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Xu Feng dropped to his knees, his head bowed in feigned submission, his hands clasped loosely at his sides. "As a reward for my service, I request a thorough investigation into the explosives used in the attack," he declared, his voice firm despite his submissive posture.

A collective gasp rippled through the court, the ministers exchanging startled glances. Empress Yi's expression hardened, her eyes flashing with anger as she glared at her son's audacity. The Emperor, thunderstruck by the audacity of the demand, slammed his fist on the ornate table.

"How dare you question the integrity of my officials in such a manner!" he roared, his face flushed with rage. "Apologize immediately!"

Xu Feng remained steadfast, his head bowed. The silence stretched taut as all eyes turned to the defiant prince. Minister On, a seasoned courtier, broke the silence, his voice laced with disapproval. "Is this young prince planning a rebellion against his own father?" he questioned, his words carrying a heavy implication.

The other ministers nodded in agreement, their whispers of discontent filling the room. Empress Yi's lips tightened into a thin line as she struggled to maintain her composure. She glanced at her son, her heart a battleground of conflicting emotions.

"Your Majesty, please calm down," Empress Yi interjected, her voice soothing yet firm.

The Emperor's rage was a tempest, his eyes blazing with fury. "How can I calm down when my son is openly defying me? Bring the Xuilu Army!" he roared.

The guards, sensing the gravity of the situation, rushed to carry out the Emperor's order. The ministers exchanged anxious glances, their whispers growing louder.

Xu Feng remained kneeling, his expression impassive. His half-brother, sensing an opportunity, approached slowly, his demeanor one of feigned concern. "Brother, please reconsider. Let's discuss this privately," he said, his voice dripping with false sympathy.

Xu Feng merely stared at him, his silence more potent than any words. The Emperor's rage reached its crescendo as the Xuilu Army entered the hall, their presence a stark reminder of his power.

The commander of the Xuilu Army bowed respectfully to the Emperor. "Your Majesty, what is the reason for this sudden mobilization?" he inquired, his voice carrying a hint of authority.

The Emperor pointed at Xu Feng, his anger barely contained. "This insolent boy has dared to question my authority!" he thundered.

The commander turned his gaze to Xu Feng, his expression neutral. "Your Highness, please explain your actions," he said, his voice carrying an undercurrent of command.

Xu Feng's eyes met the commander's, a silent battle of wills. "There was an explosion at the governor's residence," he began, his voice steady. "I was injured in the attack. My men are investigating the incident, but we suspect involvement from the Monan thugs."

The commander nodded, his eyes narrowing. "We will increase our vigilance," he replied, his tone promising swift action. "However, Your Highness, you must also prioritize your safety."

A flicker of irritation crossed Xu Feng's face. It was clear that the commander was placing the blame squarely on him, a blatant attempt to shift the focus away from the real issue.

Xu Feng's mind raced, piecing together the puzzle. The governor's death was no accident; it was a calculated move, a message perhaps. His instincts screamed that the culprit was someone within the palace walls.

With a deep breath, he knelt before the Emperor. "Your Majesty, I humbly request a thorough reinvestigation into the governor's death," he pleaded, his voice firm yet respectful.

The Emperor's face contorted in anger. "This is not a matter for you to decide," he thundered, his voice echoing through the chamber.

Xu Feng persisted. "The Song people, while not our allies, are still human beings. The level of sophistication in the attack suggests a mastermind closer to home, not mere bandits from the Monan Mountains."

Jing Yuan, his half-brother, interjected with feigned concern. "Father, please be merciful. He is still young and inexperienced."

The Emperor's fury intensified. "Enough! You are dismissed from your military post and confined to your quarters until further notice," he decreed, his voice laced with venom. "Xu Yuan will assume your duties."

A wave of disbelief washed over Xu Feng as guards approached to apprehend him. Empress Yi's eyes held a mixture of concern and disapproval as she watched her son being led away.

As he was dragged from the hall, Xu Feng's mind raced. He had made powerful enemies that day, but he was also one step closer to uncovering the truth.

Xu Feng stepped closer, his gaze fixed on his brother. With a sigh, he placed a hand on Jing Yuan’s shoulder and squeezed gently. “Temper your ambitions, young brother,” he advised, his voice low. “Don’t bite off more than you can chew.”

Jing Yuan impatiently shrugged off his brother's hand and turned away, a sullen expression crossing his face. Xu Feng shook his head and exited the hall.

With a profound sigh, Zhao Yun turned away from his disciple, his eyes veiled with a hint of melancholy, yet a faint smile still lingered on his lips. "Attend to this matter with utmost discretion, my shifu," Elder Yu instructys, his voice low and measured. "Moreover, you shall be escorting a princess; her safety is of paramount importance."

As Zhao Yun nodded, his gaze drifted to A'Ying, whose eyes flutter like delicate petals in the breeze. She stepped forward, her movements graceful, to pay her respects to Elder Yu with a deep bow. "Exercise extreme caution on your journey," Elder Yu cautioned, his tone laced with concern. "The enemy may strike at Ming at any moment. You must return swiftly."

Just then, a rustling sound echoed from behind, like the soft whisper of silk. Zhao Yun's eyes narrowed, his gaze piercing the shadows. "Reveal yourself," he commanded, his voice firm yet measured.

I emerged from the concealment, my heart racing like a wild bird set free.  Zhao Yun's gaze lingers on me, his expression inscrutable, before he nods curtly. A'Ying's eyes met mine, but I quickly averted my gaze, my cheeks flushing like cherry blossoms.

"As I cast my gaze about with a mixture of chagrin and dismay, I realized my surreptitious presence had been unearthed with unseemly haste. With a deep sigh, I assumed a posture of contrition, my hands placed humbly at my sides. Zhao Yun sighed, turning to his shifu. "I apologize for my disciple's unseemly conduct."

At last, the moment of recognition had arrived, as he finally acknowledged me as his esteemed disciple. "Princess You Rong requests to accompany them," I announced, relinquishing the decision to Zhao Yun's wise discretion.

With a profound sigh, Zhao Yun's lips curled as he approached me, his fingers grazing the delicate chrysanthemum flowers with the tender touch of a master artist. A'Ying's gaze narrowed, her eyes flashing with a hint of disapproval, as she beheld him scrutinizing the wilted blooms. Her gaze faltered, however, upon espying my eager approach towards Zhao Yun.

"Poor flowers," Zhao Yun lamented, his voice tinged with a hint of melancholy, "they shall wither away in the blink of an eye." A'Ying's countenance darkened, her eyes blazing with a fierce intensity, as she retorted, but Zhao Yun's chuckle, like the gentle tinkling of a wind chime, diffused the tension. "You may join us," he decreed, his smile radiant with warmth.

My jubilation knew no bounds, but A'Ying's withering glare stayed my effusive words, and I stood mute, my eyes agog at the mischievous glint in Zhao Yun's eye. A'Ying ventured to protest, but Zhao Yun's riposte, laced with a hint of teasing, left me awestruck. "Only after you revive this moribund flower with your prowess," he challenged, his gaze piercing mine like a shaft of sunlight illuminating a canvas of dawn.

As I beheld the almost lifeless blooms, my exuberance wilted, and I stood crestfallen, my hands limp at my sides. "Could your training be less exacting?" I implored, my voice barely above a whisper. "I nearly succumbed to exhaustion earlier."

Zhao Yun's lips compressed into a thin line, his eyes narrowing like a hawk scanning the horizon. He paused, his gaze lingering on me, before responding.

Zhao Yun's parting words cut through the air like a whip, "I knew your prowess was overstated. We depart tonight, and you shall commence training in solitude. The library's vast collection of swordplay treatises shall be your sole companion. Upon my return, I shall assess your progress." With that, he vanished into the shadows, leaving me to ponder his daunting task.

As I stood there, my eyelids fluttering like a bird's wings, I recalled his words and despaired. Completing this task within the allotted time seemed as unlikely as a phoenix's tears. My only recourse was to immerse myself in the ancient tomes, mastering the intricacies of swordplay before his return. Then, and only then, could I indulge in the humble pleasures of the town square's culinary delights. A faint smile danced upon my lips as I turned to A'Ying, but she averted her gaze, her countenance as distant as the moon.

Perplexed, I wondered at her behavior, for she had grown increasingly aloof since our departure from the palace. And, in my distraction, I had forgotten the significance of this day - her birthday!

As she hastened after Zhao Yun, I watched, mystified. She halted beside him, her breathing labored, and gazed up at him with eyes like shimmering jade. "Will you not inquire about my transgression?" she asked, her voice barely audible. 'That is your private concern," he replied, his eyes cast downward. "I need not pry."

"But what if I wish to confide in you?" she pressed, her words tumbling forth like a brook. "You saved me, and I yearn for someone to share my burden." Zhao Yun's lips pursed, his silence a palpable thing, before he met her gaze. "How is your wound? Do you feel any pain, shifu?" He shook his head, and nodded assent to her unspoken request. A faint smile, like the first blush of dawn, crept upon her lips as she turned away, her eyes downcast.

"'What if I told you that I find her familiar?' she ventured, her voice a whispered secret."

Zhao Yun's curiosity was piqued as he turned to A'Ying, his eyes narrowing slightly. "You think you know her?" he asked, his voice measured. A'Ying nodded, her expression thoughtful. "I'm not sure how, but I feel a connection. And despite what others say, I don't sense any malice in her. You've spent time with her in the sects - what's your impression?"

Before Zhao Yun could respond, a disciple approached and handed A'Ying a beautifully crafted box. She took it hesitantly, her eyebrows rising in surprise. As she opened the box, her eyes widened in delight at the sight of the chrysanthemum cakes inside. "Is today your birthday?" Zhao Yun asked, his voice warm with congratulations.

Zhen Lan burst through the door, slamming it shut behind him. The room erupted in a warm glow as candles flickered to life, illuminating the dark spaces.

The bustling compound outside came alive with maids and caretakers, who greeted him with deference as he entered, sword in hand. His mother, a woman of average age, rushed to him, embracing him tightly. Zhen Lan's body stiffened at her sudden display of affection, hesitating before returning the hug. "Zhen Lan, it's wonderful to see you've returned," she exclaimed, tears streaming down her face. "I prepared your favorite rice dumplings today."

As they parted, Zhen Lan's mother wiped away her tears, still smiling. "Your father is here as well. You can catch up with him." But Zhen Lan's expression darkened at the mention of his father's presence. He turned away, walking further into the compound, his mother following closely behind.

Upon entering the main hall, Zhen Lan found General Su seated before a tablet, burning incense in reverence. The incense sticks burned from the apex down as he lowered the tip over a burning candle, muttering a few words before placing them on three tablets bearing the names Su Ruo, Su You Lian, and Su Yun Luo. Zhen Lan's eyes narrowed as he approached, his anger simmering just below the surface.

"'Look who's here,'" General Su's wife said, her eyes gleaming with a mixture of warmth and challenge. Zhen Lan's gaze flicked to the tablets, his eyebrows twitching in surprise. General Su rose, his movements fluid. "You should offer your respects as well."

Zhen Lan's silence was palpable as he stood before the tablets, his eyes scanning the names. "I never knew I was so important to you, to warrant such devotion." His voice was laced with bitterness as he turned to General Su. "Can't you even be diligent in your prayers?" But General Su's expression remained resolute. "You must go to Ming with Jing Yi in a few days. Great Wei has set its sights on the city."

"I won't go,' Zhen Lan spat, his anger boiling over. "'I'll leave you to keep vigil."

General Su's grip on his shoulder tightened. "'You must! You're keeping vigil over your siblings and First Mistress too. Wouldn't you want to see Rong'Er? She'll head there with Lu Zhao Yun for sure.'" Zhen Lan's jaw clenched as he swallowed his anger, turning to the tablets in silence.

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Why does Zhen Lan behave this way?

Will he accept the order from his father?

What will Xu Feng do?

Was it really the doing of Monan thugs?

Why did the demoness know her favorite cake?