Chapter 1: Marriage Alliance 1

“Xiyan…” The man’s black robes fluttered in the wind. He was handsome and tall, yet his entire being radiated a sense of desolation. He gazed deeply at the woman before him, his eyes filled with immeasurable grief.

Where the sea met the sky in an endless expanse, amidst a breathtaking moment, the figure facing the ocean with her back to the setting sun turned around.

The man spoke in a hoarse voice, “Xiyan, Brother won't let you go!”

The woman’s blood-red eyes radiated a chilling coldness. Her lips, pale as water, bloomed into a flawless smile, like a rose blooming in the dark of night. Amidst her charm, she exuded an exquisite grace. Standing there simply in her plain white attire, she was the one sent by Li Chuan to marry into Chi Yan—Yue Xiyan!

Beautiful!

Beautiful to the point of being demonic.

Her red lips parted slightly: “Brother, the heart of an emperor is unpredictable. After I leave, I hope you will take care of yourself. You must know, to serve a monarch is to serve a tiger…”

“Xiyan, Brother…” The man’s hands, hidden within his sleeves, clenched into tight fists. He was heartbroken, gripped by a helpless tension.

“Brother, it was originally my Yue family that wronged Chi Yan. Now, having the chance to make up for Grandfather’s debt to Chi Yan can be considered accumulating blessings for him…” Yue Xiyan gave a tragic, beautiful smile and turned to leave.

On the day of the marriage procession, the Imperial Carriage arrived in person.

Yue Xiyan moved with graceful, light steps, bowing her body slightly. “Xiyan greets the Emperor.” She did not perform the full ritual of kneeling and prostrating.

Ji Nuohan knew her temperament well and did not take offense.

“Xiyan is willing to sacrifice herself for the sake of Li Chuan this time; I admire her! This cup is a toast from your sworn brother. I feel very uneasy that you have suffered for Li Chuan’s sake… In the future, in Chi Yan, remember to cherish yourself…”

What was unfolding here was nothing more than an ordinary, touching scene of parting. Throughout history, how many young women, carrying so-called bravery and the hopes of their nation, have walked this path of lifelong, unregrettable sacrifice? She should have accepted the cup with a face full of emotion, or perhaps expressed her sorrow at leaving her homeland with passion, or even wept bitterly to show the gravity of her departure, from which she would never return.

She understood that the so-called "admiration" and "unease" were merely an act performed by this sworn brother. Therefore, she did nothing; she simply stood there quietly, as if she had heard nothing at all.

Ji Nuohan gave an awkward smile. “Your sworn brother knows Xiyan is sad, but this was the only way. Drink this wine before you set off on your journey…”

Yue Xiyan still did not answer. The thin veil on her face clung to her features. Like mist or a dream, she was so beautiful she seemed untouchable, making it impossible to discern her thoughts. Her bewitching blood-red eyes, even when appearing slightly misty, remained like blooming peach blossoms—full of charm and naturally enchanting.

For a moment, the crowd behind Ji Nuohan exchanged glances and frowned. However, they did not dare to be insolent in the presence of the Emperor, waiting only for his word.

“Does Imperial Brother believe Xiyan should drink this cup of wine?” The long-silent Yue Xiyan suddenly spoke, her ethereal voice carrying a faint chill.

With a smile on his face, Ji Nuohan leaned in slowly, approaching Yue Xiyan to whisper in her ear, “Xiyan should know that the ones Chi Yan hates most are your Yue family; Li Chuan is only second. If you go for this marriage alliance, not only will it ease the war, but it will also benefit my Li Chuan. If you do not go, how can you demonstrate Li Chuan’s sincerity?”

He needed time to recuperate. Qin Yihan had led the imperial troops in person, boosting morale, and hundreds of thousands of iron cavalry had nearly trampled Li Chuan into oblivion. A desperate struggle would surely result in mutual destruction. Even if Qin Yihan conquered Li Chuan, it would be a broken, ruined mess. While Qin Yihan held his troops in check, Ji Nuohan had consulted with his ministers and decided to send Princess Xiyan for the marriage alliance.

Yue Xiyan continued to stand there with her usual languid grace, offering a faint smile. “As the Emperor wishes. I only hope the Emperor keeps his promise. Xiyan bids you farewell.” With that, she drained the wine in the cup in one gulp.

“Good, farewell then!” Within that seemingly gentle smile, there was a hint of a scorching intensity.

He had once told her that in this life, he would treat them, the siblings, as soulmates. No matter what, he would protect them and never betray the friendship between them. His words back then had been so certain and resolute, yet why did he ultimately choose to break it all with his own hands?

An emperor’s "friendship" and "forever" were merely promises that common people could never hope to reach. However, she understood. By surrendering herself, at least the people of both nations could live without constant fear. Living peacefully for a few years would not be an issue.

Inside the magnificent imperial carriage, Yue Xiyan let out a low, long sigh. “People always make promises so easily, only to forget them completely the moment they turn away…” Was she not the same? Her slightly misty eyes held a trace of vigilance, which she then masked, allowing a few traces of a bitter smile to crawl onto her face.

Some things, the more one tries to forget, the more clearly they are remembered.

“Miss, the General is your biological brother, why don't you…”

“Muya, even if he dotes on me like his very life, he is still just my brother. He is a commander, bearing the heavy responsibility of the nation and the love of the people. How can I, for the sake of my own selfish desires, let my brother bear a lifetime of infamy?” Her blood-red eyes revealed a desolate loneliness.

All is fate; nothing is within human control.

Having been under the influence of drugs and sleeping for three days and nights, a man suddenly jolted awake. “Someone, come here!” The flames of rage burned within Yue Mulin’s heart. An unstoppable fury flashed in his sharp gaze, and his teeth ground together with a clicking sound. At this moment, he was like an enraged lion.

“General…” The servant who entered bowed cautiously.

“How many days has the Miss been gone?”

The servant shuddered and hurriedly replied, “The Miss has been gone for three days…”

“What? Three days?!” In his roar, he had already grabbed the man by the collar. The startled servant’s face turned pale instantly. He stammered, “General, Young Master Lan is waiting for you in the hall. He said the Miss left a letter for you.”

A letter? Xiyan’s letter? He released his grip and rushed toward the hall.

In the hall, Lan Jiayi sat steadily in his chair, waiting with a half-smile for the raging lion.

Sure enough, within moments, the man burst in.

“Where is Xiyan’s letter?” Having no mood for pleasantries, he went straight to the point.

Lan Jiayi took a letter from his robe and handed it to Yue Mulin. “Qingxue heard about Xiyan’s marriage alliance. She knocked out the guards my father arranged and followed her. I’m afraid your wedding cannot take place.”

He snatched the letter, paying no heed to what Lan Jiayi was saying. He unfolded it; there was only one sentence on the paper: *Fate plays tricks; if there is a next life, I wish to stand by your side.*

His trembling hands lightly traced the characters as he said sorrowfully, “This… is Xiyan’s handwriting…”