Chapter Nineteen: The Assembly of Exchange

Si Yan had not expected to see Ye Qianling here. As the fifth princess of Ye Kingdom, the most cherished daughter of the emperor, Ye Qianling was both accomplished in literature and martial arts, beloved and admired by countless people. No matter what mistakes she made, it would never warrant placing her in such a place. After arriving at South Garden in the Western Suburbs, Si Yan handed in his registration form, glanced at Ye Qianling sleeping nearby, and, unable to resist, was inexplicably drawn to her side.

Ye Qianling had spent many years on the battlefield; even in slumber, her body possessed a sensitivity far beyond ordinary people. Yet, due to severe injuries and the effects of strong anesthetics—even as their potency waned—her reaction speed was still impeded. Thus, even when Si Yan approached, Ye Qianling remained unaware.

When Ye Qianling opened her eyes, Si Yan’s heart seemed to skip a beat. He stared into those expressive eyes, unable to tear his gaze away. Seeing her shy expression and the blush on her cheeks, Si Yan, for the first time, felt a desire to draw close to someone.

He longed to hold her, to gently pinch her cheek and say, “You’re truly beautiful,” and even more, to have this girl belong wholly to him.

Throughout more than a decade of life, Si Yan had felt little love—aside from his maternal grandfather, his uncle who always considered his status, the late imperial grandfather who regarded him as a precious treasure and entrusted him with the fate of the empire, and his mother’s gentle admonitions in childhood. But as he grew, those people either left his life or taught him only the ways of palace survival, placing endless hope upon him. Of the deepest love in this world, not one imparted even a fragment of its essence. Thus, he was incapable of understanding love, not knowing how to love another. Such a person, in truth, is pitiable; this manner of upbringing is a failure. It inevitably led Si Yan to seize what interested him, making his first instinct to snatch, to possess, to use any means to ensure it never left his life. Only when something was powerless to escape could he feel secure that it would remain his forever. Like the kite his mother made for him over a decade ago—Si Yan clung to it, forbidding anyone to touch it. This intense insecurity manifested in behavior others found terrifying, leaving him isolated; he could only be a noble king, yet also a lonely wanderer.

Perhaps such a person is fit to be a sovereign standing above all, but he will never be the lover who belongs solely to you.

Ye Qianling felt, at first glance, that this person was different from others—not the kind of boy who instinctively flirted or sought closeness, nor a playboy, but someone suited to be a listener, an inquirer, a friend.

“My name is Wu Ling, fifteen years old, from the capital. With no family to rely on, I came to South Garden in the Western Suburbs to survive. And you, what brought you here?” The pain from her fractured bone radiated from her chest, and she struggled to sit up, forcing her signature polite smile, though the curve at her lips made her look more like she was crying than smiling.

Si Yan asked nothing. Seeing Ye Qianling’s discomfort, he knew the girl was unwell, yet, as the emperor’s son, he also understood the pride of those in high positions who disliked showing pain.

“I am Chi Yan, a hunter from the north. I hunted a rare wild unicorn and was caught by the authorities, sentenced to ten years in prison. But because of my skills, I was ordered to undergo the South Garden’s assessment. I must succeed this time, or I’ll face ten years behind bars.” In the Yan Kingdom’s palace, Si Yan was known for his impassive demeanor; the length of this introduction was likely the most he’d spoken in years.

He wasn’t lying. Before coming to South Garden, he had prepared thoroughly. He disguised himself as a hunter on the border of Ye and Yan Kingdoms, hunted a unicorn, deliberately allowed himself to be caught, and imprisoned. He had calculated the biennial recruitment for South Garden, used some tricks, and arrived here.

“Ten years?” Ye Qianling was incredulous upon hearing that hunting a unicorn warranted a decade-long sentence. “Ten years for a unicorn? That’s outrageous. Did you offend someone?”

Si Yan offered no further explanation. To lengthen his sentence and justify his entry into South Garden, he had even killed a minor official. Because his victim was insignificant, he received ten years; Si Yan had considered the term too short, but fearing he’d miss the opportunity, he made no further moves and found his way here.

Not just anyone could enter South Garden. Both literary talent and martial prowess had to be above average to have a chance at cultivation, becoming a qualified shadow guard. Sometimes, talent outweighed diligence. Genius determined the highest possible standard, while those who only worked hard but were mediocre could reach only middling heights. Edison’s adage—that genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration—did not always apply, especially in South Garden’s selection process.

Many might wonder why only Si Yan, a Yan Kingdom prince, recognized the beautiful and noble girl as Ye Kingdom’s fifth princess, while none of Ye’s own people did. Consider: would a princess come to the place that was the nightmare of the entire Ye Kingdom? Even if Ye Qianling wished to come, her father, Emperor Guangde, would never permit it. Few had seen her, and none would believe she’d appear here. With information tightly sealed, only Guangde, her siblings, and a few top officials knew; no one else could have learned.

Ye Qianling was easygoing and rarely offended anyone. If there was anyone she had antagonized, it would be Wan Feng; even then, it was not truly her fault, but circumstance.

Ye Qianling looked at Si Yan, whose every gesture radiated dominance. She was skeptical but, out of courtesy, didn’t contradict him, merely masking her pain with a hand over her numbed ribs. “Then we are kindred spirits—both here out of necessity. I must come for my livelihood; you, to avoid prison. This assessment is crucial for us both.”

“Yes. I am glad to have met you on my first day here.” Si Yan seldom expressed his feelings; after uttering these words, he paused, realizing how different this was from his usual reserved manner. For one so forceful and inscrutable, this candid expression unsettled him, a flicker of coldness passing through his eyes.

Ye Qianling, distracted by pain, missed that fleeting look. Had she seen it, perhaps she would have kept her guard, stayed away, and avoided being tormented, losing herself, perhaps even destroying her body and much of her life.

Neither knew what to say or how to quickly forge familiarity. Ye Qianling felt awkward, unable to think of a topic, while Si Yan was never one to seek conversation.

Speaking with Ye Qianling was partly out of interest, partly to glean useful information. As a female war god with a high military rank, even as a commander, she surely knew many Ye Kingdom secrets. Si Yan, a crown prince of a rival nation, was hiding here not only for survival but also to avoid wasting his efforts. A true strategist never fights a battle without gain.

Ye Qianling had met countless people; knowing this person was extraordinary, she was determined to be first in the assessment two years hence. From his aura to his words, everything announced he was no ordinary competitor. To know oneself and one’s enemy was the path to victory.

“Everyone from far and wide, welcome to South Garden. We are honored by your presence. The first assessment will soon begin—please follow me.” A young man in white robes approached, his expression blank, phoenix eyes slightly narrowed, speaking as if by rote, devoid of human emotion.

He was Bai Hanhai, South Garden’s most outstanding talent in five years. The only shadow guard to attain the rank of general, he was intimately familiar with Ye Qianling, the two having fought side by side in many campaigns. Though cold as ice, he was considerate and loyal to like-minded friends.

Five years ago, during his final South Garden assessment, Bai Hanhai far outstripped the second-place candidate, always ranking at the top since he began. Emperor Guangde specially appointed him as South Garden’s instructor, establishing the precedent of a shadow guard without a master, and he belonged to the royal military system—a genius of Ye Kingdom.

Guangde admired Bai Hanhai greatly, but because of intrigue among family factions, Bai Hanhai’s branch was ruthlessly destroyed by his second uncle. Even Bai Hanhai himself was exiled to this place of turbulence. Once innocent and kind, Bai Hanhai was now hardened by his time in South Garden, his edges worn smooth. This experience always left Ye Qianling with a sense of unease.

When Ye Qianling was very young, Bai Hanhai and her eldest brother, Ye Qianchen, grew up together as close friends. Their abilities, courage, and personalities were outstanding, hailed as the twin stars of Ye Kingdom’s younger generation. Yet, due to family strife, Bai Hanhai’s father, hereditary Prince Ning, was accused of colluding with Yan Kingdom. It took an hour to review the evidence, barely finishing. Prince Ning had an excellent reputation, but after his downfall, Bai Hanhai’s branch suffered devastating losses; all perished save Bai Hanhai, whose survival was only secured by the desperate efforts of Ye Qianchen and his siblings. No one else remained alive.