After Zhong Yu attached the little note in the pigeon's feet, she freed the bird, and the bird flew far away from where she stood.
"May you reach the man in the Longji Mountains." she hushed softly.
Yan Xun arrived at Hong Chuan city, and the people in the town was overjoyed to see their King-to-be.
Yan Xun wearing his battle gear in its dark purple silk, a silver finish inlaid with gold breastplate, his hair like an ink, majestic long red cape, his black boots with hues of gold, his fresh, fierce and handsome face, those sword brows, fiery eyes, gave the Hong Chuan people a strong and stable future to look forward to.
The people cheered, "Long live Prince Yan Xun! Long live!" as he made his way through the bustling streets, filled with excitement and joy.
During the parade, Yan Xun acknowledged the crowd with a formal but not overly stern expression. After the ceremony, he headed straight to his newly built mansion.
Yan Xun cannot brush off the people when he finally settled in his mansion, interested parties flocked together and asked the Prince envoy to give them a chance to meet the Prince and press some concerns.
"A'Jing, go to He Xiao's place right away. It's urgent and can't wait," Yan Xun instructed.
"Yes, Your Highness. I'm on my way," A'Jing replied.
Yan Xun felt relieved, but another servant arrived, asking if there would be time to meet with the Hong Chuan nobles who wanted to consult with him.
Yan Xun signaled that he didn't want to see anyone except He Xiao.
Zhong Yu then entered and said, "Your Highness, the people of Hong Chuan would like to meet you and present gifts from the nobles."
Yan Xun, seeming not to hear, responded, "If A'Jing can't bring He Xiao here, you'll be my last option."
Zhong Yu nodded and said, "Certainly, Your Highness. I'll take care of it."
Unfortunately, He Xiao was difficult to reach. After briefly stopping at his ancestral home, he quickly traveled to Xiuli Mountain to meet Chu Qiao and Viper.
He Xiao was disheartened to learn about Ge Qi's situation. He murmured to himself, "I've lost her again. I hope she finds her way back to Xiuli."
Relying on Viper to help her return to their meeting point, He Xiao stayed the night at Xiuli Mountain. The next day, he traveled to the Meilin border pass to check on his junior and senior officer armies.
He Xiao left Wu Danyu at their headquarters to assist Ge Qi.
When Yan Xun received the news from A'Jing, his anger was real. Clenching his fists, he demanded, "Get out and tell Zhong Yu to bring He Xiao here!"
A'Jing, trying to calm the situation, handed Yan Xun an unopened letter from He Xiao that had been left at the Yan Palace. "He Xiao emphasized that you must read this letter. It might be important," A'Jing said.
Yan Xun, upset and frustrated, took the letter from A'Jing and dismissed him to search for the feather girl.
Unable to sleep, Yan Xun tossed and turned in bed. Eventually, he went to the window and looked out at the moon casting its light over the wetlands of Hong Chuan. The cold night air cut through him like a knife.
Conflicted, Yan Xun wondered why he was so preoccupied with finding He Xiao when he should be focused on preparing for his upcoming wedding. He considered that perhaps reading He Xiao's letter might provide some clarity.
Yan Xun went to his desk, opened He Xiao's letter, and read:
Your Highness,
I hope you don't mistrust Xiuli. I have a revelation but can't share it yet. I will introduce you to her at the right time.
He Xiao, Deputy General
Yan Xun wondered if He Xiao was planning to remarry. After all, He Xiao had no wife or children since his pregnant wife was killed.
The woman He Xiao took from the Yan Palace intrigued Yan Xun more than any battle he had fought. Since then, he had been relentless in his search for He Xiao.
Yan Xun thought that perhaps He Xiao was planning to propose to the woman he had seen by the frozen lake. If so, he wanted to meet her before the marriage.
He considered that he might need to see her one last time before He Xiao's wedding, even if it meant taking her away to find answers in his heart.
Reading the letter made Yan Xun feel more conflicted than ever. He had never experienced such intense emotions, but he remembered only one person who had stirred such feelings before—A'Chu.
Although Yan Xun never openly expressed his feelings to A'Chu, his actions spoke volumes. Their relationship was more than friendship but had not yet become official. They deeply cared for and understood each other, and Yan Xun had planned for A'Chu to become his wife and Queen of Yanbei once he reclaimed the throne. He intended to achieve this on his own terms.
Yan Xun had even carved a jade pendant as a gift for their honeymoon, but their plans were postponed due to the chaos in Yanbei. At that time, he spent most of his days in the military camp with Chu Qiao, who was both his General strategist and a close confidant.
However, the tragedy at the frozen lake shattered these plans. Yan Xun was once again consumed by the pain of seeing Chu Qiao there, causing him deep distress.
The condition is set beforehand.
In the heat of battle, there was no mercy, even for Chu Qiao. Yet, Yan Xun spared her life, only to be surprised when Chu Qiao showed no appreciation. She turned her back on him to save Yuwen Yue, a decision that Yan Xun could never understand and that Chu Qiao would never forgive.
Yan Xun closed his eyes, replaying the scenario in his mind. He smiled to himself, as if it were already unfolding.
He had meticulously planned how to make the girl fall in love with him, only to later abandon her, drawing her back to him. He concluded, "I need to act quickly. If I wait for He Xiao, it will be like a cat waiting for its mouse."
Yan Xun lay in his mansion, staring at the ceiling and reminiscing about the time he carried the woman from the frozen lake. His mouth was slightly open, forming a natural "o," as he lay there lost in thought. The beautiful intruder occupied his mind every waking moment.
As dawn approached and the first light began to break through, with roosters crowing and morning birds singing, Yan Xun began to drift into sleep.
(A week has passed, Chu Qiao and Viper went to Xiuli Mountain)
"Waaahhh," shouted by A'jing!
"What?"
Yan Xun woke up casually, unfazed by A'Jing's surprised shout. He asked, "Why are you waking everyone up and looking at me like I've been through hell?"
Getting out of bed, he reached for his purple robe. A'Jing asked, "What happened to you? Did someone punch you last night? Look at yourself!"
Yan Xun glanced at a full-length mirror with rose gold and silver carvings and said, "Oh, these dark circles?"
A'Jing offered, "Do you want me to call a doctor?"
Yan Xun laughed and replied, "No doctor can cure me—only He Xiao can."
A'Jing looked at Yan Xun with concern, his brows furrowing. He said, "No, you can't be serious!"
Yan Xun raised his eyebrows and asked, "What do you mean?"
A'Jing began to speak slowly, as if preparing for a long explanation, while Yan Xun put on his robe and slippers. A'Jing cleared his throat and said, "I know you haven't seen He Xiao for a while, and he's looking quite handsome lately."
A'Jing hesitated, saying, "He's bright-eyed, single, and gorgeous, but I hope you won't be offended by what I say. I've been with you for years, and I never suspected you might… maybe…"
Yan Xun, clearly irritated, demanded, "I'm waiting. What do you mean?"
A'Jing turned away, but Yan Xun grabbed his shoulders and turned him back around. A'Jing, covering his eyes with his hands to avoid looking at Yan Xun, said, "Nyaha! Ugly face!"
Yan Xun laughed and on his curious eyes said: "Ha ha ha… Come on, tell me what you mean!"
A'Jing feeling embarrassed and shy he stretched his neck a little to come close to Yan Xun's ears and whispered: "Don't tell me you fancy He Xiao?"
Yan Xun, with a cold and emotionless tone, smacked A'Jing lightly on the back of the neck and said, "Hey! I'm not a pervert!"
A'Jing winced and said, "Ow… that hurts!" He then flashed a peace sign and smiled playfully, "Just making sure you're not!" A'Jing scratched his head and made some funny faces at Yan Xun.
Yan Xun smirked, ready to hit A'Jing again, but A'Jing quickly said, "Enough, I know you're not."
"At least that's clear," Yan Xun said as he left his room, with A'Jing following. He asked, "Any news from Zhong Yu yet?"
A'Jing replied, "No, it's been a week since she left. I wonder why she hasn't returned yet. Maybe…?"
Yan Xun interrupted, "Don't mention it. She can't fail me."
They walked in silence through the corridors. Yan Xun, dressed in his fresh purple morning robe, looked handsome despite his dark circles in his eyebags. They reached the garden in the Hong Chuan Yan Mansion, where the leaves were falling.
Yan Xun wanted to speak but struggled to find the words. After a moment, he finally said to A'Jing, "When I was known asSwallowin Wei state, inside the City of Changan, where A'Chu…"
A'Jing on his back he interrupted his moment and said: "The World, it'll be two years and you have not forgotten General Chu."
"What if…" Yan Xun paused and A'Jing waiting for the next words, Yan Xun hesitated he turned around he said: "Have you prepared all the stuff I asked you to shop for?"
"Yes your Highness, is there anything more you want to add?"
"If you were able to buy it all, then I have nothing to add."
A'Jing asked, "I'm curious, what are you planning for the next seven days? The provisions seem to be for a seven-day journey. Can you tell me what this is all about?"
Yan Xun remained quiet, his eyes still on the falling leaves, pondering whether to share his secret desire.
After a moment, Yan Xun began, "It's confidential, but what if I told you…?"
Yan Xun paused, smiling as he watched the falling leaves and felt the cold wind on his face. Despite his dark circles in his eyebag, his youthful face seemed more masculine, with a bit of beard around his jaw adding to his allure. He looked like an experienced prince with a captivating charm, especially when he smiled.
Yan Xun had never been so cheerful since his encounter at the frozen lake with He Xiao, the whipping girl, and the woman with the indigo scarf. His lightheartedness and less unpredictable demeanor were noticeable to those around him.
A'Jing said, "As long as you don't regret it, you should go ahead with your plans. Since you'll be marrying the beautiful Liang Princess in a few months, you should do everything you want to do while you're still single."
A'Jing continued, "Don't overthink it. Take this opportunity to be happy and fulfilled, especially since you've sacrificed so much for the people of Yanbei."
Yan Xun felt as if A'Jing's words sounded-like his parents blessing. He turned, put a hand on A'Jing's shoulder, and said, "So, while I'm away, stay safe and don't do anything foolish."
Yan Xun then flashed a sunny smile, showing his perfect white teeth and a sparkle in his eyes. It had been a long time since anyone had seen him so cheerful.
A'Jing, with teary eyes and a childlike tone, asked, "Why do I feel like you're planning a honeymoon before the wedding? Tell me!"
Yan Xun laughed loudly, saying, "Don't worry. I'll make sure to produce a strong line of Yan royals. Remember, I'm not easy to get. This handsome face is priceless."
A'Jing's tears subsided, but he still looked at Yan Xun with a sense of sadness and separation anxiety.
"Just make sure you come back home ready to move on, healthy, and with your head still on your shoulders!" A'Jing said with concern.
Yan Xun felt a mix of sadness and appreciation. A'Jing was more than just a servant—he was like a brother, chef, comrade, and general to him. He was always there for every move Yan Xun made. But now, Yan Xun needed to leave for a short time to find himself.
"That's a lot of requirements. Are you the one leaving or me?" Yan Xun replied with a cheerful tone and a smile. He then dismissed A'Jing to prepare some of his men for the journey.
Back in his room, Yan Xun examined the metal masquerade masks. He chose a purple one for himself and reserved a gold one for another woman.
Yan Xun reviewed the provisions and necessities for his journey and felt satisfied that A'Jing had packed everything he needed. He rang the bell, and his servants arrived to lead him to his prepared warm bath.
The bath was a large wooden square pool with wood tiles, and steam rose from the water, giving it a sacred, ritualistic feel.
The servants put on blindfolds to respect his privacy. Confident that no one was watching, Yan Xun turned his back, raised his hands to his waist, and gently removed his robes.
As the robes fell to the floor, they revealed scars and wounds from countless battles—a reminder of his past struggles. Yan Xun touched a deep scar on his left shoulder and closed his eyes. He then dipped one foot into the warm water, followed by the other, allowing both to soak in the soothing warmth.
In these private moments, even though Yan Xun survived the pain, he couldn't escape the bitterness it left behind. One of the lingering poisons in his thoughts was the memory of his childhood friend, Yuwen Yue. Yuwen Yue, who had been his closest friend, had turned against him at his lowest point, tormenting Yan Xun as if he were already dead.
No pain was greater than this: to have looked up to his best friend, only to have that friend witness and contribute to the downfall of the Yan royal family.
Yan Xun knew the danger of Yuwen Yue well—an emotionless aristocrat who clung to his power. This understanding deepened the bitterness in Yan Xun's heart, leading to a complete change in him.
If only the prince was able to escape the first attempt he did together with Xing'er and Yuwen Yue was able to counter it from the shot of his servant's Bing arrows…
Then, would the world's history been written a different fate?
Would his entire family be still alive today?
As Yan Xun sat with one foot in the warm pool and the other resting on the edge, he rested his arms on it and tilted his head, realizing that he was no longer seeking answers. Instead, he was driven by a desire for justice through revenge.
The untimely deaths of his family had become a permanent scar. The noble blood of the Yan family would not find peace until retribution had claimed its due.
The earth may have already sealed its fate.
In these moments of deep thought, Yan Xun turned to alcohol, which overshadowed the goodness in his heart. It shielded him from being an easy target for those who plotted against him.
Who better than someone who has seen it all and endured the indescribable pain of losing his family to understand what the world can bring? It's hard to blame him for what he has become.
As the thick foam lingered around the pool, Yan Xun's thoughts shifted once more to the woman he could not forget, occupying his mind every waking hour.
As the day went on, Yan Xun's desire grew like a flower ready to bloom, but he had no idea who this woman was or where she came from. He found himself comparing her to A'Chu, questioning why history seemed to repeat itself with women who had similar qualities.
He wondered why he couldn't just settle for someone available who could help him achieve greater things and establish him as a ruler. Why did he have to silently compete for another man's woman?
Yan Xun patiently showed A'Chu, when she was still Xinger, that he was more than qualified for her. Even when she became Yuwen Yue's bedchamber maid, he continued to support her, hoping they might become a pair.
A'Chu was the only girl for Yan Xun. In his youth, those were the happiest days of his life. After the tragedy at the frozen lake and her disappearance, Yan Xun felt as though he was as good as dead.
He didn't know this part of himself before—how wisdom comes only after things settle and become permanent. He wondered if time would allow him to correct his past mistakes. His heart was filled with endless "what ifs."
Yan Xun scooped water from the pool with his hand, letting the drops fall and make tiny splashes in the tranquil bath.
After a few more hours, he got out of the pool, picked up his robes from the wooden floor, and clapped his hands. His servants, who had been waiting outside with their blindfolds on, removed them and followed him.
Yan Xun returned to his room, where his servants helped him dress in his princely garments and battle gear. After a few hours, he looked divine from head to foot, went out.
Outside, another group of servants helped him put on his metal mask and black hood, completing his look as the Black Hood Prince.
A'Jing approached, knelt, and handed over Yan Xun's sword. Yan Xun took it and mounted his horse. With a formal farewell to everyone, he set off with five men accompanying him and two extra horses carrying provisions.
Autumn trees displayed their vibrant colors—brown, red, and yellow. The wind carried the woody fragrance of the leaves, and issues the scent of woody fragrance all around, the leaves swaying in the air that leadsthe World'spath to meet his heart's desire and bask in its sweet moments of stolen time.