My Taoist buddy has practiced surrogacy

Chapter 1446 Melody
His movements were gentle and slow, as if he were afraid of hurting her. Time seemed to stand still at that moment, and the only sound was the soft breathing of the two of them intertwining to form a beautiful melody.

The wedding banquet was a lively affair, but fraught with hidden dangers and crises. Just as everyone was immersed in the joyous atmosphere, an unexpected event occurred—poisoned wine suddenly appeared! It turned out to be a meticulously planned conspiracy! Fortunately, the prepared guards intervened in time to prevent a disaster. In the chaos, Zhou Xing protected Qing Xuan as they fought their way out of the encirclement and escaped through a pre-arranged secret passage…

During their escape, they were ambushed and in dire straits when a mysterious old man appeared to save them. This man was none other than General Xiao, the former commander who had been living in seclusion for many years! Under his guidance, the group found an underground armory hidden in a valley, where a large number of weapons and armor were stored, enough to equip an army and allow them to rise again to fight the enemy!
With the support of the newly discovered forces, Zhou Xing led his troops in a counterattack, breaking through the enemy lines and storming the capital, capturing the traitorous officials, eliminating the internal spies, stabilizing the court, and establishing a great military achievement! The news of the victory reached the capital, and the whole country rejoiced and celebrated the arrival of victory!
At the post-war victory banquet, Zhou Xing publicly revealed Qingxuan's true identity as a woman in front of all the civil and military officials. This act caused a great uproar, but it also demonstrated his sense of responsibility and courage! Afterwards, he solemnly requested the Emperor's blessing to allow him to marry this brave and intelligent woman! The Emperor, grateful for their achievements, gladly granted the marriage!
On the wedding day, the entire capital was decorated with lanterns and colorful decorations, creating a joyous and peaceful atmosphere! The Minister's Mansion was especially beautiful, resembling a fairyland! Qingxuan, dressed in a gorgeous wedding gown and wearing a golden crown, slowly entered the hall to receive everyone's blessings, drawing envious glances from all around!
On their wedding night, Zhou Xing gently lifted the veil, revealing the bride's shy face. The two smiled at each other, understanding each other's hearts without needing to say a word. The bright moonlight outside the window cast a happy silhouette on them, as if telling a beautiful love story of overcoming numerous difficulties to finally become a couple!
Three years later, good news came from the frontier again—the birth of their son! Ling Xue held the infant, smiling gently as she played with his rosy little face. Zhou Xing, standing beside her, looked tenderly at his wife and child, his heart filled with gratitude. He knew that all of this was hard-won, a happy life earned with blood and sweat! From then on, the family lived happily ever after, their lives simple yet fulfilling, forever…

The plum blossoms were in full bloom in winter, creating a vibrant scene in the plum garden of the Ling family mansion. Ling Xue, dressed in a plain white brocade robe, moved among the plum trees, her slender fingers gently brushing against the blossoms on the branches. Suddenly, a hearty laugh rang out. She looked up and saw Zhou Xing, the third son of the Zhou family, leaning against a vermilion pillar, holding a folding fan in his hand, looking at her with a smile.

That was their first formal meeting. Zhou Xing stepped forward, took out a warm, smooth jade pendant from his robes, and handed it to Ling Xue: "I've long heard of Miss Ling's exceptional talent, and seeing it today, I can confirm it's well-deserved. This jade pendant is a small token of my appreciation." Ling Xue's cheeks flushed slightly, and as she accepted the pendant, her fingertips touched his, a jolt of electricity instantly coursing through her body. From that day on, the two often met in the plum garden, composing poems, painting, and sharing their innermost feelings.

Time flies, and three years have passed in the blink of an eye. During this time, Ling Xue eagerly awaited the Zhou family's proposal to marry her. She often sat in her boudoir, carefully dressing herself in front of the mirror, imagining her wonderful future life. However, each time her hopes were dashed. The Zhou family's matriarch always made excuses, saying that she was busy with family affairs one moment, and that the time was not right the next, and there was never any news.

That day, Ling Xue went to the plum garden to clear her mind, as usual. Looking at the plum trees that had witnessed their happy times, she felt a mix of emotions. Just as she was feeling down, her personal maid, Qing He, rushed in, panting, and said, "Miss, something terrible has happened! I overheard the Second Madam and the steward talking, saying that the Zhou family has no intention of marrying you; they only see you as someone to amuse themselves!"

Like a thunderbolt striking, Ling Xue felt the world spin, and she swayed, almost falling. Her hand gripped the plum branch tightly; sharp thorns pierced her palm, and drops of crimson blood slid down her fingers, falling onto the pristine snow, a stark contrast. In that moment, her pride was utterly shattered, replaced by endless humiliation and rage.

Just as Ling Xue was sinking into despair, news came from the palace that a talent selection would be held. For many women, this was an opportunity to change their fate, but for Ling Xue, it was like a ray of dawn in the darkness. She resolutely decided to enter the palace, no longer placing her hopes on the heartless and ungrateful Zhou family.

On the day she entered the palace, Ling Xue dressed herself up meticulously. She wore a light pink palace dress, adorned with simple pearls and jade, and her eyes revealed a cool and resolute expression. As she walked along the long palace corridor, the other young ladies around her were either nervous and uneasy or excited and expectant, but she remained calm, as if she had already seen through everything.

In the Imperial Garden, a hundred flowers bloomed in vibrant colors, and butterflies fluttered about. The young ladies gathered to display their talents; some played the guzheng, others recited poetry, all striving to capture the Emperor's attention. When it was Ling Xue's turn, she slowly stepped forward, picked up her pipa, and gently plucked the strings. A melodious and graceful tune flowed forth like a gentle stream; her voice was clear and pleasant, like heavenly music. When the music ended, all was silent; even the birds in the trees ceased their chirping.

The Emperor was overjoyed and immediately bestowed upon her the title of "Talented Lady." That night, she was the sole focus of his affections, and Ling Xue became the center of attention. Meanwhile, Zhou Xing, far away in the court, learned of this and, gripping his pen too tightly, punctured the memorial. Ink splattered on his hands and sleeves, but he was oblivious, his eyes revealing complex emotions.

Soon, the Empress Dowager's birthday would arrive. The entire palace was bustling with preparations for the celebrations. Ling Xue worked day and night to complete an embroidered screen depicting a hundred birds paying homage to the phoenix as a gift. As she carried the screen through the Imperial Garden, she happened to encounter Zhou Xing, who was strolling there. Looking at Ling Xue's focused expression, a strange emotion welled up within him. He was about to say something when Ling Xue preemptively curtsied, saying, "Greetings, Lord Zhou," her tone distant yet polite.

Zhou Xing's Adam's apple bobbed, and he ultimately only uttered a faint "Congratulations" before turning and leaving. Watching his receding figure, a hint of melancholy flashed in Ling Xue's eyes, but it quickly returned to its resolute expression. She knew that from the moment she decided to enter the palace, she had severed ties with the past.

A few days later, one afternoon, Ling Xue was strolling around the palace when she suddenly heard a commotion. Looking in the direction of the sound, she saw a young eunuch rushing over in a panic, reporting, "Something terrible has happened! Someone has found a suspicious person near the Cold Palace!" Immediately afterward, guards brought over a person covered in wounds. When the person looked up, Ling Xue was astonished to find that it was her wet nurse.

It turned out that the wet nurse had sneaked into the palace amidst the chaos to deliver a secret letter to Ling Xue. The letter read: "Miss, leave the palace immediately! The Zhou family is colluding with the Second Prince to harm His Majesty." Ling Xue's face turned deathly pale after reading the letter. Before she could react, Zhou Xing suddenly appeared at the scene. He glanced coldly at the wet nurse and ordered, "Drag her away and beat her to death."

Ling Xue stared at Zhou Xing in disbelief, loudly demanding, "Why are you so heartless? She's my wet nurse!" Zhou Xing turned his back, his sleeves trembling slightly. "The evidence is conclusive; I have no choice but to punish her." With that, he left with his men. Watching the wet nurse being led away, Ling Xue was filled with confusion and fear. She couldn't understand why Zhou Xing had become so cruel and heartless.

Late at night, Ling Xue tossed and turned in bed, unable to fall asleep. Suddenly, a dark shadow flashed past the window. Alarmed, she got up and opened the window, only to see a guard kneeling on the ground, presenting half a broken jade pendant. That jade pendant was the token of love Zhou Xing had given her years ago! The guard whispered, "This item came from the scene of the murder three days ago." At the same time, the Shanggong Bureau delivered a newly made phoenix hairpin. Ling Xue casually fiddled with the tassels on the hairpin, unexpectedly discovering a note hidden inside, which read "West Corner Gate, 7 PM." A thought struck her; she realized this might be a signal that someone wanted to rescue her from the palace. But she didn't know whether to believe this mysterious invitation.

The Autumn Hunt was held as scheduled. The Emperor led his officials and concubines to the hunting grounds. Ling Xue also participated. On the hunting grounds, she rode her horse with remarkable skill and grace. However, an unexpected event occurred. A cold arrow shot from the shadows, its target the Emperor!
In the nick of time, Ling Xue leaped towards the emperor, shielding him from a fatal blow. The arrowhead pierced deep into her shoulder blade, staining her clothes crimson with blood. Amidst the chaos, Zhou Xing rode up and caught the unconscious Ling Xue. His embrace was warm and strong, but his eyes were unusually cold.

While recuperating, Ling Xue lay on the couch to rest. In her dazed state, she heard voices coming from the outer room. She listened intently, and realized it was Zhou Xing's voice: "The marriage was postponed back then because our family was convicted… Now the situation is complicated…" His words were carried away by a gust of wind. Ling Xue was startled; there was more to the story than met the eye.

One night after recovering from her illness, Ling Xue secretly followed Zhou Xing into a secluded room. There, she witnessed a shocking scene—the elders of the Zhou family were forcing Zhou Xing to poison a member of the clan to consolidate his power. Zhou Xing's face was deathly pale, and his hands trembled as he accepted the bowl of poison. Just then, he noticed Ling Xue hiding in the shadows, a flicker of pain and helplessness in his eyes.

After much deliberation, Ling Xue made an important decision. The next morning, dressed neatly, she went before the Emperor to petition for his assistance in thoroughly investigating the examination fraud case. The Emperor greatly admired her courage and wisdom and immediately granted her request.

During the investigation, Ling Xue, with her keen insight and extraordinary courage, gradually unraveled the layers of mystery. The final evidence pointed to the fact that Zhou's disciples had collectively accepted bribes. The imperial court was in uproar, and the Zhou family was plunged into an unprecedented crisis.

On the day the Dali Temple pronounced its verdict, the sky was overcast, as if foreshadowing an impending storm. Zhou Xing stood beside the prison cart, watching Ling Xue walk across the steps carrying the case file. The dangling pearls of her phoenix crown swayed, making a crisp sound, which echoed the clanging of the chains on his wrists, creating a peculiar rhythm. In the instant their eyes met, it seemed as if a thousand words were unspoken, yet no words could be uttered.

On the day of her exile, a light rain fell over the capital. Ling Xue, holding an oil-paper umbrella, appeared by the official road, gazing at Zhou Xing in his cage from afar. She wanted to say something to him, but didn't know where to begin. Finally, she threw the amulet she had prepared for so long into the prison cart and turned to leave. Tears mingled with the rain, blurring her vision, but her steps were unwavering.

Ten years have passed in the blink of an eye. Ling Xue has now become a favorite of the Empress Dowager, assisting her in governing from behind the curtain and handling state affairs. One day, while reviewing memorials, she discovered a special document—an imperial edict exonerating the Zhou family. It turned out that the injustice of years past had been declared public, and the Zhou family's reputation had been restored.

Soon after, news of a great victory arrived from the border. The General Who Guards the North had decisively defeated the enemy camp, and this hero was none other than Zhou Xing, the Third Son of the Zhou Family! His numerous military exploits earned him the love of the people and the trust of the Emperor. When the news reached the palace, the first snow had just fallen, and the entire palace was covered with a layer of white snowflakes, appearing exceptionally peaceful and serene.

At the New Year's Eve banquet, Zhou Xing, as a triumphant hero, was warmly received by everyone. During the meal, he presented a painting titled "Winter Plum Blossoms," depicting red plum blossoms braving the snow and frost with lifelike detail, seemingly brimming with boundless vitality. Everyone praised it highly, but only Ling Xue saw the deeper meaning in it—it was a depiction of the plum garden where they first met!
After the banquet, the two strolled side by side along the plum garden path, the snow crunching under their feet like the gentle footsteps of time flowing through the river of memories. Zhou Xing suddenly stopped, gazing at Ling Xue, and softly asked, "Do you still resent me?" Ling Xue picked up a snow-covered plum blossom and tucked it behind his ear, smiling as she replied, "All fates are destined." At this moment, all grudges and resentments had vanished with the wind, leaving only two hearts that understood each other, clinging tightly to each other in the icy world.

Red silk cascaded down the carved canopy bed like a waterfall, and the bridal chamber was filled with the sweet fragrance of dragon and phoenix wedding candles. Ling Xue's hands trembled slightly as she slowly poured the nuptial wine into the cup. Through the gap in the veil, she glimpsed Miss Cui sitting there dignifiedly, while Prince Zhou Xing casually toyed with the bride's tassels. Beneath the jade crown, his deep-set eyes exuded a sense of detachment and indifference, as if he had no interest in any of these elaborate rituals.

In the stillness of the night, the side room outside the bridal chamber became Ling Xue's temporary refuge. She huddled in a corner, the whispers of the night watchwomen reaching her ears. "I heard that women are never allowed to enter the young master's study..." a shrill voice said in a low voice. Another voice quickly chimed in, "Of course, how can the rules left by the late madam be broken?" Ling Xue's heart skipped a beat, and she silently memorized these words.

At the third quarter of the hour of Yin (3:45 AM), before dawn, the entire Marquis's residence was still fast asleep. Suddenly, a series of hurried footsteps broke the silence. Ling Xue rose alertly and saw Zhou Xing returning from outside, dressed in a black brocade robe, exuding a chilling aura. A bloodstained longsword hung at his waist, the pearl on the tassel swaying gently with his movements. As he passed the corridor, his gaze met Ling Xue's as she swept the courtyard. In that instant, their eyes locked, and Ling Xue clearly saw a glint of wariness flash in his eyes.

The next morning, Miss Cui felt unwell and asked Ling Xue to convey her morning greetings to her mother-in-law. In the main hall, the old lady sat upright in the main seat, her sharp eyes watching Ling Xue as she entered.