While Li Yan was telling stories to Shijie in the carriage, the scouts who had scouted the entire vicinity returned and joined the convoy.
"Sir Huo, there's a lake up ahead in the forest with open ground around it where we can camp for tonight." One of the scouts reported.
"Have you checked carefully? Is it safe?" Old Huo asked with caution.
"There aren't many wild animals in this forest. We have checked the surrounding area and there's no one there." Other scout said.
Old Huo did not speak as he narrowed his eyes in deep thought. His expression was uncertain and hesitant as he did not speak for a long time. Seeing this, the head of the scout's party said, "Sir Huo, it's getting dark and there's no other place where we can camp. Even if it's dangerous, we have no choice."
Old Huo nodded and said, "Fine, we will head there. Show the way."
The scouts bowed from their horses and then took the lead at the forefront of the cavalry, guiding everyone to the place.
While Old Huo raised his hand and did a hand gesture as he conveyed a silent message to everyone. Understanding his intention, everyone complied as the cavalry took on closed-off formation, riding closer to each other to not stand out.
Inside the carriage, as Li Yan finished telling the story, she finally noticed that Shijie had fallen asleep on her lap. Li Yan looked at her son and patted his head gently hoping that it would help him sleep peacefully and have sweet dreams.
As she watched his small face that wasn't so small anymore, the reality suddenly dawned on her. Hearing the noise of crickets and birds, Li Yan felt a sense of tranquility and solace that was rather surreal.
As she relaxed her mind, the past four year's memories rushed back to her like a flood. She could recall everything that had occurred, from the ambush to Li Shuyi's birth. And then the bittersweet days that followed.
As she gently caressed Shijie's face, Li Yan also reminisced how her son had grown up before her eyes in the past years. From an infant to a beautiful, caring boy, it seemed like just yesterday when he was born.
Li Yan wondered if she would one day think of this exact moment and think the same. Although Li Yan missed the days when her son was a little baby, she also anticipated his future growth.
Most of all, she looked forward to finally seeing her son and husband in the same frame.
As Li Yan was entranced in her thoughts, a knock sounded on the carriage's door, waking her up from her trance.
"What is it?"
"My Lady, we are taking a break. Please stay inside until the tents are set up." Yao Wuhan said from outside.
"Yes,"
Everyone quickly got off their horses. Old Huo saw that the space was somewhat lacking so he ordered the soldiers to clear up some trees. After the trees were cleared, he ordered everyone to feed their horses while some began setting up the tents. Nearly after one hour, the door knocked once again and Yao Wuhan's voice sounded, "My Lady, all is ready, you can come out now."
Hearing this, Li Yan gently picked Li Shuyi in her arms and then slowly got off the carriage.
As she got off the carriage, beautiful scenery met her eyes. The lake in front of her was reflecting the moon and the stars above, giving off a sublime atmosphere. Its water was flowing gently, making the observer calm down seeing the luminous glow over the tranquil water.
At the lake's shore, a few distances away, countless tents swayed slightly in the mild wind as torches illuminated the vicinity, looking as if the stars in the sky had descended on the ground.
As Li Yan set foot on the ground and drew a long breath, the earthly scent tingled her nose, but in a good way. As she began heading to her special, big, and secure tent, the distinct sound of crickets, birds and the flowing water whispered in her ears.
The place looked absolutely enchanting as if it was straight out of a fairy tale. Enjoying the serenity, Li Yan couldn't help but exclaim in amazement, "Such a heavenly place!"
Old Huo, Fan Weijin, and Yao Wuhan nodded as they escorted Li Yan to the tent surrounded by several other tents with some distance in them.
Li Yan finally entered her luxurious tent and closed the thick curtains after the three of her followers bowed and ensured that they would be keeping guard throughout the night.
Soon after Li Yan entered her tent, a small bonfire was lit out in the open where all the soldiers gathered and mingled, finally having some moment of rest.
As it was getting dark, Old Huo ordered someone to do some fishing so that Li Yan and Shijie would have good food to eat. The fact was that something like cooked fish was a luxury during travels.
An hour passed and the delicious smell of cooked fish and meat drifted into the campsite, making everyone's mouth drool with saliva.
The food was then delivered to Li Yan. As Shijie hadn't eaten yet, she reluctantly woke him up and fed him the yummy food with her own hands.
Shijie was drowsy but he did not miss out on the food as he was also hungry. And after having such a fabulous meal, there was no way that he could stay awake. And so he fell asleep instantly after finishing his meal.
Finally, as Li Yan sensed that everything had begun to settle outside and all seemed well and good, she finally relaxed her guard as a wave of exhaustion washed over her.
Li Yan stumbled back and slumped down on the bed in tiredness. Looking at herself, she could feel her body ache and shiver. Suddenly, she remembered something critically important—she had grown weaker after giving birth to Shijie. Even worse, she could no longer use her Inner Qi anymore.
As this fact suddenly dawned on her, she felt helpless for the first time in a long time. Li Yan drooped her head in sadness as her heart sank and the color of her face paled. As she finally had time to feel, think and experience the helplessness of powerlessness. Li Yan despaired. For a fierce, independent, and powerful woman like Li Yan, losing her strength was the cruelest nightmarish fate that would no doubt, haunt her for her entire life.
On the verge of despair, Li Yan's gaze fell on her son who was sleeping peacefully with his limbs going all over the place. Even in sleep, he seemed like a free little fella. Seeing him like this, Li Yan wiped her tears and smiled as she thought, 'For you… I would even sacrifice my life. This much is nothing.'