Floating life reflects two lotuses

As night fell, every corner of the palace was bathed in the soft moonlight, yet Consort Yan's chambers remained brightly lit. The flickering candlelight on the table illuminated her somber face. She held a secret letter in her hand, its contents leaving her expression enigmatic.

"Chu Wanlian, she found the fragments of the ancient artifacts from the Spirit Offering Secret Ground..." Consort Yan muttered to herself, her tone icy. Her fingertips tapped lightly on the table, her gaze deep and unfathomable, as if she were calculating her next move.

Xiao Qiu, a trusted maid standing to the side, said cautiously, "Your Highness, I have confirmed that she did indeed take away a fragment of an ancient artifact and gave it to Li Heng. Li Heng is currently protecting her and is almost never leaving her side."

Upon hearing this, Consort Yan sneered, "Li Heng... that boy is indeed loyal. Unfortunately, loyalty can sometimes be a fatal weakness."

She stood up, slowly walked to the window, looked at the bright moon in the night sky, and said with a hint of ruthlessness, "This fragment cannot be lost. Since she dared to touch it, she can't blame me for being merciless."

"What does Your Majesty mean?" Xiao Qiu asked tentatively.

Consort Yan turned around, a cold glint flashing in her eyes: "Pass on my order to gather several secret guards and set up an ambush in the suburbs. We must bring back the fragments of the ancient artifact. If we cannot obtain them from Xiao Jinlian, we will threaten Li Heng's life to force her to submit."

A-Qiu bowed her head to accept the order, then turned and hurriedly left. Consort Yan watched her figure disappear into the night, her expression gradually becoming complex and gloomy.

The next day, Xiao Jinlian and Li Heng escorted the rune fragments to the research institute of the Spirit Offering Secret Ground—a secluded ancient Taoist temple. Along the way, they passed through a deep forest on the outskirts of the city, where ancient trees reached for the sky, their branches and leaves blocking out the sun, with only dappled sunlight falling on the ground and casting mottled shadows.

"Lian'er, this forest is unusual," Li Heng said in a low, steady voice. "The marks on the ground suggest that someone laid an ambush beforehand."

Xiao Jinlian tightened her grip on the wooden box in her arms, her gaze slightly narrowed: "It seems Consort Yan already knows we took the fragment. She's quick on her feet."

Silan followed behind, quietly taking out a dagger hidden in her sleeve, and whispered, "Princess, should we take a detour? It's too quiet here."

“Taking a detour is impossible.” Li Heng’s eyes were sharp and his tone was firm. “The ambush may not be aimed at us; it may just be a test. But in any case, this road is a shortcut to the city. If we miss the time, the city gates will close.”

Xiao Jinlian glanced at his expression and smiled slightly: "You are quite calm, as expected of someone from a military family."

Li Heng glanced at her, his brows furrowing slightly: "This is simply my duty."

Xiao Jinlian chuckled softly and remained silent. She knew that at this moment, she could only rely on Li Heng's judgment.

The three proceeded cautiously when suddenly, a faint rustling of leaves came from the depths of the woods. Li Heng stopped instantly, gesturing for the two behind him to halt. He listened intently for a moment, then whispered, "Four men, ambush from both sides. Prepare for battle."

Silan gripped the dagger tightly, her gaze turning cold: "Is it Consort Yan's people again?"

"Most likely." Li Heng slowly drew his longsword and whispered to Xiao Jinlian, "Protect the fragments. If I am held back, retreat to the depths of the forest without hesitation."

Xiao Jinlian raised an eyebrow slightly: "Li Heng, I've learned a few moves from you, don't think I'm weak."

Li Heng's steady gaze fell on her, but his tone was firm and unquestionable: "Alright, then I'll see how well I, as your teacher, have taught you."

Xiao Jinlian paused for a moment, then gripped the wooden box tightly and nodded: "Alright. I won't hold you back."

Before any further words could be spoken, several dark figures darted out of the dense forest, wielding weapons, and headed straight for the three.

Li Heng sidestepped, his longsword flashing out against the wind, slicing away the incoming blade with precision and deadly accuracy. His movements were steady and powerful, his footwork agile and precise, each strike swift yet disciplined. Si Lan, meanwhile, moved around the perimeter, her dagger gleaming coldly in her hand, finding her opponent's weaknesses like a nimble snake, striking with pinpoint accuracy.

Xiao Jinlian protected the wooden box and leaned against a tree trunk, calmly observing the battle. In her mind, she quickly calculated the enemy's numbers and movement routes. Just when she thought the situation was under control, a cold arrow suddenly flew out from the depths of the forest, aiming straight for Li Heng's back.

"Li Heng, watch out!" she shouted almost instinctively, rushing forward and shoving Li Heng aside with her body.

An arrow grazed her shoulder, and blood instantly seeped through her clothes. Li Heng caught sight of this, and his eyes turned icy cold. He quickly shielded her behind him, and with a swift turn of his sword, sliced ​​off the next incoming arrow.

"Lian'er!" His voice was low and tinged with anger. "Who told you to do this?"

"Stop talking nonsense." Xiao Jinlian gritted her teeth and endured the pain, saying calmly, "If you die, I won't be able to bring back the fragments by myself."

"You... but this isn't a move I taught you, is it?" Li Heng muttered under his breath, but the longsword in his hand became even sharper, each move exuding a sharp sense of oppression.

Seeing the situation was turning against them, the man in black blew his whistle and quickly retreated. A brief silence returned to the woods, but the lingering murderous intent still hung in the air.

Li Heng sheathed his longsword and strode towards Xiao Jinlian: "Let me see the wound."

"It's just a scratch, nothing serious." Xiao Jinlian lifted her sleeve, revealing a faint bloodstain, her tone nonchalant.

“Even a shallow wound can get infected if left untreated.” Li Heng took out some medicine powder from his bag and carefully applied it to her wound, his movements gentle and focused.

Xiao Jinlian looked at him, a slight smile playing on her lips: "You're always like this, so cautious, like an old man."

"If I weren't like this, would you still be alive today?" Li Heng's tone was calm, but there was a hint of mockery in his eyes.

Silan leaned to the side, glancing at the two of them: "Are you two trying to flirt at a time like this? Should I set up a tent for you?"

Xiao Jinlian chuckled: "Silan, you're getting bolder and bolder~ Alright, let's go. Time is of the essence, and Consort Yan won't just send these few lowly soldiers."

Li Heng nodded, his expression regaining its composure: "Indeed, we need to be even more careful on the road ahead."

Consort Yan sipped her tea, her red lips slightly parted, the aroma of tea filling the air. A palace maid in front of her whispered, "Your Highness, the Princess seems to intend to leave the palace, saying she wants to go to a Taoist temple outside the city to recuperate."

"A Taoist temple?" Consort Yan put down her teacup, a slight smile playing on her lips, a hint of inquiry in her eyes. "Cultivating the mind and body? Heh, when did she become so refined?"

The palace maids lowered their heads and dared not answer.

Consort Yan turned and walked to the window, her gaze falling on the distant palace walls, her expression growing cold. She waved her hand, dismissing the palace servants, then turned back to instruct her trusted confidante: "Have someone keep a close eye on her. Report every move she makes recently in detail. Find out exactly where she goes and who she's with."

The trusted confidante acknowledged and withdrew. Consort Yan narrowed her eyes and muttered to herself, "This is unlike her usual style. It seems something interesting is about to happen."

Xiao Jinlian stood outside the imperial study, tightening her cloak, her gaze calm. She took a deep breath, stepped into the hall, and bowed to the emperor, who stood high above her.

"Father, I have a request to make." Her voice was clear and gentle, yet subtly revealed a firmness.

The emperor glanced at her, then casually put down the memorial in his hand: "Lian'er, what is it? Speak freely."

Xiao Jinlian raised her head, her gaze frank: "Recently, I have been unwell, unable to sleep at night, and often have headaches. After much thought, I heard that the ancient Taoist temple outside the city is quiet and secluded, and has a calming effect. I would like to go there to recuperate for a while."

"An ancient Taoist temple?" The emperor raised an eyebrow slightly. "Why the sudden decision to go there?"

"I've heard that the ancient Taoist temple is very popular and has a master who is skilled in medicine. I'm not here for sightseeing, but only to recuperate my body and mind so that I can better share my father's burdens," Xiao Jinlian said with a hint of sincerity.

The emperor pondered for a moment, a profound meaning appearing in his eyes: "Lian'er, you rarely mention these things. Is it really just for recuperation?"

Xiao Jinlian lowered her gaze, concealing the turmoil in her heart: "Father, I have no other intentions, but... ever since I fell into the water, I have often felt fear and unease. I beg you to grant my request."

The emperor gazed at her for a moment, then finally nodded: "In that case, I grant your permission. However, you must have enough men to protect you, and you must not be careless."

Xiao Jinlian showed a perfectly measured expression of gratitude: "Thank you, Father Emperor. I will certainly obey your decree."

As she withdrew, her expression was calm, but her palms were slightly sweaty. In that instant, she almost felt the emperor's gaze pierce through all her pretense like a sharp sword.

When the news reached Consort Yan's ears, she was sitting at her dressing table, selecting earrings. A crystal-clear pearl earring was being gently fiddled with by her fingertips, as if it might slip off at any moment.

"Is Princess Chang going to a Taoist temple to recuperate?" Consort Yan smiled, but the smile didn't reach her eyes. "What a filial daughter."

The trusted aide whispered, "Your Majesty, should we..."

“Of course we can’t let her be at ease.” Consort Yan stood up, her fingers lightly tapping the dressing table. “Since she needs to recuperate, I will naturally send some ‘appropriate’ people to accompany her. Don’t let her be lonely.”

She walked to the window, her tone turning icy: "I must know what she brought back from the Taoist temple. Go and make the arrangements, the sooner the better."

As Silan packed her luggage, she muttered, "Princess, this trip to the Taoist temple seems more like a mountain patrol. How are you going to bring all this stuff?"

Xiao Jinlian was sitting at the table flipping through a scroll of bamboo slips when she heard this and smiled, "This is for self-cultivation, not for seclusion, so naturally you should bring some daily necessities."

Li Heng stood to the side, his expression calm: "What you bring is secondary; safety is the most important thing. I will personally escort her along the way to ensure that no one can harm the princess."

Xiao Jinlian looked up at him, her gaze carrying a profound meaning: "I understand the General's loyalty."

Silan couldn't help but cough lightly: "Princess, it would be best if we kept a low profile on our journey. After all, there are bound to be people watching us with ulterior motives this time."

Xiao Jinlian put down the bamboo scroll, her gaze sharpening: "There will naturally be those who are determined. In that case, we must make this trip." She paused, her tone turning colder, "No matter what lies ahead, I must unravel this mystery."

Li Heng looked at her expression and was startled. He always felt that Xiao Jinlian in front of him seemed more composed and resilient than before, and had an added touch of unfathomable mystery.

"Let's set off." Xiao Jinlian stood up, her voice calm and resolute. "On this trip, we'll not only uncover the truth behind these fragments, but also have some fun sightseeing!"