Chapter Twelve: Turmoil in the Li Dynasty, Enduring Affection of Yin Feng
The imperial palace of the Li Dynasty had always been a place of intrigue and treachery. Among the loyal ministers serving the court, Lord Meng stood out—his heart devoted to the realm and his insight into state affairs profound.
On a dark and stormy night, Lord Meng donned a black robe and silently moved through the shadowed pathways of the palace. Reaching a secluded corner, he noticed the prince’s trusted confidants sneaking in and out of the residence of a high-ranking official. Their hurried steps, anxious expressions, and furtive glances suggested they were hiding something.
Suspicions stirring within him, Lord Meng decided to have them secretly followed.
Over the next few days, the watchers reported that within a hidden chamber, these men whispered conspiratorially, plotting to forge letters and false evidence with the intent to frame Li Chengyin for treason and collusion with the enemy.
Lord Meng knew that Li Chengyin was currently stationed at the border. Should harm befall him, the Li Dynasty would be plunged into chaos.
The King of Xizhou already harbored resentment toward the Li Dynasty over the Dan Chi incident and would surely seize the opportunity to raise arms. Innocent civilians would once again be caught in the crossfire, their lives shattered. Without a moment’s delay, Lord Meng selected his most capable, loyal, and skilled horseman, charging him to ride with all haste to the border.
The messenger obeyed without hesitation, mounting a sleek black steed and racing day and night.
He coursed through dense forests, the hooves rustling over fallen leaves; he crossed turbulent rivers, water splashing against his cloak; he galloped across vast plains, the dust trailing behind like a winding golden dragon. After arduous trials, he finally arrived at the border camp.
Inside the tent, Li Chengyin sat facing Xiao Feng. The messenger stumbled forward, breathless, and offered a sealed letter from Lord Meng.
“Prince Yi, this is urgent!” he gasped.
Li Chengyin took the letter and unfolded it. His face darkened like an impending storm.
His brows knitted tightly into a deep furrow; a flash of anger ignited in his eyes before yielding to resolute determination. His teeth clenched involuntarily as he thought:
“The crown prince is so ruthless, scheming to implicate me with baseless accusations while I’m away from court. Such treachery must not succeed. If I do not return to stop this, the Li Dynasty will be destroyed, and the future I dreamed of with Xiao Feng will be lost.”
His fists clenched tightly, knuckles whitening, veins bulging.
He slowly lifted his gaze to Xiao Feng, his eyes filled with complex emotion—deep affection, reluctance at impending separation, and dread of the unknown dangers ahead. His voice was low and resolute, like a vow from the depths of a shadowed valley:
“Xiao Feng, I must return. Once I have resolved everything, I will come back to you.” Each word was struggled out through clenched teeth, betraying both his fury at the conspiracy and his boundless care for her.
Xiao Feng regarded Li Chengyin with worry shining in her bright eyes, flickering like restless stars in the night sky.
Biting her lip until a faint mark appeared, she finally spoke:
“Li Chengyin, this journey will be fraught with danger. I will go back with you.”
Her gaze was as steadfast as rock, unyielding and resolute. It seemed to say, no matter what obstacles lay ahead—mountains of blades, seas of fire, or bottomless chasms—she would not be parted from him again.
Old misunderstandings and grievances were momentarily overshadowed by her concern for him. She only knew she could not let him face such peril alone.
Li Chengyin wanted to refuse. He knew well the dangers awaiting them, like stepping into a den of dragons and tigers. He could not bear to see Xiao Feng endangered—she was the one he held closest to his heart.
He opened his mouth but hesitated, his eyes wavering as they met her unwavering gaze.
In her eyes, he saw steadfast trust and a protective resolve—an unwavering companionship willing to face life and death together.
Finally, he sighed softly and nodded reluctantly:
“Very well, Xiao Feng. But you must stay close by my side and never act on your own.”
A tender, helpless softness crept into his eyes as he gently clasped her trembling hand—an unspoken exchange of strength and courage between them.