The Winds and Clouds of the Desert

"Miss, this is where we part ways." Tong Bahe looked at Huang Beishuang, having thought long and hard before finally speaking. "Running that job with you nearly scared the life out of me. You're no ordinary woman, and I, Tong Bahe, am not fortunate enough to stay by your side. Farewell, and I wish you safe travels!"

The next day, after their escape, Tong Bahe and his gang of outlaws parted ways with Huang Beishuang—it was inevitable. They were never meant to walk the same path. The bandits had their loot and now sought only to hide from Ruowen, knowing that capture meant certain death.

"You too. Farewell." Huang Beishuang smiled at him, watching them gradually disappear into the distance until they were no longer in sight. Only then did she slowly turn around, as if using that silence to reflect on countless thoughts.

"Let’s sit and rest for a while," she said without raising her head, her eyes fixed on the sand as she sat down quietly.

Before her stood the remaining ten guards and three maids from the Erenaci marriage convoy, their faces gaunt and their bodies covered in wounds. They must have sensed what she was about to say, for Qingyun had already mounted his steed and distanced himself.

"Go. Return to Erenaci or seek refuge with another nomadic tribe," Huang Beishuang said firmly.

"Nashe?" All thirteen of them shot up from the ground, staring at her in shock.

"Leave," she repeated. "I don’t want anyone else to sacrifice their lives for this humiliating marriage. I will make my way to Yunpei alone. Who knows what awaits us there?" As she spoke, she scooped up a handful of sand, let it sift through her fingers, and watched it slip away in the breeze. "It is my duty to protect my people, and I have failed in that."

At her words, they glanced at one another, lost for a response, as though none of them knew what to say.

"Nashe!" Finally, after a long pause, someone spoke. It was Daoqiu, the yellow-clad maid from Erenaci, though now she was dressed in a man’s clothes. She stepped forward, her expression resolute. "Nashe, will you allow me to speak my heart?"

Huang Beishuang looked up at her.

Daoqiu smiled gently. "On the day we were chosen to accompany you on this journey, Eshou personally led the ritual and we all swore an oath. To protect Erenaci, we would give everything, endure any hardship, and never retreat. We all made that vow. Truly, the emotion of that day still drives me forward."

"But when we faced that scoundrel Ruowen, we understood what it meant to endure through agony, the fragility of life, and the insignificance of dignity. Many of us fled, but there are still so many of us here. We have stayed with you, keeping the promises we made, determined to see it through to the very end."

"Nashe, when you escaped, we were overjoyed. We knew, even if it were just you, you would make it to Yunpei and secure the marriage alliance. But that joy paled in comparison to the moment you returned to save us, risking your life. That kind of gratitude, I can’t put into words. Only then did I realize, when faced with death, you can claim not to fear it, but when someone comes to save you, you cannot refuse them."

By this point, Daoqiu had begun to cry silently, and the others gathered around, comforting her with gentle pats on the shoulder. Huang Beishuang listened in silence, her eyes filling with tears.

"Nashe, let us stay with you. From now on, we will follow only your commands. Whether we live or die, it will be your decision," one of the guards shouted, his voice resolute, encouraging the others to voice their loyalty.

"Nashe, Lianhuan is right. From this moment forward, you are our master. We will go nowhere else. Don’t send us away!"

"Yes! I agree!"

"So do I!"

A chorus of voices echoed in unison, as Huang Beishuang’s tears streamed down her face. She wiped her eyes stubbornly, clenched her fist, and said no more. Under the scorching sun, the fourteen of them cried until they were utterly exhausted.

When Qingyun returned, he carried a large bundle. Tossing it to the ground, he sent sand flying in all directions. "Cried enough? Then change into these clothes," he said with a grin.

"Where did you get all these fine garments?" Huang Beishuang asked as Daoqiu and the others opened the bag, revealing beautiful clothes, jewels, and weapons.

"I collected some interest from Tong Bahe," Qingyun replied, pulling Huang Beishuang onto his horse. He called out to the group, who were busy changing, "I’m borrowing your Nashe for a moment!" And with that, they galloped away.

"What do you want to say?" Huang Beishuang asked as she leaned into his chest.

After a short distance, Qingyun halted the horse and gazed at her. "Make your decision. If you want to be with me, I will take you away right now," he said bluntly, as if they had shared an intimacy long understood between them.

Huang Beishuang was momentarily stunned, unsure how to respond, so she averted her gaze, unable to meet his eyes.

"Avoidance isn’t in your nature. Answer me," Qingyun commanded, gripping her chin and forcing her to look at him.

"I desire you. Between heaven and earth, only you are destined to ride with me upon Feita," his voice was filled with domineering intensity, yet in his arms, Huang Beishuang felt calm and at peace. She knew their souls were intertwined, and words between them were unnecessary.

Seeing her eyes still flicker with hesitation, Qingyun tightened his embrace, pulling her closer. But without further delay, she gave her answer. "If Erenaci loses Na Zhan's support, it will soon be driven out by Nakuo."

"…"

"Once exiled, Erenaci will be finished."

"So, you’re rejecting me?" Qingyun's voice was conflicted as he gazed at her resolute face, understanding her choice yet unable to mask his disappointment.

"Erenaci…" He repeated the name, as though weighing it carefully in his mind.

But Huang Beishuang paid him no attention, only nodding silently, her heart in turmoil. They couldn’t be together. To her, this was likely the final moment of tenderness. Her forehead rested deeply against his chest, seeking the last traces of comfort. Unexpectedly, Qingyun lifted her head, and before she could react, his fiery kiss descended upon her. His scent and strength overwhelmed her completely.

Why is this so sweet? Why does it bring such joy? Why did I have to meet you?

Their kiss was intense and consuming, neither wanting to part, Qingyun’s passion almost taking her breath away. Her heart raced in confusion, and just as she was about to faint, Qingyun abruptly released her. With a flick of his hands, a splendid red wedding gown unfurled like a blooming peony, gently settling on her shoulders.

In that instant, their eyes met, and the world around them faded away.

"A kiss, as a mark," Qingyun whispered as he gave Huang Beishuang one final tight embrace before lowering her from his horse. She looked up at him, her heart a storm of emotions, while Qingyun smiled faintly. "Go. I, Qingyun, swear to the heavens—next time, I will never let go."

With that, Feita reared up, and Qingyun rode away without looking back.

Next time, I will never let go.…

"Has Master Qing left?" Daoqiu, now dressed, stood at the crossroads, watching Huang Beishuang return alone.

Huang Beishuang gave a forlorn smile. "Yes, he’s gone. Let’s move on as well." She adjusted the red wedding gown draped over her shoulders.

The fourteen of them packed their belongings and set off in perfect formation.

"To Yunpei!"

And once more, the yellow dust and wind bore witness to the departure of these young, fiery souls.

Duo Zai, I buried you here. Though your bones lie cold in the ground, I know you will wait patiently, watching for the day I return. Will you wait for me? Wait for us to meet again on this path? I will cry in your arms once more and listen as you sing the sorrowful song you once shared. I still remember—you said it was the voice of the underworld, carrying a distant, otherworldly longing…

Endless skies embrace the desert sands,

A thousand miles of strings chase the horizon.

Once there was a girl who sheltered me beneath the mulberry tree.

Once there was a girl who warmed my bed.

Spring fades, winter comes, day turns to night,In a blink, past lives unravel into history!

The biting wind severs the waves,While the moon above the arid sea mirrors the surging tides.

Where is the girl who broke my heart?

Where is the girl who mourned with me?

Spring fades, winter comes, day turns to night,In a blink, this life holds no hope!

—Song of the Beyond

Oh gods, if you truly exist, have you heard this sorrowful lament?If you’ve heard it, do you still mock the fragility of life?If that is so,Oh gods,I will forget you…

"Tong Bahe, you old fool! If you were going to run, why not go further? Getting caught this quickly wasn’t even satisfying!" With that, Tong Bahe’s mutilated body received another heavy kick. Naturally, the one who could kick a man so viciously without a second thought had to be Ruowen. He wiped the blood off his foot and sat down on Tong Bahe’s chest, surrounded by five hundred other captured bandits, all kneeling with ashen faces under his cold, pitiless gaze.

"Leader! Let me finish him off so you don’t dirty your boots!" Manhu eagerly offered.

"I’ll do it! After all, I took care of his son. Might as well send him along too," Leiying chimed in.

By this point, Tong Bahe was near death, coughing up a final mouthful of blood. He half-opened his eyes and glared at Ruowen. With what seemed like the last strength in his body, he shouted, "Bandits aren't like this!" And with that, he breathed his last.

"Tch! What nonsense, old man!" Manhu kicked him again, disinterested.

In truth, Tong Bahe wasn’t wrong. Throughout the chase, Ruowen’s relentless pursuit had shown him that these men were unlike other bandits. Their faith in Ruowen, their obedience to him, had reached a strange and almost fanatical level. But bandits weren’t supposed to be like that. Yet if they weren’t bandits, what were they? He didn’t know, and now, he never would.

But bandits wouldn’t behave like that. And if they weren’t bandits, then what were they? He didn’t know, and he would never live long enough to find out.

Ruowen gazed at Tong Bahe’s lifeless body and suddenly stood up, a cold glint flickering in his eyes.

"Kill them all!" he commanded.

At his words, a near-hysterical cheer of excitement erupted from Manhu, Leiying, and the others. In an instant, the lives of nearly five hundred people were reduced to nothing but blood and flesh, like toys shattered by bloodthirsty demons unleashed upon the earth.

The carnage continued for an hour, while Ruowen sat leisurely, watching the massacre unfold like an observer of hell on earth. His gaze grew darker as the slaughter progressed.

After a long while, the screams and cries ceased, replaced only by the labored breathing of exhaustion and the satisfied curses of the killers.

Ruowen stood. "Had enough?" he asked.

"Not enough! Not enough!" his men shouted in unison.

Ruowen chuckled, raising his fist high into the air. Instantly, the crowd fell silent, eyes fixed on him.

"From this day forth, we are no longer mere bandits! We will no longer roam aimlessly through these northern deserts. I will build an army, and we will march south!" His voice boomed with rough authority, resonating through the hearts of every man. "Raise the yellow banner, emblazon it with the white crown. I will lead you, to take what I desire and seize what I need. Our army shall be called the Huangtian Mad Corps, born under this boundless yellow sand. If we are to be mad, let us be mad to the end! If we are to kill, let us kill until the very last!"

As his words rang out, a stunned silence followed, and then erupted into thunderous cheers. From this moment on, Ruowen was no longer a mere bandit chief on the fringes of the northern desert.

"I swear, I will pursue this path to the very end!"

"Nashe, how did you cure Tong Bahe’s delusions?"

"Delusions can’t be cured."

"Then how did you…?"

"I gave Tong Bahe the root of the Eternal Winter Plant. For seventy-two hours, he would lose all desire, and without desire, how could there be delusions?"

"But he couldn’t eat or sleep for three days, and once those three days were up, the delusions would return, right?"

"Exactly."

"Nashe, do you think Tong Bahe hated you for it?"

"Yes, because desire is endless."

Just like human wisdom.

Ningdu, the capital of Yunpei.

An endless stretch of green trees and blooming red flowers intertwined with the grand and ornate structures, while orderly streets lined with shops and taverns stretched in every direction. The wine here was rich and sweet, the grain fragrant and fresh. One could lift their gaze to the serene clouds and blue sky, or lower it to the cheerful faces of maidens and young men. How could it feel so different?

Before this, Huang Beishuang had never seen such beauty. It was as if this vibrant world had almost overwhelmed her senses. The thirteen people behind her were equally astonished, as though they had stepped into a dream.

"This is Yunpei!" Lianhuan, his mouth agape and nearly drooling, wiped his face before turning to Huang Beishuang.

"Yes, we’ve arrived!" Huang Beishuang smiled as she walked ahead, her expression conflicted. Why did this place feel so different? Life here was so peaceful and serene, the palaces so grand and majestic. In Erenaci, such a world could only ever exist in a distant, unreachable dream.

"This is the power of the foremost nation—holding the most oases and people, with a complete army and palace system. Come, let’s meet them and fulfill our initial mission."

"Enter the city!"

"Stop! Where are you from?" The guards at the city gate blocked their path.

Yipei, the maid in green, stepped forward, offering several strings of jewels. "Honorable guards of Yunpei, we come from the distant land of Erenaci, bearing our people's blessings for this marriage alliance!"

At her words, the guards lowered their swords, and one fat man stepped forward.

"Pah! Another marriage envoy, huh? We’ve already had dozens arrive these past few days. Show me your passage permits and treaty documents! Which tribe are you from again?" His tone was mocking as he glanced over the dusty and travel-worn group. But when his eyes fell on Huang Beishuang, they brightened. "Well, well! This one’s a beauty! Could give the girl from Zhenqu yesterday a run for her money!" He reached out to touch Huang Beishuang’s face.

With a sharp clang, Lianhuan’s sword was suddenly at the fat man’s armpit. Startled, cold sweat trickled down his brow as he quickly withdrew his hand. Staring at Huang Beishuang’s calm yet imposing demeanor, a shiver ran through him. He realized, this woman was no ordinary person.

"Alright, go on in. Register at the envoy residence, and in three days, the marriage ceremony at Guanghan Palace will take place, where all the envoys will be received." The fat man, now much more cautious, refrained from further trouble, his mind racing. The prettier the woman, the more carefully she should be treated—who knew, she might be favored someday.

Lianhuan bowed respectfully and stepped aside, clearing the path for Huang Beishuang.

Now, the ten guards and three maids had come to regard her as their one and only leader, vowing loyalty unto death, unflinching in battle.

"Jiang Lei, Yun Zai, I have an important task for you."

Huang Beishuang entered the city, lost in thought, and as they neared the envoy residence, she finally spoke.

"At your command, Nashe!" Jiang Lei and Yun Zai immediately moved to her side.

After a brief, whispered conversation with them, she lifted her head and said, "Be cautious in all things. Take care of yourselves."

The two men nodded, then turned and departed.

"We’ve come here for the sake of our people, but preserving our lives is for our own sake," Huang Beishuang suddenly turned back with a smile, addressing the remaining eleven. "From now on, the dangers we face will only multiply. We must be vigilant and ensure all our actions are carried out with precision. Lianhuan, I appoint you as the leader of the guards, to protect us. Yipei, you will oversee the maids and handle all arrangements."

"Yes!" they responded in unison.

"Good. The envoy residence is just ahead. Let’s go in."

Huang Beishuang glanced at the signboard hanging over the entrance—Ningdu Envoy Residence—her grip tightening as she led the group inside.

The grand hall was packed with people. It appeared that many slave tribes had sent their daughters here, some shyly seated at the side, watching the crowd, while others carried themselves with supreme confidence, fully aware of their beauty and grace, believing no one could compare. Each bride-to-be was accompanied by guards and maids, and it seemed that many were more fortunate than Huang Beishuang, having not encountered bandits along the way.

"The envoy has arrived! Silence, please!" a voice shouted, and suddenly, the room fell utterly quiet.

"Has everyone arrived?" A middle-aged man of impressive stature stepped out, followed by several soldiers. His eyes scanned the group gathered before him.

"Very well, the time has come. The three-day grace period for the ceremony has passed. Those who failed to arrive in time will be struck from the rolls," he said coldly, taking a sip of water. Everyone understood: those who hadn’t arrived were most likely dead, their bodies lost along the way.

"Princess Yuqiang of Masui!"

"Here!" a young servant raised her hand.

The envoy snorted, "Let your mistress answer for herself next time!"

"Lady Zhengfang of Guhe!"

"Present!"

"Lady Hanyu of Mizhan."

"Present!"

The roll call continued, making everyone’s hearts race. Who would have imagined that, aside from Tiandu, the other four great nations would all send envoys as well? Yunpei’s power was clearly evident!

In the crowd below, some of the girls began to weep quietly in fear, while others furrowed their brows in deep thought, realizing that without noble birth or great knowledge, surviving in this harsh land would take more than luck. Traditionally, brides sent for political marriages were often overlooked, and their fates were left unknown—many never returned.

"Miss Huang Beishuang of Erenaci!"

"Here!" Daoqiu answered confidently, her voice unwavering. This caught the envoy’s attention, and he raised an eyebrow, taking a second glance at their group. Ah, this one’s a true leader! Just eight guards, yet their bearing was dignified and their vigilance constant. And the three maids, each more beautiful than the next, rivaled the princesses sent from other tribes. But none could compare to the poised Nashe, Huang Beishuang, standing at the center. There was something unique about her, an aura as if royalty itself stood among them.

"Huang Beishuang of Erenaci!" For some reason, he called her name again.

A snicker broke the tension. Another maid, Zai Ping, spoke up with a tinkling laugh, her voice like a bell. "My lord, you must be forgetful. Didn’t you just call her name? Or perhaps my sister Daoqiu’s voice is so pleasant that you wanted to hear it again?"

In an instant, the solemn atmosphere evaporated, and the crowd burst into laughter.

"Oh, well, would you look at that!" The envoy was embarrassed, patting his head awkwardly, the air of authority completely gone.

After a moment, he resumed the roll call.

"Lady Tianguan of Zhiken."

"Here!"

"Miss Zhenbiting of Nakuo."

"Here!"

…

The tedious process of checking names continued. The noblewomen were all addressed by their official titles—princess or lady—while the representatives from slave nations, including those from Erenaci, were simply called "Miss." Such was the reality: between people, there is no equality.

"Alright, the roll is complete," the envoy said with a faint smile, closing the book. "Twenty-one confirmed. Please rest well over the next three days and gather your strength. You will be summoned by His Majesty soon!" With that, he left, and the murmuring crowd was left to their own devices.

As the hall emptied, the maids and servants began tending to their mistresses, but the moment the envoy departed, the atmosphere shifted. The girls began to size each other up, subtly competing, exchanging thinly veiled barbs.

Most of the attention was focused on Zhenqu’s famed beauty, Youjia. From a distance, Huang Beishuang observed her and thought to herself, She truly is a beauty! Her delicate features and youthful charm were enough to captivate anyone, and her large, expressive eyes could stir the hearts of those who gazed upon her. It was impossible not to take notice.

Even surrounded by jealousy and spite, Youjia remained calm and proud, her strength making her rivals pale in comparison. No matter how much they bickered, they could neither outshine her nor match her aura. This only fueled their frustration, and they stomped their feet in anger, unable to do anything but watch.

Such beauty has no place in a setting like this, Huang Beishuang thought with a sigh, offering a faint smile before turning to leave with her group.

"Huang Beishuang! Stop right there!"

Just as she was stepping over the threshold, a voice called out to her. She halted, turning slowly.

"Princess Yuqiang! What do you need from me?" Huang Beishuang’s voice carried a hint of feigned fear as she instinctively moved closer to her maids.

Seeing her nervous demeanor only seemed to brighten Princess Yuqiang’s mood.

"Hmph! Just because you’re beautiful doesn’t mean you’re special! You’re no better than that Youjia girl. Where’s your backbone? What are you hiding from? Afraid I might eat you?" With that, she grabbed Huang Beishuang’s hand and yanked her forward, landing a sharp slap across her face, causing her to turn slightly from the blow. Lianhuan instinctively reached for his sword, but with a single glance from Huang Beishuang, he stopped, silently stepping back.

"Why are you crying?" Princess Yuqiang was clearly satisfied with Huang Beishuang’s helpless appearance, venting the frustration she had accumulated from her earlier encounter with Youjia. Huang Beishuang, however, merely covered her face, silently weeping.

"Useless. Get out of my sight!" Princess Yuqiang snapped, her tone triumphant. Her smugness was not without reason. After all, she was no mere slave sent for marriage to prove loyalty—she came from the great Masui nation, one of the Five Powers. In a sense, her political status allowed her to exert dominance over the other women before entering the palace.

Zai Ping and the others hurried to Huang Beishuang’s side, one gently wiping her face, the other helping her away.

"Nashe, why do you let her push you around?" Yipei couldn’t help but ask once they had exited the envoy residence.

"Quarrels among women often stem from jealousy and competition. As long as it doesn’t concern us, we should avoid unnecessary conflicts. Besides, we have no solid footing here. Being rash could lead to danger," Huang Beishuang rubbed her face and added, "It really hurts! If I ever get the chance, I’ll pay her back tenfold!"

Hearing this, Yipei let out a soft giggle. "We feel so safe following Nashe!"

The others couldn’t help but nod in agreement, echoing the sentiment that Huang Beishuang’s presence always brought them comfort.

"Nashe, the envoy has already arranged rooms for everyone. Shall we rest for now?" Zai Ping asked.

Huang Beishuang mischievously winked and replied, "We’re not staying at the envoy residence. For the next three days, let’s take this opportunity to explore the famous city of Ningdu!"

The group was taken aback, looking at her with a mix of doubt and surprise.

But Huang Beishuang wasn’t joking. While the other marriage envoys busied themselves with bribing and currying favor with the local officials, she took her eleven companions on a leisurely tour, immersing themselves in Yunpei’s customs and way of life. Their days were filled with carefree laughter and song.

Perhaps, for them, these three days would be the most relaxed and joyful they had ever experienced.

The traces of time, fleeting like a dream,Faintly, I walked with the wind, gazing at the endless dunes,Unable to shake off the vastness of the world.I long to be with you until tears brim in my eyes.Those three days… still carefree…Those three days… still with you…

That night, within the towering walls of the imperial palace, the halls glowed with golden splendor. Massive carvings of galloping horses and soaring eagles adorned the walls, so lifelike they seemed ready to leap into motion. At the center, a colossal gemstone glittered with a hypnotic radiance, its brilliance illuminating everything around it. Such opulence was enough to overwhelm the spirit.

"Well? Have the men sent to track Maungliu’s group found anything?" The voice came from a man reclining on a lavish bed, veiled behind a flowing canopy. His tone, though soft, carried an unmistakable air of danger.

"They found them, but... they’ve all lost their minds... incoherent," the man responding was a muscular figure with a stern expression. Clearly, he held a high rank, possibly a general or commander—anyone permitted to speak directly to this man must wield considerable power.

The one on the bed rose, his voice unexpectedly calm.

"Wu Jihai, investigate Maungliu’s affairs quietly, without raising alarms. This group has been selling military secrets across the nations, slipping through every crack. If we’re not careful, Yunpei may soon find itself in serious trouble."

"Understood," Wu Jihai replied, bowing low.

"That’s all for now, you may leave."

Wu Jihai stood and was about to exit when someone else entered, nearly colliding with him.

"Ah! General Wu, still here? Shouldn’t you be home keeping your two wives company?" The newcomer was none other than Envoy Zhu Jun, his face twisted into a mischievous grin. "Your wives haven’t seen you in days. They’ve been visiting my residence daily, chatting up the other brides-to-be. Today’s the last day, you know. Tomorrow the girls will be in the palace, and your wives will be bored again!"

"Hmph! Mind your own business!"

It was clear Wu Jihai held nothing but disdain for Zhu Jun. Without another word, he brushed past him and strode out.

With a wave of his sleeve, Wu Jihai strode out without further acknowledgment.

"May Your Majesty live long!" Zhu Jun knelt respectfully.

"Rise."

There was no need for further introductions—the man before him was none other than Na Zhan, King of Yunpei and the master of Guanghan Palace.

Zhu Jun stood, respectfully presenting a thick scroll with both hands. Na Zhan accepted it, casually flipping through the pages with an air of indifference, his interest seemingly absent.

"Speak," he said with a dismissive gesture.

"In total, 130 nations, both great and small, have submitted marriage proposals. Your Majesty graciously accepted thirty-two of them. So far, twenty-one have arrived, most of the missing ones are weaker slave nations, likely lost to bandits or wandering brigands. The roster records the names, ages, appearances, and backgrounds of the twenty-one envoys, along with their recent activities in the envoy estate. The earliest arrival was a month ago, and the latest just checked in today. Additionally, the accompanying document ranks the tribute they’ve brought for Your Majesty," Zhu Jun reported efficiently.

"Mm. And what do you think?" Na Zhan asked lazily, popping a piece of pastry into his mouth.

"Your Majesty," Zhu Jun, clearly eager for this moment, answered with barely concealed excitement, "The women are all stunningly beautiful. I’ve been feasting my eyes for days..."

"Enough, just give me the highlights," Na Zhan interrupted, his patience wearing thin.

"Yes, of course!" Zhu Jun immediately adjusted his demeanor. "First, among the nobility, we have Princess Yuqiang of Masui, Lady Zhengfang of Guhe, and Lady Hanyu of Mizhan—each a beauty of unparalleled charm, with their own distinct allure."

"And Tiandu? Still keeping their distance?" Na Zhan’s voice took on a frosty edge, clearly unimpressed with the flattery.

"Ah, yes... Tiandu has once again declined to participate..." Zhu Jun faltered, his nervous eyes watching Na Zhan’s reaction.

Na Zhan did not pursue the subject further.

"Go on."

"Next, we have the envoys from the slave nations. Generally, their appearance and demeanor are of a lower caliber, given their humble origins. However..." Zhu Jun paused, visibly excited.

"Two of them stand out—one is Youjia from Zhenqu, the other, Huang Beishuang from Erenaci. From what I’ve seen, they could rival any of the noble princesses, and perhaps even surpass a few of Your Majesty’s consorts!"

"Oh?" Now Na Zhan’s interest was piqued. He casually flipped to Youjia’s entry. The notes described her as a fierce and spirited woman, never hesitating to strike back at any who wronged her, utterly fearless. She had spent four days in the envoy estate, outshining many of the more ruthless and spiteful princesses, and her tribute ranked tenth in value.

"Interesting!" Na Zhan chuckled, a hint of dark amusement crossing his features, momentarily shedding his kingly restraint to reveal something more wicked. He then turned to Huang Beishuang’s entry.

"She spent less than three hours in the envoy estate, was publicly slapped by Princess Yuqiang, fled in tears, and then disappeared for three days. She reappeared only for the final roll call, accompanied by eight guards and three maids. Her tribute ranks last. She claims to have been ambushed by bandits but managed to escape." Na Zhan’s expression grew thoughtful, his gaze unreadable.

"Three days away from the estate—what was she doing?" he asked, his tone slow and deliberate.

"According to the city patrol, she was seen exploring various parts of Ningdu," Zhu Jun answered truthfully.

"Exploring?" Na Zhan raised an eyebrow in surprise, then let out a dry laugh, though his true thoughts were impossible to decipher.

"Zhu Jun, what’s your impression of her?" Na Zhan asked, his eyes still fixed on Huang Beishuang’s entry.

"Your Majesty," Zhu Jun hesitated for a moment before answering carefully, "At first glance, she seemed regal and composed, like a true leader. But upon closer observation, it seems she may not be all she appears to be. After being publicly humiliated by the spoiled Princess Yuqiang, she fled without uttering a word in protest. I suspect she knows that her beauty has made her a target of jealousy, and she didn’t return to the estate for three days. Frankly, I was disappointed. I had initially thought she could rival Youjia, but it seems she’s all appearance, no substance."

"Hmph! Zhu Jun, how much did you take from Zhenqu? Stick to your observations, and don’t overstep," Na Zhan’s voice turned cold, his sharp gaze piercing.

Zhu Jun quickly dropped to his knees. "Forgive me, Your Majesty! I admit, I accepted favors, but I swear that Youjia is truly exceptional!"

"Which places did she visit?" Na Zhan asked again.

"Which one, Your Majesty?" Zhu Jun inquired cautiously.

"Huang Beishuang."

"Ah, she first spent some time at the city gates, then wandered the marketplace and Five Grains Field. The following day, she visited the temples and Tongtian Tower, and finally..." Zhu Jun hesitated, gauging Na Zhan’s reaction.

"Where did she go?" Na Zhan asked, his tone devoid of displeasure.

"She went to the Founding Tomb of Chuangtian," Zhu Jun quickly responded.

"Hahaha!" Na Zhan burst into laughter, his voice brimming with arrogance. "Instead of squabbling with those princesses in the envoy estate, she spent three days familiarizing herself with the culture and history of my Ningdu. This is no ordinary woman. Of all the bridal envoys who have passed through the northern deserts, she's the first to survive bandit raids and make it here unscathed!" His voice carried a note of satisfaction, as if he had found a new toy, his excitement tinged with a subtle sense of anticipation.

In the air, Zhu Jun could hear the faint echoes of laughter, its meaning beyond his grasp.

Meanwhile, in the quietest room of the envoy estate, Huang Beishuang and her three maids were busy preparing for the marriage ceremony the next day, while the eight guards stood watch in two shifts at the door, maintaining tight security. The other rooms in the estate were lively, with girls rehearsing songs and dances in hopes of drawing attention.

"Yipei, tomorrow is your big moment. Are you nervous?" Huang Beishuang sat on the bed, her mood seemingly light.

"Nervous? Not at all! Every girl from Erenaci is a skilled singer and dancer, and we’ve had special training for this. Why would we be afraid?" Yipei replied with a hint of defiance.

"Exactly! Besides, if Nashe herself were to perform, those princesses would be utterly humiliated! I’d love to see that!" Zai Ping, who was washing Huang Beishuang's feet, chimed in.

"Right! I feel the same way. That Youjia from Zhenqu—she may paint herself as beautiful as she can, but she’s nothing compared to Nashe. It’s infuriating!" Daoqiu vented her frustration.

The maids' chatter grew louder, and Huang Beishuang couldn’t help but smile, thinking that despite the life-and-death trials they had faced, and the uncertain future ahead, these girls still had the carefree nature of youth.

"Enough," Huang Beishuang said, lying down. "Come on up! Let’s all sleep together tonight." She patted the bed with a lively expression. Without hesitation, the three maids jumped onto the bed, crawling under the covers.

That night, under the gentle moonlight, soft voices filled the room.

"After three days of exploring, what do you all think?" Huang Beishuang asked.

"Hmm... I think this place is beautiful. Everything seems so orderly."

"Beautiful, yes, but I find it a bit too rigid. Too many rules."

"I feel like... everything you could possibly need is here!"

Each maid shared her thoughts, and Huang Beishuang smiled at their words.

"Yipei, Zai Ping, Daoqiu, do you know why the noble girls sent for marriage are given titles like 'princess' or 'lady'? Do you know why?" Huang Beishuang asked, her tone calm, but laced with subtle meaning.

"Because they come from ruling nations," Yipei replied.

"Exactly. Now, what do you think would happen if Erenaci gave me a title and called me a 'princess' for this marriage?" Huang Beishuang’s voice was steady, but the words carried a storm beneath.

"That would be rebellion! A warning to others—it would bring death! We’re from a slave nation, and slaves must know their place!"

At this, the three maids fell silent, their hearts tangled with unease.

"Remember this feeling," Huang Beishuang continued. "When we enter the palace, you will come to understand it more deeply. You will see things you've never seen before. You will feel a power and cruelty from another world. Are you certain you won’t be afraid?"

The maids said nothing, their earlier ease replaced by the weight of Ningdu’s grandeur. They had been awed and silenced countless times during their exploration. Were they truly unafraid? They didn’t know how to answer.

"Do not be afraid."

Huang Beishuang’s voice was firm. "When you step into the grand hall, singing and dancing to offer your loyalty, I will be there with you. I will stand by your side. I am not afraid, so you must not be afraid either. After facing death, what more is there to fear?"

"I brought you on this tour of Ningdu so you could quickly adjust to this foreign world. Never again should any sight distract you from who you truly are. Do you understand?"

Huang Beishuang's soft yet resolute voice calmed the turmoil in their hearts, one word at a time.Night deepened. No one spoke again.Whose riddle, in the darkness, stirs the heart’s flame?

Whose fragrance, in the silence, sweetens the soul?

Sleep now, sleep—I have never known the answer,I have never surrendered to its charm.

The rain of sand erased the tracks I left behind,Yet now it is green blooms that bar my path to peace.

How can I forget?That riddle, and that sweetness…

Qingyun, do you remember?You swore never to let go.

Qingyun, how could I ever forget you?