The fire was immense, dyeing half the sky red. Even from a distance, the heat was palpable. The water carried by the palace servants was utterly useless.
From time to time, crackling sounds could be heard, and burning beams or pillars would collapse into the inferno, scattering sparks.
Sheng Lengshuang had a premonition that this fire was no accident. She asked the commander of the Imperial Guards, "How did the fire start?"
The commander shook his head, "We haven't figured it out yet. By the time we discovered it, the flames had already spread. But, coincidentally, a palace servant bumped into Sima Min, sending her into the fire, as if wanting to die with her."
Sheng Lengshuang suspected it was intentional. Could doing so save Sima Min?
She wasn't sure, but she knew Sima Min wouldn't die so easily. It was clear this fire was set to save Sima Min.
This meant there were still spies hidden within the palace.
"Sheng Lengshuang!" At that moment, she was enveloped in a familiar warm embrace.
Sheng Lengshuang patted Mo Lingxi's arm and said gently, "I'm fine. I was in the side hall, and the Imperial Guard commander saved me. Not a single strand of my hair was harmed."
Mo Lingxi pulled her close and examined her thoroughly. Confirming that not a single strand of her hair was out of place, his suspended heart finally settled.
He bowed to the commander of the Imperial Guards, "Thank you for saving my wife."
The commander dared not accept such a bow and quickly dodged it, "Your Highness Mingrui, you are too kind. This is my duty."
It was evident that Prince Mingrui truly cherished Miss Sheng.
Mo Lingxi grunted and looked at Sheng Lengshuang again, "I'll send someone to escort you out of the palace later. The matters within the palace haven't been fully discussed yet."
He had rushed over upon hearing that the Mingyue Palace had caught fire.
Sheng Lengshuang also knew she couldn't help by staying. She bit her lip, "Is war really inevitable? Then... who will lead the troops?"
Mo Lingxi didn't want to lie to her. After a long silence, he said, "I will lead the troops. Father-in-law will also be deployed to keep an eye on the other two countries, to prevent any mishaps."
Although Sheng Lengshuang had anticipated this, hearing the truth still filled her with worry and reluctance. "If..."
She gave a bitter smile, "I can't be unreasonable. You go discuss matters. I'll stay here and watch, and I'll leave the palace later."
She couldn't, and shouldn't, act rashly. This concerned the entire Eastern Jin Dynasty.
Mo Lingxi stroked her head and sighed softly, "I know you're worried, but I must lead the troops myself this time. The Southern Jin Dynasty's declaration of war is peculiar. If it were anyone else, His Majesty and I would not be at ease."
Sheng Lengshuang understood and nodded. Despite having a thousand words to say, she couldn't utter them. The two most important people in her life were about to go to war, and she was powerless to stop it.
"Don't worry too much. Your father-in-law and I will both be fine," Mo Lingxi comforted her.
Sheng Lengshuang knew how pale and powerless such comfort was. "Mm! You and Father must both be well. We'll be waiting for you in the Eastern Capital."
Mo Lingxi said "Okay," gave a few more instructions, and returned to the Imperial Study.
Sheng Lengshuang gazed blankly at the inferno, her heart unsettled.
...
The news of the Southern Jin Dynasty's sudden declaration of war spread like wildfire, causing a great uproar.
"That Southern Jin Dynasty is too untrustworthy! They just signed a peace treaty with our Eastern Jin Dynasty, and now they're attacking Chengmen Pass. It's detestable!"
"If not for the vigilance of Old General Fu, something truly disastrous might have happened."
"Hey, hey, hey, I heard that Prince Mingrui is leading the troops this time! And they say General Sheng will also be deployed to prevent other countries from causing trouble."
"Then our victory is assured! Prince Mingrui is our God of War. With him leading the charge, the Southern Jin Dynasty will be utterly routed."
"It's just as Prince Mingrui is about to get married, and the Southern Jin Dynasty is so malicious."
While the common people were outraged, the court was busy preparing provisions and arranging for soldiers.
Sheng Lengshuang was also busy preparing various medicinal powders and pills, while Madam Sheng was busy preparing daily necessities for General Sheng and Mo Lingxi to take with them.
As for Xiao Feng, he had been kept by Mo Lingxi. Mo Lingxi wanted Xiao Feng to understand the weight of his responsibilities and his own duties through this event.
Three nights later.
Mo Lingxi returned.
Seeing his slightly weary appearance, Sheng Lengshuang instructed a maid to prepare a meal, helped him sit in a chair, and handed him a teacup.
"Haven't you rested much these past few days?"
Mo Lingxi took a large gulp of tea and grunted, "The army will set off tomorrow."
Sheng Lengshuang was stunned for a moment, not expecting it to be so soon. "Only three or four days..."
Mo Lingxi understood her feelings and pulled her into his lap. "It's the vanguard. The main army and provisions will follow. I need to lead the vanguard to Chengmen Pass to gain control of the situation as quickly as possible."
Despite her reluctance, Sheng Lengshuang knew this was not something she should prevent. "Then you must be careful in everything. Think of me and Xiao Feng often."
Mo Lingxi kissed the corner of her lips. "I will definitely return alive. You take care in the Eastern Capital and bring more people with you when you go out."
Sheng Lengshuang nestled in his arms, feeling his warmth. "I will."
If not for her being a woman and it being inconvenient to accompany the army, she truly wished she could go with Mo Lingxi, at least as a field medic.
Mo Lingxi stroked her dark hair, lingering. "Once this war is over, there shouldn't be any major issues. Then, we'll properly prepare for our wedding."
"Okay," Sheng Lengshuang said no more, leaning against him quietly.
Mo Lingxi also fell silent.
They savored this moment of peace and reunion.
After dinner, Mo Lingxi took the medicine and daily necessities and had to return to the palace. He had taken time out to inform Sheng Lengshuang.
Sheng Lengshuang saw him off, her heart filled with reluctance and sadness, unsure of what to say.
The path they walked daily now seemed so dark, as if the next step led into an abyss.
"Don't think too much," Mo Lingxi said softly. "Take good care of yourself and Xiao Feng, and wait for me to return."
Sheng Lengshuang hummed a low reply. "Xiao Feng and I will wait for you to return."
As she looked up, she realized they had reached the main gate. Her reluctance and sadness intensified. "You..."
Mo Lingxi hugged her tightly, then turned and mounted his horse, leaving without looking back.
Sheng Lengshuang took a few steps to follow.
In the darkness, she could only vaguely see the silhouette of Mo Lingxi on his horse, growing further and further away until he was completely out of sight.
She hugged herself.
The candlelight in the lantern flickered a few times, unable to illuminate anything further, nor able to brighten Sheng Lengshuang's heart.
...
The next day.
In front of the main gate of the Imperial Palace.
Mo Lingxi, clad in light golden armor, stood beside a dark red horse. With a stern gaze, he led the vanguard and bowed to Emperor Zicheng, "Please rest assured, Your Majesty. We will surely return victorious."
The vanguard shouted in unison, "We will surely return victorious!"