The Winds and Clouds of the Desert

The departure of Ruo Wen's cavalry from Fentian was a blessing, for no country, no matter the nation, can be composed entirely of the strong. People are born, grow old, fall ill, and die. The weak grow strong, the strong grow old... and thus, in the passage of time, this cycle of life repeats itself. If we adhere solely to the rule of the strong devouring the weak, the world is doomed to collapse. The clearest example of this is what happened after the Huangtian Wild Army eradicated Ma Sui. The population in this territory was nearly halved, people ceased to learn or labor—ministers and farmers alike reduced to the simplest relationships: pillage or be pillaged, kill or be killed. How simple, how primal, like animals. Millions became hundreds of thousands, then tens of thousands, then a mere few thousand. Loneliness took hold, desolation prevailed, and at last, regret followed—regret for abandoning love, abandoning compassion, abandoning dignity. Only then did they realize that these seemingly useless things were divine gifts, that without them, humanity was but a mass of flesh and bone, neither human nor ghost.

Now, with Ruo Wen gone, like an evil spirit at last ceasing its haunt, Gexinwei had an opportunity to restore order to Fentian—a chance to rewrite everything. Thus, amid this turmoil, Gexinwei chose the most effective yet dangerous means to rebuild Fentian: the partitioning and enfeoffment of land. This approach was effective because it easily rekindled people's shattered ambitions and desire for prestige. In no time, the system of Fentian's twenty-four princes became known to all, consolidating power, bringing vigor back to the court. Yet it was dangerous, for once people tasted the sweetness of power, they would only crave more—these twenty-four newly enfeoffed princes could very well revolt.

For now, it must be said that Gexinwei had succeeded—at least Fentian's immediate future no longer faced the prospect of national ruin. In this alone, she had proven herself a remarkable woman.

Fentian had ten border cities arranged in an arc. Among them was a city called Zhaohuai, situated directly opposite Yunpei, three hundred li away, with a critical pass known as Weak Water in between. Zhaohuai was ruled by a prince enfeoffed by Gexinwei—Ji Han, an ambitious old man nearing his twilight years, boasting a personal army of nearly nine thousand soldiers, which had long been a source of unease for the Heyan regime. Ji Han had twenty-two wives and concubines, but he only fathered children late in life—a pair of twins, a boy and a girl, embodying a sense of belated triumph after a life of striving.

In the spring of 332 AD, a mysterious guest arrived at Zhaohuai's most renowned inn. She was a rare, elegant woman clad in light green brocade, a warm fur robe draped around her shoulders, and a broad-brimmed hat with gauzy veils partially concealing her face—enough to obscure, yet still reveal hints of her exquisite features. Her bearing was graceful and commanding, and she was accompanied by three maids and ten guards, each remarkable in their own right, highlighting the illustrious nature of their mistress.

"Nashou! Ji Han seems to remain unperturbed!" The arrival was, of course, Huang Beishuang, the one addressing her was Ye Pei.

Huang Beishuang sat at the edge of a western balcony, overlooking the bustling street below from the inn's fourth floor. She smiled faintly, "Ji Han is a suspicious man—he won't be able to keep his composure for long!"

As if on cue, Jiang Lei, stationed at the door, entered with a wry smile, nodding at Huang Beishuang, "The fish has taken the bait!"

Speak of the devil, and he shall appear.

Huang Beishuang slowly stood, donned her veiled hat, and took a seat by the table, waving her hand gently, "Invite the fish in."

Soon enough, Zhaohuai's lord, Ji Han, followed the guards in, bowing deeply as soon as he saw her. His old eyes widened like copper bells, and after blinking a few times, he dropped to his knees with a thud.

"Your servant is at fault for failing to recognize Her Majesty in disguise—please forgive me!"

Huang Beishuang laughed softly. The twenty-four princes of Fentian had all met Gexinwei; mistaking her was only natural with the gauze obscuring her eyes.

"Prince Ji, how did you know I am the queen?" She sat, smiling slyly at him.

Ji Han hesitated, his mind racing: This woman was surely the queen who had once ennobled him in Heyan's great hall. Could it be that she had heard of his doings in Zhaohuai and had come personally to investigate?

"Prince Ji!" Huang Beishuang adjusted her posture, "I hear you've recruited quite a few soldiers this time! Each soldier's salary isn't small—it seems your wealth runs deeper than most!"

Ji Han's heart skipped a beat. The reports said the queen was with child, residing in the palace due to melancholy—how had she suddenly come to the border?

"Your Majesty jests—it's all for the safety of our nation's borders."

Huang Beishuang sneered but remained silent. Ye Pei nodded, stepping forward, "Prince Ji, with Ruo Wen gone, you wish to establish your own domain, free from Fentian's control. My mistress greatly admires your courage, but... taking such bold actions won't be easy!"

Ji Han tensed when Ye Pei referred to Ruo Wen as a scoundrel, suddenly feeling something amiss, his eyes filled with doubt.

Ye Pei continued, "Prince Ji, once the chaos ends, Ruo Wen will return. By then, whatever schemes you have will be futile, the partitioning of land by the Heyan regime nullified, and everything you possess now will turn to dust."

Hearing this, Ji Han raised his head, his expression darkening. He pointed sharply at Huang Beishuang, "Who are you? Why impersonate the queen to summon me?"

At his movement, Jiang Lei and Lian Huan drew their swords in unison, "Step back!"

Ji Han, startled, instinctively retreated a few paces. Huang Beishuang turned, her delicate fingers reaching up to remove her veil, revealing a face that bore an uncanny resemblance to Fentian's queen, save for her gray eyes—different from Gexinwei's bright blue ones.

"Prince Ji, from now on, if you say I am the queen, then I am; if you say I am not, then I am not." Huang Beishuang rose, moving to the edge of the balcony, gazing at the streets below. "Your glory is fleeting. Once Ruo Wen returns, everything will change! So, whether or not you accept my assistance is up to you. I'll be staying here for some time, but if you lack sincerity, I won't overstay my welcome." With that, she bowed slightly, her demeanor serene, prompting Ji Han to return the bow unconsciously. He stood there, staring deeply at her for a long moment before finally turning and leaving, seemingly with a hint of compromise.

Seeing him truly leave, Dao Qiu could no longer hold back and asked, "Nashou, do you think he'll send people to capture us directly, just to curry favor with Gexinwei?"

Huang Beishuang, sitting calmly, replied, "Unlikely. Which of these princes is without ulterior motives? They have no real kinship with the Ge family, yet each was given a princely title. It seems Gexinwei is currying favor with them! Besides..." At this, Huang Beishuang smiled faintly, "Qingyun arranged for Mangliu's men to watch over us. If Ji Han really tries anything, his two precious children will be in jeopardy. However, such shady dealings are best left untouched by us."

Ye Pei and Lian Huan exchanged glances, nodding in admiration, "Nashou, you never fail to impress us to the core."

Hearing this, Huang Beishuang gave a wry smile, pointing a slender finger at the smoke curling in the distance, rising from someone's cooking fire. "The world always belongs to the few with power, and it's a pity that it's just these few who decide how many cooking fires can rise."

In 332 AD, on the Spring Equinox, turmoil in the desert was about to ignite. At this moment, Fentian, which had long supported Ruo Wen, began to exhibit strange movements. Twelve border towns, in the name of Queen Gexinwei, fortified themselves, instantly cutting off communication between Heyan Palace and Luocheng Weak Water. Heyan's regime began dispatching investigators, but none returned. Within three days, the twelve towns centered on Zhaohuai divided into six groups, each supporting the other—one force intercepting outgoing Heyan troops, another guarding against outside invaders. In a short span, their momentum overshadowed Fentian's central authority, leaving Gexinwei besieged, and the negative consequences of partitioning surfaced.

Delicate hands stir the clouds and rain—who can ascend to heaven or descend to earth? It is but fleeting smoke.

Slender fingers twist the heavens and earth—who can summon winds and rains? It is but a passing glance.

At this time, He Yan observed.

"This kind of Bird of Paradise is indeed rare—such long tail feathers!" Miao Jing, standing by the table, looked at the seven-colored bird perched on a wooden pole with astonishment. Considering his status, he had seen all kinds of exotic things. Birds of Paradise, his wives had raised several, but he had always heard they were mere ornamental creatures. He hadn't imagined seeing such an exception today.

Qingyun, lounging with his legs on the table, dressed in black brocade, displayed a carefree attitude. Without acknowledging his subordinate's amazement, his expression softened slightly as he read the message in his hand:

My dearest Qingyun, a great battle looms, and still, I find it difficult to bear the longing for you. I wonder if you are well. The defense line has been established at Fentian's Zhaohuai, and I estimate it can hold for seven days, no more. Don't worry for me.

Qingyun smiled as he read the letter, tossing it into the candle's flame. He then took a blank page and began to write a reply. His woman always excited him—even in circumstances like this, her brilliance never paled in comparison to his.

Huang Beishuang was currently residing in Ji Han's mansion, which had been set up as a makeshift political center.

That night, gazing at the stars and snow outside her window, the moon like a crescent drawn by heaven's hand, softly playing its melody, she could not help but take out the jade flute she carried and press it to her lips, gently blowing. It was a tune she had played countless times in the Palace of Cold Radiance—a tune that Qingyun once held her through an entire night as she played, a tune she played in helplessness after a lost battle. At this moment, memories came like the wind, like flowing water, and the water mirrored her heart.

She recalled everything, yet everything had passed. Whatever might happen in the future, she suddenly felt it no longer mattered. Having experienced so much in a lifetime, the outcome—good or bad—was truly of no more consequence.

Lost in thought, she was startled by a sharp cry from outside. Huang Beishuang looked up, her delicate finger reaching toward the window. "Hong!"

The bird named Hong had a letter tied to its leg. Huang Beishuang couldn't help but smile. Taking it, she ran to her inner chamber, unrolling it quickly:

In no more than seven days, I will come for you!

Eight simple words, yet they compelled her to press the letter against her heart. Though Hegu was a thousand miles from Fentian, in that instant, it felt as though the distance vanished, and what touched her chest was his warm, calloused hand. She knew very well that in such perilous times, writing letters purely for affection's sake might be called foolishness. But how could two souls, bound by love and entwined so deeply, remain calm when separated?

She truly wished for those seven days to pass like the wind, leaving no trace.

A woman's heart is soft, prone to dreaming. Huang Beishuang smiled wistfully, hoping for seven days like the wind—yet how could that be possible?

On the first day, under the blazing sun, the central region of the desert was already filled with tension, soldiers gathering like tides. Tiandu's vanguard of fifty thousand faced Yunpei's seventy thousand troops just a few miles away. By some strange coincidence, both nations chose the same strategy for the initial battle. Qingyun and Zhanzhan seemed to share the same thought: they were gambling on which side Ruo Wen would attack first. Whichever side he chose would find itself caught in a pincer, losing half its advantage.

The drumbeat sounded three times, shattering the last moments of hesitation before battle. The armies collided like waves, the battlefield became a scene of chaos and slaughter, and until sunset, there would be no retreat.

In Yunpei's border town of Guangping.

King Zhanzhan, alongside Wu Jihai and several brave generals, stood by the map. Wu Jihai pointed to a spot on the map, saying, "Your Majesty, King Jing Tian initially withheld twenty thousand troops. It seems he intends to lure our forces forward." As he spoke, his finger shifted on the map, drawing a circle. "Such a formation is dangerous for mutual shelling in the desert. It appears he intends to sacrifice Jiandu and Xueyuan—two towns—to draw us in, at which point we would come under heavy artillery fire."

Zhanzhan, examining the map, said, "But we cannot fail to advance—allowing the enemy to encircle us indefinitely won't do."

Guangzhaoyun nodded, "Ruo Wen, stationed at Weak Water, still seems content to observe the spectacle, and we've yet to discern his intentions."

Upon hearing this, Zhanzhan smiled. "Wu Jihai, did the letter arrive?"

Wu Jihai nodded, "Your Majesty, it should have arrived last night."

With this response, Zhanzhan sat slowly, "Wait then. He will surely strike Tiandu's core—a single nail can pin down two blades. Quite surprising."

The generals fell silent, none daring to speak. Only Wu Jihai knew that His Majesty still sent men to search for Queen Guanying, despite no longer visiting her palace. He had even commissioned a mausoleum for her, connected to the royal tomb. Though there had been no news of the ten generals and three maids, His Majesty had not given up hope.

Having served His Majesty for sixteen years, Wu Jihai had never felt as uneasy about his intentions as he did now. Since accompanying Huang Beishuang to Mizan, his feelings toward the queen had been conflicted—guilt mixed with admiration. If a mere soldier like himself felt such emotions, how much harder must it be for the queen's rightful husband to forget her?

"What time is it?"

After a long silence, Zhanzhan spoke, still toying with a small Yunpei flag.

"Your Majesty, it is already six in the afternoon. The battle has raged for over nine hours," Guangzhaoyun replied.

"Good," Zhanzhan murmured, closing his eyes. "Guangzhaoyun, begin pressing the main force forward. Do not rush into their artillery line; proceed slowly and carefully, until..." He smiled faintly, "until Ruo Wen plunges his blade as well."

At this moment, Ruo Wen reclined naked against the edge of the bed, savoring the attentions of the red and blue dancers who ignited his desires, while listening with a calculating gaze as Cheng Xiang gave his report.

"Chief, the battle has started—dust fills the sky. The scouts that Luo Ying sent out reported that Zhanzhan didn't rest and has begun pushing the main forces forward."

Upon hearing this, Ruo Wen sneered, "Cunning old fox. He even sent a message in the dead of night, telling me Huang Beishuang is in Huo Qingyun's hands—just trying to pull me into this mess, isn't he? A seven-foot-tall man relying on a woman, how utterly pathetic."

Cheng Xiang nodded, "So, should we still head to Yunpei? Three border towns there are already under our control. If Zhanzhan's army moves out, it would be a piece of cake to march in."

Before Ruo Wen could respond, Man Hu couldn't hold back, "What's the fun in Yunpei? Haven't we got everything we need now? I'd say, while Tiandu and Yunpei are at war, with that bastard Huo Qingyun too busy, we should strike—snatch the chief's woman. Now that would be something!"

"Exactly! Man Hu, this time, I'm right there with you—that's what makes things exciting!" said Wolf Head, casually draping his arm over Man Hu's shoulder with a roguish grin.

"Ah…!" A sudden moan interrupted their "discussion," and all three turned back, fascinated by the scene unfolding on Ruo Wen's bed. Aside from his time with Huang Beishuang, Ruo Wen never shied away from sharing such moments, and they enjoyed watching, particularly Wolf Head. Having been bitten by a woman once, he'd struggled with this aspect and had become enthralled by observing Ruo Wen's affairs, even inventing some bizarre methods of pleasure.

Ruo Wen seemed to still be considering his choice between Tiandu and Yunpei as his target.

"Chief!" After an indeterminate amount of time, Luo Ying burst in, breathless.

"Dammit! I was enjoying myself—what's all this noise?" Man Hu grabbed Luo Ying by the head, giving it a sharp knock. Seeing Ruo Wen in the middle of his business, Luo Ying quickly retreated to the side.

"Speak!" To Luo Ying's surprise, Ruo Wen addressed him. Perhaps he needed more information to make his decision.

"Well…" Luo Ying swallowed hard a few times before replying, "Chief, something strange has happened—Fentian… our old stomping ground—now has two queens!"

"What do you mean?" Ruo Wen's eyes narrowed. "Has someone deposed Gexinwei? Useless!"

"No…" Luo Ying shook his head fervently. "It's… both queens are Gexinwei. Our informants say Fentian has split into two factions—one backing Heyan, the other following Zhaohuai. No one can tell who's real."

"Oh?" Ruo Wen's prolonged exclamation was tinged with interest. This news seemed to pique his curiosity, and his hand squeezed Ruolan's waist, drawing a pained moan.

"Cheng Xiang, what do you think?" His voice was laden with malicious anticipation.

Cheng Xiang nodded thoughtfully. "Could it be that Huang Beishuang has gone to Fentian? No wonder she's nowhere to be found!"

"Hmph!" Ruo Wen chuckled. "She is indeed with Huo Qingyun, sneaking off to Fentian to stir up trouble—perhaps for that handsome lover of hers. What a pair of star-crossed lovers!"

Zhanzhan had not lied. It appeared Huang Beishuang and Huo Qingyun had long been involved. He had come to her rescue multiple times—clearly not by coincidence. With this in mind, Ruo Wen laughed. Huang Beishuang, this time, you've walked right into my trap.

"Cheng Xiang, take three thousand cavalry from the Huangtian Wild Army, and launch a night raid on King Jing Tian—bring me his head!" Ruo Wen pushed aside the woman beside him, standing to dress. "Luo Ying, you'll command the remaining thousand men and stay back to support Cheng Xiang—don't let the brothers die in vain!" he ordered as he strapped on his weapons.

"Chief?" Cheng Xiang and the others were puzzled.

Ruo Wen tugged on his attire with a fierce confidence, striding toward them. Instantly, his brows arched like rainbows, his deep purple eyes emitting a cold and sinister glow. He snorted, "Man Hu, Wolf Head, you two come with me to infiltrate Fentian. All that we've put into our pockets—if we don't take it, we lose out!"

"Chief? You're just taking the two of them?" Cheng Xiang was stunned. "Isn't that too risky?"

Ruo Wen clapped Cheng Xiang's shoulder firmly, smiling. "Can't you see it? Huang Beishuang learned this move from us!"

Cheng Xiang's eyes lit up, realization dawning. He clapped his hands together. "Right! We've been stationed at Weak Water, waiting for Tiandu and Yunpei to fight it out, while Huang Beishuang took her place in Zhaohuai, similarly waiting for us to make a move. This way, whoever we attack, she'll swoop in at the right moment!"

"Exactly!" Ruo Wen laughed. "So, I need you to lead an ambush on Huo Qingyun to convince her I'm moving my forces! Remember, you don't need to assist Yunpei in attacking Tiandu—just bring me King Jing Tian's head. No need for direct confrontation—if things look unfavorable, retreat. Got it?"

Cheng Xiang nodded and quickly added, "But Chief, entering the city alone, isn't it too…"

"Bah! Aren't Wolf Head and I enough? What's got you so worked up?" Man Hu, irritated by Cheng Xiang's hesitance, swung his hefty arm in a sharp jab. "Without the chief, you're nothing but a liability!"

"Get lost, enough already!" Cheng Xiang was now just as agitated. He knew full well the chief was the strongest among them, but entering Zhaohuai alone—was it too dangerous? He thought as much but dared not voice it further, seeing Ruo Wen's expression.

Ruo Wen cast a glance at Ruolan and Fei Wen, who were resting on the bed. Coldly, he said, "They stay here at Weak Water!" Then, with Man Hu and Wolf Head, he strode out.

Huang Beishuang, this time, even if you possess hands capable of stirring clouds and rain, you won't grasp my bloodthirsty blade!

Do you know? I have already heard it—your soft, crimson lips whispering a siren's call.

You are calling for me! I have heard it…

Spring of 332 AD—war was ablaze, the desert shrouded in smoke and dust, swords and spears like forests.

King Jing Tian had gained the upper hand, luring Yunpei's main forces between two towns, bombarding them for seven hours. Zhanzhan employed evasive tactics, causing less loss than Tiandu had hoped. He then dispatched seventy thousand troops to occupy Jiandu—a stronghold to Tiandu's west—shifting the battlefield. King Jing Tian rejoiced and mobilized his forces to strike at Yunpei's weakened eastern flank, only to be ambushed!

"Nashou, don't worry—news will come soon!"

Ye Pei and the others stood beside Huang Beishuang, each taking turns to comfort her anxious heart, but she remained unsettled. Reports from Mangliu's men revealed that Qingyun had been ambushed by Ruo Wen—using guerrilla tactics, elusive and shadowy, successfully disrupting Tiandu's eastern flank, forcing Qingyun to triple his personal guard.

This Ruo Wen was becoming increasingly unpredictable, launching an attack without a sound. By the time she realized it, his forces had already reached Tiandu's eastern camp. When she heard the news, it startled her, leaving her frustrated at her own slowness.

Before long, the seven-colored bird returned. Huang Beishuang stepped forward, took the message, and opened it anxiously. Seeing his flowing handwriting, her heart eased somewhat.

"'No harm! Take care of yourself!' That's it?" she muttered angrily after reading, crumpling the letter in frustration. "Couldn't he write more about his situation? Such stinginess with words—is he trying to annoy me?" She sat there, mumbling to herself for quite some time.

It was rare to see Nashou display such girlish petulance, causing Ye Pei and the others to stifle their laughter.

"Lian Huan!" After venting her frustration for a while, Huang Beishuang spoke calmly. "Relay the order to Ji Han—deploy thirty thousand troops in three directions eastward to pursue Ruo Wen! If successful, Zhaohuai's rule will be handed over willingly!"

With that, Lian Huan nodded, leading the others out to carry out the task. After all, they had waited in Zhaohuai for so long, anticipating this day. Though some unexpected elements arose, the plan hadn't fundamentally changed—blockading Fentian, preventing Ruo Wen from amassing his forces, then inciting a border rebellion. Once Ruo Wen left Weak Water, they could launch a pincer attack. Even if they couldn't fully eradicate him immediately, dragging things out until the end of the war meant someone else would come to finish him off.

After giving her orders, Huang Beishuang wearily sat at the table, one hand supporting the Bird of Paradise, the other grooming its long tail feathers. "Hong! How is he? Is he injured? Does he look well? Speak, tell me..." she murmured.

But this poor bird, no matter how rare and intelligent, couldn't possibly respond to her words. It merely chirped repeatedly.

Only after loving deeply did I learn how to truly wait. Simple desires, like stolen vows—do you know? Everything about you has already etched itself upon my heart. Through raging wars, through life and death, my longing for you never wavers. I wish these seven days would pass like the wind, time shooting by like an arrow!

The next day, at dawn.

The forces of Fentian's border town marched out, with its defenses left almost entirely exposed. In Huang Beishuang's view, no other armies would launch an attack against Fentian at this point, so the troops remaining in Zhaohuai and the other twelve towns should suffice to fend off Gexinwei's central authority. She knew they wouldn't hold for long, but as long as they could destroy Ruo Wen before Gexinwei broke free, that would be the greatest victory.

And that goal now seemed almost within reach.

"Ye Pei, call Lian Huan and the others in." After finishing breakfast in the morning, Huang Beishuang smiled. "We should discuss how to make our escape." Her mood seemed good.

Ye Pei and the others exchanged amused glances. "Nashou is eager, huh? Prince Ji Han has just led his forces out of the gate!"

Huang Beishuang nodded in agreement. "Of course Ji Han isn't a match for Ruo Wen, but... bringing thirty thousand men along, surely he won't come back empty-handed."

Dao Qiu also smiled. "Ji Han himself once suffered under Ruo Wen's rule. He knows well how ruthless that scoundrel can be! It seems he's willing to risk his life for a little profit."

"Nashou, take a seat—I’ll go fetch Lian Huan." Zai Ping brought water for her to wash her hands, chimed in, and then carried the basin away. The group exchanged warm smiles, a sense of comfort washing over them. Ruo Wen had long been a thorn in their side, and now that the end of that pain was near, it was no wonder they felt a sense of relief.

However, quite some time passed, and neither Zai Ping nor Lian Huan returned. Dao Qiu glanced at the door, sensing something amiss, then gave Ye Pei a nod before pushing the door open to investigate.

Ye Pei stood guardedly beside Huang Beishuang, gripping her long sword. In a low voice, she said, "Nashou, something's not right."

Huang Beishuang felt her heart skip a beat, and they both eyed the doorway warily.

After a while, the door creaked open, revealing Zai Ping and Dao Qiu, their faces drained of blood, eyes wide with terror. As they stepped aside, a pair of sinister, gleeful eyes appeared in the dim light.

Bang! Huang Beishuang stood abruptly, knocking over the teacup on the table.

"Ruo Wen!"

Heavens! Huang Beishuang instinctively placed her hand on her chest, her eyes wide with fear.

It was truly him—how had he gotten here?

"Your reactions never cease to surprise me." Ruo Wen gripped his long sword, the blade stained with fresh blood. As he strode forward, the metallic stench grew stronger, indicating he'd killed quite a few people recently.

The moment she saw him, Huang Beishuang lost all composure. She'd calculated everything, yet she hadn't foreseen Ruo Wen would use a diversionary tactic. This man was no longer the simple bandit that could be easily read.

"Don't back away! I haven't even rewarded you properly yet." Ruo Wen smiled, slanting his sword on the table before quickly drawing it across the opulent, pristine tablecloth, wiping off the darkened blood. He gazed at her with excitement—for the first time, her fear was unmasked, her panic undeniable.

Seeing her like this, Ruo Wen's blood surged. He pointed his sword at Ye Pei's neck, his eyes locked on Huang Beishuang's as he smiled wickedly. "Don't be afraid, come here... or my sword won't hesitate to cut."

Huang Beishuang's hands trembled uncontrollably. Her terrified eyes met Ye Pei's, who was on the brink of collapse. She swallowed, attempting to calm herself. "W-where are the others? Did you kill them?"

Ruo Wen sneered. "Come here, and I'll tell you." The blade pressed against Ye Pei's neck had already broken the skin, drawing more blood.

Huang Beishuang frowned, taking slow, reluctant steps toward him.

If being with Qingyun was because love left her mind blank, then being with Ruo Wen was entirely due to the lifeless darkness that left her equally at a loss. These two men represented extremes that stripped her of any sense of direction.

Once she approached him, Ruo Wen withdrew the sword and pulled her into his arms, his hand brushing against her rosy lips. His gaze darkened. "Calling for me..." he whispered, then lowered his head to press a fierce kiss against her. In that instant, his heart pounded wildly.

In her entire life, Huang Beishuang had only shared a kiss with two men—one was Qingyun, whom she loved, the other was Ruo Wen, whom she feared; one cherished her, the other tormented her; one adored her, the other humiliated her... and now, the one clutching her tightly was the same Ruo Wen who could shred her to pieces at any moment.

His forceful kiss left her gasping for breath before he finally let go, only to grab her left breast with enough strength to elicit a cry. His intense eyes locked onto hers as he murmured coldly, "Your heart is pounding fast! Is it because of me?" With that, he picked her up and carried her towards the inner chamber.

"Chief!" At that moment, Wolf Head entered the room. "Chief, those bastards are about done for!"

Ruo Wen chuckled, tossing Huang Beishuang onto the bed. "Want to see them?"

Huang Beishuang nodded frantically.

"Bring them in!" Ruo Wen walked over and sat at the bedside.

Before long, Wolf Head pushed Lian Huan and the ten guards, bound and subdued, into the room. It was evident they had been poisoned, their spirits utterly drained.

"You should thank me—for had I not wanted to avoid alarming others, I would have killed them already."

"They've been poisoned... by the Twinfruit Tree?" Huang Beishuang, seeing their weakened state, was taken aback.

Ruo Wen laughed loudly. "Exactly! You too have tasted it before—how did it feel?"

Huang Beishuang clenched her teeth in anger, thinking: He truly is a scoundrel, carrying the Twinfruit Tree's juice with him. One could only imagine his usual shameless behavior.

"How did you manage this?" she demanded. She had explicitly warned them to be cautious with their food.

"There are many methods—none of which concern you!" Ruo Wen retorted.

"What do you intend?" she asked again.

Ruo Wen turned to her, saying, "You've asked that more than once."

Huang Beishuang shuddered, cold sweat forming on her forehead.

At this moment, Wolf Head glanced outside. It seemed that Man Hu had signaled that there was activity beyond. Wolf Head asked in a low voice, "Chief, something's happening outside. Shouldn't we return to Weak Water?"

Ruo Wen looked at her for a while before replying coldly, "If you come along obediently, I'll spare these thirteen lives. If you don't comply, I can easily serve you a cup of tea spiked with Twinfruit juice. Do you understand?" Every word carried an unyielding warning.

Huang Beishuang nodded, unable to speak a word. Even now, she struggled to think clearly.

Ruo Wen smiled with satisfaction and signaled to Wolf Head, pulling her along as they headed out. Wolf Head kicked each of the captives hard on the head, ensuring they were all unconscious, then followed them out.

The four moved quickly, disappearing from sight in an instant. By the time the patrolling soldiers arrived, the place was empty.

The one who entered was one of Ji Han's trusted aides. Seeing the mess in the room, he immediately sensed something was very wrong and shouted, "Seal off the inner mansion! Don't let any word get out!"

This "Queen" was Prince Ji Han's trump card for commanding the twelve border towns. For her to be abducted just as the prince left the city—well, it seemed highly likely that another prince was behind this. They needed to inform Prince Ji Han as quickly as possible, or else they might end up serving as pawns for someone else's benefit.

Huang Beishuang rode with Ruo Wen on the same horse, while the other two rode alongside them, their silhouettes racing across the desert. Ruo Wen's hand tightly grasped hers, sliding it inside her clothing to clutch at her chest. His rough palm rubbed against her skin, causing pain—a constant reminder that everything was now beyond her power to change. With that thought, Huang Beishuang closed her eyes, bitter sorrow flooding her heart.

She had underestimated Ruo Wen, and it had proven fatal.

Qingyun... this time, I don't know if I'll ever return to your side.

I remember you once said you'd hate me—but I hope you won't.

Because if that day comes, my soul will surely return. Trust me!

Temple towers rise high, ancient wood carvings of dragons— Watching flowers bloom and fall, life after life, coming together, drifting apart...

Palace exhausts its mist, jeweled cauldrons glimmering with treasures— Watching tides ebb and flow, rising and sinking, alone in solitude...

Who understands? Who can truly understand?