being suppressed in his chest, and it seemed like there was a huge boulder weighing on his heart. After finally fastening the buttons, she hastily picked up the copper basin from the ground and said to Qin Zhiyan: "I'll go get some hot water." With that, she rushed out.

  Just as the curtain of the large tent was lowered, Qin Zhiyan's coughing sound suddenly erupted, and the long-suppressed voice burst out, accompanied by fragmented pain. Qing Xia held a golden copper basin, leaning against the pillar of the large tent, with tears streaming down her face. The night wind was very cold, cutting like a knife on her face.

  The stars twinkled at the edge of the sky, and the distant mountains were like a wild beast hiding in the darkness, revealing its majestic body. The world was so vast that humans seemed too small.

  After washing with hot water and returning, as soon as she walked into the inner chamber, she saw Qin Zhiyan wearing a cyan long gown, leaning on the bed, quietly waiting for Qing Xia to return.

  Qing Xia looked at him with a smile, calmly washed a snow-white towel that was still emitting thick heat, walked over and pulled Qin Zhiyan's hand.

  "Yima'er," Qin Zhiyan said lightly, his voice soft and accompanied by a warm smile, "I'll do it myself."

  He reached out to take the handkerchief from Qing Xia's hand, but Qing Xia didn't let go. She stubbornly grasped the small piece of cotton cloth, her big black and white eyes staring blankly at him. Qin Zhiyan was taken aback, looked at Qing Xia, and finally slowly released his hand.

  Qing Xia half-knelt on the ground, looking up at him with a warm towel wiping Qin Zhiyan's neck, cheeks, straight nose, and pale bloodless lips. Then he put down the towel, took off his shoes, climbed onto the bed, knelt behind him, and stood up his scattered long hair.

  Qin Zhiyan's hair was very good, before Qing Xia always disliked men with long hair, but since coming here, she had unknowingly changed her mind. She held a wooden comb, her snow-white fingers passing through Qin Zhiyan's black hair, the contrast between black and white making it look particularly beautiful. She combed slowly, the air in the room was warm, making one feel drowsy.

  Everything was so quiet, just like the evening when Qing Xia had just woken up. Qin Zhiyan put aside his identity and took care of her with the tenderness of a long-lost relative. Qing Xia thought that Qin Zhiyan should be like the moon, with soft and gentle light, not fierce or harsh. In a sky full of light, you couldn't even see his shadow, but as soon as darkness appeared in her world, he would appear by her side, wrapping her in his gentle light, driving away the night and bringing light to her.

  She combed her hair, tied it up lightly and let it hang down behind her. Qing Xia got dressed, put on her shoes and ran to the front hall. There was a small pot placed over the charcoal fire, simmering away and emitting hot air. Qing Xia opened the lid of the pot, and the steaming hot air rushed out, carrying with it a refreshing fragrance. She ladled out a small bowlful, and hurriedly ran back to the inner chamber, squatting down in front of Qin Zhiyan and saying: "Would you like some? I stewed snow pear, fritillaria, and lotus seeds together, it's very effective for coughs."

  Qin Zhiyan nodded and smiled: "Good."

  Qing Xia's eyes narrowed with joy, half-kneeling in front of him, scooping up a spoonful and placing it at the edge of his mouth, blowing gently before tilting her head back and offering it to Qin Zhiyan's lips, unconsciously making an "ah" sound as she parted her lips.

  Qin Zhiyan cooperated and opened his mouth, eating it in. The entrance was a piece of fragrance. This was prepared when Qing Xia went out to fetch water, came back to wash her face and comb her hair, and simmered for about half an hour, which was just the right time to take it. Qin Zhiyan ate a small bowl in a short while, and Qing Xia put down the bowl with satisfaction, saying happily: "From now on, we will eat this every day."

  Qin Zhiyan was taken aback for a moment, thought for a while, and then lowered his head and said in a soft voice: "Does Yima make it for me to eat every day?"

  "Of course, it's good for your body, take good care of yourself and you'll be fine."

  Qin Zhiyan smiled slightly and shook his head, not saying a word. Qing Xia was taken aback, pouting her mouth as she said: "What are you smiling at? Don't you believe me? Or don't you want to eat?"

  "Yima'er, you're talking about every day from now on?"

  Qing Xia was taken aback and stood there stupidly, holding an empty bowl, unsure of what to say.

  "Yima," Qin Zhiyan gently stroked her hair, smiling faintly as he said: "You don't have to promise me anything or do anything in return. You just need to stay by my side like this and let me see you from time to time. If one day you get bored and want to leave, I won't stop you either."

  "Qin's flame......" Qing Xia's voice was weak and soft as she called out.

  "Not everything in this world can be obtained, some things no matter how hard you try to get them, you still can't get them, so I rarely have a must-get mentality for anything. You don't need to worry about me."

  "What about it?" Qing Xia thought for a moment and asked in a low voice: "What about the throne of Great Qin? Don't you want to get it?"

  Qin's voice was calm and gentle, "Being born into a royal family, there are many things that have already been decided. Even if I had no interest in the throne, I would still need to be able to protect myself. Withdrawing from the battle forever is not the best way to self-preserve, it will only hand over the butcher's knife to others, allowing them to slaughter at will. I am like this, and so is Chu Li. When he eliminated the Western Lin clan, it was a matter of course. If it were me, I would have done the same."

  Qing Xia was taken aback for a moment, and then her eyes widened suddenly.

  Qin's eyes were fixed tightly on Qing Xia, and he said in a low voice: "The White Wolf Tribe's beast language master's child mother Gu is the first strange Gu between heaven and earth. Once entered into the body, it will die, and there is no chance of survival. Chu Li was able to keep his life, so there must be an existence of the seven-killing Gu that can counter the child mother Gu in his body. The seven-killing Gu is a kind of fatal Gu, one mother and seven sons, planted in the five organs and six hollows. When the mother Gu dies, the seven son Gus will definitely die, so it can be considered as a long-range controlled poison. Under the sky, only the child mother Gu can defeat the seven-killing Gu, and only the half-moon lotus on the White Snow Mountain can solve the Gu. I heard that when Chu Li returned to his country, he had been drifting to the west of Lin's house in Heng City, so from that moment on, Chu Li became a puppet of the West Lin family."

  Qing Xia was stunned, she suddenly remembered the words of Xi Lin Yuqiao two years ago in Beiying, when she cried and lay in Xi Lin Yu's arms, shouting why everything had changed since Bai Xue returned. The half-moon lotus given to her by Xi Lin Chen echoed again, and she secretly realized that Xi Lin Yuqiao knew that Chu Li was poisoned by the Gu, so he went to Xueshan to find an antidote, but at this time Chu Li had already returned to the imperial city. Chu Li had been controlled by the Xi Lin family for many years, if it wasn't for being accidentally rescued by Bai Lang's beast language master Yu Xi, she might have been controlled for her whole life.

  Thinking of this, I couldn't help but feel a chill in my heart. Yes, she was too naive. She had always seen the enthusiasm and straightforwardness of Xilin Yuqiao, the loyalty and honesty of Xilin Rong, the kindness and benevolence of Xilin Yu, and the loneliness and desolation of Xilin Chen. So she naively thought that the Xilin family was a rare loyal and patriotic family, and believed that Chuli mistakenly killed a loyal minister. But she didn't think that relying solely on loyalty, how could a family stand upright in the complex web of relationships for hundreds of years without falling.

  She smiled bitterly and said to Qin Zhiyan: "Why tell me all this?"

  "You'll find out sooner or later," Qin Zhiyan said. "It's better for me to tell you myself, I don't want to deceive you, I've told you everything, so you can face your own heart fairly and decide where you want to stay."

  Qing Xia's eyes flushed with heat as she spoke softly, "Qin Zhiyan, why are you so good to me? You clearly know what kind of person I am and the kind of past I have, so why are you still treating me this way?"

  "Because I like you," Qin Zhiyan smiled faintly, his face handsome and refined, with a warm glow that couldn't be put into words. "I want to give you the best care, let you live the happiest days, no longer wandering in the chaotic world, but following your own heart's desire, and getting the warmest life."

  Qing Xia slowly lowered her head, kneeling on the thick carpet, and pressed her forehead against Qin Zhiyan's knee. Her long hair cascaded down her slender shoulders, slowly falling to cover her sharp cheekbones. A single tear rolled down, wetting the warm fabric of Qin Zhiyan's pants, leaving a circular stain.

  Qin's palm was slender and long, gently stroking Qing Xia's hair, softly saying: "Yima, you're too tired, should take a rest. Those online gaming industries and power struggles are men's affairs, shouldn't drag you into it. Whether it's Dong Qi, Nan Chu, or the orphan of the Western Lin family, they all have their own paths to follow, just don't bother with them."

  Qing Xia nodded silently, her forehead knocking against Qin Zhiyan's knee, which hurt a bit.

  Qin Zhiyan smiled and patted Qing Xia's back, as if comforting a sulking child.

  The long night is desolate, a vast expanse of bleakness. In two days, they will arrive at White Deer Plain, where the four nations will gather for the grand hunt, and the men who have occupied such a large place in her life will finally assemble together to witness what changes have taken place in her over the past two years.

  On the vast western loess, a strong and bloody wind howled and rolled back. The youngest ruler of the four countries who held the power of heaven would finally unfold their first meeting in their life of wind and clouds.

  The winds of chaos whispered softly, the giant wheel of history turned gently, and in the midst of blood and fire, heroes grew up in the iron cradle. The gods of fate manipulated the chess pieces in their hands, gradually weaving together the trajectory of their future. In the high sky where no one could see, the thread that entwined fate was actually a strand of a woman's three-foot-long black hair.