The Bai family stood tall in the golden throne hall of the Yunhuang Empire.
Bai Longyuan.
Bai Yunchen.
Bai Yanyu.
All three were summoned before the Emperor.
The hall was filled with generals, ministers, and nobles.
But today, all eyes fell upon the Bai family — heroes who shaped the war's victory.
Imperial Recognition
The emperor's voice echoed through the hall. "Great General Bai Longyuan."
The father stepped forward and bowed.
The emperor's face softened.
"I have heard all your deeds from Prince Murong Shaoheng and Prince Murong Yexuan."
"For your unwavering loyalty, bravery, and battlefield command—"
"I appoint you as the Minister of War with a title of Marquis."
A collective gasp spread through the hall.
"You are injured and no longer need to return to the frontier."
"From today onward, all military matters—equipment, finances, strategic inspections, training, and personnel assignments—shall fall under your guidance."
Bai Longyuan lowered his head deeply. "This servant thanks Your Majesty."
"Bai Yunchen."
The eldest son stepped forward, tall and proud.
"Your courage has been acknowledged by two Marshal Princes."
"From today onward, you are promoted from General to Great General of the Snow Wolf Cavalry."
Whispers filled the hall.
"And also—you shall serve as the personal bodyguard to Marshal Prince Murong Yexuan."
Yunchen felt his chest tremble, "I obey."
"Bai Yanyu."
The second son stepped forward quietly.
"Young Bai Yanyu," the emperor continued, "I have heard of your brilliant tactical predictions during the war."
"I appoint you as Military Strategist under Prince Murong Yunxi's Strategic Intelligence Unit — the Cloud Mirror Division."
"A perfect placement." Bai Yanyu speak on his mind. "It can Coordinate with the Silk Whisper Guild".
Bai Yanyu smile. He is Head of Silk Whisper Guild, so this is a great opportunity for him.
Bai Yanyu bowed gracefully, "This servant accepts the grace."
The three bowed together.
The entire hall erupted in applause.
The General Who Forgot How to Smile
After the ceremony, Bai Yunchen made his way through the imperial gardens heading to Marshal Prince Murong Yexuan room.
He wore dark frost-blue armor — sharp lines, cold iron, and seven years of battlefield scars.
Everyone he passed saluted him like a god of war.
But Bai Yunchen's eyes were distant.
Then—
The gentle sound of guqin filled the garden.
Under a plum blossom tree sat Princess Murong Qianshi, daughter of Marshal Prince Murong Shaoheng.
Her music was soft, calming, like water flowing in early spring.
Bai Yunchen stopped walking.
The melody wrapped around him like warmth.
Murong Qianshi looked up and froze.
Before her stood a man cut from steel,
Tall.
Broad-shouldered.
Cold aura.
A faint scar tracing across his hand.
Snow-wolf armor hugging his frame.
Eyes like winter's edge.
Her breath caught.
A guqin note trembled between her fingers. "…F-Forgive me, Your Excellency," she said softly.
"Has my music disturbed you?"
Yunchen shook his head, his voice deep and quiet. "No. I have heard nothing so peaceful in seven years."
Her cheeks flushed.
She studied him—the tired posture beneath his strong frame, the weary coldness in his eyes, the loneliness carved into his bones.
"…Your Excellency," she whispered playfully,
"do you… know how to smile?"
Yunchen blinked.
He actually stared.
This woman—this gentle princess—was speaking to him as if he were a man,
not afraid of him at all.
"I…" he began.
He tried smiling.
It was horrible.
Qianshi burst into soft laughter.
She stood, stepped close, and lifted the ends of her lip with two fingers. "Like this."
Yunchen stared at her.
And for the first time in his life—his heart moved.
This was the moment he fell.
The Princess Who Wouldn't Leave
Meanwhile, in Prince Murong Yexuan's study…a headache sat in the shape of a princess.
Princess Murong Yingwei, the fifth princess, had been visiting him every day for two months, to 'check on his health', to 'bring him snacks', to 'discuss poetry' (she couldn't read half of it), to 'offer companionship...'
Today was no different. "Yexuan Gege! Look at this new hairpin! Isn't it pretty?"
Yexuan massaged his temples, "Yes."
"You didn't even look!"
"...It is very pretty."
She stomped her foot.
He felt another headache forming.
When Bai Yunchen arrived at the door, Yexuan almost sighed in relief.
"Good timing, Yunchen."
"We have military matters to discuss."
Yingwei pouted, "You're sending me away again?"
"Yes," Murong Yexuan said flatly.
"You don't like me!" she cried.
"You are like a younger sister to me," Yexuan replied coldly.
Yingwei froze—then burst into tears and stormed out.
Yexuan turned to the guards.
"Do not let her in again. Ever"
"Yes, Your Highness!"
Murong Yexuan exhaled and leaned back in his seat, exhausted.
His heart belonged to someone else now.
A girl with gentle fingers,
a soft voice, and a fragrance he could never forget.
Bai Rouyuan.