"Father-in-law," I calmly echoed.

"Let's talk while walking," Hu Jiangling said, finding a less crowded place to stop.

"In a month, you will be going far away to the northern border. Linger... she..." Hu Jiangling hesitated.

"Father-in-law, you worry too much. I will naturally take Linger with me," I looked at Hu Jiangling strangely, my voice unchanged.

"I heard that Linger is pregnant, and the journey to the northern border is long. It might be better to let her stay in the imperial city and go after she gives birth," Hu Jiangling's wrinkled face seemed to have merged his nose, eyes, and mouth.

"Well, maybe I should go back and ask Linger for her opinion," I realized that he was worried about the long journey being hard on Hong Ling. It's true that parents always worry. I smiled warmly at Hu Jiangling and was deeply moved.

"Alright, I'll go back and talk to her mother," Hu Jiangling nodded and gave some caring instructions before leaving.

Lately, I've been moved by inexplicable things. It's ridiculous... I have experienced countless battles, killed countless people, and long lost my heart. Why do I still get moved? I stood there in contemplation, not expecting a figure to silently approach me.

"You're avoiding me," a deep voice sounded behind me.

My body stiffened, and I cursed myself for being so foolish not to notice someone approaching me from so close. And the owner of the voice was even more of a headache. Now I didn't even have time to hide, but there was a feeling of joy in my heart. What was I happy about?

"I haven't had the honor of meeting Wangye," I couldn't address him as "Master" in the palace.

"Pujun, answer me," Qi Yuntian's usually gentle tone carried a hint of displeasure.

"Please, Wangye, what do you mean?" I didn't want to answer and simply threw the question back at him. This was the first time I had defied him, and my heart was pounding.

"You..." Qi Yuntian was obviously angered by me.

"Oh, General, so you're here. The Emperor is anxious to see you in the study," Huang Gonggong suddenly appeared and rescued me from the crisis. I had never been so grateful to anyone before, and now I truly appreciated Qi Aotian.

"Servant pays respects to Wangye." Huang Gonggong only now noticed that it wasn't just Pujun alone, but that I was with Wangye. He quickly knelt down to greet Qi Yuntian.

"The Emperor is waiting to see me. I will go now," I said and hurriedly ran off, even skipping the formalities of taking leave.

"Rise," Qi Yuntian watched the direction I left in, realizing that he had startled her. But there would be time, and when that time came, where could she hide? Pujun.

"Thank you, Wangye. I take my leave," Huang Gonggong saw Qi Yuntian wave his hand and quickly retreated.

Study Room

"Weijiang, Pujun pays respects to the Emperor." I calmly knelt on the ground, facing the Emperor Qi Aotian, the ruler of a nation, without feeling flustered.

"There's no one else here. You don't need to be like this," Qi Aotian's handsome face showed a trace of doting, and his voice became much softer.

"Emperor, the relationship between sovereign and subject cannot be ignored," I coldly replied, signifying that our relationship could only be that of a ruler and a subject.

"You..." Qi Aotian stood up from the dragon throne, walked to my side, and pulled me up, but he was reluctant to scold me.

Qi Aotian saw that I kept my head down and felt even more displeased. He couldn't help but let a bit of anger seep into his usually gentle voice. "Is he better than me?"

I was shocked by Qi Aotian's words and suddenly looked up, my eyes unable to believe what I was seeing.

"I am the ruler of a nation, and he is just a subject. Am I inferior to him?" Qi Aotian said urgently, not even using his supreme self-designation. "Pujun, why don't you understand my heart?" Qi Aotian tightly grasped my arms, his gaze burning with intensity.

"You... let go of me," I struggled, even though I had high martial arts skills. Faced with the Qi brothers, I was powerless. Although Qi Aotian was the emperor, it didn't mean he was not skilled in martial arts.

Seeing me struggling in pain, Qi Aotian realized that he had hurt her with his loss of control. He pulled me into his embrace, calling out softly, "Pujun, what should I do with you?"

I listened to the rhythmic heartbeat of Qi Aotian and gradually relaxed my body. It wasn't that I didn't understand his heart, but I had long been moved by someone else. When faced with his affection, I instinctively wanted to avoid it.

I passively buried my head in Qi Aotian's embrace, quietly being held by him. In a soft voice, I said, "Aotian, thank you." It was the first and last time I called him by his name.

Holding onto me, Qi Aotian's body stiffened after hearing my words. After a long time, he released his embrace, "If I had met you before him, would you have loved me?" Qi Aotian asked me seriously.

I raised my head and looked at him with clear, unwavering eyes. Remembering the past years, I suddenly laughed. It was a genuine, pure laughter.

Qi Aotian gazed at my radiant smile, his eyes filled with a touch of melancholy. In the end, he had lost. Qi Aotian bitterly self-mocked. He had never won against him, not even once.

Qi Aotian turned and took a few steps, his magnetic voice rang out again, "Going to the northern border may not be so simple. You need to be extra careful."

"En, I will be careful," I understood Qi Aotian's feelings. But I also understood that if I didn't do this, the one who would suffer the most would be her. That beautiful and stunning face carried the agony of love, accompanying wine every day. I felt a suffocating sensation for no reason, how many affectionate people had been hurt by the cruel word "love."

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"Yang Yan probably won't let it go easily. Be more cautious," Qi Aotian urged with concern, but he kept his back to me.

"Now, I am a thorn in Yang Yan's eyes and a bone in his throat. But it will take some effort for him to remove it," I used to be just one person, but now I also had Hong Ling, which really gave me a headache.

"He rarely makes mistakes in his life, but he made a terribly wrong decision about your lifelong affair. Having this burden might not be convenient for you," Qi Aotian's words carried a reproachful tone. He had disagreed with it from the beginning, and now even more so... "I heard that your wife is expecting, but I didn't know that Pujun had such capabilities." The topic shifted to his true purpose for summoning me to the study room today.

"She is also a tragic person. She sacrificed her own happiness for her family," I didn't want to say too much, but the image of her tearful face with pear blossoms appeared in my mind again.

"Do you understand how dangerous your situation is now? If her lover comes looking for her, this matter will be talked about from various perspectives. I'm afraid that even I won't be able to protect you then," Qi Aotian reluctantly mentioned the possible consequences.

"In our dynasty, there will only be a general named Pujun," I calmly said, understanding that if Yang Yan found out, he would not let go of this opportunity to disturb the court. It would also invite the scrutiny of other countries. Even if I died, I wouldn't allow that to happen.

"You..." Qi Aotian wanted to say something, but the words stuck in his throat.

"Please excuse me," Qi Aotian's voice sounded exhausted.

"Pujun, take your leave," I echoed, but I didn't leave after that. Qi Aotian turned around and saw that I hadn't gone. With an expression of puzzlement, he looked at me. "Your Majesty, the person who understands you best may be right by your side. Don't miss it and regret it." Empress, this is the only thing I can do for you. Thank you for enlightening me in my confusion.

Qi Aotian was surprised by my last few words and watched as I left the study room. Unexpectedly, she was standing outside the door. How long had she been here?

The esteemed Empress stood outside the study room, looking at me as I emerged. She lightly nodded, and the jewels on her phoenix crown made a crisp sound. Her noble and holy face carried a gentle smile, the kind of Empress she was when receiving the court officials. It lacked a bit of melancholy but gained a touch of elegance. Such a rare beauty in the world, thinking that Yang Yan, an old peasant, could have such an extraordinary daughter.

"Thank you, Pujun," the Empress softly spoke, expressing her heartfelt gratitude.

"It's Pujun who should thank Your Majesty for your guidance," I realized that she had heard everything. Last time, I didn't have a chance to thank her. Today, she thanked me first, which made me smile.

"Pujun, take your leave," I bowed with both hands, inclining my body slightly in a respectful gesture.

"Go," her elegant voice gently echoed.

General's Residence

"Miss, Young Master is about to return from court. Do you want to go and welcome him?" Purple Bamboo looked at the pensive Miss, feeling anxious. Ever since she returned from Yunfo Temple, the Miss had been like this, her spirits declining day by day. This was the greatest taboo for the unborn child, but she didn't know how to make the Miss happy.

"Madam, there is someone in the hall claiming to be a relative of Madam, seeking an audience with Madam," Lin'an respectfully informed Hong Ling, her face beaming with joy. Her eyes occasionally glanced at the slight bulge of Hong Ling's belly, feeling so delighted. The mansion would soon become livelier.

Hong Ling's lifeless gaze flickered upon hearing Lin'an's words, and she involuntarily stood up and walked towards the door. Meanwhile, Purple Bamboo was filled with anxiety. Oh no... Could it be that the Young Master has come to verify the truth? She felt her heart sinking.

In the main hall, Deng Zhiwen stood quietly, surprised by the elegant mansion of a prestigious general. There was an air of elegance and refinement, without the usual gaudy gold and silver antiques. There were no crude swords and weapons hanging on the walls, only a few famous landscape paintings. The decorations were minimal but perfectly reflected the owner's taste. Until Deng Zhiwen felt a fiery gaze behind him, he turned around and saw the person he had been yearning for day and night.

Hong Ling gazed affectionately at the man who had his back turned to her, the tall figure that had appeared countless times in her dreams. She thought she would never have a chance to see him in this lifetime, but he kept appearing again and again, causing her calm heart to stir with emotions she shouldn't have. She was tormented inside.

Just as the two were lost in their affectionate gaze, "General, you're back. Madam is receiving a guest in the hall," Lin'an's old voice suddenly sounded, striking Hong Ling's mind like thunder.

Seeing Deng Zhiwen standing in the center of the hall, I immediately understood that things were unfolding as I had expected. "Lin'an, tell the servants not to approach the hall," I instructed, then walked straight into the hall, helped Hong Ling sit down, and gestured with my eyes for Deng Zhiwen to take a seat as well.

"Yes," although Lin'an didn't understand, she promptly went to carry out my orders.

The atmosphere in the hall remained heavy, and no one spoke. Hong Ling kept her head down, silent, but her gaze lingered on her beloved. Purple Bamboo trembled with fear by her side, and Deng Zhiwen's bright eyes scrutinized me. And I observed the three of them, understanding much from their expressions.

"Today, Cousin suddenly came to visit. I wonder what it's for?" I broke the silence first and asked.

Hong Ling looked uneasily at me, then at Deng Zhiwen. She wanted to say something but no sound came out, and she lowered her head in disappointment.

"Bang!" As soon as I finished speaking, Deng Zhiwen, who had been sitting, unexpectedly knelt in front of me. This action shocked me, and it frightened Hong Ling, who was about to cry.

"Cousin, what does this mean? It's said that a man's knees are made of gold," I bent down to try to help him up, but he remained as immovable as a rock. Seeing the distress in Hong Ling's eyes, I quickly spoke up, "If you have something to say, your actions will only make Ling'er sad."

"General, I've heard that you are an upright and righteous man. Today, I, Deng Zhiwen, beg you to return my wife and child," Deng Zhiwen had thought for a long time before making today's decision. He believed that Pujun was a man of integrity and would not treat Ling'er well if he didn't know that she carried his child. But he forgot to consider that Pujun was unaware of Hong Ling's pregnancy. By causing such a scene, it would endanger the Du and Deng families.

Oh heavens! He's actually kneeling to someone for my sake. How can I bear such affection? Hong Ling was shocked by Deng Zhiwen's feelings for her, but she couldn't understand how he knew that she was carrying his child.

"Miss, Madam. It's Purple Bamboo's fault. It was Purple Bamboo who witnessed the Young Master insulting the Miss that day and blurted it out," Purple Bamboo knelt down in panic, revealing how Deng Zhiwen came to know about the situation.

However, I had a bad feeling. Yang Yan must have found out about that incident. It seemed that he couldn't escape his scrutiny. My head was throbbing with pain.

"Now, Ling'er is already my wife, and the child in her belly is my heir. You come here today to reclaim them, have you considered the consequences?" I spoke in a cold and emotionless voice.

"If the General is willing to show mercy, I, Deng Zhiwen, will take Red Ling far away and never set foot in Qi Chengguo again," Deng Zhiwen insisted on taking Hong Ling with him, even if they had to wander in a foreign land.

Their profound affection compelled me, making it difficult for me to harden my heart and refuse. But if I didn't refuse, how would I face the Prime Minister and his wife, Yang Yan's malicious intentions, and the ignorant words of the people? If I refused today, it wouldn't guarantee that Deng Zhiwen wouldn't cause trouble in the future. Looking at Hong Ling's expectant expression, do you also want to spend your life with him, Hong Ling?

"In one month, I will take Ling'er to the northern frontier. If you truly have the intention, I will arrange for you to leave after we arrive in the north," Yes, when we arrive in the north, I won't have to worry about so much. Madam? At that time, finding a replacement will be sufficient.

Deng Zhiwen and Hong Ling couldn't believe that I had agreed so quickly to let them leave.

"Big Brother," Hong Ling whispered, but I stopped her.

I helped Deng Zhiwen, who was still kneeling on the ground, stand up. "In the future, you must treat Ling'er well."

"I guarantee with my own life," Deng Zhiwen vowed earnestly.

I slowly pulled Purple Bamboo out of the hall, leaving the troubled lovers alone. I just didn't want to see them suffer from love without reciprocation. Whatever happens in the future, consider it as my repayment, Hong Ling.