His Highness the Madman gave in again today.

Feng Xingyu's pupils suddenly contracted.

He didn't have time to think; his body's instincts beat his consciousness, and he suddenly turned Mo Sangyu to the side and flipped her over.

A cold glint grazed his shoulder, severing a few strands of hair, and slammed into the bluestone ground behind him.

"boom!"

The bluestone shattered, sending fragments flying, and a three-foot-long, deep crack appeared on the ground.

Feng Xingyu landed on the ground carrying Mo Sangyu, but before he could even steady himself, a second cold glint of light followed.

He touched the ground with his toes and retreated rapidly while holding the person.

The cold light missed its target again, striking the palace wall with a loud crash, causing half of the wall to collapse.

Mo Sangyu was jolted awake by the violent shaking.

She opened her eyes, her gaze falling on the crack behind her, and the drunkenness in her eyes instantly faded.

"Feng Xingyu?"

"Don't move."

Feng Xingyu shielded her behind him, his gaze fixed on the depths of the snowstorm ahead.

There, a figure slowly appeared.

He wore a long, black robe, surrounded by a faint mist, and his blue eyes gleamed eerily in the night.

Cloud Ashes.

Feng Xingyu's gaze turned cold.

"It's you."

Yun Jin stood in the wind and snow, a cryptic smile playing on his lips: "Long time no see."

His gaze passed over Feng Xingyu and landed on Mo Sangyu behind him. A hint of apprehension flashed in his eyes, but he quickly regained his nonchalant demeanor.

Mo Sangyu narrowed her eyes: "Didn't you go into the Deadly Black Swamp?"

"It went in, then came out again."

Yun Jin smiled meaningfully, as if the Deadly Black Swamp was just an ordinary place for him to enter and leave at will.

Feng Xingyu didn't waste any words with him.

The sword was already in his hand, its blade aimed directly at his throat.

"Want to die?"

Yun Jin shook his head.

"No," he laughed. "I'm just here to deliver a message."

"What letter?"

Yun Jin looked at him, a complex expression flashing in his blue eyes.

"The people from Cloud City are coming."

"I was just a scout, and I wasn't the one who went back to report. They won't wait for my news, so they'll naturally send someone to investigate."

He then looked at Mo Sangyu: "I've broken your tracking talisman too."

Mo Sangyu's gaze turned slightly cold.

Yun Jin shrugged.

"I mean no harm. I came tonight to tell you to be prepared. They... are much scarier than me."

After he finished speaking, his figure began to blur.

Feng Xingyu thrust his sword forward, but the blade only pierced through a wisp of mist.

"It's too late."

Yun Jin's voice came from afar: "They'll be here soon."

The fog dissipated.

All that remained was that deep crack and half of the collapsed palace wall.

Feng Xingyu stood still, his grip on the sword tightening slightly.

Mo Sangyu grasped his hand: "Let's go back first."

Feng Xingyu looked down at her, paused for a moment, and then nodded.

Back at Zhaohua Palace.

Mo Sangyu got herself a bottle of hangover medicine, and after drinking it, she was completely sober.

"Ayu, I don't think what Yun Jin said might be true..."

Seeing that Mo Sangyu had been silent since she returned, Feng Xingyu assumed she was worried and was thinking about how to comfort her. However, he saw Mo Sangyu slowly raise her head, her eyes filled with nothing but coldness.

She said, "Regardless of whether Yun Jin's words are true or false, we should do our defenses properly. If they don't come, fine, but if they dare to come... let them never leave alive!"

This time, I felt it was right.

This is the Mo Sangyu he knew.

Its strength is unknown, but it grows stronger when facing stronger opponents.

Feng Xingyu's thin lips curved slightly, a smile blooming on his face. Before he could speak, she said first, "However... we have to postpone having children until this crisis is resolved."

"..."

The deal that had been so hard to get done fell through again.

Damn Cloud City!

Despite his displeasure, Feng Xingyu agreed with Mo Sangyu's words.

The two discussed their countermeasures overnight.

Although Yun Jin's words cannot be entirely trusted, we must still be wary.

However, it is certain that the people from Cloud City are simply coming for Feng Xingyu and will not pose a threat to the territory and people of Da Chen. In this way, things are much easier to handle.

After discussing it, the two decided to only tell Gu Jinzhi and a few of his confidants about this, so that they could be mentally prepared in advance, while keeping it from the other court officials for the time being to avoid causing unnecessary panic.

Most importantly, judging from Yun Jin's strength, apart from Chu Canglan, everyone else would be doomed if they faced them.

Therefore, Mo Sangyu and Gu Jinzhi issued a death order.

If the people from Cloud City really come, once a fight breaks out, everyone must evacuate, leaving the battlefield to her and Feng Xingyu.

Evacuate in a timely manner, do not hold them back, and do not distract them; this is the greatest help we can give them.

Upon hearing such shocking news, Gu Jinzhi and the others fell into a deathly silence.

Yan Qing was the first to lose his temper, jumping up to his feet: "Your Majesty, how can this be? You want us to retreat, leaving you and His Majesty to face this alone? Are we even human?"

Yuan Zhao slammed his fist on the table and stood up, saying, "That's right! Although my martial arts skills are not high, I am not a coward. We'll die together, and we'll live together!"

Han Xiao didn't speak, but his usually indifferent eyes were now burning with intense fire. He slowly stood up, walked to Yan Qing's side, and silently made his stance clear.

Lu Jin frowned and looked at Feng Xingyu: "Your Majesty, is there really no other way? Although we are not as powerful as you and the Empress, we are still a force to be reckoned with..."

Wen Zhixia's face turned pale, her lips moved as if she wanted to say something, but she found that she couldn't say anything at all.

As a civil official, all she needed to do was hide and not hold them back, which would be a huge help.

Ya Zi did not express any opinion, and his expression was rather indifferent.

Of all these people, Mo Sangyu was most worried about him.

Gu Jinzhi didn't speak either, because although he understood, comprehended, and even agreed with Feng Xingyu and Mo Sangyu's intentions, he couldn't bring himself to agree readily.

"Alright."

Mo Sangyu interrupted them coldly: "My only requirement for you is that everyone must live!"

Yan Qing couldn't help but speak again, but Mo Sangyu glared at him and told him, "This is a military order!"

"..."

Everyone fell silent again.

"Your Majesty, Your Majesty."

At this moment, Gu Jinzhi spoke in a deep voice: "Don't worry, this is a matter of great importance, and I will explain it to them."

Gu Jinzhi was always clear-headed, and after hearing his words, Feng Xingyu and Mo Sangyu said no more.

The next few days.

Everything in the court remains the same.

Feng Xingyu continued to be busy every day, as if nothing had happened. Except for those who knew the inside story, everything in the entire Fog City was as usual.

Mo Sangyu made a special trip to Ya Zi and solemnly entrusted Mo Sangwan to his protection.

During this time, have him take the person away directly and don't leave him in the palace.

Ya Zi was momentarily stunned.

He would not disobey Miss's orders, so he would risk his life to protect Miss Wan.

But he... couldn't just stand by and watch his mistress and His Majesty face danger alone.

Even knowing he would die, he went without hesitation.

After finding Ya Zi, Mo Sangyu began to make intensive preparations for defense.

Previously, she had only set up restrictions in the palace, but this time she simply shrouded the entire city of Fog City under restrictions. Even if she couldn't prevent those people from entering, at least they wouldn't come without a sound.

Next, she set up layers of formations within the palace.

Using cinnabar as a catalyst and talisman paper as a medium, spiritual power flowed from between his fingers, and golden talismans rose into the air, landing precisely in various parts of the palace.

She first set up a nine-layered maze in a relatively secluded location.

Based on the Qiankun Talisman and the Illusion Talisman, once the array is formed, outsiders who step inside will lose their way.

Illusions abound, making every step difficult; no matter how high your cultivation level, it's hard to distinguish between reality and illusion.

Then, a protective barrier array was set up, with layers of protective talismans and spirit-suppressing talismans stacked on top of each other to firmly protect one of the palace courtyards.

It can both isolate the oppressive atmosphere of the battlefield and protect the elderly and children in the palace. No matter how fierce the fighting is outside, the palace will remain safe and secure.

At that time, everyone can hide in that palace to avoid harming the innocent.

Finally, they set up a deadly trapping formation.

With the Spirit-Locking Talisman and the Track-Extinguishing Talisman as its core, once the people of Cloud City step into the formation, they will be trapped in it, their spiritual power sealed, unable to advance or retreat, becoming like turtles in a jar, at her and Feng Xingyu's mercy.

The three rune arrays consumed nearly half of her spiritual power.

Feng Xingyu was extremely nervous.

He stayed by her side all night until she woke up and he was sure her spiritual power had fully recovered before he could relax a little.

With these defensive measures in place, all that's left is for them to walk right into our trap.

But this wait lasted for a whole month.

Instead of waiting for the so-called enemy to arrive, the year-end came first.

With no movement for so long, not to mention Gu Jinzhi and the others, even Mo Sangyu couldn't help but wonder if Yun Jin was playing them for a fool.

Is it revenge for being locked in a cage and electrocuted into a chicken coop?

The more I think about it, the more likely it seems.

It's best if he never shows up again, otherwise, she'll definitely let him know what it truly means to be worse than dead!

Lunar New Year's Eve is just a few days away.

Whether they come or not, we still have to celebrate the New Year properly.

I remember last New Year's Eve was spent in the border town of Dayou with the soldiers in the military camp. We were so poor back then, we lived frugally, with just a few jars of turbid wine and a few pots of stewed meat, that was all we had for the New Year.

This year is different.

Today, the Great Chen Dynasty boasts a vast territory, a powerful nation, and a treasury so full that Gu Jinzhi would be laughing in his dreams.

Preparations began in the palace well in advance.

Granny Yu was with Feng Mian—no, she should be called Madam Yan now…

Accompanied by Madam Yan and a group of palace maids, they cleaned Zhaohua Palace inside and out until it was spotless, pasted paper-cut window decorations neatly, and hung red lanterns everywhere.

Although Feng Mian was married, she would still run to the palace every few days. In her words, "I feel uneasy if I don't see Miss for three days."

Yan Qing didn't stop him; instead, he happily followed along, but was always chased away by Feng Mian.

It's clear that she's living a very comfortable life after marriage.

Presumably, she gets along very well with her mother-in-law.

Now that there's no war, Yan Qing and the other military officers have nothing to do but patrol and train their troops every day. They often get together to drink and boast, having a great time.

Mo Sangwan also returned to the palace.

Ya Zi personally delivered it back.

As soon as the little girl saw Mo Sangyu, she rushed over, hugged her waist and wouldn't let go, muttering "I miss my sister" and "I miss my sister so much."

Mo Sangyu rubbed her head and looked at Ya Zi.

Ya Zi lowered her eyes and whispered, "Don't worry, Miss Wan is doing well."

Mo Sangyu nodded without saying anything more.

We'll talk about them after the New Year.

During this time, Mo Sangyu had been secretly preparing something.

In a warehouse of Zhaohua Palace, that thing had been piled up like a mountain.

It's all very mysterious.

Even Feng Xingyu didn't know what it was.

However, he knew that it was a manifestation of Ayu's spiritual power, and he would find out what it was on New Year's Eve.

Soon, it was New Year's Eve.

The attic was brightly lit, making the surroundings as bright as day.

The long table was laden with delicacies, and steaming pots were bubbling away, filling the air with the aroma of wine.

Mo Sangyu and Feng Xingyu sat side by side in the main seats. To their left and right were Gu Jinzhi, Wen Zhixia, Lu Jin, Yan Qing and his wife, Yuan Zhao, Han Xiao, Ya Zi, Mo Sangwan, and Luo Ming...

Next came the newly powerful officials and their families, who arrived one by one.

The women's eyes were fixed on Feng Xingyu, who was in the main seat, and they could hardly look away.

Her Majesty with the red eyes is truly breathtakingly beautiful.

Pity.

His Majesty loves only the Empress, and in the vast harem, there is only the Empress.

Hey.

They could only steal a few glances to feast their eyes.

Mo Sangwan sat next to Ya Zi, holding a candied hawthorn in her hand, her cheeks bulging from eating it.

Ya Zi sat next to her, occasionally handing her a handkerchief to wipe her mouth, the action as natural as if he had done it a thousand times.

Granny Yu was also there, sitting on the other side of Mo Sangwan, watching the little girl eat with a smile.

There were no formalities, no courtesies between ruler and subject, only a lively atmosphere and laughter filling the room.

Yuan Zhao then challenged Yan Qing to a drinking contest. The two men turned red in the face and refused to admit defeat.

Han Xiao sat expressionlessly to the side, silently eating his food. Occasionally, when Yan Qing pulled him to be the referee, he would just nod indifferently.

"Han Xiao, tell me, should we drink this?"

Han Xiao glanced at Yuan Zhao's full glass of wine, then at Yan Qing's half-full glass, and said expressionlessly, "You secretly poured it out."

Yan Qing: "...I didn't!"

"have."

Yuan Zhao slammed his hand on the table: "I knew it! You cheated again!"

Yan Qing glared at Han Xiao: "Whose side are you on anyway?"

Han Xiao picked up his wine glass and slowly took a sip.

"Stand on the side of truth."

The crowd laughed.

Wen Zhixia laughed so hard she almost fell over, while Gu Jinzhi handed her a handkerchief, his eyes filled with amusement.

He held his wine cup, leaned back in his chair, his gaze sweeping over Wen Zhixia before quickly looking away.

The smile on her lips, however, she couldn't suppress.

Feng Mian sat next to Yan Qing, serving him food while muttering, "Drink less, drink less..."

Yan Qing chuckled and bent down to eat all the food she had picked up.

Mo Sangyu smiled as she looked at the people below, while Feng Xingyu looked at her and smiled as well.

May every year bring us to this day.

Every year, Ayu is always by my side.

At 3:45 PM, the New Year's Eve bell rang.

Mo Sangyu stood up and left her seat: "Everyone, I'm going to show you something fun."

The group looked at each other in bewilderment and followed her outside.

In the square in front of the pavilion, there were boxes of something. Mo Sangyu gestured for everyone not to rush and walked to the center of the square.

"Your Majesty, what are you doing?" Yan Qing craned his neck to look.

Mo Sangyu didn't answer, but simply raised her hand.

The next moment...