The Great Song Dynasty's Soul-Forging in Progress

Di Qing's arrival was completely different from Chen Shimei's. He had no entourage, only four close followers, his black armor still on, covered in dust, yet he possessed a chilling and ruthless aura of power. That aura was forged in mountains of corpses and seas of blood, inspiring awe in all who beheld him.

"No need for formalities." Di Qing waved his hand to stop Lü and Wang from performing a deep bow, his gaze sharp as a knife, cutting straight to the point, "Since our parting at Zhanghua Terrace, you've been making quite a few moves. 'Sanyi Village,' a fine name, a fine spirit!"

Wang Zhonghua hurriedly replied, "It's all thanks to Yao Mingfu's support and Master Lü's great assistance."

Di Qing nodded and said in a deep voice, "Yao Ye is a capable man, but unfortunately... never mind. Since you are so determined to protect the borders and the people, I cannot remain indifferent." He turned and gestured to a personal guard to lead over a magnificent warhorse. The horse was entirely chestnut-red, except for its four snow-white hooves. It had high shoulders, a strong physique, and muscles that were as smooth as if carved by a knife. Its eyes were arrogant and carried a hint of wildness, as if it might break free of its reins at any moment and gallop into the clouds.

"This horse is named 'Snow Treader,' a descendant of a fine steed from the Western Xia I captured when I was fighting for the flag in the Northwest. It possesses excellent stamina and endurance, though a bit fiery, but it's fiercely loyal to its comrades." Di Qing patted the horse's neck, and the horse snorted, seemingly understanding his intent, nuzzling his hand with its head. The general's gaze shifted to Wang Zhonghua, filled with scrutiny and expectation. "This is a gift for you. I hope you will use it wisely and not waste its potential."

Wang Zhonghua was deeply moved. Warhorses were vital strategic resources in this era, and Di Qing's action was of extraordinary significance. He bowed solemnly, accepted the reins with both hands, and felt the horse's burning heat against his neck: "Thank you for your generous gift, General! I will certainly live up to this horse's expectations, and I will not fail you!"

"Hmm." Di Qing nodded, then lowered his voice, his tone carrying the chilling edge of a warrior's blade, "Your 'Hidden Arrow' is quite good. If there's a shortage, you can have Tie Dan take my token to Zhanghua Terrace to find the supply officer. I'll do whatever it takes to help you." He unfastened a black iron token from his waist, on which was engraved a ferocious "Di" character, and tossed it to Wang Zhonghua, "Remember, my favors are only for those who get things done. If I find out you're using this to cause trouble, my blade will recognize you, and it will recognize your entire family."

These words, though spoken with a chilling intent, also carried a sense of exhilaration, like strong liquor on a winter night, igniting a burning passion within. Wang Zhonghua held the token with both hands, feeling its heavy weight, and bowed in gratitude once more. Di Qing did not linger. He mounted his horse, leaving behind the words, "Act cautiously, beware of treacherous people," before galloping away with his entourage, leaving a trail of dust in his wake.

Holding the cold, heavy token in his hand and looking at the magnificent "Snow-Treading" beside him, Wang Zhonghua knew that Di Qing's support was genuine—it was both unwavering loyalty and a stern warning. This gave him more confidence to face the impending storm.

Meanwhile, in the skies above Chenzhou City, the gazes of three forces were simultaneously focused on this young man. The scheming of the civil officials, the expectations of the military generals, and the jealousy of the powerful ministers were like three invisible nets, slowly tightening around him.

However, neither Wang Zhonghua nor the departing Di Qing could have foreseen that an even greater storm was quietly brewing amidst Chen Shimei's wicked thoughts and power struggles. At the heart of that storm was the solitary orchid that haunted Chen Shimei's dreams—the willow magnolia.

In Chenzhou in the twelfth lunar month, the cold wind was like a knife, swirling fine snowflakes and turning the world into a gray-white expanse. As the end of the year approached, an unusual atmosphere of tension permeated the city and its surroundings. The construction site of "Sanyi Village" was bustling with activity, while the drills at the Zhanghuatai camp grew increasingly urgent—this vibrant energy was like poisonous thorns piercing Chen Shimei's heart.

On this day, the wind and snow were raging, but the back courtyard of the Chenzhou government office was warm and cozy. Chen Shimei was enjoying wine and snow with his newly acquired concubine in the warm pavilion when his advisor, Qiu Banxian, rushed in to report: "Sir, two people are requesting an audience outside the government office. They claim to be old acquaintances of yours from Junzhou. One is named Chen Qingyu, and the other is named Guo Xisheng."

Chen Shimei's hand holding the wine glass stiffened slightly, a fleeting look of astonishment and malice flashing in his eyes. Chen Qingyu, Guo Xisheng… these two names were memories he had deliberately buried deep in his mind, memories he wished could be erased forever. They were his so-called "close friends" from his impoverished years in his hometown of Junzhou, witnesses to his impoverished years and the marriage he considered a disgrace!

He quickly put on a surprised expression, put down his wine glass, and straightened his robes: "Please come quickly! No, I will personally go to greet you!" There was not a trace of guilt in his voice, only the "sincerity" of reuniting with an old friend.

At the entrance of the government office, two middle-aged scholars, dressed in coarse cotton robes and covered in frost, were rubbing their hands and stamping their feet, their faces red from the cold. When they saw Chen Shimei, dressed in brocade robes and exuding an air of elegance, emerge, their eyes revealed a mixture of excitement and trepidation.

"Brother Shimei!"

"Brother Chen Nian!"

Chen Shimei strode forward, grabbed the hands of the two men, and said with heartfelt emotion, "Qingyu! Xisheng! It really is you! It's been years since we last met, I've missed you terribly! In this snowy weather, come quickly, come with me into the mansion to warm up!" He held their hands with just the right amount of strength, his palms warm, and anyone who saw it would praise him as "loyal and righteous".

He personally led the two into his warm study, ordered hot tea and snacks to be served, and inquired with concern about their old acquaintances from Junzhou and their current situation. Seeing that Chen Shimei, despite his high position, did not forget his old friends and was so warm-hearted, the slight estrangement between Chen Qingyu and Guo Xisheng caused by their different social statuses immediately disappeared, and they became more talkative.

Chen Qingyu sighed, "Brother Shimei is now a respected prefect, truly a model for all the students of Junzhou. It's just... so hard on Sister-in-law Xianglian and her two children. These past years since you left home, they've been a widow and orphans, living a very difficult life, relying entirely on the help of the villagers..."

Guo Xisheng chimed in, "Yes, Sister Xianglian is truly virtuous. She raises the child all by herself and often talks about you, saying that it's not easy for you to be an official away from home..."

Qin Xianglian! This name is like a dried thorn buried in the palm of his hand. It's fine when it's still, but when you occasionally press it, it pierces Chen Shimei's heart with excruciating pain! She was his wife, whom he married in his hometown by his parents' arrangement—a rustic peasant woman, plain-looking and coarse in manner. She was the most fatal and unforgivable stain on his path to currying favor with the Prince of Xiangyang, abandoning his wife to remarry, and achieving wealth and power! He now only claims that his family is in the capital, having long since erased that past from his official record. These two fools dare to mention it to his face, and so loudly, as if afraid others wouldn't hear!

Chen Shimei's smile remained unchanged, even appearing more somber and guilty, though his eyes were already filled with frost. He sighed with feigned vicissitude, "Alas, it is I who have wronged them. Back then, when I went to the capital to take the imperial examination, I intended to gain fame and fortune so I could bring them a life of luxury, but who knew..." He paused, lowering his voice as if embarrassed, "Fortunately, His Highness the Prince of Xiangyang favored me and married his only daughter, Princess Yaoji, to me, and that's how I... Alas, the officialdom is full of ups and downs, one cannot control one's own destiny, one wrong step leads to another. Now I have finally gained a foothold in Chenzhou, and I was just about to send someone back to give Xianglian... a generous sum of money to settle down and end this ill-fated relationship. I didn't expect my two virtuous brothers to arrive first, just in time, just in time!" He deliberately emphasized the words "ill-fated relationship," as if that marriage was not arranged by their parents, but some shameful secret.

He warmly invited the two to stay, arranging a lavish banquet. During the meal, they chatted and laughed, reminiscing about the past, as if they were truly old friends reunited. However, that night, after seeing the two drunken men off to their room, Chen Shimei's smile vanished instantly, replaced by a cold, chilling murderous intent.

"Master Qiu." His voice was deep, as if it had been chilled in wine.

"What are your orders, sir?" Qiu Banxian bowed, knowing his master all too well.

"These two cannot be allowed to live." Chen Shimei's tone was calm, yet carried a chilling resolve. "They know too much. The existence of Qin Xianglian and those two bastards must not be revealed, otherwise my reputation will be ruined and my future will be in jeopardy! The Prince of Xiangyang will also have reservations about my 'family affairs.' As for how to deal with them..." He glanced at Qiu Banxian indifferently, "Just say that she accidentally fell into the icy lake in the back garden of the government office after drinking."

"Remember to do it cleanly, and don't disturb the servants who have been preparing for the New Year's Eve banquet in the manor these past few days."