Ning Yan understood Bai Qingqing’s intentions in an instant, but he did nothing to stop her. Instead, he silently gave his tacit approval—and even lent a hand by arranging an identity for the maid.

The day they sent the maid away, Ning Yan stood on the upper floor, watching Bai Qingqing solemnly instruct her in a low, steady voice, “You must live. Once you’re dead, everything ends. Your days are still long ahead—you must carry your lady’s hopes and live well, live with purpose.”

The maid’s face was drenched with tears. She kowtowed three times to her late mistress, then turned and insisted on bowing three times to Bai Qingqing as well. She had never imagined she would survive, but Bai Qingqing had carved out a path for her by sheer force of will.

Ning Yan leaned against the wall, his gaze moving where Bai Qingqing’s gaze led—and suddenly, something clicked inside him.

No wonder, from the moment he first met her, he felt this woman was unlike anyone else. No wonder he’d always sensed something special in her. It wasn’t her beauty or her temperament—it was the light in her eyes. From the very beginning, those eyes had gleamed with something he recognized.

A fierce and desperate reverence for life itself. A fire that had taken root deep within her soul. Only someone who shared that same obsession could see it.

In Bai Qingqing’s eyes, that light never dimmed—a constant, unwavering gratitude and awe toward life. Just like him, once trampled into the mud yet refusing to close his eyes.

Ning Yan shut his eyes for a moment. When he opened them again, the maid was gone. Only Bai Qingqing remained, her slender figure standing alone below, like a fragile but unyielding flower.

...

In Xuancheng, word had spread through the court that Ning Yan had eradicated a band of mountain bandits along the way. He had also petitioned the Emperor to take the bandit scourge seriously—for as long as they remained, the people would know no peace, and the foundation of the realm would never be secure.

The Emperor, after consulting with his ministers, ordered military generals from the court to lead troops in suppressing the bandits. The decree was met with widespread jubilation—citizens cheered and even gathered of their own accord to see the troops off.

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In the study of the Prince of Ping’s residence, Fu Yanghong sipped his tea leisurely, a relaxed expression in his eyes and brow.

“I said it from the start—Ning Yan’s journey to the southwest was all for show. Look at him, even finding the time to clash with bandits along the way, stirring up such a scene. Clearly, he was afraid of coming back empty-handed and drawing the Emperor’s ire, so he staged this little drama to earn some merit.”

Seated across from him was another man, who replied, “Your Highness speaks wisely. Still, Ning Yan is not one to be taken lightly. Though nothing suspicious was found in the southwest, his temper is violent, and he’s both cunning and shrewd. If he stumbles upon something by chance…”

“Rest easy. Everything’s been arranged with Luo Chen in the southwest. Of course I didn’t want him to have a smooth and peaceful trip, but his Linjia Guards are formidable—at most we’ve caused him some delays. A pity, really. The Emperor trusts the Jinyiwei more than either of us. If we could eliminate Ning Yan, the Jinyiwei would suffer a crippling blow.”

Fu Yanghong slapped his leg slowly, rhythmically. “His trip to the southwest might’ve bought the Bai family some time, but no matter. He’ll have to come back eventually. If nothing can be uncovered in the southwest, then it’s our turn. Best to deal with that old, festering mess sooner rather than later.”

As he spoke, a commotion could be faintly heard from outside. The man across from him listened a moment, then stood and shook his head. “Your residence is as disorderly as ever. I’ll take my leave for now. You’d best clean up the mess at home.”

Fu Yanghong’s face darkened with irritation. He stepped outside and ordered someone to find out what was going on. A servant soon came back to report, “It’s the Princess Consort. She saw Lady Zhou’s younger brother in the residence and is blocking his way, refusing to let him leave.”