As the Chen and Yan kings contemplated retreat, black-armored cavalry attacked from all directions, their banners displaying a large “Jing” character.
They knew Si Zhan had proclaimed himself Emperor in Qianan.
They had hoped to capture Biandu and then Qianan, making the realm theirs, but instead, Si Zhan himself came to fight.
The two kings prepared for battle, but before they could form a formation, the city gates opened, and Mu Rong’s small general attacked from behind. Caught between two forces, the Chen and Yan kings were decisively defeated.
The people welcomed Emperor Jing’s army into the city.
Fu Yi hurriedly bowed and smiled, “This servant understands.” As she prepared to carry Chang’an away, Ning Wan Wan called out, “Wait.” Confused, Fu Yi turned back to see Ning Wan Wan touch Chang’an’s little face with a strange expression. Then, Ning Wan Wan walked into the room, saying, “Go.”
Fu Yi could only carry Chang’an and retreat.
That night, Ning Wan Wan sat in front of the mirror, styling her hair and staring at her reflection.
Si Zhan sat beside her, taking the comb to gently brush her long hair. “Wan Wan, I see you’ve been here for a while. What are you thinking about?”
Ning Wan Wan turned to Si Zhan, her eyes sparkling as she smiled softly, “I was thinking about you.”
At her words, Si Zhan’s eyes filled with tender emotion.
He playfully ran his fingers through her soft hair, saying apologetically, “These days, court affairs have been busy. I’ve neglected you…” His words were suddenly stopped by Ning Wan Wan’s delicate fingers. She gazed at him with seductive eyes, “Don’t say anything. Just tell me… am I beautiful tonight?”
Her face was like a delicate flower, her lips like painted rouge. Ning Wan Wan had always been beautiful, but tonight she seemed different to Si Zhan – more enchanting, with a bewitching charm. His throat moved slightly, and he immediately swept her up in his arms, striding towards the phoenix bed.
After a passionate night, Si Zhan quickly fell asleep. Ning Wan Wan quietly rose, kneeling beside him, her hand reaching to touch his face. Suddenly, a rush of blood surged in her throat. She quickly turned, got off the bed, changed into Fu Yi’s clothes, and covered herself with a veil. Before leaving, she looked back, tears flowing uncontrollably.
“I’m sorry, my dear Zhan. You must take good care of our child.”
The palace maids of Kun Ning Palace had already been sent away, leaving only the outer-level palace servants who, seeing her in Fu Yi’s clothes, bowed, believing her to be Fu Yi. She used the empress’s token to pass through the Gongchen Gate unobstructed.
Outside, a carriage waited. Before boarding, she took a final look towards the Ziijin Palace.
In that instant, her black hair turned to frost.
Five years later, at the market below Penghao Mountain Gate, Ning Wan Wan, dressed in white and wearing a long veil, had the wind blow it aside, revealing her stunning face and silvery-white hair. Carrying a basket, she was selecting white radishes at a vegetable stall.
Suddenly, she heard passersby sighing, “Ah, fate is cruel. Qi Song had just entered a period of peace, but who would have thought the young Emperor would suddenly pass away…”
Clang! The basket fell to the ground. Ning Wan Wan clutched her chest, her heart aching unbearably.
She then heard them continue, “I heard the young prince Si Nian was holding the late Emperor’s body, grief-stricken, not allowing anyone to prepare it. It seems no matter how noble one’s birth, one can’t escape being orphaned.”
At that moment, someone passed by leading a horse. Without hesitation, Ning Wan Wan pushed the person aside, leaped onto the horse, ignoring their protests. A money pouch fell into their hands, and feeling its weight, they immediately fell silent.
The story continues with Ning Wan Wan’s dramatic journey, revealing layers of complex emotions, sacrifice, and unexpected twists in her relationship with Si Zhan.
I never do anything unprepared, but this book is the most unprepared thing I’ve ever written. I didn’t expect to sign it. After signing the beginning, I had no outline or character settings. I was creating the outline and character settings while writing, and incorporating the opinions of my little fairy readers. So the book went through several revisions during the process.
You could say I was learning and writing at the same time. Fortunately, you all accompanied me to this point, I accumulated some experience, and now I know how to write going forward. So please continue to pay attention to my next book, “Marrying My Archenemy,” which should have a different style, but will definitely be well-prepared and not rushed like this one.
Finally, thank you to the little fairy readers who made it to the end. Thank you for your companionship. I will work even harder.
(— End —)
