As soon as they entered the bedroom, King Yibo pulled Zhan into a fierce embrace, holding him so tightly it felt as though he wanted to merge them into one body. Zhan could feel the wild rhythm of the King's heart, each thundering beat making his own chest tighten with panic. He tried to lift his head to look at Yibo, but the King wouldn't give him the slightest chance.
King Yibo's breathing grew rough and unsteady. Still, he refused to release Zhan, preventing him from helping in any way. Zhan tried to pull back, to adjust himself, but his strength wasn't enough. Then.... unexpectedly....he broke into tears.
King Yibo abruptly let go, but didn't allow their eyes to meet. He stepped around Zhan and walked straight to the window, standing rigidly as he stared down at the palace courtyard below.
Zhan collapsed to his knees where he stood, his tears flowing freely. For ten long minutes, the room held nothing but the sound of his crying, while King Yibo remained frozen by the window like a statue carved for an ancient tale.
When dizziness began clouding Zhan's vision, he slowly pushed himself up. Hunger twisted painfully through his stomach....he hadn't eaten since the previous day. He sat heavily on the edge of the bed, clutching his throbbing hands. They were swollen and sore from the harsh grip King Yibo had used earlier.
The sting pushed him to rub them gently, trying to ease the pain. He didn't notice the King leaving the window.....only felt him suddenly kneeling in front of him, taking Zhan's hands carefully into his own.
Zhan glanced at his face and King Yibo instantly looked down, avoiding his eyes. His gaze had turned terrifyingly wild and bright, his expression strangely transformed....as if distress alone had remolded every line of his face. There wasn't even a trace of tears left, only raw turmoil.
King Yibo rubbed Zhan's hands softly, and after a moment....like words dragged forcibly from the depths of his chest....he whispered, "I'm sorry."
Zhan raised his head at once, startled. Seeing the way the King stared into his palms, eyes trembling with fear, sent another wave of tears spilling down Zhan's cheeks. He lifted one hand to touch Yibo's jaw, fingers brushing the soft place. With quiet determination, he forced the King to meet his gaze.
Zhan's voice shook as he murmured,
"Please… cry. Even if it's just a little, my Lion. Cry. Cry....for me...for yourself...four us. I'll keep every tear safe. I'll bury them inside me with the secrets you entrusted to me…"
Before he could finish, tears burst from King Yibo's eyes like a broken dam. A painful, aching smile spread across Zhan's face as he watched them fall, his own tears returning with renewed force. Zhan cupped his hands together while the King's tears dripped into them.
When the tears filled his palms, Zhan lifted them to his lips and slowly licked the tears away, swallowing them before breaking into fresh sobs himself.
King Yibo lowered his head onto Zhan's thigh, kneeling on the soft carpet beside the bed. Zhan sat above him, tears falling onto the King's hair. After a moment, he rested his own head on top of King Yibo's, and they cried together, clinging to each other in quiet heartbreak.
A fever soon overtook King Yibo, burning hot enough to make him tremble. At the same time, Zhan felt sharp hunger pains twisting cruelly in his stomach. After all, he's not aline, Yibo forced himself upright to help Zhan drink some milk. Zhan tried, but immediately threw it up. Still, Yibo persisted, managing to help him sit and steady himself before offering more. Zhan managed a few sips, then turned his head away stubbornly and offer the remaining to the King. But king Yibo refused.
When Zhan began crying again, the King reluctantly drank half a cup before looking away in silence.
After that, the two of them curled up together under the covers. King Yibo's fever radiated so fiercely it seeped into Zhan's bones.
When his condition only worsened, Zhan urgently called Prince Aoying. They arrived immediately with the royal doctor. The doctor's expression grew dark the moment he checked the King....his blood pressure had spiked dangerously, and his heartbeat had turned unstable.
Without hesitation, the doctor prepared a strong sedative. If King Yibo remained like this much longer, things could turn disastrous.
At first, the King refused to let them inject him. Only when Zhan's tears fell again did King Yibo finally turn his head away and fall silent, allowing the doctor to proceed.
Prince Aoying finally gestured for the doctor to proceed, giving him silent permission. Yibo was still seated on Zhan's lap, tears streaming down Zhan's face as he held on the King tightly.
Even with the strength of the sedative, King Yibo didn't fall asleep immediately. It took a long while before exhaustion finally dragged him under.
Zhan remained there, letting the King's head rest on his thigh until nightfall. His legs eventually went numb from staying in one position. He carefully lifted Yibo's head onto a pillow, then stood and went to the bathroom. When he returned, he began meditating to steady himself.
Not long after, Dowager Ruyan arrived with Daneen, Chuchu, and Wuxia to check on Yibo.
They didn't enter the bedroom.... only the sitting area. Wuxia looked around curiously; it was her first time stepping into the King's private quarters. When Zhan stepped out, she immediately lowered her head, the fear in her chest making her movements small and stiff, becouse after what Zhan did to Banou and her accomplice, Wuxia was afraid of him now.
Dowager Ruyan approached him with warmth and concern, pulling him into a gentle embrace before lifting his chin to look at him.
"My grandson, you're not well either. You have a fever. You need to eat couse you're pregnant."
Zhan's eyes filled with tears as he shook his head. "I'm fine, Grandma. I'm full."
"That's impossible. You're not alone anymore." She glanced back. "Wuxia, bring him something light to eat."
Wuxia hurried toward the dining room, trembling so much that even her steps annoyed Chuchu....but she couldn't complain. Soon she returned with a tray. Dowager Ruyan took it herself and began feeding Zhan.
He chewed as if swallowing medicine. After four spoonfuls he whispered, "I'm full."
Dowager Ruyan and Daneen coaxed him gently until he ate two more. Then they spent time soothing him, reminding him that he needed to calm himself first if he wanted to help steady King Yibo's emotions. Zhan accepted their advice quietly.
They eventually explained that Dowager Taihou's condition had worsened....her skin wounds were spreading, and the stench had grown so strong that even the doctors had hesitated to enter her chambers.
Zhan said nothing, but tear after tear fell down his face.
This was what he wanted her to avoid today, yet she had been brought to herself over and over again.
After a short while, they left his quarters. Zhan returned to the bedroom and sat beside King Yibo, murmuring small words of comfort and wishing for peace to settle over him.
King Yibo barely slept. When he woke in the middle of the night, Zhan supported him through the necessary tasks. Zhan then brought food, but the King refused to eat. Only when Zhan began crying again did King Yibo take two spoonfuls, after which Zhan let him rest, knowing the sedative still held him half-captive.
He lay back down quietly.
Just before dawn, a sharp, terrified scream jolted Zhan awake. He sprang to his feet as though someone had struck him. The scream repeated....loud, frantic, unending....so he rushed out in alarm.
Servants in King Yibo's wing had been deep asleep; only the guards and patrolling soldiers were awake. But even they were startled....the screams belong to them.
A fierce pain stabbed through Zhan's head. His vision flickered, and his more dangerous, cunning side snapped forward instantly.
In one swift motion, he snatched the sword from a guard near the entrance of the last floor.
The blade gleamed with a cold, terrifying brilliance, humming like a creature eager to strike.
In an instant he was in the center of the palace grounds. He slammed the sword against the stone floor so hard it echoed like a thunderclap.
"Anyone bold enough....step forward. Show yourselves. Now I common you." Zhan snapped and glared at the empty places.
Four figures materialized, naked except for leaves covering their waists, their bodies heaving, black flames curling around them.
Zhan spun the sword once, its metallic whistle slicing through the air. Before the creatures could even fully lunge, he moved....one swift arc.....
And....Four heads hit the ground.
Screams erupted around the courtyard as servants woke in terror. Many recognized the intruders....they were members of Cao's bloodline, the same ones who had infiltrated the palace the previous night and slaughtered unsuspecting attendants.
Chaos swept through the entire palace.
Jasrah came running out moments later, sobbing uncontrollably as she wailed, "Dowager Taihou has been taken!"
Only a handful of people knew what was truly happening with Dowager Taihou....but word spread quickly that her relatives had come and left together not long ago. At the same time, Dowager Ruyan emerged from her wing with Daneen, both of them visibly shaken.
Chuchu had not gone earlier, so it was clear the tension around Dowager Taihou's crimes was still unresolved. People whispered theories everywhere.
The entire palace was in turmoil.
If not for Daneen and her power, Zhan would have lost control entirely. Even so, he barely slept that night....and King Yibo had already awakened.
Before dawn, Zhan had called Grandfa. At first light, an emergency council meeting was convened inside the palace.
Grandfa, Zhan, Prince Aoying, and the highest-ranking royal advisors all gathered…
¦
¦
Grandfa was the first to speak, his expression dark.
"These people came prepared for real war, not petty games. The night before last, they struck and slaughtered without mercy. Last night they returned and even managed to take Dowager Taihou. The ones Zhan beheaded today were not the only attackers....many of them escaped. We must find a solution before they return a third time, because if they do, they'll come with an even deadlier plan. Two nights ago they killed nearly fifty people; tonight it would have been nine more if Zhan hadn't detected them early. Had we reacted any later, they would've caused devastation and vanished just like the first night."
Third Uncle added, "There's no doubt we're in trouble. They're not joking. The problem is.... even if we plan a counterattack, where do we start? Look at them. They barely resemble humans. You can't even look at them without feeling sick. And their strength… it's frightening."
"There's no one stronger than us," Zhan said sharply. "We'll face them head-on."
Everyone turned their eyes to him, startled by his tone, but before anyone could respond, a voice behind them replied:
"Indeed. We will face them.... just as he said."
They all whipped around in shock.
It was King Yibo.
One look at him was enough to crush any remaining courage. He looked terrifying....an armored warrior carved from stone, grim and unmovable. His steps were heavy with fury, and dark glasses hid his eyes, making it clear he had not a drop of softness left in him tonight.
Everyone rose in respect.
Instead of addressing them, he kept his gaze fixed on Zhan. His voice was low and commanding:
"Continue."
Zhan bowed his head respectfully, then turned to Grandfa. Grandfa also nodded for him to go on.
"The only way forward is to confront them directly," Zhan said. "As Grandfa said, wiping them out completely is the only chance we have if we want to continue living in peace. Their strange power may be intimidating, but it's not greater than our combined strength. Our first step is locating the forest they're believed to be hiding in, then gathering our strongest warriors. We only have about five hours to prepare."
"But Your Highness," Fifth Uncle interjected respectfully, "we don't even know which forest to search."
Grandfa answered, "That won't be difficult. We have written records of every region surrounding this kingdom. Their tribe is ancient; we can find references in our archives."
Zhan nodded. "Exactly. I've seen notes about a similar group in an old text. We need Prince Ayuan here immediately."
Without delay, Prince Ayuan arrived carrying stacks of books and large map scrolls detailing all of Beiping and its forests. Grandfa ordered the gathering of capable warriors, and Fourth Uncle rushed out to handle it.
Prince Ayuan, the keeper of the royal archives, quickly located the historical records believed to reference their attackers. Beyond them, several forests were known to shelter unusual tribes....but none as dangerous as these.
A trusted servant was sent to Dowager Ruyan's wing to retrieve additional secret maps from the private study of the late King Tengshan.
Zhan and the others immediately spread the maps across the long meeting table, diving into search and analysis.
King Yibo surprised everyone....apparently, he was an expert in terrain and mapping. He led much of the strategy, identifying narrow passes, hidden caverns, and potential ambush points. Grandfa and Zhan added tactical suggestions, while the others contributed to planning the fastest route of infiltration.
Meanwhile, the palace was in turmoil. Only the bravest attendants still managed to carry out their duties. The bodies of the slain were being covered, but only within the inner court....there were too many eyes outside.
The four heads Zhan had severed lay in the central courtyard, surrounded by frightened children, women, and a few horrified men who could not look away.
Relatives of Dowager Taihou had rushed into the palace as well, panicking when they heard Cao's people had abducted her. Despite the terrible things she had done, and despite the disease ravaging her skin, she's still their own.
The parents of the palace.... especially the mothers....did not truly panic until they saw the palace youth being assembled, powerful warhorses being led out, and Yibo's fourth uncle speaking urgently with the Commander of the National Army. Three combat aircraft were already being prepared under King Yibo's direct orders.
This meant the final stage had come: a direct confrontation....a war face-to-face with dangerous forces like Cao's. Some parents immediately protested, refusing to let their children go.
But the young men whom Zhan had gathered under the pretext of distributing food and clothing stood united. There would be no running, no retreat. They were determined to protect the honor of their palace, their King, and their country.
Though they had never known hardship, and had never once stepped onto a real battlefield, their resolve impressed many of the servants, several of whom stepped forward to join them.
The kingdom people were no different. Once the young men shared news of the crisis on social media, excitement surged through the city. Youths gathered in groups, shouting, "Count us in!" Because when danger rises, it is always the youth who move first....whether toward life or death. That is why, in nearly every conflict, the young stand at the front.
Zhan hurried after King Yibo, who had just left the meeting hall.
He entered just as King Yibo stepped out of his closet carrying war gear Zhan had never seen before....not even within the palace vaults. Zhan stared in shock. The armor, the weapons… everything was unfamiliar.
King Yibo simply lifted his head, ignoring Zhan's stunned gaze, and continued preparing.
When he reached for his belt, Zhan's whole body trembled.
"My love… what are you planning to do dressed like this?"
"To go out and defend my country and the people who depend on it. Or do you expect me to send other people's children into danger while I stay behind, my Soul?"
"That's not what I mean," Zhan said quickly, voice breaking. "But remember....they're after you. You're their main target. That's why they took Mother. If you go out onto that battlefield, the danger is too great. Please… let us go instead."
King Yibo paused only for a moment. Then he smiled faintly and resumed fastening his belt.
"You won't be going at all…"
"Why?"
Zhan's voice wavered with fear.
Silence.
It seemed King Yibo would not answer.
Then, suddenly, he straightened and said sharply:
"Because you....my husband....are like an egg in my hand. You're the dearest thing I have. And you seem to forget…" His voice softened. "…you're carrying a small life inside you."
"But...."
"Shhhh."
He cut him off gently, pressing a finger to Zhan's lips.
Tears rushed down Zhan's face at once. Slowly, King Yibo lowered his hand and held both of Zhan's trembling hands within his own, his eyes warm....but also shining with tears.
"I cannot let you go out there alone, my love." Zhan said.
A soft smile returned to King Yibo's face. He blinked slowly and said, "My Soul… if we both leave, who will guide the people? You must stay here in my place. And I have only one request: if I lose my life out there, you must rule with justice. Do not neglect the rights of our people. Stand for truth, reward honesty, and punish wrongdoing according to its weight. Be a good parent to the child we will have... raise her/him with knowledge, strength, integrity, and a strong conscience. Promise me."
Zhan burst into uncontrollable tears and collapsed into his arms.
King Yibo held him tightly, exhaling a long, quiet breath.
The battle bell rang....the signal for the soldiers to depart.
King Yibo slowly released Zhan, finished dressing, and emerged in full warrior regalia.....every inch a legendary commander.
He didn't allow Zhan a single chance to argue. He simply took his hand, and they walked out together.
Silence fell over the entire palace at the sight of the King himself leading the march. Many parents' hearts settled a little; everyone felt strengthened by his resolve.
King Yibo looked at each person, their heads bowed, before he breathed deeply and spoke:
"I apologize. I apologize for my shortcomings as your ruler. I feel your pain even more deeply than you feel it yourselves. Everything I could tell you now....you already know. Let me repeat only this: if I fall in this battle, my husband is the rightful heir to the leadership entrusted to me. If I have ever served you well, he will serve you even better. And if I return… there are many things I still wish to say."
Everyone was crying.
King Yibo forced a small, painful smile, swallowed hard, and took Zhan's hand. They walked into the imperial court. Only the elders followed.
There, King Yibo lifted Zhan and placed him upon the royal throne.
A ceremonial proclamation was made, and Zhan broke into tears.
Smiling gently, King Yibo knelt before him, planting his spear on the floor like someone about to offer a ring. He took Zhan's hand, raised it, and kissed it.
"Do you remember the day you told Mulan you wished to sit on this throne? Today, consider that wish fulfilled. Fate has given you the strength to bear the weight of this nation, my Soul."
Zhan slid off the throne and clung to him, and they held each other tightly.
Everyone was flee out, heads bowed.
Five minutes later, they emerged hand in hand.
In front of King Yibo's trusted white horse, it neighed and pawed the ground, lowering its head. King Yibo smiled, gently placing their joined hands against the horse's face. The horse shook and moved closer to Zhan.
Zhan smiled through tears. King Yibo looked at him with the same soft smile, wiped his tears, then leapt gracefully onto the horse.
The other warriors mounted theirs, and the drums thundered on.
Zhan looked at Babiy… at Grandfa… at Huan… all preparing for this journey....
and suddenly he broke into tears again…
Zhanxianyibo💚❤️💛