Before Jiang Xingyan’s mind could even react, Huo Ci’s muscle memory had already taken over—flipping Xin Zhui over his shoulder and slamming him hard onto the ground. The sharp pain in her cheeks made her instinctively raise her hands to touch them. By the time she regained her senses, Xin Zhui was pinned under her […]

Jiang Xingyan returned on horseback to find Xiaoya already fast asleep. The medicine Yun Chunfeng had given was remarkably effective—even Imperial Physician Sun had praised it profusely. After just a small dose dissolved in water, Xiaoya’s complexion visibly improved. Qiu Yan and Chun Xue crouched by the bedside, whispering in awe, “That State Preceptor might […]

Xin Zhui trudged back to the Huo mansion in low spirits. The servants at the gate greeted him warmly, ushering him all the way to the Old Madam’s courtyard. Yinzhu limped forward, her face plastered with an ingratiating smile. “Young General Xin, why hasn’t the General returned with you?” She wanted news of her sister. […]

Jiang Xingyan grumbled inwardly: I really don’t know military strategy. Xin Zhui’s exaggerated reaction made her realize something was off. Her expression turned cold as she feigned authority. “This is unbecoming! Pick it up at once!” Despite his deep-seated fear of Huo Ci, Xin Zhui stiffened his neck and refused to budge. “At today’s morning court, […]

The sound of wheels rolling past pulled Jiang Xingyan from her thoughts. This must be the immortal who prayed for rain a month ago. Since the start of spring, the capital had seen no rainfall. Drought threatened the young crops, and famine loomed. Then, a white-haired immortal emerged, offering his own lifespan to defy the […]

For a moment, the court fell deathly silent, broken only by Xiao Ya’s intermittent coughing. Jiang Xingyan certainly wanted the Huo family to suffer, but not at the cost of her own life—or Xiao Ya’s. She immediately dropped to her knees in apology. “Your Majesty, please forgive this transgression! My daughter cannot bear to be […]

Huo Ci’s peony updo was already heavy, and with his mother’s forceful jab, he lost his balance and fell backward, landing hard on his backside. Thankfully, his reflexes were sharp—he caught himself with his hands. Otherwise, he might have cracked his skull. His palms burned, but the pain was nothing compared to the agony in […]

Yinzhu, caught off guard, choked violently on a mouthful of water. Her survival instinct kicked in, and she flailed wildly, grasping at anything she could. Clang! The young maid, startled, let go of the silver basin, sending it crashing to the floor. Water splashed everywhere. Gasping for air, Yinzhu collapsed onto the ground, coughing uncontrollably. […]