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In the train compartment, a fragrant aroma filled the air. Cheng Mo Su rested her chin on her hand, gazing out at the icy, snowy world. The soft golden light was overshadowed by the blinding white glare, and above her head, the rumbling sound of steam from the train echoed. Only she and Xiao Zuo Wei occupied the compartment, and an inexplicable sense of tension wrapped around her, as if her heart had been pierced by glass—only a slight sting, yet blood flowed uncontrollably.
It was her persistent persuasion that had led Xiao Zuo Wei to bring her to Feng Province. After Shangguan Shaoyi left that day, her worries grew stronger. Huang Chenghao was dead, and another mole in the military could continue to hide their identity; Shangguan Shaoyi's situation was quite dangerous. She couldn't remain within the protective circle he had drawn for her; they needed to weather the storm together and move forward hand in hand—that was her hope.
So she wanted to be by his side, facing everything together.
"Xiao Su, eat something. I just had the kitchen prepare your favorites," Xiao Zuo Wei said, noticing she hadn't eaten all day and feeling anxious. Cheng Mo Su looked down at the black sesame paste, shao mai, spring rolls, and sweet rice balls on the table. Seeing Xiao Zuo Wei's concerned expression, she smiled lightly and slowly began to eat with a spoon. Only then did Xiao Zuo Wei let out a sigh of relief and said with a smile, "Shaoyi is very skilled in leading troops into battle, and this time he has Zhang Chi Qi's intelligence on his side, so you can rest assured."
Upon hearing Zhang Chi Qi's name, Cheng Mo Su felt an overwhelming wave of unease wash over her. She stirred the sesame paste aimlessly; its rich aroma wafted up and filled her mouth. "Brother Zuo Wei, I can't shake the feeling that Zhang Chi Qi is problematic. At first, it was just a gut feeling, but after sitting on the train this morning and thinking it through, I believe he is the most likely suspect to be a mole."
Xiao Zuo Wei looked at her quietly; his marble-like bright eyes held a hint of inquiry. Cheng Mo Su wore a gentle smile on her face, but her tone trembled slightly. "Shaoyi discovered Huang Chenghao was a traitor while on the train. Upon arriving in New Beicheng, he immediately sent someone to bring Huang Chenghao's parents over. However, Lin Hongyao soon found out about this matter, which indicates that the mole cannot be any soldiers from New North; their actions couldn't have been so swift."
Her words were clear and logical; he hadn't thought deeply about these matters before. Seeing her sit silently with a fading smile at the corners of her lips while not touching the shao mai or spring rolls—only staring at the now unrecognizable black sesame paste—he continued, "Since Lin Hongyao is naturally suspicious, once this mole saw Huang Chenghao's parents being brought to Beijing, they would have immediately reported it to Lin Hongyao. The connection here is exceptionally tight; thus it’s evident that this person must have boarded the train with us and is monitoring our every move."
Xiao Zuo Wei's heart tightened as he took over her thoughts. "Shen Deputy Officer can't be involved; he owes a great debt of gratitude to the Shangguan family, and neither can I. Therefore, Zhang Chi Qi is our biggest suspect." He tightened his grip on the teapot suddenly. "Just now Zhang Chi Qi delivered new intelligence to Shaoyi; if he truly is a mole, then this information must have been sent by Lin Hongyao specifically for him to deliver. Shaoyi is in great danger right now!"
Cheng Mo Su quietly closed her eyes, afraid to think too deeply about it. She resented herself for not understanding these connections sooner. She lacked even the strength to hold onto the spoon and had to support her forehead with her hand; her heartbeat felt pale and weak. If Shaoyi fell into an ambush… if Shaoyi were no longer here… she wanted desperately to cast these thoughts away into oblivion but found herself unable to do so; they clung to her like glue at her heart’s core, causing a dull ache with every tug.
"Shaoyi is sharp-eyed; he will notice it. Xiao Su, don't worry too much," Xiao Zuo Wei said as panic began to rise within him as well. He could only calm himself first before comforting Cheng Mo Su.
Cheng Mo Su shook her head; it was unclear whether her expression was one of crying or smiling. "Shaoyi is indeed very clever, but one person's energy is limited. He has been fighting continuously these past few days—comforting wounded soldiers and strategizing—how could he possibly have time to think about these matters?" She sat quietly without hearing what else Xiao Zuo Wei said; she felt as if everything since meeting Shaoyi had turned dreamlike. The vibrant colors that had painted over her empty years were now drifting further away from her grasp. Outside the window, heavy snow continued to fall; what had once been an eagerly anticipated sight from childhood now felt utterly lifeless.
Feng Province seemed even colder than Hot Province. Everyone bundled up clumsily in thick layers like round meatballs; only she wore a qipao that stood out starkly against the icy landscape. She managed a weak smile; after being frozen for so long, she felt numb—unaware of how frost formed in the air or how water turned into ice—lost in confusion.
The military vehicle has arrived, and a squad leader is there to greet them. Upon seeing Cheng Mo Su, he pauses in surprise, "Your telegram only mentioned that you would come alone. Why is Miss Cheng here..."
"I had no choice; she insisted on coming with me," Xiao Zuowei said helplessly, gesturing for the squad leader to sit in the back while he drove.
Cheng Mo Su was wrapped in Xiao Zuowei's coat, feeling as if she was enveloped in a warm glow, her body no longer so stiff. She anxiously asked, "What is the current military situation?"
"The Young Marshal is still commanding at the front lines; we should be able to take it tonight," the squad leader replied, his tone filled with great joy. "Indeed, like father, like son. The way the Young Marshal leads troops and fights reminds me so much of the Great Marshal; it brings back memories of those days following the Great Marshal." She didn't pay much attention to the rest of his words; she only heard that he was safe, and the wounds in her heart slowly began to heal, restoring her sense of feeling. Above her head was a pale sky, yet she inexplicably saw light descending gracefully.
Inside the command tent, Shangguan Shaoyi held a map, his gun aimed directly at the battlefield. They would definitely win this battle! Feng Province was finally going to be reclaimed by him!
Beside him, Zhang Chiqi was utterly confused. He distinctly remembered executing Lin Hongyao's orders; how did it end up seeming like he was helping Shangguan Shaoyi instead?
"Chiqi," Shangguan Shaoyi said, his eyes dark as pitch. "Thanks to your intelligence, our army could break through so quickly." Zhang Chiqi nodded with a forced smile, his doubts deepening. Suddenly realizing something, he shifted his suspicion onto his commander Shaofeng. Could it be that Shaofeng had miscommunicated the orders?!
Shangguan Shaoyi rubbed his aching temples; he had long been sleep-deprived and was relying solely on willpower to keep going. He stepped out of the tent, wanting to gaze upon the land that had nurtured him. As soon as he stood outside, he froze in place, unsure if it was days of longing that caused him to hallucinate or if his lack of sleep had plunged him into a dream. He saw a delicate figure swaying amidst the wind and snow; the cold winter wind lifted layers of snow from the ground and blew through her ink-black hair. She wore a blue-and-white porcelain Qipao and smiled gently at him, her eyes clear and lively like water, her cheeks still soft and serene. Snowflakes fell onto her hair, shoulders, arms, and waist, creating an ethereal elegance around her. She seemed to be swayed by the wind and was about to fall.
He rushed towards her and embraced her tightly, feeling that she was as cold as an ice pop; his arms trembled around her. His hand brushed through her smooth hair, and he could smell her orchid-like fragrance enveloping him in warmth. The fatigue of recent days dissipated as emptiness filled up; he carried her into the tent horizontally and gazed at her snow-white skin, pitch-black eyes, and rose-red lips as if time had stopped. He furrowed his brows tightly and said, "Cheng Mo Su, how could you come to such a dangerous place?"
"For the same reason," she smiled slightly and looked deeply at him as if recalling a scene from a dream. She softly said, "Because you are here." He held her hand tightly; his eyes grew brighter as warmth spread through his heart. Leaning down to look into her watery eyes, Lip Corners slowly curled into a smile.
A few days later came good news from Feng Province.
Lin Hongyao trembled violently as he held the report in his hand and tore it into pieces. His gun barrel pointed at his aide as he shouted angrily, "Feng Province has already been captured by them! I sent you to find Shaofeng to relay information; why is this still the result?! Why did Shangguan Lin attack Feng Province according to plan?!" He pulled the trigger; bullets fired rapidly, scaring the aide into immobility as several bullets embedded themselves into the wall around him—any slight movement would mean getting shot.
Lin Hongyao let his gun arm drop, his eyes filled with menace. "Could it be that Zhang Chiqi is one of his people?"
The lieutenant swallowed nervously and said, "Are you implying that Zhang Chiqi is a double agent?"
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