She stood amidst the interplay of light and shadow, her posture upright and elegant. Her eyes sparkled with hope and anticipation, as if she could already see her glorious future.

After news of the successful water conservancy system spread, Xu Yuehuai's wisdom and courage were hailed throughout Dongsang Kingdom, and she became a hero and role model in people's hearts. Bai Yu also deeply felt that her choice was correct; she was indeed worthy of trust.

With Xu Yuehuai's appointment as a third-rank female official, her life underwent another dramatic change. She began to come into contact with more affairs and people in the inner palace, gradually showcasing her talent and charm. At the same time, she continued to study and grow diligently, laying a solid foundation for her future.

Bai Yu was also quietly observing Xu Yuehuai's growth and changes. He saw her hard work and perseverance, as well as her talent and wisdom. His heart was filled with expectation and trust, believing that this young female official would definitely become a powerful force in the harem in the future.

As time went by, Xu Yuehuai gradually rose to prominence in the imperial harem. She won the respect and trust of everyone with her talent and courage, becoming an indispensable member of the harem. Her relationship with Emperor Baiyu also gradually warmed, making them one of the most eye-catching couples in the harem.

However, just when Xu Yuehuai thought she had gradually adapted to palace life, she discovered that Qi Guze had not come to the palace to accompany her or sent her any messages during this period.

A nameless worry welled up inside her, like a ship adrift on a vast ocean, having lost its way. She didn't know where Qi Guze had gone, or if he had encountered any danger.

Every night, she would stand alone by the window, gazing at the distant starry sky, her heart filled with worry and longing.

Just as Xu Yuehuai felt despair, she suddenly felt a sharp pain sweep over her. She collapsed to the ground in agony, her body feeling as if it were being torn apart.

"ah--!"

She clenched her teeth tightly, enduring the excruciating pain, and eventually lost consciousness.

When she woke up again, she found herself lying in bed. She felt as if her body had been through a violent storm, exhausted and weak.

However, to her surprise, the toxins in her body had calmed down and were no longer raging as wildly as before.

Xu Yuehuai was filled with doubt and gratitude. She didn't know who had helped her at the crucial moment and removed the toxins from her body.

She began to recall the events before she lost consciousness, trying to find some clues. However, her memory was a blur, and she couldn't remember anything.

In the days that followed, Xu Yuehuai continued to appear to live a peaceful life in the palace. In reality, she was secretly investigating clues around her and trying to find Qi Guze's whereabouts.

At the same time, she cherishes her body even more and works hard to recover her health. She knows that only by maintaining a strong physique can she better meet the challenges of the future.

...

In the palace's lush garden, Xu Yuehuai strolled alone. Sunlight filtered through the dense foliage, casting a soft glow on her gentle face.

Suddenly, a melodious flute melody broke the silence. It was plaintive and seemed to have traveled through a thousand years, touching a deep chord in Xu Yuehuai's heart.

Xu Yuehuai walked in the direction of the flute sound, each step filled with anticipation and trepidation.

Finally, deep in a lush bamboo forest, she saw that familiar figure—Qi Guze!

He was dressed in a blue robe, holding a jade flute, his expression focused and affectionate.

"Aze!" Xu Yuehuai couldn't help but call out. She ran over and hugged Qi Guze tightly.

At this moment, all the waiting and worry turned into a heartfelt embrace.

The two held hands and arrived at a quiet pond. The water was clear, and fish swam freely in it.

Qi Guze looked at Xu Yuehuai, his eyes filled with tenderness and guilt: "Yuehuai, I have been secretly investigating a major matter involving palace secrets. I was worried that my whereabouts would be exposed and bring you danger, so I haven't contacted you."

Xu Yuehuai held Qi Guze's hand tightly, her eyes shining with determination: "Aze, I believe in you. No matter what difficulties we encounter, I will fight alongside you."

Qi Guze took a deep breath and continued, "During the investigation, I unexpectedly discovered an herb that could neutralize the toxins in your body. I immediately picked this herb and had the Ghost Doctor brew the antidote. When I learned from the Transmigrator Organization that you had fallen into a coma due to the poison, I immediately rushed back to the palace in secret and fed you the antidote."

Hearing this, Xu Yuehuai's eyes welled up with tears of emotion. She knew how much effort and sacrifice Qi Guze had made for her. She nestled tightly in Qi Guze's arms, feeling his warmth and steadfastness.

"Aze, thank you for doing so much for me." Xu Yuehuai's voice trembled slightly.

Qi Guze gently stroked Xu Yuehuai's long hair and said tenderly, "Yuehuai, you are my wife, and I will protect you with my life. Tiexiong and the others have also been rescued."

Upon hearing this, Xu Yuehuai smiled with relief: "That's great! Where are Lü Zhiyuan and Chu Guangbai?"

Qi Guze's expression turned serious: "There's still no news from them, but I've expanded the search area. I will definitely find them and bring them safely back to the Great Zhou Kingdom."

Xu Yuehua nodded; she knew Qi Guze's abilities and determination. She believed that as long as they worked together, they would definitely be able to find Lü Zhiyuan and Chu Guangbai and bring them back to safety.

...

In Xu Yuehuai's room, Qi Guze had already changed into eunuch's clothes, an outfit that made him look both comical and adorable. He deliberately lowered his voice, trying to imitate a eunuch's tone, but his earnest attempt to conceal it made Xu Yuehuai burst out laughing.

"Pfft, you're hilarious." Xu Yuehuai laughed, her eyes full of mockery.

Qi Guze didn't mind. He put his arm around Xu Yuehuai's waist, deliberately smeared the powder on her face, and then gently kissed her cheek.

This gesture instantly flushed Xu Yuehuai's cheeks. She glared at Qi Guze, but couldn't hide the sweetness in her heart.

However, this sweet moment didn't last long. Suddenly, the voice of a palace maid broke the tranquility.

"Her Majesty the Empress Dowager requests your presence," the palace maid said respectfully.

Xu Yuehuai instantly regained her composure. She knew she couldn't reveal any weakness at this moment. She steadied herself, straightened her clothes, and then gestured for Qi Guze to open the door.

Qi Guze walked out and opened the door. He didn't say anything, but just gestured to Xu Yuehuai with his eyes to get ready.