The bright moon rose, hanging high in the center of the sky.
Tonight, the skies over Yu’an had cleared, a rare occurrence. Moonlight flowed and spread across the boundless forest, finally halting at the horizon where it settled into a silent, straight silver line. The mountain woods were quiet, save for the occasional cry of a beast startling a flock of roosting birds—perhaps a hunter was in the heat of a chase.
A hundred paces before the Beast-Crouching Platform, at the central hub of the Yulin Detached Palace, stood a high pavilion with five tiers of heavy walls, open to the wind on all four sides. Each level was built upon a stone base, with a pillar every ten paces. Between the pillars were several small tents, topped with silk ribbons and draped with gauze curtains. Even the slightest cool breeze passing through would be caught within the tents, stirring the flowing fabric.
These small tents served as resting places for the families and servants accompanying the hunters. Wooden corridors connected the tents, and the long railings, stretching for a hundred paces, were dotted with sparks of light. Ever-burning palace lanterns flickered and swayed in the night, appearing from afar like the embers of a forest fire or a desert mirage. Weary people rested in their respective tents, leaving only the night-watch attendants to pace the corridors, wielding large silk fans to drive away insects.
Among the many tents, there was one where no one dared set foot. Even the moths and small insects seemed to fear a certain scent emanating from it; none dared approach, hovering only at the periphery.
Upon the wooden corridor, an attendant dressed in black robes carried a small, lacquer-sealed booklet, walking with quick, light steps. He paused for a moment before the tent, rhythmically tapping the floor seven times before bowing and entering through the gauze curtains.
Behind the pale green hangings, the Emperor sat cross-legged atop a central stone couch, appearing to be resting with his eyes closed.
“Your Majesty, the Wind-Forest Ledger for the hour of the Ox has arrived. Shall I unseal it?”
The young Emperor kept his eyes closed. “Unseal it.”
Shan Jiangfei took a jade knife from a small side table and broke the lacquer seal on the booklet. When unfolded, the booklet had only three folds, but it was covered in dense handwriting. He trimmed the wick of the only lamp in the tent, and by the light of the flame, he read the text in a low voice.
“Gan Xin, Commander of the Southwest Winged-Hussars Camp: Gen position, Third Palace; moved. Heading southwest, entered the forest. Sun Zhuo, General of Martial Rites of the Northern Pacification Camp: Li position, Ninth Palace; moved. Heading due east, exited the stone flats. Yan Guang, General of Western Suppression of the Winged-Hussars Camp: Li position, Fourth Palace; stationary. Occupying the southeastern high ground; no movement observed. Su Yuanxiu, General of the Guard of the Radiant Brilliance Camp: Qian position, Seventh Palace…”
The attendant’s voice rose and fell steadily within the tent. It took approximately the time it takes for a stick of incense to burn to finish reading the last line.
The Wind-Forest Ledger was originally a specialized military report used by the Black Feather Camp for reconnaissance. it recorded the positions and movements of various camp generals using palace coordinates. Each time a ledger was issued, the coordinate map would change. It was written with the Black Feather Camp’s unique "Venom-Feather" ink, which produced extremely fine lines. If the booklet was sealed immediately after writing, the ink would not dry easily; upon unsealing, a light swipe of the index finger could verify if it had been opened prematurely.
The Emperor pondered for a moment before finally opening his eyes. “Is Xiao Nanhui still absent from the hunting grounds?”
“In reply to Your Majesty, she left at the hour of the Monkey. She has not yet returned.”
“Good. Continue to watch. If there is any movement, report back.”
“Yes.”
Shan Jiangfei’s figure paused, his gaze gradually turning toward the entrance of the curtains.
Ten paces outside the tent, a graceful silhouette stood in the shadow of a pillar. Two attendants carrying palace lanterns led the way, about to step onto the wooden corridor.
*Whoosh.*
A shadow as thin as a black thread flashed by. A pitch-black arrow thudded into the wood half an inch from the attendant’s toes, causing her to cry out in terror and collapse to the ground. The lantern in her hand fell, rolling twice before the light went out.
“Who causes such a clamor?”
The person in the shadows hurried forward a few steps, performing a slight bow. “Xingyao has come uninvited late at night. I wonder if I have disturbed His Majesty…”
“So it is Lady Cui.” Shan Jiangfei offered a practiced smile, but he did not step aside, nor did he signal for her to rise. “His Majesty was reviewing memorials until late last night and is currently quite fatigued.”
Cui Xingyao’s expression turned awkward for an instant. She held a tray in her hands, upon which sat a translucent white soup tureen. Because of its weight, her arms were slightly bent.
After a moment, the Emperor’s slow voice drifted from within the small tent. “Let her in.”
Shan Jiangfei nodded and stepped forward to take the tray from Cui Xingyao’s hands. “Lady Cui, please enter.”
The two attendants tried to follow, but Shan Jiangfei blocked them. “You two may return. I will see to it that Lady Cui is escorted back.”
The two attendants exchanged a secret glance, softly complied, and retreated into the darkness.
Cui Xingyao looked toward the depths of the gauze curtains where the light flickered, then bowed and entered the tent.
There was only one palace lantern inside. The attendant placed a glass cover over the candle flame, making the surrounding light even dimmer. The candlelight seemed even fainter than the moonlight outside. The Emperor’s face was hidden in this half-light, possessing a flickering, elusive depth.
Cui Xingyao lowered her gaze, respectfully kneeling on a carpet embroidered with orchid patterns.
“I heard from Attendant Shan that Your Majesty spent the entire night reviewing memorials. It must have been very taxing. Xingyao took it upon herself to brew some restorative soup to soothe the mind and replenish energy for Your Majesty.”
“Reviewing memorials all night?”
The young Emperor glanced sideways at the attendant standing nearby. The smile on the attendant’s face faltered.
In the woman’s eyes, this gesture took on a different meaning. She sensitively lowered her head, a faint flush of anxiety rising on her fair face, a sight that would evoke pity in any observer.
“It was Xingyao’s presumption. Please do not blame Attendant Shan. Xingyao shall withdraw at once…”
“No need. You stay. Jiangfei, go and have someone bring more medicinal incense to ward off mosquitoes.”
Shan Jiangfei’s figure stiffened slightly, his peripheral vision scanning the surroundings. Not only were there no mosquitoes in the tent, there wasn't so much as a single gnat.
“Yes. And the soup…”
Sui Wei tapped his finger lightly. “Leave the soup as well.”
The attendant obediently withdrew, lowering the outermost layer of heavy floor-length curtains before he left.
The thick curtains isolated the interior from the exterior. Even the flow of air seemed to stagnate instantly. The breathing of the two people in the tent became exceptionally distinct, the silence making the atmosphere unsettling.
Cui Xingyao counted silently in her heart for a moment before finally adjusting the smile on her face. She removed the sachet from her waist and set it aside, then lightly rolled up her sleeves to reveal her snowy wrists. She gently lifted the soup tureen and walked slowly toward the Emperor.
“Your Majesty, the soup is still hot.”
Her voice was very soft and gentle, carrying a hint of shyness, the tone perfectly measured.
After a long pause, the Emperor’s slender fingers took the tureen. Her hands felt light, and her heart trembled. In the next instant, he placed the tureen to the side.
“It is quite warm tonight. It is better to let it cool before drinking.”
She bit her lip, her expression momentarily complex, but she ultimately retreated to the side in obedience.
The tent fell back into a long silence. The reason the night was harder to endure than the day was precisely because of its stillness. Darkness, silence, and having nothing to do often stretched the hours into infinity.
Since childhood, she had followed her father and clan elders, participating in many rituals for ancestral sacrifices and tomb guarding; staying up through the night was a common occurrence. But she had never imagined that this two-day, one-night hunt would also require such a vigil.
“Lady Cui, are you perhaps weary?”
“I am grateful for Your Majesty’s concern. I am quite well.”
“That is good. Otherwise, you might miss the fine show that is about to begin.”
*A fine show?*
Cui Xingyao’s heart suddenly leaped into her throat. “Has Your Majesty arranged for a Nuo opera? Or…”
“Do not be anxious. When the time comes, you will know.”
***
Dozens of miles outside the Yulin Detached Palace, deep within the dense forest on the Path of Impermanence, two people and one horse were moving rapidly.
The "Little Pine Forest" really did not deserve the word "Little." One could not find a larger forest in all of Chizhou. The pitch-black, straight trunks reached for the sky, blotting out the moon. A traveler in the wilderness could only glimpse the celestial signs through the gaps between the leaves.
Every time she looked up to observe the moon and stars, Xiao Nanhui felt as though her neck was about to break. Traveling in the dark without being familiar with the terrain, she feared taking a wrong turn if her mind wandered for even a second. The journey was mentally exhausting, more taxing than the forced marches of a hundred miles a day she had performed in the past.
“Are you certain it’s this way?”
The short "dog-headed strategist" yawned incessantly, waving his hand dismissively. “It’s a bit of a detour, but the general direction is definitely correct.”
Xiao Nanhui grew anxious upon hearing this. “Wasn't this supposed to be a shortcut? Why are we detouring?”
Bolao pointed toward the silhouette of a massive mountain standing silent in the night to the northwest. “Unless you want to ditch the horse and walk, if you want to ride into Douchen Ridge, a detour is perfectly normal. It’s better than falling into a mountain ravine. As long as the direction is right, we should be able to arrive before dawn…”
Bolao’s voice cut off abruptly. His entire aura changed, and his gaze instantly became sharp.
*Clop, clop, clop.*
The slow sound of hoofbeats came from deep within the dense forest ahead. In a few moments, they were close. A rider and horse emerged, the silver scabbard and bowstring glinting coldly under the moonlight.
“Adjutant Xiao, the night is deep and the road ahead is narrow and difficult. It would be better to wait until dawn to make a decision.”
The moment she saw Lu Songping, Xiao Nanhui felt a secret sense of relief. Fortunately, it wasn't the group she feared most. She turned her horse sideways, using Jixiang’s sturdy flank to face the newcomer.
“Why does Lieutenant Lu block my path?”
“I am acting on orders from the Yulin Office to guard the boundaries of the hunting grounds. During the Spring Hunt, one is permitted to leave but not to enter. Adjutant Xiao should be well-versed in the rites and regulations.”
*Nonsense.*
In a forest this vast, could they possibly have stationed guards at every pass? If so, not just one Black Feather Camp, but ten would not be enough. Those were the elite troops surrounding the Emperor; if they were all sent to guard this godforsaken forest, who was guarding the Emperor?
She had pushed herself to the limit to make time, Jixiang’s haunches were soaked in sweat, and now she was to waste time here for nothing?
Xiao Nanhui’s face darkened, and she went straight to the point. “The Emperor sent you, didn't he?”
There were very few people who knew what she was investigating, who could possibly hold the key to the Xiao Manor in Yu’an, and who could sneakily hide something in Yukun Street. Most importantly, the only person who would go to such lengths to design this "luring the tiger from the mountain" ruse and who could command Lu Songping personally to intercept her was him.
“Why does Adjutant Xiao say such things? I’m afraid I don’t quite understand.”
Xiao Nanhui snorted coldly. *Keep pretending. Go ahead.*
As the two sides reached a stalemate, Bolao coughed and lowered his voice. “Um, I think we should just forget it…”
*Forget it?*
Xiao Nanhui whipped out her arm-crossbow and viciously cranked the string. “There is only this one road. If we don’t pass through here, where else can we go?”
Murderous intent spilled out; a fierce battle seemed inevitable.
Lu Songping slowly drew the silver flexible sword from his waist. His aura was so steady that it did not lose out to Ding Weixiang. Xiao Nanhui did not dare move rashly, rapidly calculating her chances of victory.
She still remembered the situation that night at King Kang’s traveling palace when she had clashed with this "hidden man." At that time, she had Pingxian in hand, which gave her some advantage against Lu Songping’s flexible sword. But now…
Seeing her silence, Lu Songping knew the reason for it. “Even when your weapon had not left your hand, you were not necessarily my match. What do you intend to use to compete with me now?”
Faced with his almost arrogant provocation, Xiao Nanhui said nothing. She simply turned around and spoke in a low, heavy voice to the person who had been cowering behind her on the horse.
“It’s your turn.”
Bolao’s eyes widened, his short, thick eyebrows jumping on his forehead. “Why is it my turn?! I’m not the one who wants to go back!”
“Whose person are you? When I tell you to go, you go!”
The two began to push and pull on the horse, as if they had already exchanged several sets of palm techniques. From a distance, it looked like a picture of "deep bond between master and servant."
Lu Songping narrowed his eyes in the darkness. He paused, finally recognizing that frustrated, full-moon-round face.
“Are you the one who ate my grapes?”
Bolao shook his head firmly. “No, you have the wrong person.”
Xiao Nanhui exposed him without hesitation. “You only ate a few bunches of his grapes, but how many of mine have you eaten? Do you have no conscience?”
Bolao pouted, lowering his head in humiliation.
Lu Songping glanced at the large head and said leisurely, “The Andao Institute has always worked for the righteous path of the Imperial Family. There is no need for us to be enemies. Wouldn't you agree?”
Before he could finish, Xiao Nanhui’s eyes swept like knives toward the person beside her. “They say that those in the Andao Institute remain loyal to only one person for their entire lives. Wouldn't you agree?”
Bolao clutched his large head, swaying in agony. “It was just a few bunches of grapes! Why don’t you two just hand me over to Xie Li…” Bolao’s voice suddenly stopped. “What is that sound?”
Xiao Nanhui rolled her eyes. “Don’t think that changing the subject will—”
However, in the next instant, Lu Songping’s expression also tightened.
Then, she heard it too.
A faint sound approached from the distance, noisy and chaotic, like the scratching of hundreds of sharp claws. She whipped her head around, looking toward the southwest of the dense forest.
Against the clear, moonlit sky, a small, eerie patch of black was approaching rapidly from afar.
“It’s…”
“Night Bats.”
Lu Songping’s voice dropped to a low growl. As he spoke, he drew a Cloud-Treading Arrow from his back and swiftly notched it. However, the surrounding trees blocked the sky; the visibility and shooting angles were far worse than they had been on the Bi Frontier wilderness. He couldn't even distinguish which one was the "Bat King" carrying the secret message.
Even so, he could not let them pass. Lu Songping focused his energy and calmed his mind, preparing to fire the Cloud-Treading Arrow when the swarm passed directly over their heads.
However, almost in an instant, as if they had reached an agreement, the swarm suddenly split into several clusters, heading in three different directions.
The three of them were stunned for a moment.
Bolao’s eyes widened. “These things… can they count?”
“They’ve learned to be clever.” Lu Songping had already quickly stowed his bow and tightened his reins. “There’s no time. we must split up to pursue them. We must find out the enemy’s intent.”
Xiao Nanhui did not move, her eyes fixed on the road leading to the Yulin Detached Palace.
Lu Songping noticed her gaze. His tone was light, but his words carried the weight of a thousand pounds. “If you insist on breaking through, I can only follow orders and stop you. But I hope you remember your duty as a soldier of Tiancheng.”
Xiao Nanhui clenched her fists.
The last time the Night Bats appeared, if Lu Songping had not intercepted the message, who knows what variables would have arisen in the battle of Bi Frontier. The reappearance of the Night Bats now surely hid an even greater conspiracy.
But what about Xiao Zhun? What would happen to Xiao Zhun?
Her intuition would not be wrong; what was about to happen tonight was definitely related to the Xiao family. What would the Emperor do? Should she only trust herself, or should she believe that he was not such a cruel and cold person?
Past scenes surged and churned in her mind. The sound of the bat swarm was about to fade into the distance. Xiao Nanhui’s expression was more solemn than ever before.
After a moment, she finally relaxed her fists. “There are three of us, but only two horses. I will go southwest, you go southeast. Bolao has the best light-body technique; he will take the northwest toward Douchen Ridge.”
“Fine,” Lu Songping answered succinctly. Only Bolao was still silently protesting.
Xiao Nanhui pulled him over, giving instructions quickly and decisively. “I’ve settled it with Mo Chunhua. When autumn comes this year, all the grapes at her place will be yours.”
The previously dull, large face instantly regained its spirit. Although his mouth was still pouted high, his feet were already moving nimbly. “Seeing as you are so sincere, I’ll reluctantly let you order me around one more time.”
Xiao Nanhui tightened the reins. Jixiang neighed and reared high on its forelegs.
“After tonight, I hope all is well.”
The hooves landed heavily, and three figures flew out like arrows, chasing the three clusters of rapidly moving shadows in the sky, heading in three different directions.
***
Inside the dim tent on the high pavilion, where there was neither human voice nor insect chirp, Cui Xingyao remained in the same posture she had held half an hour ago.
On the stone couch, the young Emperor lay on his side, appearing to have fallen into a deep sleep from exhaustion. After an unknown amount of time, the man’s steady breathing remained unchanged.
“Your Majesty?”
There was no response for a long time.
The silhouette of the woman who had been kneeling quietly on the soft carpet finally moved.
Today, she wore the softest gauze. She wore only a single silver hairpin in her hair, and she had removed her tasseled earrings, leaving only a single round pearl. Her movements were very light; not a single sound of clashing jewelry or rustling fabric could be heard. Before each step, she would use her toes to lightly test the wooden floorboard, confirming it would not creak before gently stepping down.
She had practiced the Bell Dance since childhood. In terms of ruthlessness or speed, she could not compare to an assassin or a martial artist, but in terms of lightness and stability, no one could surpass her.
She first walked to the central shrine, carefully inspecting the ritual vessels and offerings behind the alcove. Her knuckles lightly tapped each wooden board, checking for hidden compartments. After a moment, she restored everything to its original state and cautiously backed away.
Scanning the furnishings of the entire tent, her gaze landed beside the stone couch where the man rested. There was a high-legged side table, upon which were neatly stacked recent memorials and documents. There was also an exquisite wooden box with bronze corners, which was locked.
Cui Xingyao slowly approached the box. Her slender fingers lifted the lock, scrutinizing it for a moment. Then, she took the silver hairpin from her hair and inserted it into the lock, gently picking at it.
After a long while, the lock finally emitted a faint click.
Her temples, which had been dry and tidy, were now soaked with sweat. She pulled out a handkerchief to lightly wipe them, held her breath, and slowly opened the box.
The box was empty, save for a single piece of half-burnt letter paper placed in the center. On the paper, several elegant small characters were faintly visible—characters so familiar they made her heart race with terror.
“Did you find what you were looking for?”
Cui Xingyao gasped. Her fingertips suddenly loosened, and the lid of the box shut with a *snap*.
But her reaction was swift. She almost immediately gripped the hairpin in her hand and hid it beneath her sleeve, then bowed low.
“This servant deserves ten thousand deaths for disturbing Your Majesty…”
The man’s voice came from the stone couch, so calm that no clue could be discerned. “What crime have you committed?”
The silver hairpin was gripped tight in her hand. Cui Xingyao’s voice took on a hint of trembling. “My maternal uncle, relying on Your Majesty’s favor toward me, has repeatedly submitted petitions regarding promotions and raises. I did not want Your Majesty to grow distant because of this, so I thought to secretly take the memorials away…”
The Emperor’s silhouette was reflected on the gauze screen. He slowly shook his head.
“The secret message you wrote with your own hand is right there in that box. Your 'affection' is not worth a single cent.”
Cui Xingyao’s head was buried deep, her expression unreadable, but her trembling shoulders betrayed something.
The hem of the man’s robe brushed across the floor in front of her. After a long pause, a lean hand picked up the sachet she had placed on the ground earlier and shook it gently.
“You are very clever, and you know how to seize an opportunity. Unfortunately, the thing you are looking for is not currently on my person.”
***
**Glossary**
Chinese | English | Notes/Explanation
--- | --- | ---
风林册 | Wind-Forest Ledger | A specialized military reconnaissance report used by the Black Feather Camp.
丑时 | Hour of the Ox | 1:00 AM – 3:00 AM.
申时 | Hour of the Monkey | 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM.
艮/离/乾 | Gen / Li / Qian | Trigrams from the I Ching used as coordinates in the ledger.
淑媛 | Shuyuan | A rank for imperial concubines (Lady of Chaste Beauty).
夜蝠 | Night Bats | Trained bats used for carrying secret military messages.
踏云箭 | Cloud-Treading Arrow | A specialized arrow, likely used for signaling or high-precision shots.
安道院 | Andao Institute | A mysterious organization or academy mentioned in relation to Bolao.
常侍 | Attendant / Changshi | A title for high-ranking palace eunuchs/attendants.
参乘 | Adjutant / Sancheng | Xiao Nanhui's current official rank/position.
