Chapter Twelve

The moon leans against the high tower, the book is clear in the hall.

Emperor Zhaoming frowned slightly, staring at a memorial in his eyes. He picked up his pen and pondered for a long time, but hesitated to approve it.

Suddenly, he placed the purple brush in his hand on the black inkstone beside him and sighed silently.

As if hearing a sigh, the head steward standing by the door approached gently, carefully filled the white jade teacup on the table with his hand, and said with a worried expression and a slight bow, "Your Majesty, it is midnight. There is an early court session tomorrow."

Emperor Zhaoming rose, put his hands behind his back, and walked to the window. The bright moon hung high in the sky, but the treetops of the ancient trees surrounding the Shuqing Palace partially obscured its shadow.

The steward quickly grabbed a light yellow coat and followed closely behind.

"Your Majesty, the night is deep and the air is getting cold; there's a strong wind blowing outside the window." The head eunuch draped an outer robe over the emperor and stepped aside.

The bright moonlight shone down, yet Emperor Zhaoming's face was filled with sorrow. The chief steward dared not look up too much, only glancing sideways at the emperor of Yunxiu Kingdom before him. He noticed that the eldest princess and Emperor Zhaoming bore a striking resemblance, about seven-tenths. However, Emperor Zhaoming's pale, composed face concealed more of an imperial air and a melancholy air, while the eldest princess's beautiful face displayed more of a strategic mind and a bright, open-minded spirit.

"The tree in front of the window is too tall and blocks the view. Have it cut down tomorrow morning and replace it with a different one," Emperor Zhaoming suddenly said.

"Yes," replied Steward Pang.

Emperor Zhaoming tilted his head back, his eyes slightly closed. Moonlight pierced his face, adding to his imposing and unapproachable royal aura. Suddenly, a long sigh, quite incongruously, escaped from the emperor of Yunxiu Kingdom, as if he were pouring out all the sorrows and anxieties accumulated over the years with this single "Ah...", which vanished completely under the moonlight.

The head steward felt a pang of inexplicable pain in his heart. He clasped his hands tightly in a gesture of respect and said softly, "Your Majesty, please take care of yourself."

When Emperor Zhaoming was still a young prince, the eunuch had served the second prince's daily needs since childhood. At that time, he was just a young eunuch, and Emperor Zhaoming was merely an ordinary second prince, virtuous and courteous. The late emperor always treated his second son with courtesy, neither disliking nor liking him, nor being indifferent, just not very close. The second prince, in turn, did not show the respect and intimacy a child would have for his father, but rather the demeanor of a subject. As the second prince grew older, the eunuch increasingly felt that the two were more like ruler and subject than father and son.

The most ruthless are those in the imperial family. Steward Pang felt that being in the imperial family meant being unlike ordinary people. The bond between father and son, commonplace among the common folk, was a luxury in the imperial household. As father, one must be a king; as son, one must be a subject. Thinking this way, Steward Pang found nothing strange.

However, after the birth of the eldest princess, as Mo Yinghuo grew up, even though he wasn't the eunuch serving her daily needs, he could clearly feel the late emperor's immense affection for her. More precisely, he saw in the late emperor's every action—his gaze, his touch, his tone, his admonitions—that a father should be.

Perhaps, daughters are ultimately closer to their fathers.

Moreover, the Second Prince's personality dictates that he is always unassuming and courteous in his interactions with others. He rarely plays with the other princes, preferring to spend his time alone reading those obscure and difficult ancient books; he has already read the Four Books and Five Classics countless times. Although the late Emperor and the Second Prince were not particularly close, the tutors quite liked him. Among the princes studying in the Imperial Study, the Second Prince was the most engrossed and absorbed in his studies, requiring no prompting whatsoever.

"Chief Steward Pang, the First Prince has returned." Emperor Zhaoming regained his composure, still gazing out the window, and asked. Though it was a question, it was more of a statement.

The head steward's hand trembled slightly, and he immediately snapped out of his thoughts, hurriedly saying, "He just returned last night, and fearing that His Majesty might be resting, he did not dare to disturb him. So the First Prince did not go to the palace to pay his respects, intending to meet His Majesty at the morning court tomorrow. The First Prince asked someone to tell me that if His Majesty inquires, I will report the truth to His Majesty."

Emperor Zhaoming nodded slightly and said, "Your Highness has always been sensible and knows how to consider the big picture. In recent years, it is fortunate that he has been by my side to help me and has put forward many pertinent suggestions and policies, which has enabled Yunxiu Kingdom to have a strong army and abundant food supplies."

The head steward, with a simple smile, said, “It is His Majesty’s wisdom and ability to use people that has made him wise.” He was already in his twenties and his hair was half gray.

Emperor Zhaoming chuckled softly. He knew that when Chief Steward Pang spoke of knowing how to use people, he wasn't just referring to Mo Qiming. In one sentence, he praised himself, the First Prince, and all the civil and military officials who had contributed their wisdom and efforts to the Yunxiu Kingdom.

"Did the First Prince say anything?" Emperor Zhaoming suddenly asked.

The head steward seemed to know what the emperor was going to ask. A hint of worry flashed in his eyes, and he said timidly, "The First Prince said that the Seventh Prince led his soldiers to pursue the Northern Barbarians and fled beyond the pass."

"Nonsense!" Emperor Zhaoming was instantly enraged upon hearing this, his back trembled, and he almost roared it out.

"Your Majesty, please calm down." Steward Pang had anticipated the emperor's anger. Not only him, but the First Prince had also expected it; otherwise, he wouldn't have had his servants inform him of this matter beforehand. Clearly, he had guessed that if the emperor asked about his return from the northern border, he would definitely ask about this.

During the reign of the late emperor, after General Long's defeat, an edict was issued ordering strict defense of the northern border, forbidding any soldiers from venturing more than a hundred li beyond the pass. Emperor Zhaoming, upon ascending the throne, continued this practice. Despite numerous petitions from northern border soldiers, expressing their fervent patriotism and pledging to lead a northern expedition, Emperor Zhaoming not only rejected them all but also issued multiple edicts stating that anyone daring to submit another petition would be punished according to military law. From then on, the northern border soldiers could only dare to complain but dared not speak out, obeying the imperial decree to hold their ground.

Only the Seventh Prince, Mo Chonghua, was young and impetuous. Relying on his imperial bloodline, he repeatedly pursued the Xiongnu to within a hundred miles.

Emperor Zhaoming forcefully suppressed his imperial rage, his brows furrowing with barely concealed anger and a hint of chilling glint. A moment later, he regained his composure, but his tone remained cold as he coldly addressed the chief steward beside him, "Go to the northern border and deduct six months' salary from Marquis Beiding's pay. Also, ask him personally whether, given the strong winds of the northern border, he has completely ignored my words."

"This servant obeys the decree," the head steward hurriedly bowed and replied.

Emperor Zhaoming turned his head to look at the chief steward beside him and said expressionlessly, "Say it in front of the Seventh Prince."

Beneath the walls of Dongliang City, on the border of Yunxiu Kingdom.

Mo Yinghuo rode her horse slowly to the peach tree. Lately, when she had nothing to do, she would often come here to look at it. For some reason, she always felt that this peach tree would suddenly disappear, just as suddenly as it had appeared. The appearance of beautiful things in this world should be met with gratitude, but even grasping just a little bit can touch one's heart.

Born into a noble family, she received far more favor than the princes. Once, when Mo Yinghuo was practicing swordplay in her back garden, her father, the Emperor, happened to pass by. He naturally took the sword from her and patiently explained the moves to her. Mo Yinghuo was exceptionally intelligent from a young age, understanding everything instantly. Her father laughed heartily, saying, "Princess, you are most like me!"

These hands, which were originally meant for holding scrolls, playing chess, and stroking flowers, eventually took over his sword and became a white moon silver spear, stained with red in this yellow sand.

However, the three thousand strands of gray hair still turned to snow overnight.

Suddenly, Mo Yinghuo saw a person and a horse slowly walking over in the distance.

"Zhao Shu." Mo Yinghuo smiled and waved to him after recognizing the person who had come.

The man and horse were initially heading back, but after Mo Yinghuo shouted, they could only reluctantly walk over.

When Mo Yinghuo saw Zhao Shu approaching, he chuckled, leaned forward, rested his chin on one hand, and lightly rested his elbow on the horse's back, and said with a smile, "Zhao Shu, you're not still angry with this general, are you?"

She suddenly realized that the dreams she had before were truly absurd.

The man and his horse glanced at him sideways but did not answer.

"Why didn't you come to use the tents and eat just now?" Mo Yinghuo wasn't surprised that he didn't speak, and continued to ask.

During mealtimes in the military camp, General Mo Yinghuo, the commander-in-chief, often ate with her two lieutenants in the general's tent. She never liked eating alone and always invited the two of them, so that they could discuss matters of war during the meal. Since Zhao Shu arrived, Mo Yinghuo had also frequently invited him to come along.

A man and a horse, gazing up at the peach blossoms covering their heads, still did not answer.

Mo Yinghuo raised her right eyebrow higher, still resting her cheek on one hand, and lazily stroking the horse's back with the other, not even bothering to take the reins. She still smiled and said, "Zhao Shu, you wouldn't happen to be a woman disguised as a man like this princess, would you?"

The person on horseback finally reacted, turning his head to look at the person next to him, only to glare at him fiercely and coldly.

Mo Yinghuo felt a chill run down his spine when he was glared at. He thought to himself, "It's a good thing he was entrusted by the late emperor to help Yunxiu Kingdom, otherwise I would have given him a good beating."

She let out a soft breath, her smile fading, and finally became much more serious. She said in a low voice, "Um, I really didn't mean to shoot the arrow. I'm sorry."

Mo Yinghuo didn't actually think his behavior was excessive. Not only him, but all the soldiers in the army, except Zhao Shu, probably thought so too. However, Mo Yinghuo knew that Zhao Shu didn't think so; he was truly very concerned.

Zhao Shu withdrew his gaze, nodded, and his slightly upturned eyelashes, glistening with moonlight, appeared even more refined and elegant than usual. He pursed his lips, and after a moment, finally spoke softly, "General, as long as the Stone Spirit Kingdom exists, I will always be by your side. You…"

He suddenly stopped, staring intently at Mo Yinghuo with unwavering eyes, and continued, "You cannot touch me casually. I have been here for quite some time and understand the customs here, General. I understand the customs of Zhao Shu's place as well."

He spoke with utmost seriousness, and Mo Yinghuo listened with utmost seriousness.

If one did not know the content of their conversation, one would think they were discussing some important military secrets; the soldiers on duty in the distance, watching the two men, unconsciously became more serious in their expressions.

After a long while, Mo Yinghuo finally reacted, put the back of his hand to his lips, coughed hard, and said solemnly, "Don't worry, I understand."

Peach petals drifted down, brushing past the cinnabar mole at the corner of Mo Yinghuo's eye. Mo Yinghuo looked thoughtfully at the dignified and elegant Zhao Shu in front of her, her voice extremely soft and faint, so faint that only she could hear it, "You, too, cannot touch me casually."

Zhao Shu suddenly gripped the reins tightly with both hands, seemingly having heard what Mo Yinghuo had said. He asked with a serious expression, puzzled, "What did you say, General?"

Mo Yinghuo smiled, "It's nothing, it's nothing." She then raised her hand and caught most of the falling peach blossoms, sighing, "These flowers, one day, will also wither. If only they could bloom forever." She rubbed her temples, straightened her back, and her pupils held a pair of deep, moonlit abysses, completely different from before. Suddenly, she asked, "How is the black jade urn?"

Zhao Shu: "General, you can attack the city in three days."

A sly smile appeared on Mo Yinghuo's lips. "If we don't attack the city soon, my emperor brother will get restless."

She had received several letters, all repeatedly mentioning that court officials were urging the Emperor to immediately issue an edict to attack Dongliang. In reality, they wanted the Princess to immediately send troops to storm Chencheng.

The letters were all written by Granny Shen from Mo Yinghuo's mansion.

It seems the court is well aware of the situation on the eastern border. Fortunately, Emperor Zhaoming knew the underlying reasons; otherwise, as some officials secretly speculated, the eldest princess might have acted deliberately, taking advantage of her high position.

"Zhao Shu, what exactly is inside the black jade urn?" Mo Ying asked, puzzled.

Zhao Shu frowned slightly, pondered for a moment, and said, "General, I will take you to see this later. Right now, I cannot explain it to you."

Mo Yinghuo nodded; she knew he wasn't lying.

"General, do you remember the question you asked me inside the Xuan Stone Formation?" Zhao Shu seemed to recall something, his gaze calm as still water as he looked into Mo Yinghuo's eyes.

Mo Yinghuo knew exactly what he meant. In fact, ever since they came out of the Xuan Stone Formation, she had wanted to ask, but whenever she thought about what had happened inside the formation, she felt inexplicably ashamed and embarrassed. Especially when she remembered Zhao Shu untying his belt in front of her, she sometimes felt a strange sensation when she touched her waist while changing clothes—it was truly incomprehensible. Therefore, Mo Yinghuo was unwilling to bring it up. Several times, out of curiosity, she saw Zhao Shu about to ask, but each time her heart pounded wildly, she swallowed the question back down her throat.

Now that Zhao Shu had asked, Mo Yinghuo managed to control her excitement and pretended to be calm. She nodded and smiled slightly, saying, "Well, inside the stone formation, you said that the woman in red was an illusion, but it wasn't." She paused and pondered, "If the woman in red wasn't an illusion, then what about the one you kicked unconscious in the house?"

When Mo Yinghuo and her group came out of the stone formation, she deliberately glanced at the ground and saw that the woman in red was already tied up in a corner. Moreover, she had specifically asked Shu Rong that the woman had been there the whole time.

“To put it another way, it’s an illusion because she doesn’t belong to the present; it’s not an illusion because she isn’t something you’ve imagined,” Zhao Shu said.

Mo Yinghuo looked at him blankly.

Zhao Shu pondered for a moment before continuing, "Actually, some of the scenes you saw at the stone formation were illusions, while others were not. However, the situation was rather urgent at the time, and it was difficult to explain to you clearly in a short period of time, so I could only say that what you saw were all illusions. That was the best explanation at the time."

After speaking, Zhao Shu looked at Mo Yinghuo, who was quietly resting his chin on his hand, deep in thought. His starry eyes were slightly narrowed, his handsome brows were slightly furrowed, and he was cold and deep. He lowered his head and remained silent. A strange light flashed in his eyes. After a moment, he said, "General, let's go to your tent. I will explain to you in detail."

Mo Yinghuo nodded and said, "Alright, let's go."

No matter what Zhao Shu said, Mo Yinghuo found herself never asking why. She always felt that everything he did had a reason. If a gentleman who was detached from worldly affairs suddenly touched something, it was always after careful consideration and certainly not unintentional.

The two rode side by side in silence, heading towards the commander's tent.

In the military camp, not far away, Gongliang Zhong watched the two enter the tent, his gaze lingering on Zhao Shu's retreating figure with a complex expression.