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Zhou Rendong, in tears, dashed out wearing his tattered clothes. He knelt in the snowy cold, tirelessly digging through the thick snow, searching the entire morning.

Fu Yicen couldn't be bothered. He closed the study door and continued his affairs.

Occasionally glancing out the window, he only saw a frail figure trembling in the cold, fingers and nose reddened from the frost, yet relentlessly determined to find the charm.

That charm must have held immense significance for Zhou Rendong, right?

An invaluable gift, much like his genuine feelings, was trampled upon by Fu Yicen's own actions.

How deserving of condemnation he was!

As Zhou Rendong observed Fu Yicen staring at the charm, memories of that day naturally flooded back.

Hastily, Zhou Rendong reached to conceal the now-yellowed charm in his sleeve, only for his wrist to be seized by Fu Yicen.

"I'm sorry."

His voice wavered with emotion, catching Zhou Rendong off guard. Zhou's almond-shaped eyes widened as he looked quizzically at Fu Yicen.

"Back then... It was my mistake. I shouldn't have discarded your protective charm."

The belated apology warmed Zhou Rendong's heart. Smiling, he gently shook his head, his voice tinged with melancholy, "It's alright. The charm... isn't much to look at."

Freshly welcomed into the household, Zhou Rendong's naivety was clear. That he would present something so rough-hewn wasn't surprising, and Fu Yicen's disdain was somewhat justified.

But... Zhou truly had nothing else.

The charm was a parting gift from his dying mother.

Although too weak to speak coherently, his mother had mustered her last strength to ensure he kept the charm close. In critical times, she believed it would save his life.

Before she could say more, her strength waned, her gaze fixed, hands weakly falling, voice silenced forever.

Over the years, Zhou Rendong had treasured it as his most precious possession.

Hearing of the ferocity of the northern barbarians and fearing for Fu Yicen's safety, he'd reluctantly decided to gift him the charm.

Yet, Fu Yicen cared not for it, not even sparing a glance, discarding it into the snow.

As if his heart had been cast away, Zhou, disregarding potential punishment, knelt in the snow, searching until he was nearly frozen and his fingers frostbitten, to finally retrieve it.

Despondently, Zhou Rendong hid the charm again, only taking it out during moments of longing for his mother.

On that yellowing parchment, one could spot a few crinkled tear stains—remnants of his restless, sleepless nights filled with discomfort.

After that incident, he dared not assume what gifts might please Fu Yicen.

"Why would you think so?" Unaware of Zhou Rendong's apprehensions, Fu Yicen felt a pang of guilt upon hearing this. Taking a moment to collect himself, he gently inquired, "I truly cherish it. Would you consider gifting it to me again, Dong'er?"

Zhou Rendong glanced at Fu Yicen, then at the protective charm, his young face creasing in uncertainty.

Chapter 36: You will pay for your insolence.

"Then... promise me you won't lose it again!"

Zhou Rendong dusted off the charm and handed it over, remarking, "It's rather dusty."

Treating it as a priceless relic, Fu Yicen carefully placed it in his breast pocket, "It's not dirty. I'll have the embroideress craft a sachet so I can carry it with me always."

Hearing his voice, Zhou Rendong's heart raced. He lowered his head, a sly smile playing on his lips.

Fu Yicen had kept his word.

Fu Rushang would never return.

He would stand by Zhou Rendong's side, with no thought of divorce.

All this was beyond Zhou Rendong's wildest dreams.

If it were all a dream, he'd rather never wake.

Having finally cleared the air of all misunderstandings, Zhou Rendong was no longer stuck in his stubborn beliefs, and Fu Yicen too felt at ease.

Fu Yicen playfully ruffled Zhou Rendong's hair and carried him back to bed.

"Does it still hurt?" he asked softly. "You were unharmed last night, and with the medicine applied, it should feel better now, right?"

Zhou Rendong's cheeks flushed deeply, and he murmured a shy acknowledgment.

Just as Fu Yicen was about to speak, a guard reported that the relief funds hidden by Zhou Heng at Vulture Mountain had been successfully retrieved.

Zhou Rendong blinked in surprise, "So soon?"

Hadn't he just informed Fu Yicen?

With a resigned sigh, Fu Yicen responded, "I had it investigated long ago. Think about it. Haven't I told you not to worry about such matters?"

"Oh," said Zhou Rendong, his head drooping.

He realized his efforts had been in vain.

And he had been anxious for so long.

"Why not train in medicine under Chu Yu? Perhaps in the future, you could serve as my army's medic. How does that sound?" To lift Zhou Rendong's spirits, Fu Yicen cajoled him.

It seemed Zhou Rendong had found a purpose in life. He nodded vigorously, displaying evident enthusiasm.

"General," one of the soldiers reported, "we found something unusual in the cave."

Observing that their General and his wife had finished their intimate exchange, the guard took the opportunity to present a wooden box adorned with peculiar engravings.

Concerned about potential hidden threats, Fu Yicen moved to a safer distance before opening it.

Inside the box lay half a scroll painting and a fragmented jade pendant, nothing more.

The guard commented, "The man in the painting wears the attire of the Fei Kingdom. His majestic demeanor suggests he might be of noble lineage."

The Prime Minister of the current dynasty secretly possessing a portrait of a noble from another nation – this was far from ordinary.

However, Fu Yicen's attention was captured by the jade fragment.

"Dong'er," he called out, his voice heavy with gravity, "Where is your jade pendant?"

Puzzled, Zhou Rendong obediently retrieved a small bundle, presenting his piece of the jade pendant like a treasured artifact.

Fu Yicen joined the two pieces together, revealing a beautifully complete jade.

"This..." Zhou Rendong scratched his cheek, looking astounded, "I've worn this fragment ever since I can remember, with no idea of its origin."

With furrowed brows, Fu Yicen unfurled the painting.

Zhou Rendong leaned in and saw the majestic figure painted with starry eyes, a sharp gaze, and a smile touching his lips. He held a delicate hand, but unfortunately, the other half of the painting was torn, hiding the identity of the hand's owner.

Wait a minute!

As if struck by a revelation, Zhou Rendong swiftly grabbed the scroll, inspecting it meticulously. His expression shifted to one of disbelief.