"I used your older brother's name so it would be easier for me to find you."

"So you still chose an empress?" He was about to punch the handsome man's chin in a fit of rage.

Xie Xiao grabbed her hand, both amused and exasperated, "It's you."

"I?"

"I'm standing up for you!"

"They probably won't use something like carrying my memorial tablet through a ritual."

Xie Xiao: "No, I'm holding a pheasant."

"What?" Li Ruo was completely speechless.

Xie Xiao stroked her face; it hadn't changed at all, still fair and tender, and he couldn't get enough of looking at it. "How could you leave me for so long? You heartless bastard."

He stared intently at her, his gaze sharp yet tinged with grievance. "Do you know how I've spent the past year? You'd better give me a reasonable explanation."

He was so angry, yet despite his anger, he felt an urge to meld her into his own body.

Li Ruo was held tightly by him, almost unable to breathe. Suddenly, something dripped onto her face, warm, and fell into her mouth, both salty and astringent.

Her heart clenched suddenly, "You—"

He wouldn't let her look up, covering her eyes, and asked again, "Are you really back?"

Sun Ergou, who had killed several bandits with a large knife, retreated with his wolf pack. "Boss, we've killed enough. Let me see my sister!"

That's not fair! While she's working herself to the bone, you two are flirting. Besides, she really wants to catch up with me too.

Six white wolves: Awooooo!

They all looked at Li Ruo. They had worked hard all year, only to be used as hunting dogs. How pitiful they were!

Li Ruo wanted to reach out and touch their heads, but her hand was held tightly. She could only call out, "Wolf cubs."

No, they're not wolf cubs anymore; each one is as tall as her belly button.

Six white wolves howled and surrounded her. But Xie Xiao glared at them, baring his teeth, and they dared not approach, only whimpering as they looked at Li Ruo.

Poor Sun Ergou: Hey, take a look at me.

Li Ruo turned her head and smiled, "Er Gou".