Chapter 78: Qiao Mu

Chapter 78: Qiao Wan

Mu Chi’s emotions these days were a mix of joy and agitation.

His joy stemmed from the rapid deepening of his relationship with Qiao Wan. They were affectionate and intimate, and she no longer prevented him from visiting Jinyin Zhai. It seemed... beyond that unspoken understanding, there were no longer any barriers between them.

His agitation, however, arose because the six-month agreement was nearing its end, yet Qiao Wan had never once mentioned staying. Even when he subtly hinted at marriage on several occasions, she always skillfully sidestepped the topic.

Occasionally, Mu Chi would be plagued by uncontrollable nightmares.

Sometimes, in his dreams, they were on Yanming Mountain, and she stood at the cliff's edge in wedding robes. His desperate shouts seemed to be blocked by an invisible barrier, leaving him to watch helplessly as she leaped without hesitation.

Other times, they were in the Songzhu Pavilion. He played the zither in a gilded cage, but Qiao Wan had purchased another male companion, never once casting a glance his way...

Whenever Mu Chi awoke from these nightmares, his heart still throbbed with pain. He could only tightly embrace Qiao Wan, who slept beside him, trying to quell the waves of fear.

That evening,

Mu Chi finished his official duties and left the Eastern Palace, heading directly to Jinyin Zhai to fetch Qiao Wan. The shop assistant informed him that business had been slow that day, and Qiao Wan had already returned home early.

When Mu Chi arrived at his residence, the sunset had just withdrawn its last rays.

Thinking he would soon see her, Mu Chi unconsciously curved his lips into a smile. He habitually caressed the characters "Wan Wan" embroidered on the sachet at his waist as he approached the bedroom door.

Inside, he heard Qiao Wan’s voice, speaking with Yicui.

Mu Chi paused, about to turn and leave, but then he heard Yicui say, "Miss, are you truly going to leave with them?"

Mu Chi froze at the doorway, utterly still, his breath unconsciously catching.

After a moment, Qiao Wan spoke, her tone light: "In twenty days, I won’t need the medicinal fumigation anymore. I’ll just need to take the medicine."

"I’ve endured for so long already; I can’t take it anymore!"

Yicui was filled with worry: "What if His Highness doesn’t agree?"

"He said he wouldn’t keep me trapped," Qiao Wan laughed. "Besides, I’ll tell him I’m going to Qingzhou. It’s so close—what’s there to worry about? Once we’re out of Yan Capital, it’ll be entirely up to me!"

Yicui remained silent for a long time: "Then let me accompany you, Miss..."

"No," Qiao Wan quickly interjected. "Everyone has their own path, Yicui. You have your own aspirations—you don’t need to follow me all the way. Moreover, the journey is long, and you and Si Li are now deeply in love. How could I bear to separate you?"

"Miss..."

"This matter is settled," Qiao Wan stated firmly, then let out a long sigh. "It’s finally coming to an end."

Finally coming to an end.

Listening from outside the door, Mu Chi felt as if the blood in his veins had frozen, a chilling dread seeping from the depths of his heart.

He had said he wouldn’t trap her.

But it turned out he had never been able to keep her.

It was as if those nightmares that tormented him to the point of agony had come true. Mu Chi stood rigidly at the door, his mind blank.

Just then, the door opened from the inside.

Yicui was startled by the figure outside. Recognizing him, she quickly curtsied in greeting: "Greetings, Your Highness."

Mu Chi merely nodded, his face pale, and stepped into the room.

Hearing the commotion, Qiao Wan turned from within. When she saw Mu Chi’s complexion, she paused: "What’s wrong?"

Mu Chi was silent for a moment, then forced a smile: "It’s nothing."

Qiao Wan eyed him suspiciously, then glanced at the darkening sky outside: "You’re back later than usual today."

Mu Chi gazed at her intently. He thought perhaps he was truly too cowardly—too afraid to inquire about what he had just overheard. He simply replied softly: "It won’t happen again."

Qiao Wan looked at him strangely, sensing something amiss: "Are you sure nothing happened?"

Mu Chi’s heart clenched. Even her calm question made him feel she cared, stirring emotions that were both joyful and sorrowful.

He walked over to her and held her tightly: "I just suddenly missed you a lot."

Qiao Wan sat silently for a moment, then, as if remembering something, patted his back: "By the way, I have something to tell you."

Mu Chi’s hands trembled, but he didn’t release her. Instead, he buried his face in the crook of her neck and softly murmured, "Hmm?"

After a moment’s thought, Qiao Wan recalled that in twenty days, she wouldn’t need the medicinal fumigation anymore. She wanted to travel with Jinyin Zhai’s trade caravan to various places.

The customs in Great Qi were even more liberal than in the Li Kingdom. In this particular caravan, women comprised nearly half the members.

This time, the caravan was heading to Jincheng to purchase a batch of fox furs. According to the caravan members, Jincheng also boasted deserts. Though not as grand as those in the northwest, they possessed their own unique charm.

Qiao Wan’s heart yearned to go. However, Jincheng was neither too far nor too close to Yan Capital—a round trip would take about ten days. Given Mu Chi’s temperament, he likely wouldn’t agree. So, she decided to first tell him she was going to nearby Qingzhou, and then, once she left Yan Capital, "ask for forgiveness rather than permission."

With this in mind, Qiao Wan cleared her throat and said: "Once I no longer need the fumigation, I’d like to accompany Jinyin Zhai’s trade caravan to Qingzhou..."

Before she could finish, she felt the arms embracing her tighten even more, as if he wished to meld her into his very bones.

"What are you doing?" Qiao Wan frowned. "Did you hear what I just said?"

Mu Chi’s long eyelashes trembled slightly. He slowly released her and looked into her eyes: "Qingzhou?"

Meeting his gaze, Qiao Wan felt a pang of guilt, but then she defiantly lifted her chin: "Yes!"

Mu Chi’s Adam’s apple bobbed. He resented his own perceptiveness at that moment, which allowed him to instantly see through her lie.

He hugged her again, avoiding her eyes: "Must you go?" he asked softly.

Qiao Wan suspected he already knew she wasn’t truly going to Qingzhou, but she had only discussed it with the caravan today...

"I’ll be back in just a few days," she mumbled vaguely.

This time, Mu Chi said nothing more.

Qiao Wan waited a long time for his response, growing more convinced something was wrong. Confused, she pushed him away, wanting to see his expression clearly. But before she could, everything suddenly went dark.

Mu Chi kissed her lips, instantly taking control with a hint of panic, his lips trembling slightly.

Qiao Wan was momentarily stunned. In that fleeting moment, she thought she saw his eyes glistening and red.

That night, Mu Chi seemed to go mad, employing every means to arouse her. Qiao Wan collapsed into his arms multiple times.

Amidst the surging passion, Mu Chi repeatedly asked her, "Are you comfortable?" until she weakly moaned, "Yes." Only then did he finally pull her tightly into his embrace, their limbs entwined as he whispered in her ear: "In the future, I’ll make you even more comfortable, alright?"

Qiao Wan listened to his reckless words and weakly kicked him.

He accepted it without complaint, only holding her tightly before falling asleep and saying hoarsely: "Wan Wan, I love you."

Qiao Wan murmured in response and soon fell into a deep slumber.

In the days that followed, Qiao Wan noticed that Mu Chi had changed.

He had become clingy.

In the past, he would always attend to governmental duties during the day and return to the residence at sunset.

But now, he only went to court for half a day, returning with official documents before noon, either accompanying her to Jinyin Zhai or staying with her in the side courtyard.

Upon careful calculation, out of the twelve double-hours in a day, the two of them spent eight or nine hours together.

Qiao Wan had asked him about the reason, but after a few moments of silence, he simply said lightly: "I promised you I wouldn’t come back late anymore."

But he didn’t have to come back this early.

Qiao Wan thought to herself but never got the chance to say it aloud, mainly because Mu Chi’s interest in the bedchamber had grown much stronger than before.

She had no idea where he had learned all those tricks, but each time he left her both delighted and exhausted.

If it were just that, it might have been tolerable, but one day, after Qiao Wan finished her medicine and was reviewing account books in her room, planning to go to the ice chamber for herbal steaming in half an hour, she never expected Mu Chi to insist on going with her.

Qiao Wan angrily slapped away his hand gripping hers: "It’s dangerous."

"It’s not so easy to kill me," Mu Chi said seriously, looking at her. "My blood can detoxify, and my wounds heal quickly. I’ve tested it."

Qiao Wan stiffened, her heart suddenly aching. She glared at him: "But that’s centuries-old ice from the mountains, not poison. The imperial physician said you have a cold constitution—if you enter the ice chamber, you could die!"

Mu Chi only looked at his hand, red from her slap, and pressed his lips together without speaking.

However, when Qiao Wan emerged from the ice chamber after her herbal steaming, she immediately saw Mu Chi waiting at the entrance, his face pale from the cold air seeping out.

As soon as she came out, he stepped forward to take her hand, his fingers icy cold.

Frowning deeply, Qiao Wan led him back to the bedroom, even going so far as to have a charcoal basin lit in the hot June weather. She held him, watching until his complexion improved before finally relaxing.

She then made it clear that in the future, he was only to wait in the courtyard outside the ice chamber.

Throughout it all, Mu Chi simply watched her quietly, smiling after a long while: "You care about me."

Qiao Wan shot him a fierce glare and remained silent.

That night, after Qiao Wan fell asleep, Mu Chi stayed awake.

He listened to her even breathing, watched her curled lips and flushed cheeks, and after a long while, he pulled her tightly into his arms from behind.

These past few days, it felt as if he had returned to the time after her "fake death"—bewildered and unable to sleep.

Perhaps because she had held him to warm him today, Mu Chi was reminded of that night four years ago when he had underhandedly used her to obtain the Snow Bodhi.

After taking the Snow Bodhi, he had been as cold and stiff as he was today, and she had opened her fox fur cloak to embrace him.

The next day, she had laughed arrogantly at him and said: "Mu Chi, I think you might die without me."

Mu Chi felt a sting in his eyes. He gently curled up behind her, pressing against her hair, and cautiously called out: "Wan Wan…"

"Don’t leave, okay?"

His voice was so hoarse that it sounded like a plea the moment he spoke.

Qiao Wan only felt a cold breath against the back of her neck. Her eyelashes fluttered, and she squinted slightly before realizing Mu Chi was holding her tightly.

He was holding her so tightly that she felt she might suffocate. She shifted slightly: "Why have you been so clingy lately?"

Mu Chi’s body stiffened for a moment: "Are you annoyed?"

Qiao Wan paused: "It’s just… strange."

This time, Mu Chi didn’t move. After a long silence, he said softly: "I just suddenly remembered some things and realized you were right."

"What did I say?"

Mu Chi laughed softly: "You said I might die without you." As he spoke, he gently covered her eyes, not letting her see his red-rimmed ones. "What you said was right."

Qiao Wan blinked, her eyelashes brushing against his palm, and muttered sleepily: "Smooth talker."

Then, finding a comfortable spot in his arms, she fell into a deep sleep.

*

Three days before the herbal steaming was to end, Song Pan came again. After checking Qiao Wan’s pulse, he straightforwardly said her body had recovered extremely well, with eighty to ninety percent of the residual poison gone. After the herbal steaming, she would only need to take medicinal soup for a hundred days to fully recover.

Qiao Wan was overjoyed to hear this. It was true that she no longer felt the internal dryness and pain on the fifteenth of each month, but since her body temperature had always been naturally higher than others, she still particularly disliked stuffy heat.

As for Mu Chi, perhaps because she had called him "too clingy" that night, he had returned to his usual self these past few days—busy during the day and coming to the side courtyard at night.

Especially in the last few days, he seemed even busier.

Finally, on the day the herbal steaming ended, Qiao Wan was ecstatic. She specially had a table full of delicious dishes prepared and waited with Yicui and Wu Jiu for Si Li and Mu Chi to return so they could celebrate together with a meal.

Unexpectedly, only Si Li returned, saying that Mu Chi had official business to attend to and would be back late.

Qiao Wan frowned. She had originally planned to tell him the truth—that she wasn’t going to Qingzhou tomorrow but to the slightly farther Jincheng.

But he hadn’t come back.

Qiao Wan snorted lightly to herself. After finishing dinner, she returned to her room. The packed luggage was already placed in the corner under the bed.

That night, even after Qiao Wan had fallen into a deep sleep, Mu Chi still hadn’t returned.

She only felt someone holding her tightly and kissing her in her dreams.

Early the next morning, when Qiao Wan woke up, the space beside her was still empty, but the bedding was slightly indented, clearly indicating Mu Chi had returned during the night.

Qiao Wan stared blankly at the empty spot beside her for a while until Yicui called out softly, snapping her out of her thoughts. She responded and walked out the door.

The merchant caravan was already waiting at the entrance of Jinyin Zhai. Qiao Wan, carrying her luggage and dressed in loose men’s clothing like the other women in the caravan, though still recognizable as a woman, found it much more convenient.

As she gradually set off toward the city gate with the caravan, Mu Chi never appeared.

What surprised Qiao Wan even more was that on the second day after she left Yan Capital, Si Li actually caught up on horseback, looking exhausted, clearly having traveled day and night. When he saw her, he half-knelt in front of the carriage, even forgetting to keep her identity secret, and said in panic: "Princess Changle, the young master is missing."

Qiao Wan stared at Si Li in astonishment, momentarily not understanding what he meant.

Mu Chi is missing?

Wasn’t he supposed to be staying safely in Yan Capital? Where else could he have gone?

Right then, Qiao Wan realized her desire to go to Jincheng was suddenly fading, her mind completely filled with the words "Mu Chi is missing."

On the way back to the capital in the carriage with Si Li driving, Qiao Wan held a wooden box and listened as Si Li explained that since the day before yesterday, Mu Chi had stopped attending court and ignored all government affairs. He had been lying there quietly by himself in the bedroom of the side courtyard, wouldn't answer anyone.

Yesterday, Si Li had even brought him lunch, but when he returned with supper, Mu Chi was gone. They searched the entire estate, the Eastern Palace, and the imperial palace. The imperial guards nearly tore Yan Capital apart but still couldn't find him.

All Mu Chi left behind was a wooden box—the very one Qiao Wan now held in her arms.

After hearing Si Li's account, Qiao Wan frowned hard and stayed inside the carriage, opening the wooden box.

Inside, she saw a burnt ceremonial tablet that looked very familiar.

Qiao Wan paused for a moment, then turned the tablet over. When she saw the writing on it, her hand clenched tight.

Qiao Wan.

Mu Chi.

Their names.

This was the ceremonial tablet she had engraved at Banruo Temple back then. She had always thought he destroyed it, but it turned out he had kept it.

Besides the tablet, the wooden box also contained a golden token, a scroll of a bright yellow secret edict, a travel document, and a letter.

Qiao Wan dazedly picked up the letter and opened it.

"Wan Wan, don't laugh at me—I ultimately didn’t dare show my face to say goodbye. And don't be afraid; I will never imprison you again in this life.

You ought to be like a shrike, wild and free, while I was born lowborn and unworthy. Perhaps this ending is for the best. From now on, I won’t have to worry anxiously that you would look down on me once you learned of my humble origins.

I don’t know where you will go in the future. If you miss the past and return to Lingjing, hold the token—Minister Wen and General Weiwei will protect you and keep you safe for life. If you love the prosperity of Great Qi, I have issued a secret edict making you the Chang Le Junzhu of Great Qi. Si Li will take you back to your fief, where you can live in wealth and comfort. If you still wish to travel around freely, the travel document will serve as your new identity—a brand-new Wan Wan.

Though it may displease you, allow me this moment of crazy fantasy to call you my wife.

My wife, Wan Wan.

Soft words from the heart. Never-ending happiness."

Qiao Wan stared at the handwriting on the letter, and before she realized it, the words began to blur.

"Princess," Si Li’s voice came softly from outside the carriage, "over the past six months, the prescription you took did require a key ingredient—it’s just that Master Mu didn’t want you to feel guilty."

Key ingredient.

Mu Chi’s blood.

Qiao Wan’s eyes flickered, and a tear suddenly fell onto the letter.

She urged the carriage to race back home. A journey that should have taken the merchant group a full day was completed in just four hours, returning them to Yan Capital.

Qiao Wan hurried toward the estate, her hair coming undone and flying everywhere.

She searched every corner of the estate, went to Jinyin Zhai, the mountain villa in the suburbs where they flew kites, the theater where they watched operas, the pastry shop where they bought snacks…

She went to so many places.

She had once thought Yan Capital was bustling but too unfamiliar to her.

Only now did she realize that, without her even noticing, someone had laid the entire city before her eyes, carving it into her heart.

But she couldn’t find him.

People said they had seen a man who looked like an immortal visit these places, but he had already left.

He had come back to all these places once more.

Si Li couldn’t find him either; so many people searched, yet no one could find any trace of him.

Qiao Wan stood stiffly amid the crowd, feeling completely lost and panicked.

After who knows how much time passed, she suddenly froze.

That night, the night before he stopped clinging to her, he had said: "Qiao Wan, you once said that I might die without you."

He also said: "Qiao Wan, you were right."

"Qiao Wan, I don't die that easily."

"But that’s hundred-year-old ice from the mountains! If you enter the ice room, you’ll die!"

Countless jumbled thoughts rushed into Qiao Wan’s mind. Her eyes widened, and she ran quickly toward the back of the estate.

The door of the ice room was thrown open with force, and a wave of frigid white mist billowed out.

Qiao Wan stood at the entrance, staring fixedly at the figure inside. His entire body was pale like snow, a thin layer of frost coating his long eyelashes. Hearing the noise, his eyes moved slightly, a bit red.

Qiao Wan rushed forward and, just like at Banruo Temple back then, threw her arms around him without hesitation.

Mu Chi’s fingers twitched slightly. Her warm body temperature made him instinctively move closer, as if in a daze, returning to the past.

He wasn’t that horrible Mu Chi but a man deeply in love with her.

The sound of footsteps came from outside the door. Qiao Wan’s arms around him paused.

Si Li hurried over, helped Mu Chi out, and ordered someone to prepare a charcoal heater.

In the hot summer day, Mu Chi sat beside the charcoal heater like an ice sculpture, his skin nearly transparent.

Amid the crowd surrounding him, his gaze remained fixed on that figure in red—from initial disbelief to later shocked fascination.

Song Pan arrived, checked Mu Chi’s pulse for a long time, and finally breathed a sigh of relief: "His organs are fine, but his limbs are extremely cold. He’ll need to recuperate for a while."

Qiao Wan’s tightly clenched fist loosened slightly, her palms red from where her nails had dug in. She stepped forward and glared fiercely at Mu Chi.

The next moment, a sharp slap rang out.

The people around them were shocked.

Only Mu Chi remained standing where he was. After a long moment, the corners of his lips curved into a smile.

It wasn’t a dream.

He raised his hand and pulled her into a tight embrace. "Wan Wan."

She had come back.

Qiao Wan stared wide-eyed, determined not to cry, but tears kept streaming down uncontrollably.

Si Li tactfully ushered everyone out.

Mu Chi awkwardly wiped the tears from Qiao Wan's cheeks. "Don't cry..."

But her tears only made her cry harder.

Eventually, Qiao Wan suddenly burst out crying, just like the time she had lost everything and sobbed uncontrollably in the rain.

The difference was that this time she knew why she was crying.

She was, in fact, afraid.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry..." Mu Chi murmured, frantically wiping her tears before abruptly pulling her into his arms. "Don't cry..."

Qiao Wan didn't know how long she had cried. By the time she regained composure, the sky outside had already darkened.

She sat silently before the dressing table, staring at her reflection in the mirror—her eyes swollen, her hair disheveled, looking a complete mess.

Qiao Wan pressed her lips tightly together and shot Mu Chi a silent glare. "It's all your fault."

Mu Chi, his face still pale, took a wooden comb and began to gently brush her long hair. Hearing her words, he nodded softly. "It's all my fault."

Qiao Wan pouted irritably, allowing him to comb her hair while she picked up a nearby snack and took a few bites.

After a while, Mu Chi's head rested on her shoulder. "Wan Wan."

"What?" Qiao Wan turned to look at him.

"You returned," Mu Chi whispered. "You came back for me."

Qiao Wan turned her head away, though the tips of her ears grew warm. After a long moment, she said quietly, "I never intended to leave in the first place. You were the one who foolishly misunderstood."

Mu Chi's eyes curved into a smile. "If you ever leave again, you can't leave me behind."

He would stick with her, always.

Qiao Wan let out an annoyed "hmph."

Mu Chi said softly, "My wife, Wan Wan."

*

The next day.

A carriage rocked gently on its way to the palace, not even stopping after entering the palace grounds.

Curious, Qiao Wan pushed open the carriage window to look outside. Though the traditions of Great Qi and the Li Kingdom differed, the palaces were largely similar.

Unexpectedly, no matter which palace she entered, she never had to walk.

Across from her, Mu Chi watched Qiao Wan's bright, shining eyes and paused, following her gaze.

Even the towering palace walls and drab buildings seemed to take on a new charm.

"Where are you taking me?" Qiao Wan asked, watching as the surroundings grew increasingly desolate. An idea surfaced in her mind, but she didn't voice it outright, instead turning to Mu Chi.

Mu Chi held her hand as he helped her out of the carriage, walking step by step toward a dilapidated palace.

Thick dust and cobwebs filled the hall, flying everywhere as the door was pushed open.

Mu Chi led her through winding corridors into the deepest room, opened a secret chamber, and descended dim stone steps.

Qiao Wan stared at the dungeon, identical to the one in her dreams, she looked dazed.

It was even worse than in her dreams—the stench of mold and filth was nauseating, the skylight above pitifully small. There was only an extremely narrow bed, and embedded in the wall nearby was a heavy iron ring.

That was the iron ring that had once shackled Mu Chi.

Qiao Wan stared blankly, her heart aching with sorrow.

She couldn't imagine how Mu Chi had endured more than a decade here.

She could almost see the child sitting at the narrow iron desk, asking, "Are sugar-coated hawthorns tasty?"

She could almost see the exquisitely handsome youth lying on the bed, surviving by drinking his own blood.

Mu Chi watched Qiao Wan anxiously. These past experiences no longer weighed on him, but he was terrified of her disgust.

Only when he saw no revulsion in her eyes did he finally breathe easier.

"This is where I grew up," Mu Chi said softly.

Qiao Wan's eyelashes trembled as she turned to look at him.

Mu Chi walked to the desk. "This is where I studied the Four Books and Five Classics, music, chess, calligraphy, and painting." He then glanced at an empty space nearby. "And over there, I learned martial arts and the use of poison."

He moved to the bed. "This is where I rested."

Then to the small skylight. "There, I watched fireworks."

Finally, to the iron ring. "Here, I was forced to drink poison..."

As Qiao Wan listened, her throat tightened with emotion.

"Because I was born moments after Li Muxuan, he became the crown prince, and I became a monster."

"So I wanted to take everything from him, including his betrothed."

"But Wan Wan, later, I didn’t want to anymore."

"Wan Wan, besides you, there has never been anyone else."

Qiao Wan stared at Mu Chi with red-rimmed eyes, her lips pressed together for a long moment. "Actually, I know this place."

Mu Chi was taken aback.

Qiao Wan fell silent for a while. After all, dreaming of this place was too unbelievable. "Whether you believe me or not—"

"I believe you," Mu Chi said quietly.

"I haven't even finished," Qiao Wan glared at him, though her lips couldn’t help but curve into a smile. "I dreamed of this place."

"I dreamed of the tutor teaching you the Four Books and Five Classics, of you wanting to eat sugar-coated hawthorns but no one buying them for you, and of you lying there, nearly dead, with chains around your ankles..."

Mu Chi’s face paled slightly as he gazed at her, lost in thought.

These were all parts of his past, yet she did not despise him.

Then, a sudden thought crossed his mind, and unease flickered in his eyes. "You once said that only animals—stray cats, dogs, beasts—are kept chained." He paused, tightening his grip on her hand. "Wan Wan, I was chained here."

"But you're human," Qiao Wan looked at him, raising their clasped hands as if stating the obvious. "You're my person."

Mu Chi was stunned for a moment, then joy flooded his eyes. All his unease vanished completely. He nodded. "Yes."

"I'm yours."

Qiao Wan smiled back.

Sometime later, the two emerged from the dungeon.

They didn't stay long in the palace and soon left by carriage. Unwilling to return home just yet, they let the carriage roam aimlessly through the capital city of Yan.

Mu Chi held Qiao Wan’s hand without letting go. Suddenly, he thought of something and asked, "What other dreams did you have?"

Qiao Wan made a show of thinking for a moment. "I also dreamed..."

Mu Chi stared at her intently.

Qiao Wan mimed choking herself with one hand. "I dreamed you protected Qiao Qingni and choked me to death."

Mu Chi’s face paled in shock, and he held her tightly. "I would never. I would never harm you."

Qiao Wan struggled slightly, gasping for air in his embrace. "I know."

She had no reason to doubt he would hurt her when he was willing to sacrifice his life just because he thought she would leave him.

But then another thought occurred to her, and she looked at him. "From now on, get the imperial physician to check you daily. Your body can’t feel pain, so you wouldn’t even know if you were injured."

Mu Chi nodded obediently, still holding her close.

Qiao Wan’s cheeks burned, and she pushed open the carriage window, gazing out randomly. Suddenly, she froze. "Stop the carriage!"

Confused, Mu Chi followed her out of the carriage and saw an ancient tree so huge that seven or eight people would be needed to encircle its trunk.

The tree remained full and green, its branches providing plenty of shade. Among them hung many bright red ribbons and delicate romantic knots, swaying gently in the warm breeze.

Mu Chi looked at Qiao Wan, who was gazing intently at the tree. A beam of light fell through the branches onto her forehead—bright and warm.

Mu Chi couldn’t help but smile.

She had been like a beam of light shining upon him. He had thought she would return to the sun at sunset, but now, she was willing to stay by his side.

He was so lucky.

"Why are you just standing there?" Qiao Wan turned her head, blinked, and handed him something. "If you drop it this time, even if you freeze into an ice block, I won’t care!"

Mu Chi lowered his gaze and saw the tablet in her palm. Joy overflowed in his eyes as he leaped up and tied it to the thickest branch of the ancient tree.

Another breeze swept by, gently rustling the tablet.

On it was written:

Qiao Wan, Mu Chi.

Eternal Devotion.

Author's Note:

The main story ends here!

Wishing Wan Wan and Doggy happiness and joy in another world that belongs to them!

Important note: Comments within 24 hours of this chapter will receive a red envelope!

Thank you to every reader who has followed the story this far. Without you, this book would not exist!

Since this story was conceived two years ago, the passion needed for writing can easily fade over time. It was your enthusiastic comments and the relatively complete outline that kept me going and allowed me to finish telling this story completely~

I’ve read all your comments and apologize for my shortcomings. I also wish everyone safety, happiness, and joy!

Since writing historical fiction requires a lot of mental energy, I’ll take two or three days off before updating the extras~

First, sweet, sweet extras, then an if-line, updated according to the schedule~

Next, I’ll write a modern story~ to refresh my mind~

It’ll be a choice between "Three Parts Love" and "Sea King Supporting Female Lead" (this one might get a title change).

Once again, thank you, dear readers!