Chapter 14

When General Wang was convicted of treason, General Li had been the first to proclaim his innocence. He offended the empress and crown prince and was forced to retire early.

Though he had lived quietly at home for years, his students and former subordinates filled the court. His prestige in the army remained high.

Most importantly, he possessed a special privilege: entering the palace for an audience without a summons at any time.

The founding emperor had granted it. Even the present emperor could not revoke it.

Zhao Heng’s plan was simple. Wearing the Phoenix-Blood Jade, I would “accidentally” appear before General Li.

With his trained eyes, he would recognize it. With his character, he would never stand aside.

“Will he believe me?”

I couldn’t hide my hesitation.

“I’m about to marry you. To outsiders, we’re already opposed to the crown prince. He might think we’ve laid a trap.”

“He will.”

Zhao Heng was certain.

“Like me, he’s waiting for a chance. A chance to reopen General Wang’s case.”

His fathomless gaze held mine.

“You are that chance.”

I understood.

General Li wasn’t a pawn to exploit.

He was an ally.

A potential ally of immense power.

“What must I do?”

“The day after tomorrow, Huguo Temple outside the city holds a ceremony for blessings. He’s a Buddhist. He attends every major service.”

Zhao Heng spoke slowly.

“I’ll arrange a chance encounter. Just let him see the jade at your waist. Leave the rest to him.”

I nodded.

“All right.”

“One more thing.”

He took a small porcelain bottle from his sleeve.

“What is it?”

“Heart-Protecting Pills.”

His answer came naturally.

“The cold poison has been in your body too long. These won’t cure it, but they can suppress it for now.”

I paused.

Cold poison.

Yes.

I had died in snow. Resentment and cold had entered my heart. After rebirth, the illness remained in this body.

I often felt chilled, my heart twisting in pain. Consumed by revenge, I had ignored it.

He had noticed.

And quietly found medicine.

Something fluttered faintly in my heart.

“Thank you, Your Highness.”

I took the bottle.

His eyes stayed calm, without a ripple.

“Between us, thanks are unnecessary.”

He paused, his voice deepening.

“Your life matters more than mine.”

“You must live.”

Each quiet word sank into me.

“Live to see them… go to hell.”

I nodded firmly.

Yes. I had to live.

Until the great debt was repaid.

Two days later, incense billowed at Huguo Temple. Visitors came and went. Bells sounded long in the air.

Incense and chanting wrapped the mountain in sacred haze.

Following Zhao Heng’s arrangements, I went with Yunzhou to burn incense.

I wore a moon-white dress, simple and clean. Against its pale fabric, the dark-red jade was too brilliant to miss.

I didn’t deliberately search for General Li.

I wandered leisurely like any woman seeking blessings.

Burned incense.

Bowed to the Buddha.

Gave an offering.

Every movement natural, without a flaw.

At last, I saw him in the dining hall behind the mountain.

White-haired and white-bearded but vigorous, he sat taking tea with an elderly monk.

Pretending not to notice, I walked slowly past.

As we passed each other, a crash sounded behind me.

A cup struck the stone floor, its clear, piercing sound filling the room.

I stopped and turned.

His eyes met mine, full of shock and disbelief—as though he had seen a ghost from the past.

They fixed on the jade.

His lips trembled.

“That… that pendant…”

His voice was hoarse.

“Where… where did you get it?”

I frowned slightly, feigning surprise.

“Do you know this jade, General?”

I answered softly.

“Her Majesty gave it to me a few days ago as a wedding gift.”

I spoke quite casually.