A few more days passed. Xin Yi got up early and went out. At a glance, the steps were covered in white snow. He was startled, only realizing it was snowing when the flying flakes brushed his neck. In an instant, he instinctively shrank back a little, but the warm fur collar of his great-cloak brushed his neck, making him gradually relax.

Though it was another winter, he was no longer suffering from the cold in the Prince of Ping's stable.

Xin Yi fastened his front buttons and turned down the corridor, heading to the horse training ground as usual. Old Qu had already instructed people to clean up the place early in the morning, and Xin Yi waited outside the corridor as usual. Meng Chen also arrived early today, likely having anticipated that Xin Yi wouldn't slack off even with the snow. True enough, he saw the young master standing in the snow, puffing out white breaths, his eyes gazing at the gray sky, but he didn't turn around respectfully to call out "Uncle Meng" as he usually did.

Meng Chen stopped and followed his gaze. He saw a falcon circling above the manor. Meng Chen was startled and said, "Who is raising a falcon in the Capital?"

Birds of prey are mostly kept by hunters nowadays. Great Yuan is most skilled in this. Arslang, for example, kept several gyrfalcons in Jianan Mountain. There are hardly any white falcons like this even in the Beiyang Army. To see one in the bustling Capital, full of singing and dancing, was bound to be astonishing.

Xin Yi's gaze followed the falcon, watching it circle and soar overhead, before it disappeared behind the snow-covered eaves. He said, "Perhaps someone acquired it for sport." After saying this, he seemed unconcerned. He smiled at Meng Chen and said, "Uncle Meng."

Meng Chen often traveled with the army and was very keen on Great Yuan's birds of prey. Therefore, his gaze was still fixed on the unseen white falcon. He said to Xin Yi, "If it can be allowed to fly above the Capital, then its owner's status is probably not low. I've seen Great Yuan's trained birds of prey mostly used for reconnaissance and assistance in the army. Although I don't know if this one is capable, it would be wise for the young master to be careful."

Xin Yi nodded in agreement. "Uncle Meng is right."

The two then walked towards their usual spot. Meng Chen said, "The young master doesn't have a saber, and trying to block bare-handed isn't a solution either. I've already sent a message to Ji Baiyue. He said that although the Prince's saber was confiscated by the palace, the Eldest Young Master's is still available. If the young master thinks it's suitable, he'll send someone to deliver it. What do you think, young master?"

Xin Yi's steps faltered slightly. He shook his head and said, "My skills are not proficient; how can I touch Eldest Brother's saber?"

Xin Jing's saber was named "Heavenly Dao." It meant, 'Once your work is done, your fame established, you should retire; that is the Dao of Heaven.' Unfortunately, though the meaning of the name was clear, he did not retreat. He fell in Wan Ze. Reading it now leaves one with a sense of melancholy.

"Young master." Meng Chen suddenly stopped. He turned his head to look at him. "That year, when the Princess Consort's ashes were brought to the gates, Chou Deyao of Shangjin, out of fear and suspicion, refused to accept them back. The Princess Consort is now deeply trapped within the palace gates. The Eldest Young Master died with resentment in Wan Ze. The entire Lijin remembers this debt."

Xin Yi slowly walked a few steps forward. With his back to Meng Chen amidst the vast whiteness, he said nothing.

"The 300,000 scattered Beiyang soldiers stationed in Lijin are all loyal to the young master. As long as the young master returns to Beiyang, with a single rallying cry, why worry about not being able to become a titled king?" Meng Chen gripped his saber hilt. He looked up at the flying snow. His previously calm emotions surged. He felt as if this heavy snow in the Capital was trying to bury and cover everyone and everything, to completely digest them. Seeing Xin Yi's silence, he slightly raised his voice and said, "As long as you are in Beiyang, will you still fear this old emperor? His court is in chaos, the Crown Prince is deeply ambitious; it's hard to predict if he'll even live through the year. We have soldiers and provisions guarding the northern border, Great Yuan is eyeing us like a tiger, and the Crown Prince shouldn't even dream of restraining us! As long as the young master accepts the title and returns as king, Beiyang and the Capital can cease all contact. When Great Yuan makes a move, the military power of the world will fall into the young master's hands. Who would dare to say a single word against the Prince then? Bringing the Princess Consort home would also be an easy matter! Young master, don't you want revenge?"

Meng Chen uttered the word "revenge" through gritted teeth. Clearly, he had hated the Capital for many years, and unlike Ji Baiyue, he couldn't maintain his usual forbearance. Having spent recent months with Xin Yi, he now just wanted to speak his mind. Just as he was speaking with surging emotions, he heard Xin Yi laugh aloud ahead, even his shoulders shaking.

"Meng Chen." Xin Yi turned his head. "What kind of revenge do you want? Do you want to dismember the one on the dragon throne, or do you want me to overturn the world and disturb its peace?" His eyes were red from laughing, and a fierce glint appeared in them. "My father guarded the northern border his entire life, seeking loyalty to the emperor. My brothers all lost their lives, seeking peace. How should I avenge this? Killing the emperor would contradict my father's lifelong conviction. Stirring up trouble would negate my brothers' lifelong efforts. Who should I kill? Who can I kill?"

Meng Chen was astonished and said, "But the Emperor—"

"To my father, he was both sovereign and father. Even if I harbor a thousand poisons in my heart, I absolutely cannot deny this righteousness." Xin Yi sneered. "The Beiyang Army was under the Prince of Yan; my father and brothers swore to defend the nation and its people. Even if my Eldest Brother knew of the deep-seated hatred, he would still take up his saber and go to battle to protect Great Lan. Do you think he couldn't have dealt with the Prince of Ping? If he had opened the northern border back then and allowed Great Yuan's cavalry to enter the mountains, today, whether it's the Emperor, the Crown Prince, or the people of Great Lan, they would all just be prisoners under hooves, with only half the country remaining!" He suddenly turned around, his voice cold, "Setting aside whether I have the ability to stir up the world, even if I return to Beiyang, rally the troops, accept the title of king, and then hold military power to pressure the Capital, what then? Would I declare myself emperor of an independent Beiyang and guard it alone?! After that, the empire would be broken and incomplete, constantly at war. If I were to die one day, my Eldest Brother would kick me into oblivion even in the Underworld!"

Meng Chen was unconvinced, gritting his teeth and retorting, "Does the young master intend to cower in the Capital his entire life, just for stability?!"

"I will avenge this." Xin Yi gazed at the imperial palace, calmly saying, "I will avenge this, as I said before."

The sharp hatred between his youthful brows was unrefined. It had taken root in his heart from the very beginning, becoming more deeply hidden amidst the horsewhips and stench, and grew more profound under the splendor and warmth. The oaths on his back and shoulders prevented him from acting on impulse, but also prevented hatred from swaying his bottom line. The Prince of Yan raised four sons; his greatest comfort was that none of these four sons were cowards who would harm the nation and its people out of personal resentment.

Beneath the Capital's snow, the houses had underfloor heating. After Bai Jiu returned, he waited for Xin Yi in the room. He had someone warm some milk and sat at his desk reading. When it was about time, he heard footsteps from the corridor to the door. Even though they were light, Bai Jiu knew who it was. But strangely, today, Xin Yi lingered at the doorway for a moment before pushing the door open and entering.

As Xin Yi lifted the curtain, Bai Jiu was leaning his head on his hand, reading. He merely turned his eyes and already detected something unusual in Xin Yi's expression. But this little imp must have practiced countless times against the door panel. As soon as he saw someone, dimples appeared. He came over and put his hands on Bai Jiu's nape, saying, "I'm back."

Bai Jiu raised his hand and took both of Xin Yi's hands, sliding them from Bai Jiu's nape to his chest. He leaned back against the soft cushion, his eyes narrowed as if from the cold, saying, "Warm up."

Xin Yi's nose was red from the cold. Hearing this, he immediately laughed. He tried to pull his hands away, saying, "My hands are cold."

Bai Jiu held on, not letting go. "The snow is heavy today. Shall we have something warming for lunch?"

Xin Yi thought for a moment and said, "I want to drink milk."

Bai Jiu got up, leading him towards the brazier. He uncovered the bowl on the small table and handed it to him. Xin Yi knew what it was as soon as he took it. He smiled with pursed lips at Bai Jiu and raised it to his lips, drinking it all in one go. After he finished drinking, Bai Jiu led him back to the couch.

"How was Meng Chen today?" Bai Jiu asked as usual.

Xin Yi's gaze shifted from Bai Jiu's unyielding hand back to his face. He sighed and said, "Jingyuan, how do you know everything?"

"I have discerning eyes." Bai Jiu narrowed his eyes and looked at him. "What's wrong?"

"Old disputes." Xin Yi rummaged through the dried fruits left for him on the table. He popped an almond into his mouth, but unexpectedly, it was bitter. His brow furrowed slightly. Before he could speak, Bai Jiu already knew. He directly raised his palm to Xin Yi's lips and said, "Spit it out."

Xin Yi found it distasteful, so he kept it in his mouth and shook his head. Bai Jiu pinched his chin and shook it, also frowning, "Got bold, haven't you? Spit it out quickly."

As soon as Xin Yi let go, it landed in Bai Jiu's palm. It still had saliva on it. He blushed and moved to wipe it off. Bai Jiu let him wipe it.

Bai Jiu hummed in acknowledgment, simply saying, "What did Meng Chen mean?"

"The same old literal meaning." Xin Yi hooked his fingers, playing with them, and lowered his gaze, saying, "They're all waiting for me to return, as if with divine help, to command the armies and stir up trouble." He then chuckled, "While I'm at it, I'll take out the Emperor, wipe out the Capital, and become a lifelong hero dominating the northern border."

Bai Jiu looked at his long eyelashes, lightly touching them. "You can't do it."

"That's what I thought too." Xin Yi raised his eyes to look at him. "This is something even my father and brothers wouldn't do, let alone me?"

"No." Bai Jiu's hand rested on the side of his cheek. His narrowed eyes were clear. "This is something your family was unwilling to do, which is why it cannot be done." Bai Jiu paused slightly. "Karma and reincarnation; their day will come, not a single moment less."

Xin Yi sighed softly, quietly saying, "Everyone is impatient, but they can only wait."

"Until the time is right, no one can touch anyone." Bai Jiu sneered. "The Emperor is inexperienced, and there's a Crown Prince as fierce as a wolf or a tiger."

"The snow has fallen, so the Crown Prince should be here by now." Xin Yi asked, "Why haven't I heard any news?"

"Within the next few days." Bai Jiu tilted his head slightly. "They should all be here."

As if to confirm Bai Jiu's words, within half a month, the Crown Prince was the first to arrive at the city gates, followed by various Provincial Administration Commissioners and the Prince of Tang of Jiangtang, who returned to the Capital by imperial decree to report on their duties. The Emperor went with all the officials to meet him. Because the Empress Dowager was not in good health, there were no elaborate ceremonies or unnecessary talk; they quickly led the party back to the palace.

Xin Yi was following behind the Prince of Qin. He saw that the Prince of Qin, whom he hadn't seen for many days, had become gaunt and haggard. The Prince's robes made him slightly stooped. From behind, he looked to be the same age as the Emperor. He seemed to ignore Xin Yi. His stagnant eyes only stirred when they passed by Bai Jiu. The hatred was profound. Xin Yi felt that something must have happened to the Prince of Qin, otherwise, how could he have forgotten his actions towards Xin Wen and undergone such a drastic change in temperament?

Just as he was thinking, he saw the Prince of Qin suddenly step forward. A voice interrupted his greeting mid-way and supported him, saying, "Zhenming, why are you so thin!"

Unexpectedly, Xin Yi's heart suddenly stirred. He felt that the voice was vaguely familiar. He looked up and saw the man supporting the Prince of Qin, his eyes lowered in sympathy.

He bore a one-third resemblance to the Prince of Yan, but he had transformed the Prince of Yan's martial spirit into a compassionate, benevolent, Buddha-like countenance, making people feel an immediate closeness and reverently press their palms together. If it weren't for his Crown Prince's python robe, one would almost involuntarily exclaim 'Amitabha Buddha'.

Xin Yi was startled, and the Crown Prince looked at him. The Crown Prince smiled, benignly saying, "Ah, Yi'er has grown so big, he looks just like Ah Sheng."

Although he spoke softly and gently, Xin Yi instinctively took a step back at the sound of that voice. A cold shudder, like a venomous snake, crawled wildly up his spine. Xin Yi squeezed his palm hard, calmed himself, and slowly smiled. There shouldn't have been any officials standing behind him, but Bai Jiu, anticipating any eventuality, had placed Xiao Jin behind him. So when he retreated, he bumped right into Xiao Jin.

Xiao Jin knew that Xin Yi would never show panic without reason. He simply steadied him and said, "Whoa, young master, don't; I just changed my shoes this morning." Then he bowed to the Crown Prince and said, "I startled Your Royal Highness. This humble official, Xiao Jin of the Capital Guards Bureau, greets Your Royal Highness and kowtows to Your Royal Highness."

The Crown Prince smiled, "The Marquis of Huiyang's youngest; I even held you in my arms back then."

Bai Jiu was behind the Emperor, slightly to the side. His eyes swept over Xin Yi, and he whispered something to the Emperor. The Emperor nodded and said, "Let's return to the palace first; the Empress Dowager cannot be exposed to the wind."

The officials responded. The Crown Prince and the Prince of Qin then began to walk. They paused slightly as they passed Xin Yi. The Crown Prince patted Xin Yi's arm, saying kindly, "Good child."

Xin Yi's stomach churned, and his face was deathly pale, but he immediately looked up, revealing his dimples, and bowed. The Crown Prince looked down from his superior position. The wind and snow ruffled Xin Yi's stray hairs. He gave Xin Yi a kind, benevolent smile fitting of an elder from beginning to end. Yet Xin Yi felt as if that gaze contained a thousand hissing sounds, constricting his throat. Only when his hand was gently squeezed did he suddenly come back to his senses. Bai Jiu appeared as usual, his narrowed eyes lowered towards him.

Xin Yi swallowed his saliva. He unconsciously raised his hand and loosened his collar. The suffocation from before still seemed to linger.

Their pinky fingers were hooked. Bai Jiu leaned closer and quietly hummed. Xin Yi's complexion softened. He tilted his head, subtly inhaling Bai Jiu's cool scent. He exhaled and shook his head to indicate he was fine.

Bai Jiu raised his eyes to the Crown Prince, his expression unfathomable.

The remaining time passed quickly because Xin Yi kept replaying the Crown Prince's words in his mind, vigorously searching his memories, but he couldn't recall where he had heard that voice before. Even when he left with Xiao Jin after the gathering, he was still lost in thought.

"Have you met the Crown Prince before?" The two descended the steps. Xiao Jin said, "Your face went completely white when you saw him, hey. You weren't even scared of the Prince of Pingding, so why are you scared of him?"

Xin Yi exhaled, "The Prince of Pingding isn't scary."

Xiao Jin scoffed, "That's because you haven't seen his methods. The King of Hell, the King of Hell—he's not called that for no reason. It's just that this person acts differently in front of you, and you do too."

Xin Yi had no time to chat with him today; he just wanted to go back. As the two were about to leave the palace gates, they heard a woman's sweet but sharp shout from outside the palace gates: "Xiao Qingchan, stand tall and stride properly for this old lady!"

Xin Yi thought he hadn't heard that name before, then saw Xiao Jin suddenly snap to attention, standing rigidly rooted to the spot, and loudly exclaimed, "Yes! Sis!"

Just as he was speaking, someone else laughed nearby, swinging a horsewhip, saying, "Little rascal, look at how useless you are, like you've seen a tiger." Then she cast a glance, tapped her lips with a fan, and smiled, "Oops, I'm speaking nonsense, I deserve a slap."

It was Xie Jingsheng and Xiao Yan, who had just arrived.

Xie Jingsheng was originally riding gracefully on horseback. As soon as he saw Xin Yi, he was about to greet him. Before he could even open his mouth, he saw an even colder figure approaching through the snow. His speech faltered, and a smile first appeared on his face. Upon seeing that person's fair and elegant face, he felt like rolling off his horse.

"Greetings, Lord He, long—" His excited greeting hadn't even finished when the person had already brushed past him without a glance. Xie Jingsheng was stunned. He quickly grabbed He Anchang's robe with his hand, tightening his fingers, and smiled, "Why are you running?"

He Anchang calmly turned his head. His face, growing colder in the heavy snow, looked like a peacock with its tail fanning out, sneering. He said, "Going to see the little widow."

Xie Jingsheng's brows furrowed at this. He said, "What little widow? Alright, He Anchang, you like that kind?"

"Indeed." He Anchang slapped his hand away and coldly glared at him, "I was just thinking of asking Lord Xie for some pointers."

Xie Jingsheng really didn't know how this person got involved with a little widow. So he simply seized his wrist and, biting out a few words in a firm voice, said, "Bold of you! Show me, what kind of person dares to provoke you!"

Over there, Xiao Jin suddenly shivered. He vaguely felt he had forgotten something, and vaguely sensed that things weren't quite peaceful...