His murderous aura sent alarm bells ringing in Cai Yuping's mind. She grabbed Minhua and turned to run.

Upon seeing her movement, the leader of the men in black immediately quickened his pace, forcefully swinging his large sword, intending to slash at her—

Cai Yuping sensed something was wrong, turned around and her eyes widened in shock. No matter how fast she ran, she couldn't escape the knife.

In the blink of an eye, just as the broadsword was about to fall, the man in black suddenly rushed forward and stood in front of her. With a soft "thud," he used his own body to take the blow for her!

The whole thing happened in the blink of an eye. If he hadn't arrived at the last second, she might be the one left now. Cai Yuping was stunned by the overwhelming smell of blood.

Only now did her guards finally arrive. Seeing the situation was dire, the man in black turned and left. There were only eight guards, and Cai Yuping, worried they might be at a disadvantage, didn't send them to give chase.

She turned to look at the man in black, only to find that he had already stood up.

Cai Yuping hurried over, "My benefactor, are you alright?"

The man glanced at her and said, "Mm."

Cai Yuping then realized that he was so handsome, as refined as the pale-faced scholars who pursued her, but far more masculine than them.

But now that he is injured and alone, it may be difficult for him to descend the mountain.

Cai Yuping then invited him to ride in the carriage with her, but he refused. He said it was just a minor injury and nothing serious; he could go back on his own.

She tried to persuade him to give up, but to no avail.

Before he left, Cai Yuping couldn't help but ask him, "My benefactor, may I ask what your name is?"

"I was just passing by. It was nothing, please don't mention it."

Cai Yuping couldn't help but frown. "But how am I supposed to find you if you don't tell me?"

Upon hearing this, he looked at her with his deep eyes, his tone calm and composed, "If fate allows, we will meet again. Miss, I shall take my leave."

“Oh… my benefactor…” Cai Yuping subconsciously wanted to call out to him, but seeing that he didn’t turn around, she simply shut up in frustration.

Seeing him leave, Minhua timidly stepped forward and asked her, "Miss, shall we still go up the mountain?"

Cai Yuping kept her gaze fixed on the direction he had left in. Hearing her question, she followed up with, "What were you doing up the mountain?"

"Isn't it for seeking a marriage partner?"

"Seeking a marriage partner?" Cai Yuping's lips curled up slightly. "No need, let's go back to the manor."

Minhua was more than happy to agree and quickly replied, "Yes."

...

...

After parting ways at Jinglin Temple, even though Cai Yuping went out every day, she never saw the man again. Just when she was feeling down, she received an invitation.

The notice stated that the four Zhao brothers would be hosting a banquet at Dingtai Restaurant and had specially invited them to attend.

The Zhao family? Never heard of them.

Cai Yuping tossed the invitation aside listlessly. She had absolutely no interest in banquets. It was all about power; what was so fun about it? Utterly boring.

She rested her chin on her hand.

...Since it's a banquet, there should be many people attending. They'll likely all be from prominent families, both cunning and treacherous. I wonder if that young master is among them?

Cai Yuping frowned. Judging from his demeanor that day, he must be no ordinary person.

Perhaps... it wouldn't be a bad idea to go.

With that in mind, Cai Yuping went to the appointment. The moment she stepped into Dingtai Restaurant, many scions of prominent families cast interested glances at her, whether because of her face or the power behind her, it was unclear.

After politely declining her eighteenth suitor, Cai Yuping sat listlessly in her chair, pouring tea into her cup while watching the others exchange pleasantries.

She regretted coming.

Cai Yuping propped her chin on her hand, looking left and right. Suddenly, a familiar figure came into view, and her heart skipped a beat.

"My benefactor!" Cai Yuping exclaimed in surprise as she walked to his desk. Seeing him look up, her smile widened even further. "It really is you! Do you remember me?"

He sat down beside him and said slowly, "I remember."

“You said before, ‘If we’re destined to meet, we’ll meet again,’ and here we are again. Doesn’t that mean we’re meant to be?” she said happily.

To my surprise, he laughed and said, "You're right."

"Now can you tell me your name?"

"Yunyu, my name is Zhao Yunyu." He smiled slightly. "Remember that."

...

...

She had remembered the name Zhao Yunyu for over ten years.

The day she learned his name, Cai Yuping returned home to tell her parents that she had found her sweetheart and wanted to marry him. Ignoring her parents' objections, she was more determined than ever to marry him.

The two elders didn't approve of their relationship, but Cai Yuping was determined to go her own way, and there was nothing they could do. After weighing the options, they still felt that their daughter's happiness was more important.

If this Zhao Yunyu is not up to par, with the power of their family, it doesn't matter if they replace him with another one.

Cai Yuping married Zhao Yunyu, who later became Emperor Yuming, just as she had wished.

With the help of the Cai family's wealth and influence, he led his brothers to conquer this land, and with Cai Yuping's assistance, he ascended the dragon throne, a symbol of power.

The day he ascended the throne was also her coronation ceremony. That day was the happiest day he had ever smiled since she had known him.

"Your Majesty, I, Zhao Cai, pay my respects. Long live the Emperor!"

He personally placed the phoenix crown on her head, a triumphant smile playing on his lips. "Your Majesty, rise. From this day forward, you and I, husband and wife, will share in the prosperity of the world."

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