The Yanbei skies were clear, and the morning dew brought out the smell of fresh grass. Butterflies fluttered over flowers, and wild horses ran freely.
The owner of the land came out of the window's cabin, he raised his hands and yawn, he sees his horse fed by their servant boy,
He took a deep breath of the fresh air and glanced at the neighboring cabin, which looked quiet and empty.
Worried that he might be late, Yan Xun quickly checked himself in the mirror. "If she doesn't like me, I must have lost my charm," he thought.
He then decided to check the other cabin, moving quietly towards it. As he peered through the window, someone suddenly poked him from behind.
He squinted his eyes suddenly went outside to mess the other cabin.
"Are you looking for the star?" Chu Qiao asked, watching Yan Xun peek into her cabin. Startled, Yan Xun turned around to face her. Chu Qiao squints her eyes, waiting for an explanation.
Yan Xun straightened up, trying to maintain his princely posture. He cleared his throat and replied, "No, I thought I saw a spider go through the window, so I was just trying to see where it went."
Chu Qiao on her wrinkled brow she said: "I know what you did last night, so don't waste your effort deceiving me." and Chu Qiao left him.
Yan Xun followed at her back then asked: "What did I do last night?"
"Were you drunk? Ask for yourself!" Chu Qiao on her sarcastic voice she continued to walk.
Yan Xun on his corner smile, he said: "Okay, I know." Yan Xun suddenly grabbed Chu Qiao's arms and said: "You cannot escape today, we have many moments to make."
Chu Qiao narrowed her eyes and asked: "Like what?"
"Why should I tell, you'll see when we get there." Yan Xun smiled at her, but Chu Qiao frowned and pushed his hands away from her arms and turned back at him.
"Hey, you cannot ruin this royal trip, I have to follow my schedule and write me back to the throne report later."
Yan Xun smiled at her then he gave a signal to the youngster to gather their horses.
"I thought I woke up early but here is the little fox woke up earlier than the world."
Yan Xun, still smiling, took the reins of his horse and approached Blast while Chu Qiao mounted her horse.
Noticing that Chu Qiao wasn't wearing her metal mask, Yan Xun said, "A'Chu, you should put on the mask. It's too risky if anyone sees us together."
Chu Qiao glanced at him and asked, "Why?"
"Is the Prince of Yanbei afraid of his fiancée and will kill you because you are with somebody else and not her?"
Yan Xun's in a stern voice.
"Last I checked, my ring finger is still free of any loyalty to a woman. And, by the way, concubines don't count."
Chu Qiao smirked and asked, "So you haven't given an engagement ring at all?"
Yan Xun quickly responded, "Is that really necessary?"
Chu Qiao laughed and said, "Poor fiancée. If I were her, you'd never get a chance!"
Yan Xun replied, "She's not poor; she can buy her own if she really wants one. I'm not wasting Yanbei's treasures on just an engagement ring. Besides, the wedding will be grand. Who needs an engagement ring when she'll have a wedding ring? She gets it all: the Yanbei Prince, the kingdom, and more…"
"Here!" Chu Qiao tapped her horse and sped off, with Yan Xun quickly catching up and riding beside her.
Chu Qiao was well-prepared, dressed in tight-fitting riding clothes and an indigo scarf that covered her face, leaving only her almond-shaped eyes visible. Her black hood had a dark purple lining inside.
Yan Xun was similarly dressed in a black hooded outfit, reminiscent of Zorro, with a purple metal mask, a sword at his waist, and a striking presence on his magnificent horse.
"Yah! Yah! Yah!" he urged, trailing their horses together.
After hours of riding across Yanbei's lush green landscape under the clear blue sky, they came upon a palace.
Gasping for air while still on her horse, Chu Qiao called out to Yan Xun, "A palace? Out here in this paradise? Wow!"
Proudly, Yan Xun pulled on his horse's reins and turned around, with Chu Qiao following suit. He led his horse to the paddock, dismounted, and secured the reins. Chu Qiao, however, remained on her horse, gazing in awe at the majestic palace before her.
Yan Xun approached Chu Qiao and extended his hand. Without saying a word, his earnest gaze made her trust him, and she placed her hand in his.
Next to the palace, a beautiful waterfall cascaded beside an evergreen forest adorned with autumn colors. Chu Qiao was mesmerized by the breathtaking scenery as she walked. For Yan Xun, watching her was a heartwarming joy, realizing that his efforts and dreams had finally come to fruition.
As Chu Qiao remained entranced by the falls, oblivious to the passing time, Yan Xun turned to her, gazing into her sparkling eyes. Unable to resist, he leaned in to kiss her, but Chu Qiao, not in the mood, subtly turned her face away.
Yan Xun sensed that the moment was not welcoming. With an emotionless expression, he turned his gaze to the beautiful falls, took a deep breath, and began:
"Once upon a time, I met a girl on a bloody hunting field. Fierce and deadly, she overcame every battle. Just when I thought she had perished, she survived .. .
She didn't realize that a prince like a dog followed her, doing everything. . .
He gave its best shots to block all the arrows that thugs her breath away. . .
The prince did not let go until their servants took her to a safe place. . .
A cold owner who won her in the game of the generals. . .
Who broke all the rules and snap the hunting price from the pack of the fox, today. . .
Here she stands and does not understand. . ."
Yan Xun clenched his fist, overwhelmed by memories of his past and his slain family. The pain silenced him.
Chu Qiao broke the silence, asking, "What am I supposed to understand?"
Turning to her with eyes brimming with tears, Yan Xun replied, "I asked you once before, and I'm asking again: Did you ever love me?"
Chu Qiao is totally clueless she said in utter silence:
"I knew nothing about this." With a heavy heart, she looked down.
Yan Xun, revealing his hidden emotions, said, "Then let me remind you of something. Once upon a time, you said…"
"I don't know if what I feel for you is love or not. All I know is that I cared deeply for you. I couldn't stand seeing anyone hurt you. I embraced your dreams as my own, your home as mine. Your well-being, your safety, your gains and losses have been the most important things to me for these years. My greatest dream was to return to Yanbei with you, to see you safely back in your homeland and achieve your desires.
I've lost my family, my memories, but you have been the most important person in my life. You are the meaning of my existence. But now, I'm uncertain if everything I've done was worth it.
Do you even know who you are?
From the moment you began returning to Yanbei, you grew suspicious of Miss Yu, Mr. Wu, and me. You became wary of everyone, enslaved by power, revenge, and hatred driven by selfish motives. I don't blame you for killing Yuwen Yue; I only despise your deceitful actions. You should never have trampled on my loyalty and my feelings for you."
Yan Xun halted, unable to continue. The thought of Yuwen Yue and the pain it brought was too much for him to endure in front of her.
Chu Qiao closed her eyes slightly and said,
"As you wish, I will go and find Yuwen Yue. This is my final warning: if Yuwen Yue dies in Yanbei, I will never forgive you."
Chu Qiao began to cry, overwhelmed by memories she didn't fully feel she owned. What started as a beautiful morning had turned into a dark afternoon, with thunderstorms threatening their peace. As tears streamed down their faces, a sudden rainstorm arrived without warning.
They stood there, drenched and emotionally exposed. One was haunted by the past, while the other recognized its beauty but felt disconnected from it.
As the rain poured, Yan Xun grasped her hands. With tears still in their eyes, his face suddenly hardened. In a surge of anger, he clenched his jaw and, with a bitter expression, pulled her away.
Chu Qiao was startled as her feet seemed to follow Yan Xun, landing them at the main entrance of the palace.
Outside, the weather continued its tumultuous display—rain, lightning, and thunder mimicking the previous day's storm. Once childlike in their innocence, they now faced these emotions with a more mature perspective. Chu Qiao struggled to understand her feelings. She related to Yan Xun's past and his "Star girl," but she wondered if this was truly her role. Was she Xinger or his Star girl?
Yan Xun opened the palace door, revealing an interior devoid of servants. The entrance was flanked by two lion statues carved from rare limestone, their eyes adorned with precious stones and painted in a striking rose gold.
The floor was grand, featuring a thick red carpet with gold threads, adorned with two dragon emblems.
Inside the palace, Jin Bu (gold fabric) curtains adorned the walls, while tea candles hung from a square counter above. Torches burned continuously along the walls, providing a constant, flickering light.
The main hall featured a wide aisle leading to a set of six steps ascending to a stage. The stage, constructed from old brick, was crowned with a jade stone that sparkled in the center, showcasing a dark red sword.
Beyond the stage, an elevated slope with three wide steps led to a higher, sacred area shrouded in mystery. This area, known as the Throne of Ember, was filled with burning incense. Here, only the King's foothold was visible, with the Ember Throne itself remaining unseen, hidden from view.
Chu Qiao and Yan Xun exchanged a meaningful glance, a silent conversation passing between them. With a nod from the Prince, she hurried down the aisle to the stage, where she found theCanhong Sword, its dark red blade glistening and well-preserved.
Yan Xun, meanwhile, walked slowly down the aisle, his presence regal yet haunting. Dressed in his black hooded suit, each step he took echoed through the hall, sending a shiver down Chu Qiao's spine. His slow, deliberate movement made him seem like a dark king without a crown, a ruler with no heart, as droplets of rain continued to fall from his suit.
Chu Qiao, still drenched from the rain, paid no mind to her wet clothes. All eyes were on Yan Xun as he approached her.
When Yan Xun reached Chu Qiao, he paused momentarily. A sudden chill filled the air, but he remained stoic and distant, his face hidden beneath his black hood. Despite the tears on his face, he did not acknowledge Chu Qiao. He walked past her as if they were strangers, his face is cold and seems detached.
He continued until he reached the Throne of Ember. As he sat upon it, the burning incense seemed to consume him, his figure fading into the smoke like ash. Only his foothold remained visible, marking his presence on the throne.
The Throne of Yanbei, a piece of heaven amidst the world, rises from the embers and burns with incense day and night. It symbolizes the eternal rule over the kingdom, rising from ashes to its enduring remnants.
The ruler of Yanbei is committed to seeking justice for the fallen and striving for peace across the land. His reign will persist, unyielding in its quest to uphold justice and harmony throughout the kingdom.
Chu Qiao stood frozen for a moment, feeling the overwhelming presence of Yan Xun. Understanding his majesty, she took the Canhong Sword and walked gracefully toward the Throne of Ember. With reverence, she raised the sword towards the throne and bowed deeply.
Yan Xun, his face streaked with tears, asked, "Is this truly what you wanted?"
Chu Qiao responded firmly, "Yes, Your Grace."
Yan Xun, striving to maintain his composure, kept his head held high and did not look down.
His little eyes betray him in the dark, are sincere tears falling.
Whatever it is, it's not for everyone to know.
Suddenly for the first time, broke the protocol of the Throne of Ember.
He went down and showed his face.
He gently lifted Chu Qiao's face, carefully removing her hood and taking off her indigo scarf.
Yan Xun, filled with a newfound courage, wondered what it would be like to kiss her lips. He slowly leaned in, closing his eyes as he drew nearer, savoring her scent and the proximity of his lips to hers. Tears still on his face, he braced himself for the kiss.
Chu Qiao remained calm and composed, still like a waterfall, did not hesitate this time, let Yan Xun experience what she felt…
With her eyes closed, she remained cold and uninviting, her emotions hidden and her feelings distant.
Yan Xun wanting her for that moment, suddenly, did not seal her lips a kiss.
Instead, he slightly pulled back, taking a deep breath as he shifted away from Chu Qiao's lips.
Realizing something, he maintained his composure and chose not to proceed further.
Yan Xun momentarily lost himself in the sight of her delicate face, the only woman he had ever loved. Standing before the Throne of Ember, he is aware of the gravity of his actions. Any deviation from the throne's protocols could lead to severe consequences—perhaps even death.
Regaining back all his senses, Yan Xun restored his majestic presence and lordly posture. He walked back to the Throne of Ember, and a heavy silence filled the room.
Chu Qiao opened her eyes, feeling abandoned and disoriented.
Tears streamed down her face as she took the Canhong Sword and her indigo scarf.
She draped the scarf over her face, stood up, and began to walk away from the Throne.
Her eyes still welling in tears.
Yan Xun felt she is fading away, he is stronger and capable to hold his emotions he suddenly found the words and spoke at her:
"A'Chu, on this Throne of Ember, is the King of Yanbei. Time after time, we can no longer find this moment if we let it go.
The next time you see me, whatever you feel in there…it'll be just the face of the King and not a that…"
May Connect to Chapter 40Buried in the Snow
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