Cheng Fengyi found Ché Sāngzi on a dry, sunny slope.
Small but sufficient for the medicine, she carefully dug it out.
Bumu'er approached, puzzled, "Chi Ying? What are you doing?"
Cheng Fengyi carefully picked up the herb, startled by the voice, turning to look.
Both were stunned, staring wide-eyed.
"Why you!" Bumu'er was greatly disappointed.
Cheng Fengyi realized, "You've been waiting outside the pass for Chi Ying?"
Bumu'er's expression was stormy, saying nothing.
Cheng Fengyi stood up, holding the herb, "No wonder Chi Ying always frowned when mentioning you. So you harbor such feelings for her?"
Bumu'er seemed stung, angry, "Such feelings? What kind?"
"Prince Bumu'er, you and Sangduo saved my life. I respected you as a gentleman, but now, I see I misjudged," Cheng Fengyi's tone grew stern, "Do you think Chi Ying will follow you if the city falls and Yan Zhou's army is defeated? That's not love; it's insulting her!"
"You have no right to lecture me!" Bumu'er exploded.
Cheng Fengyi was taken aback. Bumu'er sneered, "Yes, I don't understand your Central Plains women's notions of chastity and loyalty. I only know loving someone means making her happy and carefree, not burdening her with worries. You call me not a gentleman, but I never claimed to be one!"
He mocked, "I've known Chi Ying for three years, ample time to possess her, but I never stooped to that! I just wanted her to willingly accept my care. Is that wrong? Mock me all you want; you, ignorant and self-righteous, will never understand the pain of someone in my position!"
Cheng Fengyi, quick-witted, sensed hidden meaning in his words, momentarily confused, "You..."
Bumu'er mounted his horse, coldly throwing, "Do you know who dared to intercept the imperial convoy on your marriage journey?" and rode away.
Cheng Fengyi stood stunned, dropping the precious herb unnoticed.
She vividly remembered the events two years ago, similar to this season. Accompanying her husband to a palace banquet, she was publicly demanded by Huerhanah. Initially believing it a sudden calamity, she later realized it was a carefully orchestrated plot, sacrificing her for Cui Jie's stability.
She bore no grudge against Cui Jie for giving her away, nor against Cui Yi and Chi Ying for failing to save her, nor against her father for siding with the Wu King. From the moment her father gave Cui Yi the Star Abyss Sword, they prepared for possible persecution, uncertain of the outcome.
Huerhanah's proposal, though unexpected, made sense. Everything largely aligned with her father's predictions, except for the interception on the marriage route.
The Northern Di suffered heavy casualties. Though she couldn't understand their language, she clearly remembered the fire and subsequent duel. Bound in the carriage, she couldn't see the rescuer's face, even his voice was indistinct.
Who was he? The one who openly defied the imperial decree to save her halfway? She often wondered, and hearing Bumu'er's words, she realized she should have known.
A name flashed in her mind, striking her like lightning. Pale-faced, she hurriedly gathered the herb, wrapped it in oxhide paper, and raced back on horseback.
With Ché Sāngzi, the antidote was quickly brewed and administered to the unconscious Yang Qiong, who gradually regained color as the poison was neutralized.
Exhausted, Cheng Fengyi collapsed on a Luohan couch. Chi Ying, knowing she wouldn't leave, arranged for food to be brought, sitting with her to eat.
Throughout the meal, Cheng Fengyi appeared distracted, deep in thought. Chi Ying noticed her eating only rice, offering a dish, "Sister, what are you thinking?"
Cheng Fengyi snapped back, forcing a smile, "Nothing, just lost in thought."
"With two patients in the house, you've been working hard these days. Eat and rest; otherwise, you'll collapse," Chi Ying advised gently.
Cheng Fengyi shook her head, rallying her spirits, "No, everyone's busy. I'm fine; I'll check on Seventh Master's injury later."
Chi Ying said, "Huaiyou is being cared for by Sister Zhong. But it's tough for her."
Cheng Fengyi nodded, "I shouldn't disturb them. I'll stay here and watch over him."
Chi Ying found it odd. Since arriving at Yan Zhou Fu, Cheng Fengyi visited the military camp daily, despite having medics, tirelessly caring for the wounded, preparing various remedies.
Without speaking, she directed the others to use boiling water to wash clothes and burn mugwort leaves to repel mosquitoes. Every day, the military kitchen was thoroughly cleaned to eliminate any factors that could reduce manpower outside of battle. Although Prince Cui Xiang was a royal, Cheng Fengyi treated everyone equally, bandaging him and then heading straight to the camp. But now she had to stay by Yang Qiong's side. Although he was poisoned, the poison had been neutralized, hadn't it?
Chi Ying keenly sensed something subtle and indescribable in the air, ambiguous and uncertain.
In the early morning, Yang Qiong woke up. Though some residual poison still needed time to be completely cleared, the numbness in his arm had disappeared, and his wound had stopped bleeding. Apart from a poor appetite, he seemed fine. Cheng Fengyi changed his bandage once more, sprinkled some water on it, and personally brought over iced plum soup to feed him: "You said you had no appetite this morning, so I had them chill the plum soup in the well. It's more refreshing and can stimulate your appetite. Drink a little, so you can eat later."
Yang Qiong was overwhelmed with gratitude and hurriedly reached out to grab the spoon: "I'll do it myself! Please don't trouble Madam!"
Cheng Fengyi didn't insist and just held the bowl for him. Afraid she might get tired, Yang Qiong quickly drank the plum soup, but in his haste, he choked, which was witnessed by Zhong Lüping, who came to visit.
Beautiful women have an instinctual admiration for heroes, and Zhong Lüping was no exception. To say she had no feelings for Yang Qiong would be a complete lie. However, when she saw Yang Qiong choking and coughing while Cheng Fengyi handed him a handkerchief and patted his back, smiling and telling him to drink slowly, she suddenly felt ashamed.
Such a pair, even if they couldn't be together, their bond was untouchable by anyone, not even herself. The experiences they shared were beyond her lifetime comprehension. She realized that Yang Qiong's feelings for Cheng Fengyi wouldn't change because of her previous marriages, nor would they fade with time. It was better for her not to hold any expectations.
With this thought, she felt at ease, bringing a genuine blessing as she stepped through the threshold, smiling brightly.
After three days of rest, Han Zhui launched another attack on the city. His persistence amazed Chi Ying; if he used this determination to fight against the Northern Di or Humentoer tribes outside the pass, he would certainly become a terrifying figure known throughout all ethnic groups. Unfortunately, his persistence was misplaced.
Due to clear weather, Chi Ying once again employed the oil pot tactic, pouring boiling oil mixed with pine resin and paper money, providing a one-stop service from killing to cremation, even preparing the fare for the underworld journey, meticulously and considerately. When Han Zhui saw the hell banknotes fluttering down from the city walls, he almost exploded with anger, roaring and ordering a full-scale attack.
However, his misfortune did not end there. While the remaining thirty thousand soldiers of Liangzhou were fighting under high temperatures and flames, their rear base was attacked.
A group of black-clad masked men silently infiltrated the camp, their curved blades flashing silver, each stroke accompanied by fresh blood. Heads and limbs flew everywhere. Less than two hundred assassins advanced unimpeded, slaughtering the Liangzhou troops without resistance, cutting down nearly a thousand people like slicing melons and chopping vegetables. Someone shouted, "There's poison on the blades!" Instantly, morale collapsed, and the troops scattered in panic.
"A bunch of useless trash, so easily deceived," Bo Muer laughed coldly behind his mask.
Beside him, a young man from his clan said something, and he nodded. The assassins split up to search for the granary.
But they found nothing.
Because the food had already run out.
Bo Muer's lips twitched as he looked at the bodies strewn about, severed limbs and corpses, finally understanding why those soldiers had fled so decisively.
He originally planned to burn the Liangzhou army's food supplies, forcing Han Zhui to retreat. Instead, he encountered a stubborn general who would rather starve than give up. His carefully laid plans turned into nothingness, infuriating him.
In a fit of rage, Bo Muer decided to take Han Zhui's head back as a ball to kick around.
Thus, Han Zhui's end came. With fire raging ahead, how could he, as the commander, go in to suffer? Sending troops to die was one thing, but he remained at the rear directing operations. Holding the command flag, he roared until his throat suddenly felt cold, and he instantly died.
Nearly ten thousand Liangzhou troops were trapped in the inferno, unaware of the chaos behind them. When the attacks from the city walls suddenly slowed, someone realized something was wrong, turning back to see that their main force had already fled.
Bo Muer lifted Han Zhui's hair like a giant radish and left triumphantly. Wearing black, even Cao Qian above the city gates couldn't recognize him. With many post-battle tasks to handle, he forgot to inform Chi Ying.
Han Zhui's death caused the reluctant Liangzhou army to scatter immediately. Yan Prefecture narrowly escaped disaster.
On September 11th, a victory report arrived at Yan Prefecture. Cui Yi and Zhong Yuanshan jointly captured Zizhang City, controlling the twelve guards of the capital and more than half of the civil and military officials, achieving initial success in their rebellion.
This news was undoubtedly a morale-boosting medicine. Households in Yan Prefecture hung lanterns and set off fireworks, filling the streets with laughter and joy, more festive than New Year's celebrations. Refugees returned home to prepare for the autumn harvest. Inside and outside the city, joy permeated everywhere, and everyone's mood was bright, envisioning a prosperous future.
Xiaoqiu and Nongyue, having reached the foot of Amador Mountain, rushed back upon hearing the Liangzhou army had retreated, safely returning two days ago. Little Cui Hao, unlike his sister, wasn't clingy and could entertain himself with anything given to him. Occasionally sharing his thoughts, he babbled happily regardless of whether anyone understood.
Traveling by carriage was boring. Chi Ying placed her son on a soft blanket and spread out paper on a low table, writing earnestly.
Cheng Fengyi held a book in one hand and rested her chin on the other, lazily asking, "Why don't you take a break? What are you writing?"
Chi Ying replied, "Although Prince has captured the capital, the emperor's body hasn't been found, meaning he might still be alive. If he escapes and rallies the remnants of the Liangzhou forces along with those from Fengzhou and Bazhou, the outcome remains uncertain. We must stabilize our position and avoid giving anyone a handle."
Despite the slight jolts on the road, Chi Ying's handwriting was neat and orderly. Regarding court officials, she advised Cui Yi to "forgive past grievances and appoint based on talent." For those who contributed significantly to the uprising, she suggested "honoring them with titles and generous rewards but not granting excessive power." For the concubines left behind by Emperor Cui Jie, those without children should be "released to marry," while those with children should "serve the imperial tombs, never to return." Their relatives "who benefited from their daughters' status should be demoted to their original positions and reassessed based on merit, not indiscriminately oppressed."
Chi Ying knew that Cui Yi was about to become emperor, and many things were inconvenient to discuss openly to avoid accusations of meddling in state affairs. Moreover, their alone time would likely decrease. These crucial matters couldn't wait, so she wrote them down to have Cao Qian deliver them to Cui Yi after reaching the capital.
Unexpectedly, Cui Yi delayed his ascension.
"Stockpile grain, delay proclaiming kingship—Prince's approach is commendable," Bai Lizan commented as they rode in palanquins towards the palace.
After a month-long journey, they arrived at the capital during late autumn, with frost-covered maple leaves falling. As expected, Cui Yi was too busy to greet them, but Bai Lizan led a procession of nearly a thousand people to welcome Chi Ying, who was still the Wu Wangfei but soon to be the empress.
Chi Ying carried her son and got off the carriage. A row of kneeling eunuchs and maidservants lined up before the city gates. Four sedan chairs were prepared, with Chi Ying's being red with embroidered auspicious clouds and flying phoenixes. The others followed the protocol for third-rank noblewomen, using blue chairs adorned with gold and black tassels.
Cheng Fengyi was eager to return home, anxiously looking around but not seeing her husband, Zhai Rang. Feeling uneasy, she tugged at Chi Ying's sleeve: "Chi Ying, I… I want to go home."
She worried about her elderly father and young daughter, wondering about her husband's condition. Not seeing Zhai Rang among the welcoming crowd made her nervous, imagining various scenarios. She couldn't wait to check on them.
Chi Ying didn't know the details either, but before she could nod, Bai Lizan intervened: "Lady Cheng, Prince has sent people to fetch your family. You should enter the palace now, where you can reunite with your loved ones. Otherwise, you might miss them."
Upon learning that Cui Yi had made arrangements, Cheng Fengyi felt slightly relieved and agreed: "Alright."
The entourage boarded the sedan chairs, with Chi Ying's leading the way. Bai Lizan briefed her on various matters following their entry into the capital. Holding her sleeping son, Chi Ying listened attentively. When Bai Lizan mentioned Cui Yi's reluctance to ascend the throne, she was surprised: "Why not?"
Bai Lizan asked with a smile, "What do you think?"
Chi Ying frowned ambiguously. Bai Lizan continued, "Your decisive move was perhaps too effective. The Ministry of Rites has approached several times regarding the coronation, but Prince keeps deflecting. He's currently hesitant and indecisive. Have you considered how to resolve this?"
Her words hit a nerve. At the time, the situation was dire, but as Bai Lizan pointed out, her words weren't entirely insincere—they weren't just meant to provoke Cui Yi. "I didn't think much then. Prince is emotional and sentimental. I feared he'd abandon the imminent victory, so I resorted to this strategy."
"Your words weren't entirely forced, right?" Bai Lizan probed.
Chi Ying hesitated, unsure how to respond. When she spoke those words, the situation was critical. But as Bai Lizan noted, they weren't entirely fabricated to incite Cui Yi. Since awakening on the carved bed, she had always wondered why she had come back to life and if this rebirth had an endpoint, fearing she might die again someday.
"Forgive my impertinence, but do you truly intend to leave?" Bai Lizan asked.
Chi Ying couldn't answer. Saying those words, the situation was dire, but as Bai Lizan pointed out, they weren't entirely insincere—they weren't just meant to provoke Cui Yi. "I didn't anticipate that Prince might refuse to ascend the throne because of my words."
Bai Lizan sighed, "Regardless of whether you're a deity or something else, you're different from us. Prince is straightforward. Before revealing the truth, he could remain oblivious. Once revealed, he becomes anxious and indecisive. Did you foresee that he might reject the throne because you vowed to step down upon his coronation?"
Chi Ying rubbed her forehead: "Indeed, I didn't expect…"
Bai Lizan continued, "There's another matter requiring your decision."
"What is it?"
Bai Lizan leaned closer to the sedan chair window, whispering, "Old Master Cheng passed away."
Chi Ying gasped, not overly shocked: "Last year, when we returned with Prince, Old Master Cheng was already seriously ill. Given his age and illness, his passing isn't surprising."
Bai Lizan shook his head: "Old Master Cheng didn't die of illness. He committed suicide by poisoning."
Chi Ying nearly stood up in shock: "What?!"
"Absolutely true. Zi Cheng told me himself. To cover for your escape, Old Master Cheng deceived Guo Ziyang, knowing he faced certain death. He sent Zi Cheng and the child back to Gong County and took poison at home, leaving instructions before passing away."
Chi Ying felt dizzy, almost collapsing inside the sedan chair, stammering: "How… How could this happen… Old Master Cheng… This… We… Prince…"
Bai Lizan sighed deeply: "Prince only learned of Old Master Cheng's death after entering the capital. We assumed his old age and illness made his passing unsurprising. Only yesterday, when Prince sent me to Gong County to bring Zi Cheng and his daughter to meet Lady Cheng, Zi Cheng knelt before me upon hearing his wife had returned."
Chi Ying struggled to believe what she heard, confirming again: "Old Master Cheng really took his own life and wasn't executed by the emperor, like the Third Prince?"
Bai Lizan shook his head outside the curtain: "Zi Cheng said he returned home after escorting you to Gong County, finding Old Master Cheng already poisoned, leaving final instructions before passing away."
Chi Ying took a deep breath, feeling a lump in her throat, hugging Xiao Cui Hao tightly and bending over: "Oh God… How could this happen… How much more debt do we owe this father and daughter… When will it end…"
Bai Lizan paused briefly, adding, "Another matter."
"What else?"
As they approached the palace gates, the newly appointed chief eunuch announced, "Empress Dowager returns!" Rows of kneeling eunuchs, maidservants, and guards greeted them.
Chi Ying peeked through the curtain, seeing the majestic palace gates looming ahead. Golden glazed tiles reflected the blue sky, symbolizing a cycle. After ten years, she was returning to this golden cage as the prospective empress.
Amidst the deafening cheers of "Long live the Empress Dowager, may you live ten thousand years," she heard Bai Lizan's next words:
"Zi Cheng… has remarried."