Chapter 1 The Handkerchief That Crossed Every Death
I finally held that handkerchief and crossed every life-and-death barrier.
When I returned from Shishuo, Zhao Zhen had already laid out most of his moves.
He told me that the woman I was to marry was probably the one called Xu Mei.
I was so happy that I did not sleep for days, yet Zhao Zhen kept his face tightly drawn.
I knew the game had grown too large.
But I did not care. If anything happened, I would throw every military achievement at the risk.
I could not believe that one maid could be saved like this.
She was far more clever than I had imagined. She asked nothing and dodged every examination again and again.
That day in Juxiang Pavilion she played Madam Mingwei General’s wife with perfect calm and composure.
I knew that from that day forward she belonged only to me.
Whether she was called Xu Fengwan or Xu Mei.
When we went to Shishuo she insisted on following.
Even when I grew angry she did not back down in the slightest.
But when she pointed out the crisis in the city defense map I saw her anew.
She held far more than just the three divisions of the rear courtyard in her heart.
I wrote to Zhao Zhen, asking him to ask the emperor to send troops in support.
At the end I left a letter of retirement.
I told Zhao Zhen that if I died, he should take care of her.
I thought I would never see her again, yet there she stood on the city wall pulling the bow tight, fierce as an old general on the battlefield.
I smiled.
Yes, she was also called Lengxiang.
How could she fall to cold frost?
She would bloom forever at the highest branch.
My Zhao Lengxiang.