My Taoist buddy has practiced surrogacy

Chapter 1465 Sincerity
That night, I tossed and turned in bed, tears soaking my pillow. I knew my decision was right, but my heart was filled with unbearable pain. In the following days, Zhou Xing still didn't give up. He expressed his feelings to me in various ways, sending me precious gifts, leaving notes at my place... but I always stuck to my principles and remained unmoved.

One night, a sudden fire broke out in the palace. The flames were fierce, and thick smoke billowed over the entire palace. In the chaos, many palace servants were trapped inside. I, too, lost my way in the panicked crowd, the choking smoke almost suffocating me. Just when I felt despair, a familiar figure rushed into the inferno—it was Zhou Xing! He spotted me immediately, disheveled and without hesitation, picked me up and carried me out of the fire.

Once we safely reached the open space, he gently set me down. His face was covered in dust, and a few strands of his hair were singed, but his eyes remained resolute as he looked at me: "Ling Xue, I know what you're afraid of. But I don't care about your status or position; I love you for who you are. No matter how you try to escape, you can't change my feelings for you." Hearing his sincere words, my defenses completely crumbled. I threw myself into his arms and burst into tears: "Your Highness..."

From then on, our feelings for each other deepened. Despite immense external pressure, we supported each other through many difficult times. Zhou Xing would find time to visit me amidst his busy schedule, telling me amusing stories from the court; and I would play the zither and sing for him when he was troubled, helping him relieve his stress. However, this happy period didn't last long. The emperor discovered that the crown prince was having an overly close relationship with a palace maid. Enraged, he ordered me to be banished to the cold palace.

From the moment I was locked in the cold palace, I thought my life was over. The cold, damp environment and the coarse, unpalatable food didn't make me feel so desperate; what truly pained me was never seeing Zhou Xing again. I spent countless days and nights in darkness, my longing overwhelming me like a tidal wave. Just when I thought it was all over, Zhou Xing secretly sent me a letter and a package. The letter read, "Ling Xue, don't be afraid, I will definitely find a way to get you out. Take care of yourself." The package contained warm clothes and food. It turned out he had been secretly monitoring my situation and actively devising a plan.

After months of torment in the cold palace, a turning point finally arrived. Zhou Xing, along with several upright ministers, petitioned the emperor, pointing out that I was innocent and had been implicated, and that my friendship with the crown prince was genuine and posed no harm to the country. After careful consideration, the emperor finally decided to pardon me. The moment I stepped out of the cold palace gates, the sunlight was so bright I could barely open my eyes. I saw Zhou Xing standing not far away, waiting for me, a magnificent carriage beside him. He strode forward, took my hand, and said, "Come with me."

Sitting in the carriage, Zhou Xing looked at my much thinner face and felt a pang of heartache: "I've made you suffer." I shook my head slightly: "As long as I can be with you, no suffering is too great." In the days that followed, Zhou Xing worked even harder in handling state affairs, demonstrating exceptional talent and wisdom. Under his rule, the country gradually prospered. I also assisted him in managing affairs in the palace, winning the recognition and respect of everyone with my kindness and intelligence.

Years later, one spring, Zhou Xing officially ascended the throne. On the night after the grand ceremony, he took my hand and led me to the old plum trees in the Imperial Garden. Moonlight bathed us, as if draping us in a silver veil. He gazed at me tenderly and said, "Ling Xue, from the moment we first met in the Imperial Garden, I knew you were a special person in my life. My ascension to the throne is inseparable from your support and companionship. For the rest of my life, I will share this vast empire with you." Tears of happiness welled in my eyes: "Your Majesty is too kind. It is my blessing to be by Your Majesty's side."

Looking back on the past, from that timid and cowardly palace maid to the Empress, the journey has been full of hardships and setbacks. But I have always firmly believed that the power of love can overcome all difficulties. Whenever a new batch of young ladies were selected for the palace, there were always those who were jealous of my favored position and tried to cause trouble. But I was never afraid of these challenges, because I knew that Zhou Xing's sincerity towards me had never changed. He would stand up for me when I was wronged; he would personally prepare medicine and take care of me when I was sick; and he would give me the most steadfast support and encouragement when I was confused and lost.

Time has flown by, and we've weathered many storms together. Gray hairs have crept into our temples, but our love has only grown stronger and deeper. On a peaceful afternoon, Zhou Xing and I sat by the window, sipping tea and admiring the flowers. Outside, the sun shone brightly, and birds sang merrily. I leaned on his shoulder and whispered, "Your Majesty, do you still remember our first meeting in the Imperial Garden?" He smiled and nodded. "Of course I remember. You were just an innocent and naive little girl then." I smiled and replied, "If that encounter hadn't changed the course of my life, perhaps I'd still be an ordinary old palace maid." Zhou Xing held my hand tightly and said, "Fate brought us together, made us know each other, and made us love each other—that's the best arrangement."

As the sun sets, it casts long shadows on us, as if telling a legendary love story that transcends class and status, destined to be passed down forever…

The autumn forests resembled an overturned palette, with reds, yellows, and browns weaving together to create a vibrant yet desolate scene. Zhou Xing slowly awoke from his daze, his head feeling as heavy as lead, his memories shrouded in a thick fog. He vaguely remembered sitting in a magnificent carriage when suddenly a group of fierce-looking bandits attacked, and amidst the flashing blades, he lost consciousness.

He struggled to his feet, his brocade robe tattered and covered in mud and grass clippings. Looking around, towering ancient trees blocked out the sun, with only a few rays occasionally filtering through the leaves to form golden beams. Beneath his feet lay a thick carpet of fallen leaves, rustling softly as if whispering secrets of the forest. A nameless fear and confusion welled up within Zhou Xing; he didn't know where he was, or how to leave.

Just as he was at a loss, the crisp sound of horses' hooves approached from afar. Soon, a young woman rode up, dressed in rough hunting attire, her figure slender and spirited. Her quiver was bulging on her back, and a delicate dagger hung at her waist. Seeing Zhou Xing's appearance, the woman reined in her horse, dismounted, and her eyes were filled with wariness and concern: "Who are you? What are you doing here?"

Zhou Xing opened his mouth, but found he couldn't even pronounce his name clearly, so he could only shake his head helplessly. Seeing his pitiful state, the girl stepped forward and carefully examined him. She noticed that although his face was covered in dirt, he possessed an extraordinary air, unlike an ordinary vagrant. She said, "In that case, come with me to my home. My father might be able to help you." With that, she helped Zhou Xing up, placed him on her horse, and then slowly rode forward, holding the reins.

Along the way, Zhou Xing carefully observed his surroundings, trying to find clues to recover his memories, but all his efforts were in vain. Soon, they arrived at a simple yet cozy courtyard. Several thatched huts were scattered about, with animal hides and medicinal herbs drying outside, and a few hunting dogs lazily basking in the sun. The girl called out, "Father, I'm back!" A burly, honest-looking middle-aged man emerged from the hut; he was Ling Xue's father—Old Ling. Old Ling frowned slightly when he saw his daughter bring back a strange man, but still warmly welcomed Zhou Xing into the house. Ling Xue boiled a basin of hot water for Zhou Xing to wash up. The warm water caressed his face, bringing a long-lost sense of comfort, but the memories in his mind remained a jumbled mess. After taking a bath, Old Ling brought over a bowl of steaming hot mutton soup and said, "Child, drink some hot soup to warm yourself up." Zhou Xing took the bowl and chopsticks and wolfed down the soup. He was starving after spending these days outdoors in the wind and rain.

At night, Zhou Xing lay on his bed in the guest room, staring blankly at the beams in the ceiling. Moonlight streamed through the window, casting dappled shadows on the floor. He tried to recall everything from the past, but the harder he tried, the more his head throbbed. From the next room came Ling Xue's soft snoring, a sound as soothing as heavenly music to his restless soul. In this unfamiliar mountain forest, she was the only presence that made him feel at ease.

From then on, Zhou Xing settled down temporarily at the Ling family's residence. Every morning, before the first rays of dawn had completely dispelled the darkness, Ling Xue would get up to prepare breakfast. Simple brown rice, stir-fried wild vegetables, and a bowl of rich mushroom soup—though not as exquisite as the delicacies of the former mansion, they possessed a unique simplicity and sweetness. Zhou Xing would also help chop wood, fetch water, and do whatever he could. Although his movements were slightly clumsy, his attitude was very earnest.

After breakfast, Old Ling would take Zhou Xing into the mountains to hunt. The forests were their battlefield and their source of livelihood. Old Ling taught Zhou Xing how to identify prey tracks, set traps, and use a bow and arrow. Zhou Xing learned quickly; his focus and keen senses earned Old Ling's secret praise. Once, while tracking a hare, they accidentally startled a resting black bear. The bear was enormous and roared as it charged at them. Zhou Xing turned pale with fright, his legs went weak, and he almost turned to run away. But Old Ling remained calm, quickly drawing back his bowstring and shooting an arrow into the bear's eye. The bear roared in pain and charged even more frantically. Just then, Ling Xue arrived in time, her spear piercing the bear's other eye with pinpoint accuracy. The bear screamed and collapsed dead.

Having survived this life-or-death ordeal, Zhou Xing was filled with gratitude towards Ling Xue. Ling Xue simply smiled faintly, saying it was one of the survival skills he should learn. In the days that followed, Zhou Xing practiced his hunting techniques even more diligently, gradually adapting to this life full of danger and challenges.

In their spare time, Ling Xue would take Zhou Xing to pick wild fruits and dig for medicinal herbs. All the plants on the mountain were treasures in their eyes; some were edible, others could be used as medicine. Ling Xue knew the characteristics of each plant well, and she patiently introduced them to Zhou Xing: "This is honeysuckle; after drying, it can be used to make tea, which has the effect of clearing heat and detoxifying; that's astragalus; adding a little when stewing soup can replenish qi and strengthen the exterior..." Zhou Xing listened attentively, his heart filled with awe for these gifts of nature.

As time went by, Zhou Xing grew stronger, and thick calluses formed on his hands. His relationship with Ling Xue also subtly changed. They would sit together by the stream chatting, watching the fish frolic in the water; they would walk side-by-side home at sunset, sharing their day's experiences and feelings. Zhou Xing found himself increasingly reliant on this kind and brave girl, while Ling Xue always quietly cared for him.

However, their peaceful life was eventually shattered. One night, a group of men in black stealthily infiltrated the village. Wielding sharp blades, they killed anyone they saw, and the entire village was instantly engulfed in flames. Old Ling realized that these were well-trained assassins, and he hurriedly woke Zhou Xing and Ling Xue, telling them to escape to the back mountain as quickly as possible.

The three ran desperately under the cover of night, pursued by shouts and barking dogs. The mountain path was rugged and difficult to traverse, and Old Ling, being quite old, gradually became exhausted. He said to Zhou Xing and Ling Xue, "Don't worry about me, keep going!" But Zhou Xing resolutely refused to abandon him, carrying the old man on his back and continuing to run. Ling Xue led the way, her short knife ready to deal with any potential dangers.

After running for an unknown amount of time, they finally shook off their pursuers. They took refuge in a secluded cave. Old Ling, panting heavily, said, "It seems these people are after you, child. Your background is definitely not simple." Countless questions welled up in Zhou Xing's mind. He clenched his fists tightly and secretly vowed to find out the truth and protect those around him.

To find out the identities and motives of those people, Zhou Xing decided to return to the village alone early the next morning to investigate. Ling Xue was worried about him and insisted on going with him. The two carefully returned to the ruins of the village, only to find it in complete disarray, with corpses lying haphazardly and blood staining the ground. Zhou Xing suppressed his grief and nausea and began searching for clues.

In the ruins of a burned-down house, he found a broken jade pendant. The pendant was smooth and lustrous, carved with exquisite patterns; it was clearly no ordinary piece. Zhou Xing picked it up and examined it for a long time, suddenly feeling a sense of déjà vu. As he tried to recall, fragmented images flashed through his mind: a luxurious palace, imposing parents, a grand banquet… but these images vanished in an instant, shattering like bubbles.

At this moment, an elderly survivor walked over, trembling. He recognized the fragments of brocade robe on Zhou Xing and told him that he was the eldest son of the Zhou family in the capital. It turned out that the bandit attack was not accidental, but a premeditated conspiracy against the Zhou family. The Zhou family had many enemies in the court, and someone had bribed a bandit leader to launch an attack while the Zhou family was traveling, attempting to wipe them out. Zhou Xing had only survived by accidentally falling off a cliff.

Hearing this news, Zhou Xing was shocked. He had always thought of himself as just an ordinary rich kid, never expecting that such a huge secret was hidden behind him. Ling Xue looked at his complicated expression, gently held his hand and said, "No matter who you are, the most important thing now is to protect yourself."