The Mirror of Startling Beauty: Her courtiers are everywhere

"drive--!"

The black steed, Chasing Star, trod on the thick snow, splashing up snowflakes that shimmered like tiny crystals in the thin sunlight.

The crisp, rhythmic sound of horses' hooves broke the silence of the pristine white world.

In stark contrast, dozens of miles away, on another, even more desolate snow-covered mountain range.

Si Xingzhou was walking alone, trudging through the vast expanse of snow.

The deep blue star-patterned robe, embroidered with silver star patterns and symbolizing imperial majesty, was now fluttering in the mountain wind, its hem stained with snow mud and slightly disheveled.

The upright, towering figure, accustomed to looking down upon all living beings, against the backdrop of an endless, pale white background, exudes a rare sense of loneliness and...pity.

His signal flares and communication jade talismans had been neatly and efficiently confiscated by the Twelve Silver Winged Mist Feathers when he was "invited" into Yun Jue's hidden Xuan Iron Cold Prison.

Clearly, Lord Yun Boyan not only had no intention of returning it, but was also happy to see him fend for himself in this icy wasteland.

This was not merely Yun Boyan's way of retaliating against him for refusing to let his younger brother Si Xingxuan treat him; there were also many other personal motives that were difficult to say openly.

Yun Boyan was furious that he dared to have such thoughts about his sister-in-law.

He actually dared to go alone to her appointment in the back mountain!

I was even fortunate enough to catch a glimpse of a fairy-like figure dancing gracefully on Meilin Lake!

He—he deserves to die!

Thus, Xingze's supreme ruler was treated with what could be described as cold indifference.

It wasn't exactly an insult or torture, but it was definitely not a friendly hostage situation.

Abandoning him in this desolate, snow-covered mountain range, leaving him to fend for himself, was Yun Boyan's arrogant yet subtle way of responding.

"Tap tap, tap tap—"

The clear and rhythmic sound of horses' hooves, coming from afar and approaching, pierced through the howling wind and snow and reached my ears.

Si Xingzhou suddenly raised his head, his deep, cold eyes instantly becoming sharp as a hawk's as he looked toward the source of the sound.

Below, where the winding snow path meets the plum grove, a magnificent black steed gallops towards them.

On horseback, a figure dressed in pristine white robes rode, the hem of which and the cape billowing behind them as they galloped, like unfolded butterfly wings.

The newcomer wore a snow-white veiled hat that reached her waist, with light gauze tassels dancing in the wind, her face hidden behind it and not clearly visible.

She was an excellent rider, her figure light and graceful. She leaped out from the backdrop of the dark green bamboo forest and the bright red plum grove, like a streak of light breaking through the snow-covered mountains.

Just then, a gust of wind swept across the ridge, swirling up thousands of plum blossoms, which fell like a red rain.

Snowflakes danced with petals, and the figure riding a horse seemed like a shimmering butterfly that had gracefully descended from the depths of an ancient snow sea, untouched by the hustle and bustle of the world, breaking the silence of this pure white expanse.

Si Xingzhou possesses extraordinary strength and astonishing eyesight.

Although they were some distance apart and there was a veil or light gauze blocking the view, the object hanging from the waist of the man on horseback reflected the sunlight as it swayed, clearly coming into his view.

It was a silver token, with two small characters in the center of the ancient patterns entwined with vines, seemingly carrying a power that struck straight to the soul:

Weaving fate.

The Death Order of Divine Medicine Valley! The Fate-Weaving Heavenly Physician!

"Thump! Thump! Thump!"

An unprecedentedly violent heartbeat pounded against Si Xingzhou's chest, the sound so loud it almost shook his own eardrums.

The exhaustion brought on by today's hunger and cold was instantly swept away by a surge of scorching heat.

"Weaving... Weaving the Heavenly Physician!"

To save his ailing younger brother Si Xingxuan, Emperor Xingze mobilized the entire nation's resources, conducting both overt and covert investigations, in search of the legendary Divine Medicine Valley's Life-Weaving Physician, a search that has lasted for five years.

Five years passed without a trace, as if a stone had sunk into the sea.

Countless hopes were ignited and extinguished, and that anxiety and helplessness almost became a hidden mark in his heart.

Five years! A full five years!

A surge of indescribable excitement mixed with a touch of grievance welled up in his heart, and he almost roared at the approaching figure.

"Do you know how I've gotten through these past five years...?"

Without any hesitation, he even abandoned all the reserve that an emperor should have.

The hem of his deep blue star-patterned robe drew a sharp arc in the air. Si Xingzhou's toes touched the snow-covered rocks heavily, and he leaped down from the mountainside like a hawk that had been gathering strength for a long time, or a bird returning to its nest!

His robes billowed, stirring up wisps of snow dust.

His target was crystal clear—the back of that black steed.

I absolutely cannot let her disappear from my sight again!

This thought overwhelmed everything.

"Whoosh—!"

Startled, Zhuxing let out a neigh and raised its front hooves high.

Tang Xixue, on horseback, felt a gust of wind pressing down from behind, and a warm and intensely present aura instantly approached.

Then, her waist tightened, and she was firmly embraced by a pair of strong arms, pulling her into a broad and warm chest.

"???"

The snow in Tangxi was truly unexpected.

If she hadn't sensed the familiar scent of star sandalwood and the lack of killing intent emanating from the newcomer the instant their aura drew close, she would have already launched a counterattack.

She quickly suppressed her instinctive reaction, gently tightened the reins with her left hand, and patted the neck of the startled star soothingly with her right hand, whispering softly:

"Zhu Xing, it's okay, don't worry."

The spirit steed gradually calmed down, only snorting impatiently as its hooves continued to paw at the snow.

At this moment, she was also filled with doubts.

How did we end up meeting Si Xingzhou here?

Wasn't the withered tree that came back to life already taken by Wu Yu and given to Yun Boyan?

Has Yun Jue not released them yet?

At this hour... His Majesty should have already returned to Shanhe Palace.

How could it be so pitiful in this freezing cold?

"Master Heavenly Doctor, don't be afraid."

Si Xingzhou's deep and magnetic voice rang close to her ear, carrying the composure of an emperor, but also a hint of tension that was barely perceptible.

He held her even tighter in his arms, as if he were holding a rare treasure that had been lost and found again.

"I will not harm you. It's just... I'm afraid you'll disappear again in the blink of an eye, and in my haste, I may have acted rudely."

Although he spoke politely, the arm around her waist showed no sign of loosening its grip. Instead, he adjusted his posture to hold her even closer to his body.

For the sake of his younger brother's life, the emperor's face and demeanor could be temporarily set aside.

Even through several layers of clothing, I could still feel the delicate softness of the person in my arms.

The scent emanating from her was crisp and pleasant, like the delicate, cool fragrance of crabapple blossoms in early spring when the snow melts, mixed with a very faint, comforting herbal aroma.

"Your Majesty Xingze, this action is far too abrupt and rude."

Tang Xixue's voice drifted through the light veil of her hat, like a spring breeze brushing against icicles under the eaves, clear and melodious, yet carrying a hint of offended reproach, with a slight rise at the end, naturally possessing a sweet and captivating quality.

"I was merely passing through this place, Your Majesty... what is your intention?"

That voice...

Si Xingzhou felt a slight tremor run through his body.

I only heard it once, but the heavenly voice lingered in my memory forever—Chenyao's Mirror Princess, Tang Xixue!