Night slowly began to fall.
The sky turned darker with each passing moment, and a soft chill spread through the air.
After a long journey—
Wu Jinhai, Qiao Yu Zhen, Moyan Jue, and Mo Xiaoqi finally reached a small village.
The village was quiet.
Simple houses stood close together, with dim lights glowing from inside.
A few villagers walked around, finishing their daily work before night fully settled.
As the four of them entered—
An elderly man approached them.
He was the Village Chief.
His expression was kind, yet cautious.
"You all must be travelers," he said.
Wu Jinhai stepped forward slightly.
"Yes, we are."
The Village Chief nodded.
"It is not safe to travel at night," he said. "You may stay here."
Wu Jinhai gave a polite bow.
"Thank you."
The Village Chief smiled faintly.
"I will have a place prepared for you."
He turned and instructed a few villagers.
Soon—
A simple house was arranged for them.
Warm light filled the room.
It was not luxurious—
But it was enough.
The four of them settled in for the night.
A little later—
Outside the house—
The night had deepened.
The village had gone quiet.
Wu Jinhai stepped out for some fresh air.
The cool breeze brushed against her face.
She took a slow breath.
Moments later—
Qiao Yu Zhen followed her outside.
He stood beside her.
Neither of them spoke at first.
The silence between them was gentle.
Comfortable.
Wu Jinhai glanced at him slightly.
"You should rest," she said softly.
Qiao Yu Zhen shook his head.
"I am fine."
Another pause followed.
Then he added—
"You must be tired."
Wu Jinhai gave a small smile.
"A little."
They stood there quietly.
Under the night sky.
The distance between them—
Close.
Yet careful.
Unspoken feelings lingered in the air.
Not far away—
Moyan Jue stood with Mo Xiaoqi.
They watched the two figures in the distance.
Moyan Jue's gaze was calm.
But knowing.
He let out a faint breath.
"He is still in love with her," he said.
Mo Xiaoqi glanced at him.
"You mean Qiao Yu Zhen?"
Moyan Jue nodded slightly.
"Yes."
Mo Xiaoqi looked back toward them.
"They seem close," he said.
Moyan Jue's expression softened faintly.
"Closer than they realize."
There was a brief silence.
Mo Xiaoqi then asked—
"And her?"
Moyan Jue's eyes remained on Wu Jinhai.
"She feels it too."
His answer was quiet.
Certain.
"But neither of them understands it yet."
Mo Xiaoqi nodded slowly.
"Humans are complicated."
Moyan Jue gave a faint smile.
"They are."
He turned his gaze away.
But the thought remained.
Some bonds—
Do not fade.
Even across lifetimes.
At the border—
Inside the command tent—
General Wu Jianhong stood before Prince Hei Zheng.
The atmosphere was calm.
But serious.
"I have made my decision," General Wu said.
Prince Hei Zheng looked at him.
"What decision?"
General Wu's voice was steady.
"I will return to the capital."
There was a pause.
"And retire."
Prince Hei Zheng's expression changed slightly.
"You are leaving the army?"
General Wu nodded.
"Yes."
Silence followed.
Then Prince Hei Zheng asked—
"Why now?"
General Wu looked at him carefully.
"The situation is changing."
His tone grew deeper.
"And I need to be there."
Prince Hei Zheng understood.
This was not just about retirement.
It was about the future.
"The court," he said quietly.
General Wu did not deny it.
"Yes."
Another silence filled the tent.
Then Prince Hei Zheng spoke—
"You believe something will happen soon."
General Wu's gaze sharpened slightly.
"It already has."
The weight of his words lingered.
Prince Hei Zheng lowered his gaze slightly.
Thinking.
Then he nodded.
"I understand."
General Wu stepped closer.
"You must also be prepared."
Prince Hei Zheng looked up again.
"I am."
Their eyes met.
A silent agreement passed between them.
The path ahead—
Would not be easy.
Back in the village—
The night grew deeper.
The lights slowly dimmed.
Wu Jinhai and Qiao Yu Zhen returned inside.
The house grew quiet.
Moyan Jue and Mo Xiaoqi remained silent as well.
Each of them—
Lost in their own thoughts.
Outside—
The wind moved gently through the village.
Everything seemed peaceful.
...