i let go of Dugucheng and watched the scout with the letter in his hand, motioning him to come closer."What did he ask you to do"獨孤城湊上前，想要看看信上寫了什麼，風淩兮將信給他看，冷笑地說，“他倒是有臉跟我們借兵，還拿出兄弟情懷這樣的話來，你說可不可笑？我和他，哪來的...Dugu City looked at Ye Xi and said again, "Xiao Li seems reluctant to let the princess know that her internal injury hasn't fully healed. My subordinates said they could help her heal, and Xiao Li agreed to come to my subordinates later."

"How serious is Xiao Li's internal injuries, Xier I still don't know."

Dugu Cheng thought about Yexi'er's reaction last night, his dark eyes full of doubt.

"My lord, Xiao Li seems to be deliberately concealing something. I reckon she's afraid that if the princess finds out, she will be heartbroken."

"You should find an opportunity later to probe Xiao Li further. This king will go and see Luo Li."

It's certainly clear to me, but whether he's willing to tell him is another matter.

Holding two jugs of wine, Dugu City walked into Luoli's courtyard. Seeing Luoli admiring the snow alone, he smiled and walked over.

"Brother Lu, this king will drink with you."

Luo Li glanced at Du Gu Cheng, "I knew the Fourth Prince would come to find me, just didn't expect it to be so soon."

獨孤城坐到他身邊，遞給落離一罈酒，看著落離，“既然你知道本王的來意，本王想知道，落兄是否願意如實相告，本王保證絕對不會告訴兮兒。” Dugu Cheng sat beside him, handed Luo Li a jar of wine, and looked at Luo Li, "Since you know this king's intention, this king wants to know if Brother Luo is willing to tell the truth. This king guarantees that he will never tell Xi'er."

"Guess I'll ask anyway."

Luo Li opened the wine flask, took a sip, and looked at Du Gu Cheng, "You know why I didn't say anything It's because I was afraid of Si Wang Fei's blame. Her temper, you know it yourself. Although I am the leader of Yao Clan, in front of her, I am really nothing."

Luo Li took another sip of wine, “For this matter, I think it’s best to ask her directly. I'm afraid if I tell you, she might get angry and really ignore the Yao Clan. Then, I wouldn't be able to just sit idly by while their problems worsen.”

These words from Luoli made Dugu Cheng even more certain that Xi'er had really gotten into trouble in the Yao clan.

"Then tell this King, why would Xiao Li suffer such severe internal injuries, and still not be healed to this day."

Luo Li took a sip of wine, her eyes glazed over. "It was Yao Chu who did it. He almost killed Xiao Li. He was influenced by Yao Zhi, and Yao Chu is easily provoked. He lost his temper and hurt Xiao Li."

"Yao Shu wanted to hurt not Xiao Li, but Xi'er."

Dugu Cheng affirmed, Luo Li glanced at him, "You're right, Xiao Li is a loyal and protective girl. She shielded the Fourth Princess."

"So, Xi'er is angry this time because of this"

Luo Li nodded slightly, "Yes." Although she didn't finish her sentence, it was a way of giving Du Gu Cheng an explanation. As long as he didn't keep asking, Feng Ling Xi would really know, and wouldn't be angry or blame him either.

"What about Naxi'er Why has she lost so much weight recently Are things with the Yao clan really that complicated"

"I won't say anything about her. I'll just say what I said before, ask her yourself."

Luo Li raised her wine jug and clinked it with Dugu Cheng, then drank deeply by herself.

"I won't tell you without her permission, and don't ask me again."

Then tell me, Your Highness, did something truly happen to Xi’er during her time in the Yao clan

"Leave and ask yourself," he said, nodding.

Dugu Cheng stood up, looked at Luoli and said nothing. Knowing he wouldn't say anything more, he didn't press him further.

For Luo Li, what he said was enough. If he continued, he was afraid this year would be over.

Feng Ling Xi's matters, it's best to let her speak to Dugu City herself. He owes her, and telling Dugu City won't make up for it.

Heavy snow fell, the weather was cold, but who knows, a heartbroken person felt even colder.

He still remembered the snow that year was just as heavy as it was now. He knelt in the snow for a day and a night, just to see that person once, but in the end, he still failed to do so, missing the last chance.

Luo Li looked up and sighed, pouring another swig of wine into his mouth. The corners of his eyes were wet, he felt regret and shame.

Dugu Cheng walked out from Luoli, his expression complex.

He wanted to know what had happened to Xi'er, but he didn't dare ask her directly.

He was afraid that Xi'er wouldn't say anything, and he was also afraid that Xi'er would overthink things.

"My Lord, I think it would be best if you asked the Lady Empress directly. As husband and wife, you should share both joy and hardship. Now that the Lady Empress is troubled, if you ask her, I believe she will tell you. You needn't hesitate any further."

Dugu City handed the wine to Ye Xi and walked towards the room.

He also knew that Ye Xi's words were right. He also wanted to ask for clarification and resolve the doubts in his heart.

But who knows the turmoil in his heart Xi'er wept in his embrace, crying even in her sleep. The pain she carried within, he knew it. It ran deep, a wound she kept hidden. He dared not ask, for his questions might tear open those scars.

He didn't want to, but he dared not. It was because of heartache.

Ultimately, his love was too humble.

Dugu Cheng leaned against the door, watching Xi'er and Xiao Li eating pastries inside. He watched the faint smile on her face, which was missing the carefree nature of the past. Even when smiling, there was a hint of melancholy mixed in.

Xier's biggest change this time back is definitely here.

"My Lord, I have something to request your audience."

When General Li learned that Dugu City was here, he came to report. Dugu City hurriedly walked out and motioned for General Li to step back, lest Xi'er discover them.

But he didn't know, when General Li appeared, Feng Lingxi sensed it. Seeing Dugu City standing at the door, both Feng Lingxi and Xiao Li were startled. Before they could go out, they saw them walk away.

"Your Majesty, will the King not discover this"

Xiao Li nervously glanced outside, thinking about Ye Xi's reaction today. It seemed like she was deliberately testing her.

"If you've found out, just be honest with him. I just don't know how to tell him. It's not that I don't intend to tell him, it's just a matter of time before he finds out anyway." Feng Lingxi ate a pastry, the sadness in her eyes made people feel sorry for her.

Yesterday, he should have noticed it.

Feng Lingxi opened her mouth, "I don't know how to tell him about this. I want to keep it a secret, but I can't hide it anymore."

"Your Highness, shall I help you speak with the King"

Feng Lingxi shook her head, her eyes filled with a touch of sympathy, "That's it then, let nature take its course."

Xiao Li heard the princess's words, feeling even more heartache.

"Xiao Li, is there any news from your mother over at A Man's place"

Aman knew that his mother was still alive, so he secretly searched for her whereabouts. But these days, even after returning, there was no news of his mother. He didn't know where she was now. The Yao tribe was in turmoil, and the capital was restless with plans to get rid of him.

She's really lucky to be alive.

"No, Aman left yesterday with General Sun. They said they were going to a nearby town to look for news, but I hope they find the Holy Master." Xiao Li looked at the Queen's worried eyes and comforted her, "Your Majesty, don't worry so much. The servant is worried about your health. You've really lost too much weight recently."

"You know, isn't this about making up for my health"

Feng Lingxi clutched the pastry and shoved it into her mouth, but after just a small bite, she couldn't eat anymore. She had something on her mind, and she had no appetite at all.

"Your Highness, Shadow Six requests an audience."

A figure appeared at the door. Feng Lingxi saw Yingliu and hurriedly said, "Come in quickly."Li Wuyan said yesterday, she found it rather amusing. He had come rather quickly."A-Yan told me you'd be back in three days, it seems he was right."Luo Li glanced at her, her gaze falling on her abdom...