Outside the city gates, military banners fluttered in the wind.
Atop the watchtower, a man in black robes lounged against a stone pillar. His cold, ink-black eyes looked down from on high, fixed on Zhou Junlin, who stood among the troops in white armor and a matching phoenix-winged helmet.
Mounted on a tall white steed with a silver longspear in hand, Zhou Junlin stood at the army's vanguard, looking like a god descended to the mortal world.
The man's beautifully colored lips curled slightly. "Let's go."
"Yes."
The Shadow Guard, holding a bright yellow tray covered with a dark yellow satin cloth, followed him down from the watchtower.
Just then, Song Xingfeng arrived with a group of military generals. "Your subjects have come to see Your Highness, Prince Ling, off! We wish you a triumphant return!"
Zhou Junlin dismounted and returned the salute.
Song Xingfeng cleared his throat and said in a low voice, "My daughter has also come to see Your Highness off."
Zhou Junlin's first thought was of Song Xilan, but his gaze turned to ice when he saw who emerged from the carriage.
But he had to keep up appearances. The past two days had been a whirlwind of scandal after he privately gifted a relic from his late mother to his fiancée's older sister. The gossip was so widespread that even the Emperor had indirectly warned him about it.
That was why General Song had deliberately brought Song Lianhe today—to silence the gossips.
Song Lianhe caught the indifference in his eyes and scoffed. 'As if I'm any happier to see him,' she thought.
Just then, Song Xilan peeked out from the carriage.
"Your Highness..."
The delight on Zhou Junlin's face was unmistakable when he saw her. "Xilan..."
Song Xingfeng's expression darkened. A colleague, witnessing the scene, even joked, "General Song, your two beautiful daughters are certainly eager to show their gratitude!"
"Heh, you can say that again! No matter which daughter it is, one of them will marry the Prince. Once you've secured such a fine match, General, don't you forget about us!"
Song Xingfeng was so furious he could barely see straight.
He had warned his eldest daughter before she left the carriage. She had promised to stay inside and simply watch from afar, but who knew...
After the ugly scene the two Song sisters had caused just the other day, there were plenty of onlookers eager for more drama.
Zhou Junlin went forward and offered his hand. Song Xilan smiled sweetly, placed her slender hand in his, and let him help her down from the carriage.
Song Lianhe, the *actual* fiancée, was left standing like a piece of furniture, cast aside by the "perfect couple."
As Zhou Cangyan slowly descended from the watchtower, his eyes landed on Song Lianhe, who was standing behind the other two with her arms crossed.
He stopped in his tracks.
Sensing the irrepressible killing intent radiating from his master, the Shadow Guard's heart tightened. He quickly stepped forward and whispered a reminder, "My Lord, don't let a minor impulse jeopardize our plans."
Zhou Cangyan ground his back teeth. After a long moment, a signature wicked, charming smile spread across his face.
"That's right. We have all the time in the world."
Meanwhile, after Zhou Junlin had helped Song Xilan from the carriage, she seemed to come to her senses, quickly withdrawing her hand so as not to put him in an awkward position in public.
"Your Highness, my sister was worried about you, so she begged Father to bring her to see you off. I... I just came to accompany her."
'Of course Zhou Junlin knew she was just trying to avoid suspicion.'
His face fell, especially when Song Xilan urged him to speak with her sister. His aversion to his fiancée was so great he could no longer be bothered to even pretend otherwise.
He took a deep breath, turned, and began, "Second Miss Song..."
But before Zhou Junlin could say more, Song Lianhe shoved him aside. "Move!"
"..."
Zhou Junlin froze, staring at her in disbelief.
This was the first time Song Lianhe had witnessed the grand pageantry of an ancient army marching to war. Gazing at the perfectly arrayed soldiers behind him, an expression of awe and reverence filled her face.
'Whether in ancient times or modern,' she thought, 'soldiers who defend their home and country are always worthy of respect!'
Song Lianhe was truly moved by the sight. She walked forward slowly, the blood in her veins seeming to boil. Without a second thought, she shouted to all the soldiers, "All of you, come back safe! Your families are waiting for you! You are the bravest, greatest soldiers of the Da Cheng Dynasty! With your loyal hearts, protect our Da Cheng!"
Her shout stunned not only Zhou Junlin, but also Song Xingfeng and the other generals, who all froze on the spot.
The soldiers below were instantly inspired. She may have looked like a delicate young lady, but her small frame contained astonishing power, and her words struck a chord deep in their hearts.
The soldiers raised their arms and roared, "With loyal hearts, protect our Da Cheng! With loyal hearts, protect our Da Cheng!"
In a daze, Song Xingfeng seemed to see his late wife.
'Shuniang...'