King Heng led an expedition to the northern border.

Two days later, before she had had enough sleep, she was awakened by the faint noise coming from outside.

"What's going on outside?" she asked Chun Tao, rubbing her sleepy eyes and speaking in a nasal voice.

Chun Tao's expression was somewhat grave. She whispered, "Miss, I heard... something big has happened in the Northern Border! Several tribes have rebelled, and it has even implicated His Highness the Ming Prince, who was exiled there. The court is in an uproar! His Highness the Heng Prince... seems to be personally leading troops to quell the rebellion!"

Jiang Wanzhi's sleepiness vanished instantly. A rebellion in the Northern Border? Prince Heng is going to war? The man who had forcibly kissed her last night, leaving her heart in turmoil, is going to the battlefield?

A complex mix of emotions welled up inside her: a natural fear of war, a nameless worry, and even a subtle sense of unease about his impending departure that she herself was unwilling to admit.

The atmosphere in the Imperial Court was somber.

An urgent military report confirmed the rebellion in the northern border, stating that the rebels were gaining momentum and that Prince Zongzheng Mingchen, who had been exiled to the north, had also disappeared in the chaos, his fate unknown. The emperor was furious, and his ministers discussed the matter extensively.

“Father!” Zongzheng Hengyu stepped forward, his princely robes highlighting his stern face and upright posture. His voice was deep and powerful, carrying an undeniable determination. “The northern border is my fiefdom. It is my duty to defend this land and ensure the safety of the people! I request permission to immediately lead troops to quell the rebellion, eliminate border troubles, and stabilize the territory!”

His sharp gaze swept over the assembled officials, finally meeting briefly with that of Prince Zhao, Zongzheng Zhaoran, who stood silently to the side with his eyes lowered. Both men's expressions were inscrutable, yet an invisible tension seemed to emanate from the air.

Zongzheng Hengyu knew perfectly well that the "Night Hawk Pavilion" was behind this sudden rebellion. He had to go there personally, both out of a sense of responsibility and to cut off those black hands reaching into the foundation of the country.

At the same time, he also keenly sensed that with his departure, the capital city... especially a certain person, would likely fall under the "care" of certain individuals.

After a moment's thought, the Emperor granted his request: "Granted! Prince Heng, I hereby appoint you as the Grand Marshal of the Northern Expedition. Gather your troops immediately and march to the northern border! You must quell the rebellion and uphold our national prestige!"

"Your subject obeys the decree!"

After the court session ended, the entire capital was shaken by the sudden outbreak of war. The Prince Heng's residence and the Ministry of War immediately sprang into action, mobilizing troops and preparing provisions, and a tense atmosphere permeated the air.

When the news reached the Prime Minister's residence, Jiang Wanzhi sat by the window, looking at the still bright sunshine outside, but her heart felt heavy. She thought of Lin'an City before, and the families of the fallen soldiers in Ci'an Hall... War always means bloodshed and sacrifice.

However, the day before the army was to set off, Zongzheng Hengyu appeared in front of the Prime Minister's residence again.

He was still dressed in his usual black robes. He went straight into the mansion and said to Prime Minister Jiang, who came out to greet him, "I apologize for disturbing you, Prime Minister. I am about to go on a campaign tomorrow, so I would like to take Miss Jiang out for a walk today."

Seeing that the battle with Prince Heng was imminent, Prime Minister Jiang dared not utter a single word of dissent and could only nod repeatedly: "Of course, of course. Your Highness, on this journey to conquer the northern border, swords and spears have no eyes, so please be extra careful."

Prime Minister Jiang turned around and winked at Jiang Wanzhi: "Zhi'er, spend more time talking with His Highness today, and don't be willful."

Jiang Wanzhi was completely bewildered. It wasn't until he half-led her onto the carriage that she came to her senses, her inner monologue flooding the screen: Here we go again! What's he up to this time? A final warning before departure? Or is he going to find another place to 'educate' me?

The carriage didn't head towards any bustling area, but instead left the city and arrived at a secluded hillside on the outskirts of the capital. From there, the view was expansive, offering a panoramic view of the distant mountains and the nearby fields.

Zongzheng Hengyu got out of the car first, and then extended his hand to her.

Jiang Wanzhi hesitated for a moment, then placed her hand in his warm palm. He gently squeezed it and helped her down from the carriage.

The two stood side by side at the top of the hill, the early summer evening breeze ruffling their clothes, carrying the fragrance of grass and wildflowers.

“The scenery here is not bad,” Zongzheng Hengyu said, breaking the silence. His voice was not as cold as usual.

Jiang Wanzhi looked at the magnificent sunset on the horizon and softly hummed in response. She still felt a little awkward, unsure of how to face him, especially after last night and the upcoming separation.

"The situation in the North is complex, but you needn't worry too much." He turned his head, his gaze falling on her profile, softened by the sunset's glow. The madness and violence of yesterday were gone from his deep eyes, as were his usual coldness and aloofness. Instead, they seemed to hold something profound and complex, leaving her momentarily stunned. "I will quell the rebellion as soon as possible and return in triumph."

Jiang Wanzhi couldn't help but look up at him, meeting his deep eyes. "Your Highness... please be careful in everything," she said softly, her words truly sincere. She didn't want anything to happen to him, no matter what.

Zongzheng Hengyu's lips curved into an almost imperceptible smile. He took a step forward, getting closer to her, their sleeves touching, feeling each other's warmth.

“While I’ve been away from the capital,” his voice deepened, carrying an undeniable focus, “you are doing well.”

He didn't use a threatening tone again, but those three simple words made Jiang Wanzhi's heart tremble more than any warning.

She could sense the concern, the admonition, and even a deep sense of possessiveness in those words.

“I will,” she replied, bowing her head.

He reached out and gently took her hand in his. His palm was broad and warm, with calluses typical of martial artists, which enveloped her slightly cool fingertips.

“The capital is not much safer than the northern border,” he said, looking at her with piercing eyes that seemed to see right through her. “Some people and some things are best kept at a distance.”

His words were loaded with meaning, and Jiang Wanzhi understood perfectly. She opened her mouth as if to say something, but in the end, she only nodded.

Seeing her obedient appearance, Zongzheng Hengyu's restlessness caused by the impending separation seemed to be soothed.

He raised his other hand and gently brushed away a stray strand of hair that had been blown to her cheek by the wind, the movement carrying a gentleness that seemed out of character for him.

Jiang Wanzhi's heart began to race involuntarily, and a blush crept onto her cheeks.

His fingertips slid down her cheek and finally stopped at her chin. With a slight pressure, he made her lift her head and look directly at him.

His eyes sparkled with clearly visible emotions: a strong possessiveness, a reluctant longing, and a tender focus she had never seen before.

"Here, take this." He took out a pair of dragon and phoenix jade pendants and placed a piece of mutton-fat white jade carved with a phoenix pattern into her hand. "Keep it close to your body and don't take it off."

This is not just a gift, but more like a token, a silent declaration and protection.

Jiang Wanzhi held the jade pendant, which still carried his body heat, and felt her palm burning hot.

"Wait for me to come back," he said softly.

Then, before she could react, he leaned down and kissed her lips.

This kiss was both gentle and firm, carrying an undeniable affection and a reluctance to part.

Jiang Wanzhi's mind went blank again, but this time, there was no fear or resistance.

Her senses were overwhelmed by his breath and the tender kiss. A strange and thrilling warmth spread from the bottom of her heart, making her weak all over. She could only nestle in his strong embrace and respond awkwardly.

The setting sun cast long shadows of the two people, which overlapped tightly, as if they could never be separated again.

After what seemed like an eternity, he slowly released her, his forehead pressed against hers, his breathing slightly erratic.

"Remember my words." His husky voice rang in her ear, filled with deep affection and undeniable domineering authority.

Jiang Wanzhi's cheeks flushed, her heart pounded, and she leaned against him, nodding gently.

…………

The next day, at the break of dawn, the sky was just beginning to lighten.

In the northern suburbs of the capital, banners fluttered and armor stood in neat rows.

Tens of thousands of elite soldiers of the Great Entropy stood in formation, completely silent except for the snorting of warhorses and the sound of banners fluttering in the morning breeze, a chilling atmosphere permeating the entire area.

Zongzheng Hengyu, clad in a black dragon-embroidered armor, stood atop the command platform. The rising sun outlined his tall, imposing figure, the plume of his helmet fluttering slightly in the wind, highlighting the sharp features of his handsome face. His eyes, sharp as a hawk's, swept over the dark mass of troops below, exuding an aura of domineering authority.

"Let's go!" He didn't give any grand speeches, but just uttered two words in a deep voice. His voice wasn't loud, but it clearly carried throughout the entire field. The force of his words instantly ignited the passion of tens of thousands of soldiers!

"Roar! Roar! Roar!" The earth-shaking echoes soared into the sky, the weapons struck the ground with a deep and orderly roar, and the earth seemed to tremble.

Zongzheng Hengyu turned around and strode down from the command platform. His personal guards had already led him to his mount, Wulong Taxue, an exceptionally fine black horse. He nimbly mounted the horse, his movements fluid and powerful.

"Set off!"

At a single command, the army set off.

Its iron hooves pounded the ground, kicking up billowing dust, like a giant black dragon winding its way northward.

The "Heng" banner fluttered wildly in the wind, leading this fierce army toward the war-torn northern border.

On the city wall, Jiang Wanzhi watched the dark figures and army gradually recede into the distance, eventually disappearing between the dust and the horizon.

Her fingers unconsciously gripped the warm, smooth jade pendant with a coiled dragon design hidden in her sleeve, her emotions a complex mix of feelings.

The sunset on the hillside last night, his tender kiss, his deep voice—these are still vividly imprinted in my mind. And now, he has already rushed to the battlefield where life and death are uncertain.

"Miss, His Highness Prince Heng has already gone far away. Shall we go back?" Chun Tao whispered a reminder from the side.

What flashed through Jiang Wanzhi's mind were his cold, questioning face, his forceful kiss, his reluctant yet focused gaze last night, and the cold, hard figure of the commander on horseback just now, bearing the heavy responsibility of the nation.

"Let's go back," she said softly, a hint of melancholy in her voice that she herself didn't even realize.

The carriage traveled towards the Prime Minister's residence, passing through the bustling and peaceful main street of the capital, gradually disappearing into the crowds in the streets and alleys...