Repeatedly broken branches

When going to a temple, one should naturally dress appropriately. One cannot be too flashy, nor too bright, and certainly not too jewel-encrusted. Therefore, Xiao Mu asked Xiao Shao to style her hair into the flying fairy bun that she usually wears, and inserted the tuberose hairpin given to her by Ruan Cifeng. It was quite simple and elegant. She wore a light white flowing fairy dress with a pale yellow brocade cape. It was a bit chilly in autumn, so she didn't wear earrings, as they would be too cumbersome.

After boarding the carriage, Madam Xue closed her eyes to rest, still holding a string of sandalwood beads in her hand.

"Mother..." Xiao Mu called out sweetly to Madam Xue.

Madam Xue slowly opened her eyes, looking slightly tired. She said sadly, "I'm afraid Tingxi's expedition this time will be fraught with danger..."

Xiao Mu frowned. "No way, wasn't the plan to recapture it? How could it be so dire?"

Xue said unhurriedly, "The Southern Border and the Northern Border are the two most dangerous borders. Since the time of the Holy Ancestor, we have been sending people to reclaim them. The Southern Border has a unique terrain and is mostly inhabited by barbarians, so we have no understanding of their military tactics and formations. They also like to use poison, so every time we send someone, they are all wiped out. The current emperor wants to show off his great achievements, so he sent Tingxi. Firstly, Tingxi is his close friend, and secondly, if Tingxi dies, he will be rid of a major threat. Tingxi holds most of the military power in the court. He has not completely handed it over to the emperor. They both have some reservations about each other. So, if Tingxi succeeds, he will be lucky. If he fails, the emperor can take back the military power and eliminate Tingxi silently. Don't you think this battle is extremely dangerous?"

Xiao Mu lowered her eyes and said gently, "Well, it shouldn't be a problem. After all, he's so capable, and he went to the desert when he was young. He'll definitely be fine."

Madam Xue sighed, her eyes filled with self-blame and worry. "If it weren't for me, he wouldn't have gone to the desert to suffer for his father for so many years because of his guilt. He should have grown up carefree like a child from an ordinary family. Unfortunately, he is a child of the Zhou family, and life has never been easy for him."

"Don't blame yourself, he doesn't blame you."

When she was little, Zhou Tingxi told her that even though his mother treated him this way, he never blamed her. After his father passed away, he was the only man in the family, so naturally he had to suffer more and be more tired.

If beating and scolding him would make his mother feel better and more at ease, he would rather be beaten and scolded. But he was terrified that his mother would leave like his father.

Madam Xue lifted the curtain with a dim look in her eyes, and said with a sense of loss, "But he was so young. I didn't even go with him to the desert. The more he grew up and became more sensible, the more I blamed myself. I blamed myself for not being with him, for hitting him, for pushing him into the water vat. Because... because I didn't want him to be like his father, for him to repeat the same mistakes. I didn't want to lose him again. But he is so strong now, so strong that it frightens me, because his father was just as strong before, and then he left us, mother and son, and now he rests forever in the desert."

Xiao Mu held Xue Shi's hand and said gently, "He's grown up now, and the past is the past. He knows that you always pray for him, so he always comes back safely, and this time will be no different."

Madam Xue smiled and nodded, then took out a letter. She said, "Read it when we get back. This is a letter Tingxi wrote to Yin Fu'an. He will explain it to you personally when he returns. Please don't misunderstand him anymore."

"Misunderstand?"

"Actually, on your wedding day, it was Yin Fu'an who secretly carried out the attack behind Tingxi's back. It's true that they had conspired, but Tingxi refused and hesitated because of you. He didn't want to hurt you, but when he arrived at the palace, it was too late. The palace was littered with corpses..." Madam Xue sighed, her heart filled with unease, feeling that something was about to happen.

Xiao Mu smiled bitterly, "Mother, you don't need to speak up for him. What can we do now that it's already happened? He's my husband, and I have nowhere else to go."

Madam Xue was extremely agitated. She looked at Xiao Mu very seriously and said, "I am not lying. It's because I feel that Tingxi is likely to be in grave danger this time, so I must tell you. He told me not to say it, but I was afraid that he would never come back, so I had to say it. Xiaozhi, you have known each other since you were little. Don't you know what kind of person Tingxi is?"

Tears welled in Xiao Mu's eyes as she choked out, "Mother, I don't understand what you mean by all this." She was Zhou Tingxi's mother, so it was normal for her to speak up for him, but how could she believe that Zhou Tingxi hadn't laid a hand on her? Who could prove it? They might all be in cahoots!

That was her father, her own flesh and blood! How could she believe it?

Xiao Mu didn't know why her reaction was so strong, nor did she know why she felt this way. Perhaps she truly regarded Xia Yuyi as her father, but she really felt the pain of losing her own flesh and blood!

Madam Xue suddenly burst into tears. "Tingxi is a kind and gentle child. He would never kill anyone. Even if he killed countless people on the battlefield, he would never kill the late emperor. Really, when he arrived, Yin Fu'an had already made his move. If you don't believe me, come to the manor and read this letter yourself, okay?" Madam Xue's words were sincere, and she did not seem to be lying.

After getting off the carriage, they finally arrived at the temple. Xiao Mu couldn't wait to open the letter in her arms, but Madam Xue repeatedly insisted that she must read it at home, so she could only hold back.

Xue knelt devoutly before the Buddha statue, her eyes tightly closed, and murmured: "Buddha above, may my son Tingxi return safely after this recapture of the southern border. This old woman is willing to be a vegetarian for ten years..."

They didn't have the idea that saying it would make it less effective.

Xiao Mu followed her example, closed her eyes, and silently prayed in her mind: "Buddha, I hope my sister can get pregnant, I hope Yu Yanjing can be healthy and safe, I hope Ruan Cifeng can find a good home, and I hope Song Xinning and Liang Yuxue can live a carefree life. And Chen Lanhe, please let her be happy in the future. Also, can you let me know what all this is all about, including why I came here... Please..."

She was increasingly convinced that her arrival here was a mystery, because she had never seen her sister return after completing the mission. Was it impossible for her to complete the mission? Was it certain that she could not go back? In fact, whether she could go back or not was no longer important. If only she could follow her heart, that would be enough. But she was not the owner of this body, so how could she follow her heart?

Back at the manor, Xiao Mu bid farewell to Madam Xue and eagerly went back to her room, locked the door, and opened the letter that Zhou Tingxi had written to Yin Fu'an but had never sent.

My friend Fu'an:

Tingxi tossed and turned, pondering for a long time, and still felt deeply sorry that he could not be with him. We were originally like-minded, but Zhi is my wife, the love of my life, and I cannot do anything to hurt her. The Emperor and I are both teacher and friend. Although I have some dissatisfaction, I still respect him greatly. If you can turn back from this action, that would be good. If not, please show mercy and spare his life. The Emperor treats us as his own sons. I hope you will think twice before acting. There is no turning back once the arrow is released. My wedding is imminent, and I really do not want to have the blood of my wife and relatives on my hands. I am deeply sorry. You and I are like brothers. If you can listen to me, that would be the best. If not, we will still be the best of brothers.

Tears blurred her vision, falling drop by drop onto Zhou Tingxi's letter, like beads from a broken string, unstoppable. Why, why didn't he say it himself? Why didn't he give the letter to Yin Fu'an?

If the letter is handed over, will Yin Fu'an not take action?

Previously, Zhou Tingxi always said, "Would you believe me if I said I didn't do it?"

She thought he was lying to her, that he was joking, that he was making a last-ditch effort. But how could she believe him? Why didn't she explain?

Yes, she hates him so much, how could she possibly believe him?

Even now, she still doesn't want to believe it; she wants to hear Zhou Tingxi say it himself.

Therefore, he cannot die; he must come back alive!

So, in the days that followed, Xiao Mu looked forward to receiving a letter from Zhou Tingxi.

A month has passed, and Xiao Mu still hasn't received a letter from him. Actually, no news is the best news.

Xiao Mu received an invitation from Chen Lanhe, who was hosting a banquet for her, Yu Yanjing (now Bai Xingyu), and Deng Yizhi. Since it was autumn and she was about to give birth, this was the last banquet before the Lunar New Year. Any more banquets would have to wait until after the New Year.

Yu Yanjing hadn't seen her for a month. When he saw her this time, she looked much more haggard and thinner. She must not have been eating or sleeping well.

Chen Lanhe sat upright in the high hall, her belly already quite prominent. She looked pregnant, but instead of appearing bloated, she had a plump figure that made her look even more voluptuous and beautiful.

Sitting beside her was Consort Ruo, oh, the former Consort Ruo Zhaoyi. She had been promoted to the rank of Consort, and her rank was even higher than Liang Yuxue's. Yin Fu'an was really capable. Why did he dote on Ruo'er so much? What did he take Xia Yunxu for? Her former maid was now on equal footing with her, and was even a favored consort, receiving more favor than she did.

The other side was originally Xia Yunxu's seat, but she claimed to be sick and did not come.

The rest, in order, are Liang Yuxue, Song Xinning, Deng Yizhi, Xiao Mu, and Yu Yanjing.

Deng Yizhi came alone without bringing Siwan.

I heard that Siwan has been very attached to her wet nurse lately. Actually, it's a good thing. Although the wet nurse is not as good as her biological mother, she has cared for her and loved her since she was a child, treating her as her own flesh and blood.

"Your Majesty, I heard that General Zhou is trapped in Muchui Town. Winter is coming soon, and if it snows heavily, it will be even more difficult to fight!" Ruo'er said with a coquettish laugh. "Oh dear, I wonder if he will be able to come back alive?"

Chen Lanhe glared at her and said sternly, "How did you find out about things that even I don't know? Don't you dare to talk about politics!" She stared at Ruo'er, but Ruo'er showed no remorse and instead said smugly.

"The Emperor told me all of this. He said it doesn't matter that I know these things, since I won't go around telling everyone anyway. I'm just telling you all now."

Xiao Mu looked at Ruo'er with concern, "Are you telling the truth? What kind of place is Mu Chui Town?"

Yu Yanjing could tell that she was very worried. It turned out that Zhou Tingxi was still quite important to her. But didn't she say that she never paid any attention to him? So why did she look so nervous and scared?

"how could I know?"

Deng Yizhi said slowly, "Muchui Town is the last line of defense in the Southern Territory. If we take Muchui Town, we will be close to taking over the Southern Territory. However, Muchui Town is extremely dangerous and has a large number of experts gathered there."

Chen Lanhe comforted him, "Don't listen to people's nonsense. The Emperor didn't say it himself, and General Zhou didn't write back in person, so it's fake!"

Xiao Mu smiled faintly, "I'm not worried, I'm just curious." She suppressed her unease. She didn't want anything to happen to Zhou Tingxi. She wanted to know what had happened, she wanted to know the truth, that's all.

After the banquet, outside the palace gates, Yu Yanjing and Xiao Mu boarded a carriage together. Yu Yanjing said to the coachman, "Go to Wanfu Restaurant. Madam wants to eat something; she didn't eat enough at the banquet."

The coachman changed direction and replied, "Yes, Young Master Bai."

When they arrived at Wanfu Restaurant, Yu Yanjing ordered a table full of dishes, but Xiao Mu didn't touch any of them.

Yu Yanjing placed a piece of crispy pork into her bowl, and after a long while, he finally spoke, "Are you worried about Zhou Tingxi?"

Xiao Mu spoke frankly, "Yes, but I just want to know if he really didn't kill my father. Even though his mother told me so much, I still don't believe it. I just want to hear him say it himself!" She smiled at Yu Yanjing, her eyes crinkling with affection.

Yu Yanjing felt relieved and said in a deep voice, "If you're still worried, I'll go to Muchui Town with you. We'll ask him directly, and then I'll take you away, how about that?"

Xiao Mu nodded, "Okay, where are we going? To Chaoyang Kingdom?"

Yu Yanjing said gently, "Yes, I'll take you to Chaoyang Kingdom. It doesn't snow there, and it's very warm. How about I take you there to spend the winter?" His eyes were filled with anticipation.

“Okay, I’m most afraid of the cold, but how do we get to Muchui Town? Can you find it?” Xiao Mu looked at him, her eyes brightening.

Yu Yanjing's eyes sharpened, and he sneered, "I've been to just as many places as Zhou Tingxi over the years. Since I took the throne, I've spent most of my time wandering around. Not to mention Mu Chui Town, I've even been to the Southern Border..."

Xiao Mu looked at him guiltily. What was she doing? She actually asked Yu Yanjing to go with her to find Zhou Tingxi? What did she think of Yu Yanjing? He was a high and mighty king, and he was actually accompanying her to find his love rival?

Yu Yanjing held her hand and said softly, "I went with you voluntarily. Don't feel guilty. Once we find him, you'll come with me, won't you?"

Xiao Mu nodded firmly, and said shyly, "I'll go with you, but you're not allowed to bring this up again when we argue, understand?"

Yu Yanjing smiled and said, "Of course, I'm not one to nitpick. Anyway, you're mine now. Even if you've become someone else's wife, I know you don't love him. You have no choice in many things." Even if you've already consummated your marriage, it doesn't matter. I love you as a person, not your body.

When Xue learned that Zhou Tingxi was trapped in Muchui Town, he had locked himself in the Buddhist hall for several days, refusing to see anyone or eat, and only relying on ginseng soup to keep himself awake.

Xiao Mu asked to see her, but she wouldn't come out. Helpless, Xiao Mu could only leave a letter, pack a few things, and prepare to go to Mu Chui Town with Yu Yanjing.

Mother, Xiao Mu has gone to find Ting Xi. Don't worry about her or look for her.

The Southern Border is the dividing line between Ritsu and Hisamitsu. The people living in the Southern Border are unrestrained because Ritsu feels they belong to Ritsu, and Hisamitsu feels they belong to Hisamitsu, so they simply don't care about either of them.

However, long ago, the Southern Territory truly belonged to Hisamitsu, because they spoke Hisamitsu's language, used Hisamitsu's currency, and even their customs were exactly the same as Hisamitsu's.

However, Rinzuki refused to budge.

The southern border also did not want to submit.

To reach the Southern Border, one must pass through Songcheng, Moyang, and Yandu, and then Muchui Town. However, Yu Yanjing said that traveling by water would be faster, as Zhou Tingxi and his tens of thousands of men could not travel by water, so it took them a month to get there.

Yu Yanjing said that traveling by water would save two-thirds of the time, meaning it would take about eight or nine days to arrive.

Once you reach Moyang, it may take one or two days to walk to Muchui Town, because there are no more rivers after Moyang. Yu Yanjing has even planned out the route.