The heavy snow stopped about two weeks before the New Year. On the streets of the capital, the snow gradually melted, revealing the long-unseen bluestone pavement.

Murong Xuewei stood in front of the General's Mansion, watching the passersby, her heart filled with mixed emotions.

“Miss,” Liuli walked over, a long-lost smile on her face, “The snow has finally stopped, and the people have safely weathered this crisis.”

Murong Xuewei nodded, a hint of relief flashing in her eyes. "Yes, it's all thanks to everyone's concerted efforts."

On the streets, people are busy preparing decorations for the New Year.

Red lanterns are hung high, Spring Festival couplets are pasted all over the doors, and the air is filled with a festive atmosphere.

Murong Xuewei watched all this with a sense of unease in her heart.

“Miss,” Liuli suddenly said, “Miss Su Anuan has arrived, saying she wants to wish you a Happy New Year.”

Murong Xuewei smiled slightly, "Quickly, please invite her in."

Su Anuan is the daughter of Prime Minister Su, and is about the same age as Murong Xuewei. The two usually have quite a few interactions.

"Sister Xuewei," Su Anuan greeted Murong Xuewei warmly as soon as she entered, "May you have peace and safety every year!"

Murong Xuewei hugged her back, "Anuan, may you have peace and safety every year. Come in and sit down."

After the two sat down, Su Anuan looked around, "Huh? Where's General Gu?"

Murong Xuewei's heart tightened, but she didn't show it on her face. "The general has some official business to attend to and will be back in a little while."

Su Anuan nodded, then suddenly lowered her voice and said, "Sister Xuewei, I heard that some people in the court know that General Gu has returned. You must be careful."

Murong Xuewei's heart skipped a beat. Just as she was about to ask for details, she suddenly heard a commotion outside.

"What happened?" Murong Xuewei stood up and walked quickly towards the door.

A large contingent of imperial guards stormed into the general's residence. The leading official loudly proclaimed, "By imperial decree, Gu Ye has returned to the capital without authorization, a crime punishable by one degree. Immediately imprison him to await further judgment!"

Murong Xuewei felt dizzy, but she forced herself to remain calm and stepped forward. "My lord," she said, "may I see my husband?"

The official gave her a cold look. "Madam Gu, please do not obstruct official business."

Just then, Gu Ye was brought out. He saw Murong Xuewei, a complex look flashing in his eyes. "Xuewei, don't worry. I'll be back soon."

Murong Xuewei fought back tears and nodded. "I'll wait for you."

Watching Gu Ye being taken away, Murong Xuewei felt as if her heart was being torn apart. She knew that someone must be manipulating things behind the scenes, but the most important thing now was how to rescue Gu Ye.

As night fell, Murong Xuewei quietly arrived outside the prison. She bribed a jailer with a large sum of money to get a glimpse of Gu Ye.

"General," Murong Xuewei looked at her husband, chained up, her heart aching, "Are you alright?"

Gu Ye forced a smile. "Don't worry, I'm fine. Xue Wei, be careful, someone is watching us in the shadows."

Murong Xuewei nodded, "I know. General, I will definitely find a way to get you out of here."

Gu Ye shook his head. "Don't take any risks. Xue Wei, promise me, no matter what happens, you must take care of yourself."

Looking into her husband's resolute eyes, Murong Xuewei felt both moved and heartbroken. She knew Gu Ye must have his own plans, but at this moment, all she wanted was to rescue her husband as soon as possible.

After leaving the prison, Murong Xuewei went straight to find Prime Minister Su.

"Lord Su," Murong Xuewei said urgently upon seeing Prime Minister Su, "I beg you to help me save Gu Ye."

Prime Minister Su sighed, "Madam Gu, I also wish to save General Gu. But this time, I fear someone is pulling the strings behind the scenes. Even I am powerless to help."

Murong Xuewei's heart sank, but she didn't intend to give up. "Lord Su, is there really no other way?"

After a moment of contemplation, Prime Minister Su suddenly said, "It's not entirely without a solution. It's just..."

"But what?" Murong Xuewei pressed.

Prime Minister Su gave her a meaningful look, "However, this method might put you in a difficult position."

Murong Xuewei's heart skipped a beat, and she suddenly realized something. "Is it Princess Xiao Sining?"

Prime Minister Su nodded. "Indeed. The Second Princess has always been fond of General Gu..."

Before he could finish speaking, Murong Xuewei stood up. "Thank you for your guidance, Lord Su. I'll go find Princess Xiao Sining now."

Watching Murong Xuewei's departing figure, a complex expression flashed in Prime Minister Su's eyes.

Inside the palace, Xiao Sining was dressing up. Upon hearing that Murong Xuewei was requesting an audience, a smug glint flashed in her eyes.

"Let her in," Xiao Sining said calmly.

Murong Xuewei entered and bowed deeply, "Greetings, Second Princess."

Xiao Sining looked at Murong Xuewei kneeling on the ground, secretly pleased. "Madam Gu, you've come to see me, surely about General Gu's matter?"

Murong Xuewei looked up, her eyes pleading, "Your Highness, please understand, Gu Ye's return to the capital was indeed to help the people. I beg Your Highness, for his sake, to save his life."

Xiao Sining chuckled softly, "Madam Gu, as you know, General Gu's unauthorized return to the capital has violated military orders. Even if I wanted to help, I am powerless to do so."

Murong Xuewei bit her lip and said in a low voice, "If the princess is willing to save Gu Ye, Xuewei is willing to pay any price."

A glint of light flashed in Xiao Sining's eyes. "Any price? Really?"

Murong Xuewei nodded firmly, "I'm willing to pay any price to save Gu Ye."

Xiao Sining stood up and walked to Murong Xuewei. "Alright, since you put it that way, I'll give you a chance."

Murong Xuewei was overjoyed. "Thank you, Princess. May I ask what your request is?"

Xiao Sining sneered, "It's simple. You divorce Gu Ye, and I'll guarantee his life."

Murong Xuewei was struck dumb, completely stunned. Divorce? This was a condition she had never even dreamed of.

Seeing Murong Xuewei's shocked expression, Xiao Sining felt a surge of satisfaction. "What? Madam Gu is unwilling? It seems your feelings for General Gu are nothing special after all."

Murong Xuewei took a deep breath, forcing herself to remain calm, and said, "Princess, could you give me a day to consider?"

Xiao Sining waved her hand, "Alright, I'll give you one day. But remember, this is your only chance to save Gu Ye."

Murong Xuewei staggered out of the palace gate, her heart torn between two conflicting emotions. She knew that Xiao Sining was taking advantage of her misfortune, but she had no other choice but to save Gu Ye.

Back at the General's Mansion, Murong Xuewei didn't sleep a wink all night. She recalled every moment she had spent with Gu Ye, and her heart was filled with reluctance. But when she thought of Gu Ye now imprisoned, she couldn't bear to see him suffer.

As dawn broke, Murong Xuewei got up and headed to the palace.

“Princess,” Murong Xuewei knelt before Xiao Sining, her voice trembling, “I…I agree to a divorce.”

A flicker of joy crossed Xiao Sining's eyes, but she quickly regained her composure. "Alright, I'll go plead with Father Emperor to ensure Gu Ye's safety."

Murong Xuewei fought back tears and whispered, "Princess, could you please let me see Gu Ye one last time?"

Xiao Sining thought for a moment, then nodded and said, "Alright, I'll allow you to see him one last time in prison. But remember, don't tell him about the divorce."

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