Chapter Twenty: Bai Hanhai

Because Bai Hanhai had spent two years in the Southern Garden of the Western Outskirts, his edges had been nearly worn away; the arrogance and brilliance he once possessed had gradually faded with the passage of time. Ye Qianling did not hurry to rise, but simply gazed quietly at the seemingly numb Bai Hanhai, falling into a moment of reflection.

This was why no one liked to come here—whatever curse this place bore, it could grind down a spirited soul into this. Such a mindset, one that showed not a shred of self-interest, appeared almost idiotic in the eyes of ordinary people. Ye Qianling had no desire to become like this after two years here; though it felt unkind to think of Bai Hanhai in this way, she believed that there was no meaning in living without any sense of self. She truly did not wish to follow in his footsteps. Even as a princess, she was afraid—she had never known what methods the Southern Garden of the Western Outskirts used to turn people into machines for killing.

“Miss Wu, it’s time to go in.” Si Yan, who stood beside her, noticed where Ye Qianling’s eyes were fixed and followed her gaze—it was the man called the exiled immortal, the machine general. He knew the two were acquainted.

Si Yan had once investigated this man, learning all his deeds and achievements, and held a deep admiration for him. He had even thought that, had this man been born and raised in Yan, he would have had every reason and ability to bring him under his command. Si Yan admired his tenacity and indomitable spirit. Yet, two years later, seeing Bai Hanhai with vacant eyes and a hollow will upon returning to the battlefield, he felt only regret for his fate and lamented the change. If life had dealt him a different hand, perhaps the twin stars of old could have stood together on the field of war—not like now, where no matter the merit earned, he could never escape the status of a shadow guard, forever one rank beneath the rest.

When Bai Hanhai emerged from the bamboo grove, he saw Ye Qianling sitting beneath a tree, speaking with a young man beside her. Only a quarter hour earlier had he received news that the Fifth Princess, Ye Qianling, had been sent to the Southern Garden of the Western Outskirts. His usually expressionless face betrayed a trace of disbelief. Only those who had experienced it themselves could understand how terrifying this place was. For Emperor Guangde to send his own daughter here—he might very well ruin Ye Qianling’s entire life. Having been through it himself, Bai Hanhai desperately hoped she would not follow his path. Unless he could find proof of his father’s wrongful conviction, he would always be a shadow guard, from birth to death, a curse upon his descendants.

Bai Hanhai and Ye Qianling’s brother, Ye Qianchen, had been the closest of brothers since childhood, growing up together, learning martial arts, and studying military strategy side by side—a bond deep as blood. As Ye Qianchen’s youngest sister, Ye Qianling had also trained with them since she was small. Bai Hanhai, an only child, had always longed for siblings, and when Ye Qianchen learned of this, he told him, “My sister is your sister, too.” From then on, Bai Hanhai had treated Ye Qianling like his own little sister, caring for her always.

Upon hearing the news, Bai Hanhai’s first instinct was to seek out Ye Qianchen for an explanation. Though his own sharpness had long been ground down, he had shifted all his hopes and affections onto those he cared for.

Ye Qianchen had not seen Bai Hanhai so agitated in a long time; seeing him arrive at the prince’s manor with such speed startled him. He greeted Bai Hanhai with a smile: “Hanhai, what brings you here? Has something happened? It’s been ages since I’ve seen you angry or anxious.”

Bai Hanhai ignored the banter, his face blank. “What’s happened with the Fifth Princess? I heard she’s been sent to the Southern Garden. Don’t you know what that place is? Are you trying to kill her?” His tone was uncharacteristically agitated, lacking its usual calm.

“Hanhai, I haven’t seen you like this in so long. It makes me happy, truly.” Ye Qianchen’s voice caught with emotion as he looked at his friend.

They had been such close friends, united in ambition to become the twin stars of Night, to expand its borders and rule the world. But the shadow guard status brought endless limitations—even with special permission from the emperor to attend generals’ meetings, Bai Hanhai could never command the army or win full respect.

After returning from the Southern Garden, Ye Qianchen had hoped to see the same spirited youth of old, crowned above all. But instead, he found only a soulless machine. The transformation of his once-proud brother in just two years was a sorrow that never faded from his heart.

Hearing Ye Qianchen’s words, Bai Hanhai lowered his head, averting his gaze. “Don’t say that. It doesn’t suit you to be so unrestrained. Tell me, whatever happens, Ye Qianling should never have been sent there. You know what that place is—you saw what it did to me. It’s not fit for anyone. I’m not trying to scare you; surely you don’t want to destroy her, too.” Bai Hanhai felt terrible inside, knowing his old friend wanted nothing more than for him to recover.

“This is the best we can do now,” Ye Qianchen replied helplessly. “Hanhai, Ling’er was framed for killing Ye Qianhao. Mother left to save her. If we don’t answer to the world for this, then what use is the law? Should it only serve the emperor’s favorites?”

“If you know she’s innocent, why still send her there? She’ll be ruined. Can you bear to see a lively child turned into what I am now?” Bai Hanhai’s emotions broke through; the best way to destroy someone was to strip them of self-will. Even if they retained it, they could not express it. He had suffered enough, and nothing could change him now, but Ye Qianling was still young—she still had a chance.

“She is a princess, the emperor’s daughter. He would not truly harm her. To save her life, this is our only choice.” Ye Qianchen placed a comforting hand on Bai Hanhai’s shoulder, knowing he would soon return to the Garden’s assessment and choosing not to invite him inside, hoping to ease his worry.

“Can you guarantee that, by then, the emperor will be able to restore Ye Qianling after she’s been broken beyond recognition?” Bai Hanhai asked quietly.

Ye Qianchen’s body stiffened, his lips twisting into a bitter smile. “Hanhai, look after Ling’er for me. She’s still just a child—leave the rest to me. Because of what happened to Mother, she can’t get past this. If you have time, talk to her.”

“Qianchen,” Bai Hanhai steadied himself, accepting that nothing could change now. “I’m not happy with my life now, and I don’t want Ling’er to end up like this.”

Knowing nothing could be done, Bai Hanhai rushed back to the assessment grounds.

When their eyes met, Bai Hanhai could clearly see the resignation and grief in Ye Qianling’s eyes—a persistent sorrow lingering between her brows. It mirrored his own state two and a half years ago.

They exchanged no greetings, simply turning away with silent understanding. Si Yan, who had been sitting beside Ye Qianling all along, saw the tears glistening in her eyes under the sunlight and was once again stunned by the scene.

“Let’s go.” After a moment’s thought, Si Yan patted Ye Qianling on the back. “What’s on your mind?”

“Nothing.” Ye Qianling looked up at Si Yan, who stood before her, blocking out the sunlight and casting her in shadow. For a brief moment, she didn’t mind the loss of warmth; her eyes were already wet with tears.

Unable to hide her distress, Ye Qianling rose to head toward the assembly point by the bamboo grove. Si Yan, unsettled by her tears, grabbed her arm almost instinctively. “Miss Wu, we’re friends now, aren’t we? If something is wrong, you can tell me—we can think of a solution together.”

“There’s nothing you can do.” The words struck Ye Qianling’s already troubled heart, and the sudden concern from a near stranger left her at a loss. Whenever she faced problems she couldn’t solve, she grew cold and distant, shutting others out. She quietly pulled her arm free, forced a smile, nodded, and walked away.

Along the way, she saw many people pass by Bai Hanhai, their eyes filled with admiration. Such a remarkable youth, famed and gifted, could not have his brilliance hidden, even as the lowliest shadow guard. For many who could not become shadow guards, their greatest goal was to be like Bai Hanhai—despite his lowly status, his military achievements and upright character shone like a clear moon and fresh breeze.

“My name is Wu Ling, orphan, from the capital, here to apply as a shadow guard,” Ye Qianling announced with a blank expression.

Female shadow guards were rare—extremely so. The difference in strength and other abilities between men and women was simply too great; it was a miracle if ten women passed in three years. Thus, as she arrived at the registration for assessment, nearly everyone stared at her. Aside from her pale face, there was little to criticize.

“Why do you want to join the shadow guards? Surely you know how few women dare to apply here—there’s a death quota, you realize.” Bai Hanhai, who seldom spoke, could not help himself. Ye Qianling lowered her eyes, not daring to meet his gaze.

“No parents or family, so I came here to make a living.” She fell back on the excuse she’d long prepared.

“Came here for a living? That’s a first.” For the first time, Bai Hanhai’s tone was aggressive. Those around wondered when this girl had offended the usually silent Bai Hanhai to make him so hostile toward her.

“Better here than in the pleasure quarters, isn’t it?” Ye Qianling finally looked up, understanding Bai Hanhai’s motives. Her smile was tinged with bitterness, her eyes pleading, almost imperceptibly: let me go.

Bai Hanhai’s pupils contracted, but he said nothing further. A middle-aged man, resembling a trainer, spoke to dispel the awkwardness. “It’s not easy for a girl to come here. Since you have, do your best. I wish you success in the assessment.”

Ye Qianling nodded politely. As she left, she glanced at Bai Hanhai’s silent figure, wanting to comfort him, but what right, what standing, what ability did she have now to be willful or act as she pleased?