Chapter 67
Must you go to afterlife
After that long, passionate kiss, Xinger and Yuwen Yue stayed for the night, offering each other warm company under the romantic moonlight. As snowflakes gently fell, the lovers embraced each other, losing all sense of time as they closed their eyes.
The two tired hearts came to rest, and not many words were exchanged, for they both knew that when the sun rose, another difficult day awaited them.
At dawn, the foggy and misty forest came into view. Silence filled the air by the river lake. Yuwen Yue touched Chu Qiao's chin; she was still asleep.
Yuwen Yue didn't want to let go of Chu Qiao, he wished to stay there forever. Gazing at her delicate, sleeping figure made his heart skip a beat.
Chu Qiao stirred slightly, opening her eyes to meet Yuwen Yue's calm gaze. She slowly sat up.
The look in Yuwen Yue's eyes hinted at another kiss, and before he could act, Chu Qiao leaned in and kissed him on the lips.
However, without any words or plans, Chu Qiao quickly gathered all her belongings, her cape, her indigo scarf, her crown, her bow and arrows, and her Canhong sword.
Yuwen Yue didn't even have a chance to speak as Chu Qiao suddenly ran away from him.
Left sitting under the fir tree, Yuwen Yue said, "Is this how the Chu Jing princess says good morning to her Qinghai prince?"
Chu Qiao, happy as a clam, turned and looked back at Yuwen Yue, shouting, "You have work to do, and I don't want to be your distraction." She continued walking, securing her bow and arrows on her back.
Yuwen Yue shouted after her, "Is this it? After kissing, holding each other, and waking up, you just walk away from me?"
Chu Qiao, now some distance away, laughed and shouted back, cupping her hands around her mouth, "I can't be your fairytale today. Back to the real world, Qinghai Prince!"
Yuwen Yue did the same, forming his hands into an "O" and shouting, "How am I supposed to find you again?"
Chu Qiao shouted back, "You always seem to know where to find me!"
"Fine, I'll find you again. You're lucky to walk away from me today, but not tomorrow."
"I'll come find you again!" Yuwen Yue called as he stood up, putting on his metal mask before walking in the opposite direction, back to the Golden Palace.
Chu Qiao faded from Yuwen Yue's sight as she walked toward the river lake. She found Viper standing beside it and approached her, gently patting her back. "I'm here. I'm okay. You can release them now."
Viper glanced at Chu Qiao, rolling her eyes. "Where have you been? And that guy with the metal mask, isn't he one of the Qinghai royal princes? Were you hurt?"
"I'm fine. Please, let them go. Their master will worry if they don't return soon," Chu Qiao replied. Viper finally released her grip on the two captives' necks, and they flew free like birds.
Chu Qiao was momentarily startled when she saw Yue Qi and exclaimed, "Seventh Yue! And oh, another Yue?!"
Yue Qi looked at her face as Chu Qiao unveiled her indigo scarf.
Yue Qi, slightly surprised to see her again, said, "Xinger! You recognized me! Good thing!"
Chu Qiao smiled warmly at him and said, "It's hard not to recognize you. And who's this man beside you? He looks just like you."
Viper eyed Zuo, recalling that they had fought a few times before but had never been close enough to exchange names.
"Zuo, meet Xinger," Yue Qi said plainly.
"Hi, Xinger, I'm Yue Qi's eighth brother," Zuo said, glancing at Viper as if he wanted to ask her name, but he remained silent, already knowing it.
"Good to meet you," Chu Qiao replied. "By the way, meet Viper, your lifeline keeper from last night."
Zuo reacted first, pretending to be surprised. "Aha! So the whip girl's name is Viper!"
Viper was about to lash out with her whip, but Yue Qi quickly stepped between them, saying, "Miss Viper, my brother is just teasing you. Please give him another chance and put down your whip." He smiled at her.
Chu Qiao looked at Viper, as if to say, "It won't hurt to give him another chance, I'm with them!" She winked at Viper.
Viper let go and said nothing, though her disdain for Zuo's face was obvious.
This morning's events did not stop the autumn trees from shedding their leaves, which fell to the ground and covered the grass of the Golden Palace. The green pastures were now mixed with yellow-orange leaves. The Banner Commander agreed to begin and issued the command.
Shortly after the parade of colors was called, a team of black-helmeted cavalrymen appeared and marched across the grounds.
They took formation and, as if heading into battle, halted at their posts.
For a moment, standing on the stage, the Eunuch signaled for the audience's attention. He shouted, unrolled a scroll, and read aloud: "Everyone's attention, please! We will now begin the competition of Swordplay and Archery, respectively. The Emperor is pleased to welcome 12 royals from various states and countries, both men and women, who have come to participate in this year's royal competition. The Emperor extends his best wishes to the players and hopes they win heaven's favor."
The participants hailed from various regions of China, including the eastern Qinghai princes, Han Chinese royals, Mongolian royals, the Bathuja royal family, as well as foreign dignitaries such as Turkish princes, Pakistani and Indian royals, Middle Eastern royals, and Thai and Malay royals. With their banners and royal guards, they paraded in order, giving the Golden Palace grounds a grand display of international royalty.
The spectators, who came to watch, were seated in an orderly fashion according to their status, from the thousands of palace officials of Wei, to the hundreds of Wei nobles and royals, including the Zhao, Yuwen, and Wei noble families. Also present were shrine and temple elders and their selected servants, as well as traders and businessmen.
Meanwhile, dog slaves and other unfortunate servants, though unable to enter, gathered outside the palace walls. They pressed their ears to the walls, imagining that hearing the sounds was as good as watching the spectacle.
The royal concubines of the Wei Palace were also present, beautifying the Golden Palace grounds with their ornate headdresses and imperial dresses.
Xia Chong was accompanied by a hundred palace maids, while the ex-princess Chuner followed alone, her entire face still hidden beneath a wide, veiled hat.
Zhao Song sat proudly in his seat and watched his crown princess, his eyes mesmerized by her imperial autumn dress as she walked toward him.
Yuwen Huai remained by the side of a mysterious lady, never leaving her. She had become the subject of gossip among the nobles and palace ministers.
Yuwen Huai, proud as ever, gave the nobles an evil grin and a few smirks.
The nobles' reactions varied, some wore poker faces, others faked smiles, stealing glances at the elegant and sophisticated lady beside him.
Zhao Yang, with his servants, took a back seat. After bowing to the Emperor as was customary, he paid little attention to anyone but himself.
General Bali and Princess Zama, the most imposing and intimidating royals present, wore thick furs. The elderly Batu's servants matched their ivory accessories with animal-skin boots and leather uniforms, complete with arm guards. They carried the scent of blood and smoke, and some had the fierce appearance of Indian warriors, their cheeks painted black, their eyelids heavily lined in black eyeliner. Some royals noticed the absence of Prince Zaru, but none dared inquire of Princess Zama.
The Blackguards were not visible on the site, but they were scattered around, ready to strike in case of disaster.
Zhao Che, the prince of sacrifice, was absent, as he was guarding Wei's borders to ensure the safety and protection of the palace grounds.
Yan Xun, however, fully aware of the events unfolding inside Wei, had not been invited. Originally, he planned to make his presence known by sending an explosive device. Unfortunately for him, his Xuili army did not align with his forces and became a distraction for Yan's army.
Chu Qiao was trying to decipher the prince who refused to share his feelings. Aside from mourning his father, Emperor Tang, Chu Qiao could only hope that Xiao Ce would endure the waiting period until the day of his enthronement.
Viper was Chu Qiao's only guide when she confessed that she had experienced discord in her internal chi flow on the day the Liang Emperor died.
Viper said, "Do you know what this means, Your Highness?"
Chu Qiao asked, "No. What is this all about?"
Viper answered, "It means the Jianghu spies are nearby, within the Liang Empire."
Chu Qiao asked, "Jianghu? Weren't these the underworld spies we left in Chu Jing Kingdom?"
Viper replied, "After Chu Jing Kingdom's downfall, the underworld spies scattered when your mother, Lou He, died. Sand Drizzle, the second-best spy leader after your mother, took command of the Wind underworld spies, led by Zhong Yu, while the Cloud spies, including me, fell under your control. We were about to reunite, but it never happened. You lost your memories during your battle with Yuwen Hao, the former master of the Eyes of God. I've searched for you and your siblings ever since."
Viper, helping Chu Qiao recover her memories of the lost Chu Jing Kingdom, said, "I cannot return to Chu Jing Kingdom without aiding the Xuili army. You must understand where I'm coming from."
Viper, renewing her vow, told Chu Qiao, "I swore to protect you, and your battles are mine as well. We'll secure the Xuili army and save them from Yanbei's cold king and merciless heart." The two decided to track the Xuili army by heading west. They also planned to surprise Xiao Ce, hoping to expose his true feelings and decisions on this matter without Chu Qiao's direct involvement.
This way, Chu Qiao would know if Xiao Ce, with his sealed lips, was willing to assist and grant a temporary command post for the Xuili army.
Meanwhile, Empress Yuan felt utterly ineffective after the last bureaucratic meeting held in her palace. The interim Emperor had stormed her gates and swayed all votes in favor of the Xuili army over her claim to the Liang Empire's Empress seat.
Feeling powerless and unable to exercise her authority, despite holding temporary powers to bestow the Emperor's seal, she called one of the eunuchs and said, "It seems the bureaucrats of this empire have forgotten the principles they claim to live by. The people are always defenseless against abuse, and heaven is difficult to accuse. The palace ministers should know their place. They do not act as parents of the people. The people are the true parents, and the officials of this palace are their children. It is the people who fund their salaries, homes, and all the benefits that come from their positions. They need to be reminded."
She wrote a letter to Prince Luo, asking him to form a military revolt and help her overthrow the interim Emperor before his enthronement.
She also hinted that if Prince Luo declined, she had other means and methods, though she did not reveal them to him.
Zhan Ziyu was her dark backup plan. What the Empress did not know was that she had hired a master assassin with a conscience, not a mere killing machine. At the last moment, Ziyu might still spare Xiao Ce's life if there was a glimmer of hope or mercy.
The truth remains that the throne is not a place of happiness. On the contrary, it is where unquenchable wild weeds grow, devouring the good seeds. It is where persistent evil vines creep until they can fully grasp power and dictate who lives or dies.
Back in the Wei Empire, the sword competition had begun.
Surprisingly, Ra Zheng was chosen as one of the judges.
The Emperor hand-picked him because he was a legendary sword master from the East. Ra Zheng, along with two other foreign royals, sat in front of a massive yin-yang fighting circle. The ring, made of white and black alabaster stone, symbolized balance.
Like the yin-yang symbol, the circle featured a curved line through the middle, marking two sides, each with a small flat fountain at the center. The fountains were turned off, leaving small pools of water inside the fighting circle. The rules were simple: if a player landed in one of the small pools, it would count against them. If a player landed outside the circle, the match was over.
Each competitor wore light breastplate armor, and withdrawal from the match was allowed. Gongfu practitioners had an advantage, but the foreign royals might still surprise the audience with their own martial arts techniques.
Ra Yue and Ra Zhun sat beside each other in the royal seats, watching. None of the three princes joined the swordplay, as Ra Zheng, one of the judges, would ensure impartiality.
Despite winning their matches, none of the foreign royal dignitaries could sustain their games, often landing outside the fighting circle.
After several rounds of swordplay, Xia Chong entered the championship round, awaiting the announcement of her opponent.
Finally, the eunuchs declared: "The crown princess of Wei will face the crown princess of the Far East."
The audience was in awe, still unsure of the identity of the brave crown princess from the Far East. Though they had seen her fight, she was the least expected to win, yet she had made it to the championship round.
Chu Qiao, assuming her normal fighting stance, made no grand moves to impress the crowd. After two swift strikes, the match was over.
She bowed to the Great Emperor, whom she loathed, and smirked at the noble crowd. No one recognized her, as her face was covered with a white scarf.
Ra Yue squinted when he heard about the crown princess of the Far East.
Ra Zhun murmured, "What is this? Two royal women defeated all the royal men? Unbelievable!"
"And who is this crown princess representing the Far East?"
Ra Zhun threw a funny look at Ra Yue and chuckled. "It seems all the royal men have soft hands and trembling knees after seeing these beautiful crown princesses!"
Ra Yue, still silent, was curious and excited to see how the mysterious crown princess from the Far East, covered in a white scarf, would challenge the Wei crown princess.
He finally spoke, "We've underestimated these princesses long enough. Did you know that behind every strong king is a smarter queen?"
"These crown princesses may not be physically strong, but their wits and quick thinking give them an advantage. Before you realize it, they've already overtaken you."
Yuwen Yue recalled his encounter with Chu Qiao the previous night, when she fell into his arms like a fragile snowflake, so delicate yet so agile. He found himself unable to lower his guard around her. Despite this, her vulnerability stirred his desire to protect her.
Yuwen Yue no longer fought against her. In fact, he saw himself fighting for her.
Whether to save or kill her no longer mattered. His encounter with the Chu Jing Princess had clouded his judgment, forcing him to surrender to her vulnerability. His gentlemanly side could no longer remain hidden. Before he knew it, his soft spot for her had been exposed.
The Wei Emperor, proud of the Wei crown princess's victory, believed everything was working in his favor.
The Emperor's gaze never left Ra Yue and Ra Zhun as they conversed.
Confident in his underestimation of the Far East crown princess, the Emperor believed there was no chance she would win. He knew that Chu Qiao (posing as Xia Chong) couldn't afford to make the slightest mistake.
The 13th crown prince, Yuan Song, felt victorious for his wife. The foreign royals, however, all had a common remark: "She is a trophy wife, a secret weapon revealed."
It was a strong statement, more so than a sincere compliment.
The swordplay began, with Xia Chong standing on the black (Yin) side of the circle and the Far East crown princess on the white (Yang) side.
Neither dared to move. Xia Chong sensed that her opponent was stronger and seemed to control the wind and external elements. Chu Qiao, on the other hand, realized her opponent was a puppet princess, Xiao Yu's replacement for her on the eve of her engagement.
The same energy flowed from her opponent, and Chu Qiao noted their similar facial features. "No wonder Ra Yue fell for her and was seduced by her that night," she thought.
Uncertain of what truly happened between Ra Yue and Xia Chong that night, Chu Qiao gathered her resolve for revenge against the two who had trespassed upon her heart. She was unaware that Ra Yue, the peddler she met on the eve of her engagement to Yuan Song, was actually the Qinghai crown prince.
She recalled how Xiao Chong helped her escape that night but remained uncertain of her true intentions. Whoever was behind it all would pay dearly.
Her thoughts raced. Not only had she discovered that Ra Yue was the Qinghai crown prince, but he had also revealed himself as Yuwen Yue, the fourth young master of the Yuwen Household, a secret known only to her, as Yuwen Yue hid behind his metal mask.
"How did this happen?" she wondered. Her memories from that fateful night on the frozen lake resurfaced, revealing Yuwen Yue's face in crystal-clear detail. His passionate kiss had been sincere, filled with comfort and love.
However, she knew that if she allowed herself to be consumed by fleeting moments of romance, she might lose herself again and fall for him. What she needed was a heart of iron, especially now. Any mistake could cost her the Xuili army and the future of Chu Jing Kingdom.
She couldn't believe everything she saw or fall for him just because Ra Yue resembled Yuwen Yue. Ra Yue had to prove he was truly Yuwen Yue, and only then would she consider accepting him again.
Xia Chong, unable to read her opponent's mind or predict her next move, was forced to the defensive when Chu Qiao swiftly leaped and struck with her Canhong sword. Xia Chong, running out of space, tumbled back and nearly lost control, barely avoiding the small pool of water.
The ripple effect from the water reached Chu Qiao's sharp ears, allowing her to calm herself. She counted silently, "One."
Meanwhile, Xia Chong, now enraged, summoned the rain. The audience, unaware of the battle overhead, suddenly felt thin drops of rain falling. Still captivated by the duel, no one moved, while their servants and dog slaves surrounded them, opening umbrellas.
Ra Yue remained motionless.
Ra Zhun, his expression twisted in annoyance, kicked away a servant who approached to shield him with an umbrella, saying, "Did I ask you to disturb this ultimate duel?"
The servant cried in silent pain, apologized, and limped away.
The Emperor, watching from a distance, stood up. The eunuchs quickly draped his furry coat over him and placed his hood on his head, making him resemble a fearsome predator ready to pounce.
Chu Qiao, aware that this was not a natural rainfall, knew her opponent possessed the power of the wind. Determined not to use her ice kungfu powers, she opted to rely on her Canhong sword to continue the fight.
Xia Chong began to wield her sword, the Sword of Elegance and Invisibility, lent to her by her husband.
The battle soon escalated to a new level as both fighters unleashed the power of their magical swords. Two shining blades clashed in the air.
The Cheng Yin sword, now invisible, swiftly cut through Chu Qiao's scarf. But she twirled, managing to hold onto her mask with her left hand, while her right hand gripped the Canhong sword, which was stuck in the alabaster stone. The Cheng Yin sword fell in front of her, and she whispered, "Two."
Meanwhile, Xia Chong, haunted by the power of the Canhong sword, heard howling fox sounds and found herself surrounded by fire. Half of the black side of the fighting circle was now ablaze.
With a sarcastic smile, Chu Qiao said, "How will you retrieve your borrowed sword now, when you have to cross a ring of fire?"
Xia Chong, attempting to deceive, replied, "Your Grace, I am merely a tool in this palace. Without me, you will be in danger and hunted. I am not your enemy!"
The audience, still unaware of the true nature of the duel, was delighted by the spectacle of the magical swordplay and murmured among themselves.
"Where did the fire come from? This is now fire swordplay. I love the effects! What a performance!"
Some of the spectators clapped and stood up, watching Xia Chong, while Chu Qiao remained kneeling, her gaze fixed on the white stone ground.
The Emperor clapped his hands in delight. "This is an amazing performance. Is this part of the competition?" he asked, though none of his servants could answer him. The eunuchs exchanged glances, unsure.
The Emperor's face lit up with joy at the unexpected turn of events, which broke his usual sleepy mood.
Meanwhile, the audience couldn't tell if either competitor had been injured.
Chu Qiao asked, "Are you a servant of the Sand Drizzle Jianghu spies?"
Xia Chong responded, "No, Your Grace. I serve the Lotus Flower."
Chu Qiao knew Xia Chong was lying and pressed further, "Who? Xiao Ce? Or are you under Xiao Yu's control?"
Xia Chong, a double agent working for both Xiao Yu and Xiao Ce, suddenly recalled her former master Lou He's final words: "Protect her, no matter what happens."
In a bid to turn the situation, Xia Chong summoned heavy rain, which extinguished the ring of fire. Thunder and lightning swept across the fighting circle, and the audience, startled, turned to see Xia Chong lying still on the ground. Yet, she was not dead.
Chu Qiao stood up, pulled her Canhong sword from the white stone, and picked up the Cheng Yin sword with her left hand.
She approached Xia Chong, and the audience marveled at what they saw.
Ra Yue stood up, his cold eyes fixed on the crown princess from the faraway East.
The results were clear, the Wei princess had lost.
Chu Qiao's face was cold but compassionate as she knelt beside Xia Chong and returned her Cheng Yin sword.
She offered her hand, and Xia Chong accepted it, allowing herself to be helped up. Chu Qiao wasn't concerned with winning the competition but rather in understanding her opponent and uncovering who was behind her. She set an example of grace and integrity that everyone could follow.
The Wei Emperor, witnessing this, stood up and addressed the crowd. "This is more than just swordplay."
"The crown princess from the faraway East has exemplified our ancestors' heroism, displaying the noble-minded behavior of true heroes. She deserves an honorable welcome from this empire."
The audience was left speechless, and even the slaves and servants outside the walls, who had been listening closely, were astonished. Inside, the crowd erupted into applause, welcoming their new champion.
Although Ra Yue had pretended not to know Chu Qiao earlier, watching her wield the sword took his breath away.
Ra Yue knew she was Chu Qiao, the Chu Jing crown princess, and it was dangerous for her face to be exposed to the Emperor.
Ra Yue moved to approach Chu Qiao, but Ra Zheng stepped in front of him, saying, "Can't you wait until the banquet to meet her?"
Ra Yue looked at him and replied, "Do we really have to wait and miss this opportunity?"
Ra Zheng smiled and said, "Oh, brother, I've been watching you throughout this competition. Truth is, I've never seen your eyes stray from her for even a moment. Save the moment for later!"
Ra Zhun interrupted, "You take the crown princess champion from the East, and I'll take the crown princess archer champion later!"
Ra Zheng laughed, "Seems like you both have a date, and I'm left alone. Too bad for me."
Ra Yue joked, "Maybe I'll set up a date for you with the whip girl later?"
"Whip girl? Who's that?" Ra Zheng asked, perplexed.
Ra Yue grinned and said, "See you later, brothers!"
After the competition, the Emperor invited all the guests to a grand movable feast prepared by the Golden Palace.
Two chests of gold lay at the foot of the Emperor's throne, ready to be distributed.
The champion of the archery contest entered in her imperial dress, her face concealed by a mask.
She had won on the first day, defeating several royal princes with her archery skills. In the final round, she faced Princess Zama of the Bathuja family and won with her equestrian and archery abilities.
Princess Zama, having lost by a single point, could barely hide her frustration, while the mysterious princess had made her victory look easy.
Even Ra Zhun, who had participated in the archery contest, lost to this mysterious princess by just one point, a defeat he would never forget.
When it was time for the awards ceremony, the eunuch called for the princess from the West. She walked gracefully to the center of the hall and approached the Emperor's throne with perfect poise.
The Emperor, eager to see her face, ordered, "Show your face to the nobles and receive your reward."
The princess removed her scarf, revealing her face, and the crowd gasped, except for Yuwen Huai and Zhao Song.
Meanwhile, Xiao Ce, who had been monitoring Chu Qiao and Viper, received an intelligence report from his spies.
He instructed Tie You to secure Chu Qiao's escape and to allow Viper to stay behind and receive the reward. He also ordered Viper to inform the Emperor that the faraway princess was unwell and wished to return to her kingdom.
Chu Qiao did not hesitate; Viper stayed behind.
As Chu Qiao moved to meet Tie You, who had disguised himself, the Wei guards failed to recognize him as a spy from Liang state. Their plan worked, and Tie You safely escorted Chu Qiao away.
The cavalrymen turned their horses and galloped away from the Wei gates with Chu Qiao. However, just outside Chang'An city, a man with a sturdy build blocked their path.
Ra Yue suddenly appeared, stopping the cavalrymen in their tracks. He unsheathed his Poe Yue Jian sword, while Zuo and Yue Qi stood nearby, ready for action.
Chu Qiao lowered her white hood and said calmly, "An unsheathed sword is dangerous. It can kill or it can let me pass in peace."
Ra Yue, his face calm but his voice husky, replied, "I can't let you go, but I won't kill you either."
Tie You and the other spies from Liang drew their swords, prepared to protect the Chu Jing princess. But Chu Qiao's commanding voice rang out, "Spare him!"
"I will keep walking and trust your sword won't kill me."
Ra Yue twitched slightly, tightening his grip on his sword. "Try me," he said, his voice firm as Chu Qiao walked toward him.
For a brief moment, their eyes met, but neither spoke. Chu Qiao walked past him, unharmed.
Ra Yue stood still as if frozen, breathing heavily. Slowly, he sheathed his sword, letting the moment pass, as did the love of his life. His calm eyes and dry red lips barely moved as he called out after her, "I will find you. Until then, wait for me!"
Chu Qiao continued walking, her heart heavy with his words. Silent tears fell as she walked away. Yesterday had been full of unspoken love, but tonight was a testament to unbreakable hearts walking away from one another.
Once Chu Qiao was safe, Tie You and the other spies sheathed their swords, whipped their horses, and continued their journey into the woods, finally reaching the Wei-Liang border.
Back at the royal banquet, Ra Yue, drunk and numb, had lost all interest in the celebrations. He no longer paid attention to the winners or the events unfolding around him.
The crowd, still captivated by the princess from the West, marveled at her stern but beautiful face.
"Father, please forgive me," Chun'er said softly, throwing herself into a kowtow and remaining there.
The Wei Emperor, stunned, seemed unable to move or speak.
Zhao Song had anticipated this moment. It was a plan devised by Yuwen Huai and his sister to force their father to accept Chun'er and restore her status as the Wei crown princess. Though it was a risky situation, Zhao Song was prepared to intercede if their father did not comply.
The awards ceremony quickly turned into a father-daughter reconciliation, and the Emperor, though baffled, could not refuse. In front of the noble crowd, it was a tense moment, like sharks circling their prey, waiting for the Emperor's reply.
With a calm voice, the Emperor finally spoke, "Can a father truly turn away from his daughter?"
He signaled his servants, and the eunuchs helped Chun'er to her feet so she could face the Emperor.
The Emperor's eyes softened, and a slight smile touched his lips as he said, "Welcome back, Princess Chun'er of Wei!"
And just like that, the ex-princess was restored to her royal status, with all her fortunes returned to her that very night.
Afterward, the Emperor instructed one of his eunuchs to have Zhao Song announce the remaining winners, including the faraway crown princess.
Without any further courtesies, the Emperor stood and walked away from the banquet.
The next morning, Chu Qiao awoke in Yehua Palace in Liang state when suddenly Sun Di knocked on her door, reporting that Xiao Ce was lying unconscious.
Chu Qiao's heart raced, and she felt the urge to fly to his side at Jinwu Palace. Still in her night robes, she quickly mounted her horse and rode hard, whipping it to go faster, with Sun Di following close behind.
Chu Qiao arrived in time, unsheathing her sword as she entered the palace. No one, not even the guards, could stop her. She found the frail prince lying motionless on an expensive carpet.
For the first time, Chu Qiao didn't know what to do. Seeing her friend like this made her heart skip a beat. She tried to wake Xiao Ce, but the prince didn't respond.
Chu Qiao checked his pulse...weak. She leaned closer to his mouth to feel his breath and caught the scent of poison. Tears welled up as she hugged Xiao Ce, shouting at Sun Di, "The brazier! Throw it out!"
Xiao Ce had been poisoned by the brazier, but Chu Qiao believed it wasn't too late. Sun Di swiftly ordered the palace to be shut down, seizing all the palace maids and guards.
Chu Qiao commanded everyone to leave Xiao Ce's room and lock the door. Sun Di and Tie You were both confused, but Chu Qiao yelled, "If you don't obey my orders, Xiao Ce may never come back! Now go! Out!"
She added, "Tie You, stay! Turn your back and guard the door!"
With no time to waste, Chu Qiao tore her night robes and summoned her Higanbana powers. She didn't hesitate, fully aware of the consequences and where this path would lead.
Having only recently regained her memories, she was now trading them once again for the sake of saving Xiao Ce. She prayed he hadn't crossed the forgotten river yet.
No matter the cost, she was determined to pull Xiao Ce's soul back into the mortal world.
Chu Qiao, no longer in the mortal realm, raced through the underworld, battling against time.
After passing through the dark castle of the underworld spies, she found herself standing on beautiful paradise slopes, with divine winds swaying the flowers.
Butterflies flitted around her, one of them landing on her shoulder and kissing her skin. She gently held the largest butterfly and gazed at it.
The butterfly, as if sensing what the Mimi Gongzhu was missing, flew ahead, guiding Chu Qiao to follow. Before long, she saw two men standing by the river.
One was old, the other a young adult.
They both turned and looked at her. In this dreamy, otherworldly state, words were unnecessary, only the echoes of the heart were heard.
Chu Qiao approached the two men, and the butterfly, like stardust, disappeared.
Xiao Ce, seeing Chu Qiao for the first time in this suspended world, took her hands. They didn't need words, his eyes spoke, as if to say, "I'm okay, this is my path now."
Chu Qiao, speaking through her heart, without uttering a word, replied, "No, it's not your time yet. You cannot go. I won't let you go…"
Xiao Ce's solemn eyes met hers as he echoed, "Is this how you save a soul?"
The old man on the boat interjected, "Time is running out. The Mimi Gongzhu is coming to the other side to trade her mortal memories."
Xiao Ce understood, looking at Chu Qiao one last time. With compassion in her eyes, Chu Qiao handed him a Higanbana flower. Moments later, Xiao Ce's soul returned to the mortal world, but Chu Qiao remained and crossed the forgotten river.
Six months later, Empress Lu Zhi was playing with her grandsons, teaching them the wisdom of King Tang and telling them bedtime stories at night.
The deposed queen, Xiao Ce's real mother, had been reinstated, and Xiao Ce, now enthroned, had become the rightful ruler of Liang.
The handsome Emperor sat quietly in his garden, lost in thought as he trimmed the branches of his flower stems.
Suddenly, he was captivated by the sight of a beautiful woman walking toward him.
He stopped trimming and let the flower stem fall as the woman, dressed in her imperial gown, approached and said, "How lovely to see the Emperor trimming his roses again. Come, let's eat the turkey is ready and perfectly roasted."
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