They return not as prince and strategist, but as partners—bound by vow, forged by fire. The capital awaits, but this time, they are ready to rewrite its rules.
After the King of Beicang personally came to offer his apology and signed the alliance treaty, the Da Sheng procession began its triumphant return to the capital.
The journey back was nothing like the one before. Though Gu Lian and Ai Miao still maintained the decorum of prince and minister in public, the subtle intimacy between them—and the persistent marks on Ai Miao's neck, barely concealed by his collar—spoke volumes to those with discerning eyes.
Inside the carriage, Gu Lian set aside his scroll and looked at Ai Miao, who sat across from him with eyes closed in rest. Sunlight filtered through the window, casting a soft glow on his refined profile. His brows were faintly furrowed, as if still deep in thought.
"Still thinking about the link between the Beijing remnants and Beicang?" Gu Lian asked.
Ai Miao opened his eyes, clear and alert. "Yes. General A Lie has yet to send back a definitive report. I can't shake the feeling… that there's more to this than just the remnants of Beijing."
Gu Lian reached across the small table between them and gently smoothed the crease between Ai Miao's brows. "When we return, I'll have the Shadow Bureau investigate thoroughly. For now, rest."
His tone was gentle—but left no room for refusal.
Ai Miao paused, then relaxed. "…Mm." He closed his eyes again. This time, the tension between his brows eased. The carriage fell into a tranquil silence, broken only by the rhythmic rumble of wheels and the steady cadence of their breathing.
—
During a rest stop, A Lie rode out to survey the surroundings. Qing Ying followed as always, silent and precise, keeping just the right distance.
A Lie reined in his horse, gazing at the heavily guarded carriage of the Crown Prince in the distance. His expression was complicated. He could feel it—whatever had once fractured between those two had now been reforged, stronger than before. The one he had guarded for so many years… no longer needed to be hidden away in his heart.
"General." Qing Ying's voice came from beside him as she handed him a water flask. "You should drink."
A Lie snapped out of his thoughts, took the flask, and glanced at her lowered lashes. Since that night, an invisible wall had risen between them.
He took a sip, then spoke, voice dry. "That night… I didn't mean to…"
"General," Qing Ying interrupted, her tone flat, as if recounting something unrelated to herself. "That night was an accident. And a failure of my duty. Please don't dwell on it." She looked up, her gaze clear but distant. "I will keep to my place. I won't cause you any trouble."
Her eagerness to draw a line struck something in A Lie. He wanted to say more—but found that no words could bridge the silence. He nodded silently and turned his horse away.
Qing Ying followed, eyes dim beneath her calm exterior.
—
That night, the convoy rested at another royal post station.
Gu Lian, freshly bathed and dressed in loose robes, reclined on a soft couch, reading intelligence reports from the capital. Ai Miao sat beneath the lamplight, reviewing the list of affairs to be handled upon their return.
"My father and mother have been informed of the Beicang matter. They praised us highly at court," Gu Lian said, setting down the report, his tone unreadable. "Especially you, Ai Miao. My father called you 'a mind unmatched, a great asset to the realm.'"
Ai Miao's hand paused slightly, but he didn't look up. "This is merely my duty. I dare not claim credit."
Gu Lian stood, walked over, and took the brush from his hand. He pulled him up and guided him to sit beside him on the couch.
"But they've also brought up my marriage again," he said, eyes fixed on Ai Miao. "Su Wanqing's father, Minister Su, hinted before the Emperor that the wedding should not be delayed any longer."
The air in the room seemed to freeze.
Ai Miao lowered his gaze, hiding the flicker of emotion in his eyes. His voice remained steady. "Miss Su is virtuous and well-born. She would be a fitting match for Your Highness."
"Look at me, Ai Miao." Gu Lian lifted his chin, forcing him to meet his gaze. "You know what I want. I didn't yield five years ago. I won't yield now. When we return, I'll make my intentions clear to my parents. The engagement will be annulled."
Ai Miao looked into those unwavering eyes. Warmth surged in his chest—but so did worry. "Your Highness, such a move may provoke criticism from the court, and anger the Su family… and Her Majesty. Shouldn't we proceed more cautiously?"
"Cautious about what?" Gu Lian arched a brow, fingers brushing Ai Miao's jaw. "Cautious about keeping you hidden forever? Or cautious about marrying a woman I don't love?"
He shook his head, voice resolute. "In this life, I will either stand beside you in the open—or remain alone. There is no third path."
He pulled Ai Miao into his arms, his voice low against his ear. "This time… trust me."
Ai Miao rested against his chest, listening to the steady heartbeat beneath. The tension in his body slowly melted. He closed his eyes and returned the embrace.
"…I've always trusted you."
—
Several days later, the towering silhouette of the capital came into view.
The procession paused for final preparations, readying itself for a grand return.
Gu Lian and Ai Miao stood side by side atop a hill, gazing at the distant city—a symbol of power and strife.
"Do you remember the first time we snuck out of the palace and stood here, looking at the capital?" Gu Lian asked, a trace of nostalgia in his voice.
Ai Miao smiled faintly. "I remember. You said the city looked like a giant golden cage."
"It still is," Gu Lian said softly. Then he turned to Ai Miao, eyes burning. "But this time, I'll forge a key with my own hands—or tear the cage down." He took Ai Miao's hand. "Are you afraid?"
Ai Miao felt the warmth in his palm, met his gaze, and answered with quiet resolve. "Wherever Your Highness goes, I will follow. Even into the dragon's den."
The wind swept across the hill, stirring their robes until they intertwined. The setting sun cast their shadows long and close—inseparable.
—
The next day, the Crown Prince's procession returned to the capital in triumph.
Citizens lined the streets, cheering thunderously. Gu Lian rode at the front, clad in ceremonial robes, regal and composed. Ai Miao followed half a pace behind, dressed in the dark robes of the Deputy Minister of War—cool and steady.
They passed through bustling markets and layer upon layer of palace gates. The shadow of the imperial city gradually enveloped them.
At the fork where they would part ways—Gu Lian to the Eastern Palace, Ai Miao to the Privy Council—Gu Lian reined in his horse.
Under countless watching eyes, he turned slightly and said, "Minister Ai, rest well. Tomorrow's court session will require your full report on the northern frontier."
"I obey." Ai Miao bowed from horseback, posture impeccable.
Their eyes met briefly in the air. Nothing more needed to be said.
Gu Lian turned his horse and rode off, surrounded by his attendants. Ai Miao watched his figure disappear down the palace road—then nudged his horse in the opposite direction.
Their war had only just begun.
But this time, they would not fight alone.