TIGR Extra Chapter 140

The Imperial Guard’s Revenge

Extra Chapter 140 Side Story – Raising a Younger Sister Pt.2

From that day on, Lu Heng taught Wang Yanqing with genuine attentiveness. He no longer scribbled a few characters and had her copy them off to the side. Instead, he had her sit beside him and personally taught her to read and write.

At first, Wang Yanqing would sit at another desk to write and copy. But later, she always sat by Lu Heng’s side. Eventually, the spare chair remained unused for long periods, and Lu Heng increasingly preferred to hold her in his arms while teaching.

Through observation, Lu Heng confirmed that Wang Yanqing hadn’t been deliberately trained, but instead, she was naturally adept at quickly recognizing others’ emotions and reading their expressions.

He hadn’t noticed before, but after Wang Yanqing joined their household, Lu Heng realized that having a soft, delicate, fair-skinned little sister was actually quite nice. She didn’t have the self-importance of an official’s daughter, the vanity and arrogance of nobility, or the aloofness and stubbornness of a scholarly family. She was a blank slate, completely unfamiliar with the capital, and earnestly studied everything he taught her. Everything was filled in by Lu Heng.

Lu Heng discovered that raising a sister like this was more fun than any game.

In the blink of an eye, Wang Yanqing turned ten. Over the years, Lu Heng became more and more comfortable in the Imperial Guards. Many officials knew him. He was no longer running mere errands for others but had gradually begun to participate in Imperial Guard affairs.

He came home later and later, and the files he brought back became increasingly complex. But he still insisted on personally tutoring Wang Yanqing in the afternoons. In truth, Madam Fan already arranged a female tutor for her, sending her in the mornings to learn music, chess, calligraphy, and painting with other girls from Imperial Guard families. But Lu Heng disagreed, insisting that those skills were useless. He preferred to teach her himself, real and practical things she could use to protect herself.

Madam Fan couldn’t win against Lu Heng and instead sent Wang Yanqing to the academy in the mornings, bringing her home early in the afternoon to receive her second brother’s instruction.

In the three years Wang Yanqing lived in the Lu household, Madam Fan truly treated her as a daughter, bringing her along to visit wives of officials and noblewomen and directly introducing her as her own child. Lu Song and Lu Min didn’t see her often, but they never treated her harshly. All her daily needs were provided for as if she were an official young lady of the Lu household. As for her second brother, there was no need to say anything, Wang Yanqing was closest to him.

Though her blood relatives had passed, she had been sincerely accepted by a new family. As she socialized and studied with other girls her age, she gradually shed the timidness she had when she first arrived in the capital becoming poised and composed, graceful in her manner.

She possessed a quiet liveliness. Her eyes always smiled gently, but she could also act cute and joke around. Even though she was an outsider, the other young ladies in her circle liked her very much.

Madam Fan and a few close madams organized a private class, inviting a female tutor to teach the girls in the clan school of one family. Since it was an all-girls school, they could chat and play together without worrying about their reputation. Today, in the middle of class, Wang Yanqing had to leave early again. One of her friends teased her: “Yanqing, you promised to come with us to A-Xuan’s house to look at makeup after class. And now you’re leaving early again. You never join our school gatherings!”

Wang Yanqing knew she was at fault and apologized: “Tomorrow I’ll bake some osmanthus cake myself to make it up to you. My second brother is coming back, I don’t have time. I have to go.”

The group complained, and someone chimed in: “I want the hibiscus cake from the mold you used last time!”

Wang Yanqing agreed to everything, quickly packing her things, and ran out of the school. As soon as she saw the Lu carriage, she said: “Uncle Zhao, I left late today. Please go quickly.”

The coachman responded and skillfully drove off. Hugging her books, Wang Yanqing hurried into Lu Heng’s courtyard. As she opened the door, she indeed saw that her second brother returned.

Wang Yanqing took a deep breath to calm herself and apologized to Lu Heng: “Sorry, Second Brother, I’m late today. Did you wait long?”

“No.” Lu Heng held a file in one hand and gestured with the other to the seat beside him: “Come here.”

Lu Heng often read files or wrote official documents at home. Wang Yanqing spent so much time with him that she had helped organize many files herself and was quite familiar with Imperial Guard paperwork. She sat down naturally, but this time, instead of sitting close to Lu Heng, she moved a separate chair.

Lu Heng looked up from the file and glanced at her: “What’s wrong? Are you upset with me?”

“No.” Wang Yanqing thought of what she’d heard at school earlier and said, “Men and women shouldn’t sit together after the age of seven. I’m already ten, I shouldn’t keep sitting on your lap. I need to be more mindful.”

Lu Heng quietly stared at her and asked: “Who told you that?”

“Everyone says that.” Wang Yanqing replied, trusting her second brother so much that she even shared the girls’ boudoir chatter. “Ah Xuan and the others stopped being alone with their brothers after they turned seven. They also said that once a girl turns ten, she’s considered an adult, and in a few years, she’ll need to start preparing for marriage. So, one must be especially mindful of words and actions.”

“Preparing for marriage.” Lu Heng gave a light laugh, suddenly closed the file, and asked, “Who brought up marriage to you?”

“No one in particular. We were just chatting casually…”

“Was it Chen Qingsui’s younger sister?”

Wang Yanqing didn’t answer, but from her expression, Lu Heng knew he guessed correctly. He grabbed Wang Yanqing’s wrist and pulled her into his lap, saying: “Don’t believe that nonsense. Chen Qingsui has ulterior motives and is using his sister as a messenger. From now on, don’t go to the Chen household alone, and especially stay away from Chen Qingsui. If they invite you to a banquet, tell me, and I’ll go with you.”

Wang Yanqing responded with an “Oh,” not really understanding. She didn’t know Chen Qingsui personally, only that he was Chen Xuan’s older brother. She might have seen him once or twice when visiting the Chen family with Madam Fan.

Holding his growing foster sister in his lap, Lu Heng narrowed his eyes slightly. Chen Qingsui was the son of Chen Yin, also from Anlu. Their families lived near each other back then, colleagues and comrades-in-arms, their fathers got along fairly well. But after arriving in the capital, their proximity to the emperor differed, and each was appointed to different posts. Since then, their relationships became more delicate.

Lu Heng joined the Imperial Guards early and got involved in real work, while Chen Qingsui relied on his father’s position as Commander and spent his days in indulgence, hosting banquets and partying. They were simply not the same kind of people. But Lu Heng hadn’t expected Chen Qingsui to harbor such intentions.

He wanted to become his brother-in-law? Chen Qingsui? Was he even worthy?

Lu Heng suddenly realized that Wang Yanqing had grown up. The frail, bean sprout-like little girl from before now reached the age where she was being noticed by others. Lu Heng felt the need to teach her more means of self-protection. Simply learning from files about servants betraying masters, scheming for wealth, or murdering wives for glory wasn’t enough.

Lu Heng said: “Qing Qing, do you want to learn martial arts?”

“What?”

Lu Heng said: “Let your me teach you some practical skills. That way, if you ever run into some shameless man, you won’t fall for his tricks.”

So that afternoon, instead of letting her study case files or judge logic, Lu Heng brought her to the training ground. Normally, only he used the space. Wang Yanqing stood nervously, while her second brother stood behind her, guiding her with his hands, teaching her how to raise a leg and throw a punch.

Wang Yanqing knew Lu Heng meant well, but with his hands on her body, even through her summer robe, she suddenly felt hot.

Three more years passed. Lu Heng was now eighteen and had grown into a famously handsome figure. He trained in the Imperial Guards for six years. He knew the internal workings, procedures, and all personnel well. As long as he passed the military exam, he could formally be appointed as an officer and begin taking on missions.

The military officer selection system resembled that of government officials. Scholars studied for ten years and only earned the right to serve in government after passing the imperial exam. Similarly, military officials, aside from inheriting titles, had to pass the military exams. Since Lu Song was still serving in the Imperial Guards, Lu Heng couldn’t inherit his family’s post and had to earn it himself.

But passing the exam didn’t guarantee a position. Official appointments and posts depended on invisible backing. On that front, Lu Heng had no worries, the emperor was his childhood friend, and Empress Dowager Jiang treated him like half a son. Would anyone really doubt he’d land a good position? The only thing Lu Heng needed now was to pass the military exam and earn the qualification, formally entering court to serve the emperor.

The emperor, after all, was in dire need of loyal allies.

Lu Heng’s military exam was the most important matter in the Lu Mansion that year. Over dinner, Madam Fan murmured: “The exam is in a month, isn’t it? Don’t get too nervous. You’re still young, you can always try again next year. Lately, more and more people are proposing matches for you. I’ve declined them all so you wouldn’t be distracted. We can talk about it after the exam…”

“No need.” Lu Heng refused flatly. “Mother, don’t bother arranging any proposals for me. I have my own plans. I’ll pass the exam this year, no there is no need to try for several years.”

Madam Fan looked at him, opened her mouth, then finally said: “Alright. You’ve always had your own mind, and I believe you. You’re a young man, you can forge your own path. But as for Yanqing, we need to be more cautious with her marriage…”

“Wait.” Lu Heng interrupted again, raising a brow. “Mother, someone proposed for Qing Qing?”

“There’s been plenty already.” Madam Fan looked at Lu Heng like he was being silly. “You spend all your time with her, I thought you knew.”

Clearly, Lu Heng did not. He turned his gaze in silence. Outside, he saw Wang Yanqing sitting under the trellis, chatting and laughing with a maid. She wore a pale green jacket and skirt, sunlight glancing across her face, pure as frost, and radiant as summer blossoms.

Wang Yanqing was now thirteen. Her features matured, once adorably snowy and cherubic, she was now sculpted and elegant. Her dark hair and fair skin, refined brows and eyes, and a gaze that danced between aloof and affectionate, she looked like an untouchable snowflake drifting through sunlight. She drew people in, irresistibly.

Lu Heng thought only he was drawn to her. He hadn’t expected others to feel the same.

When he first realized he had feelings for his foster sister that exceeded brotherly affection, he felt guilty, for a brief moment. Then he generously forgave himself. At first, he truly did want to treat her like a real sister. But later he realized, what’s not related by blood simply isn’t. Without the bond of kinship, when a man wants to be good to a woman, it can only mean one thing.

She had grown up on his knee. He personally taught her to read and write, to practice martial arts and strengthen her body. He knew better than anyone what her habits were and what she liked. For six years, he carefully drew every line on this blank canvas, watching her transform from a timid, frail orphan into a gentle and poised young lady. She was his most devoted creation, why should he hand her over to someone else?

Lu Heng felt that it was thoroughly justified. He glanced at Wang Yanqing again, confirming she was too far away to hear anything, then said to Madam Fan: “Mother, you don’t need to worry about Qing Qing’s engagement. After the military exam, I’ll make arrangements myself.”

Madam Fan sensed something was off. Lu Heng was her brother, no matter how close they were, how could he be the one to arrange his foster sister’s marriage? Not only did he refuse to let her arrange matches for himself, but now he was even blocking proposals for Wang Yanqing… Madam Fan stared at Lu Heng, who looked back at her calmly, a faint smile on his lips.

Her vague suspicions solidified, and her heart skipped a beat. She glanced toward the courtyard and then lowered her voice in reprimand: “Nonsense. You’re her brother, how can you harbor such thoughts about your own sister?”

Lu Heng was completely unfazed: “She’s not my blood relative.”

Madam Fan scolded: “But all these years, I’ve introduced her to others as my daughter.”

“A daughter-in-law is a daughter too.” Lu Heng said, morally flexible and even earnestly trying to convince his mother. “Mother, you never carried her. Anyone who asks around will know she’s the Lu family’s foster daughter. The ones proposing now are either after our family’s power or her beauty. Can you really trust her in such households? You care about her so much, what if she ends up with a womanizing husband, a harsh mother-in-law, or a difficult sister-in-law? It’s better to keep her within our own family. You can continue looking after her, and you won’t have to worry about me marrying a wife. After all, the best wife is one raised within the household.”

To her surprise, Madam Fan found Lu Heng’s words somewhat persuasive. She couldn’t help glancing out again, a little guilty: “But family, and husband and wife are fundamentally different. Your father and I are her parents, nothing would change there. But if she sees you as her brother, then…”

“Don’t worry.” Lu Heng said confidently and smoothly, taking over her words. “Leave this matter to me. You’ll definitely have a willing daughter-in-law.”

Madam Fan felt slightly reassured but suddenly remembered something and raised her brow: “You mustn’t do anything improper!”

“I know.” Lu Heng replied, somewhat helpless, “Do you really think I’m that kind of person?”

To be fair, it was his last resort plan. But Lu Heng firmly believed he wouldn’t need to go that far.

The military exam was just around the corner. Wang Yanqing was full of nerves, but Lu Heng appeared completely composed. After dinner, Lu Heng brought her out to practice martial arts. On the way, she said: “Second Brother, the exam is only a few days away. Why don’t we skip today’s practice? I don’t want to waste your time.”

“No need.” Lu Heng said. “When I decide to do something, I never rely on last-minute preparation. Don’t you have confidence in your brother?”

“It’s not that.” Wang Yanqing said. “I’m just afraid I’ll hold you back.”

There was something else she didn’t say, she felt their contact was starting to feel too close. Lu Heng was now eighteen, tall and well-built, completely different from his twelve-year-old self. He was already a young man now. It felt inappropriate for him to still be holding her waist and legs to adjust her posture, even for a brother, it was too close.

Lu Heng didn’t say whether he agreed or not. Instead, he said casually: “Qing Qing, a few days ago, Mother and I were talking about engagements.”

Wang Yanqing, for some reason, felt a wave of displeasure rise in her heart: “You’re getting engaged?”

“No, she was asking for you.” Lu Heng said, lowering his gaze to look at her, eyes filled with an unreadable meaning. “Qing Qing, what kind of husband do you want?”

Why ask such an embarrassing question out of nowhere? Wang Yanqing’s cheeks flushed red as she said, flustered and exasperated: “Brother…”

“There’s no one else here, can’t you even tell your brother?”

“Lu Heng pressed on, uncharacteristically persistent today. Wang Yanqing couldn’t avoid the topic and, in the end, replied with a red face and a quiet voice: “Whatever Father and Mother arrange is fine.”

u Heng raised an eyebrow, clearly dissatisfied with the answer. He continued to press on: “Mother told me that the family only wants you to be happy. They don’t care about status or wealth, only who you like. What kind of man does Qing Qing want to marry?”

Wang Yanqing quickly darted her eyes away and bit her lip, refusing to speak. Lu Heng smiled and said: “Qing Qing, if you don’t answer, I won’t go easy on you at the training ground later.”

Wang Yanqing knew that while her second brother looked gentle and smiling, he had many sinister tricks up his sleeve. Today, he looked like he wouldn’t let it go until she answered. A gentle breeze passed them, carrying the faint scent of flowers. Wang Yanqing suddenly wished this path could go on forever, never reaching its end.

She lowered her head and murmured so softly it could barely be heard: “Someone like Second Brother.”

Lu Heng leaned in, tilting his ear closer: “What did you say?”

Her face flushed bright red. No matter what, she couldn’t bring herself to say something like that directly to his face. Lu Heng, seeing her embarrassment, smiled contentedly and stopped pressing her. He said: “What a coincidence. When I marry someday, I’d like to marry someone just like Qing Qing.”

Even though Wang Yanqing was only thirteen and didn’t understand the matters between men and women, she still knew this kind of thing shouldn’t be said lightly. She froze completely, but Lu Heng had already taken her hand and said: “Qing Qing, since you’re willing to marry, and I’m willing to take you as my wife, once you come of age, will you marry your Second Brother?”

Wang Yanqing bit her lip, feeling that something about this didn’t seem right: “But we’re brother and sister…”

“We’re not blood siblings, so we can marry. You don’t need to worry about what Father, Mother, or anyone else thinks. You just answer me. Do you want to or not?”

Wang Yanqing thought carefully. Marriage seemed to mean a man and a woman living together forever. She had stayed by Second Brother’s side all these years, and if that continued, it didn’t seem so bad. Wang Yanqing said: “If Second Brother doesn’t push me too hard when we practice martial arts, then I’m willing.”

A slight smile passed over Lu Heng’s lips as he thought that she was such an innocent and adorable little sister. He nodded and readily agreed to her condition: “Alright, then it’s settled. Qing Qing, you’ve already promised me. You’re not allowed to give your word to any other man. In the future, if any man sends you gifts or invitations, no matter who it is, you must tell Second Brother. Understand?”

Wang Yanqing thought her brother’s logic was reasonable and sincerely nodded: “Okay.”

Lu Heng truly hadn’t expected his little sister would be this easy to win over. On one hand, he felt like a scoundrel luring a young girl who deserved to be struck by lightning, on the other hand, he continued to push the limits: “Qing Qing, I’m about to take the military exam. I heard that in ancient times, there was a kind of magic, before a wife sent her husband off, if she prayed sincerely, heaven would grant her power. She could pass on that power to him through a special ritual, and he would be protected from harm and have all his wishes come true.”

“Really?” Wang Yanqing, intrigued by this mystical magic, immediately asked, “Which book speaks of that?”

Lu Heng said: “I read it a long time ago, I can’t recall the title. Qing Qing, would you help Second Brother?”

Of course, Wang Yanqing nodded. Lu Heng looked around, confirmed no one was nearby, then pulled her behind a large tree: “Alright, close your eyes and silently make a wish.”

Wang Yanqing obediently closed her eyes and wished for Second Brother to succeed in his military exam and have a bright future. Lu Heng braced one hand against the tree trunk and looked down at her snow-white skin and fluttering eyelashes. His Adam’s apple bobbed. His voice grew low and husky: “Qing Qing, have you finished?”

Wang Yanqing opened her eyes and nodded solemnly, though she was confused: “But I don’t feel any power.”

“There is.” Lu Heng said, lifting her chin and suddenly leaning in to kiss her lips. “Now, transfer the power to me. Loosen your jaw and breathe.”

In the end, Wang Yanqing was breathless and weak in the knees when he lifted her off the tree. Resting in Second Brother’s arms, she thought this ancient magic really was miraculous.

Why had she never heard of it before?

After that, Second Brother often came to find her for these blessing rituals. And maybe it really was effective. Lu Heng easily passed the military exam, taking first place and becoming a military scholar.

That night, after the family’s celebratory banquet for Lu Heng’s achievement, he went to Wang Yanqing’s room and hugged and kissed her for a long time in the name of returning the favor.

Wang Yanqing realized Second Brother knew an astonishing number of obscure facts. She resolved to read more books to keep up with him.

After passing the military exam, Lu Heng smoothly entered the Imperial Guards as an official. But now that he had an official post, he couldn’t act as freely as before. He clearly became busier and could no longer make time in the afternoon to teach Wang Yanqing. The girls of her age group started reaching marriageable age, and the study sessions stopped.

Wang Yanqing had no choice but to stay home reading and practicing calligraphy by herself. Without Second Brother at home, her life suddenly felt empty.

For the Shangsi Festival, Wang Yanqing accompanied Madam Fan on an outing outside the city. She was now fourteen, graceful and elegant, stunningly beautiful, and immediately drew attention wherever she went. But she stayed close to her foster mother, not stepping away once. Many young men admired her from afar but were disappointed they couldn’t find a chance to speak with her.

She walked with Madam Fan along the riverside and soon encountered a group of noble ladies. Their clothing was splendid, but for some reason, Wang Yanqing felt a strong sense of dislike when she saw their faces.

The leading lady came forward to exchange pleasantries with Madam Fan, and only then did Wang Yanqing realize these were the women of the Zhenyuan Marquis Mansion. She quietly stayed at her foster mother’s side, but suddenly she felt an intense gaze.

Wang Yanqing looked up and saw a tall, cold-faced man standing behind the ladies of the Fu family. His eyes were deep and unfathomable, his thin lips tightly pressed. He was staring directly at her.

Wang Yanqing quickly lowered her head and hid behind Madam Fan, feeling inexplicably uncomfortable under his gaze.

For some reason, the Marquis of Zhenyuan’s daughter-in-law, Madam Chen, asked about Wang Yanqing. Madam Fan kept a warm and proper smile and said: “This is my daughter. Qing Qing, come greet Madam Chen.”

Wang Yanqing lowered her eyes and respectfully knelt in a formal bow: “Madam Chen.”

Madam Chen looked at Wang Yanqing and said: “What a fine young lady. How old is she this year? Is she engaged yet?”

Madam Fan smiled warmly and replied kindly: “She’s fourteen this year and already engaged.”

Madam Chen let out a surprised “Ah,” and didn’t ask further. In reality, Wang Yanqing wasn’t engaged, but Madam Fan’s words effectively cut off unnecessary small talk, and that intense gaze on Wang Yanqing finally moved away.

Wang Yanqing secretly let out a breath of relief.

The Shangsi Festival was a day for women, and in previous years, Second Brother always accompanied her on the spring outing. She hadn’t expected to be alone this year. Though she felt a touch of disappointment, she knew that Lu Heng had just entered the Imperial Guards and was very busy. She shouldn’t trouble him over such a trivial matter.

By the riverside, beauties were as numerous as clouds, and flowers bloomed like brocade, it was a perfect spring scene. Wang Yanqing wasn’t in the mood to enjoy it alone and was about to ask Madam Fan to return home when she suddenly heard the faint, urgent sound of hooves approaching from afar. She turned around and realized it wasn’t her imagination. Second Brother had really come.

He rode a black steed, dressed in a crimson flying fish uniform. Bathed in the radiant spring light, he looked like an arrow shot through blossoms, kicking up a mist of pink petals in his wake. Wang Yanqing’s face lit up with an uncontrollable smile. She waved at him and lifted her skirt to run toward him: “Second Brother!”

Lu Heng dismounted. The young man in red was a picture of elegant haste, handsome and charming. With his slender waist, long legs, skin like white jade, and eyes like peach blossoms, he stood among the flowers in his ornate uniform, more striking than any of the beauties along the riverbank. He was searching the crowd for Wang Yanqing, and upon hearing her voice, turned and instantly broke into a smile.

He reached out and steadily caught the girl running toward him, skirts in hand.

Fu Tingzhou stood beneath a flowering tree by the water, watching the scene from a distance. He thought, so this is her fiancé?

What a pity they just met, he was too late.

The year Wang Yanqing turned fifteen, the Mongol forces attacked Lengzui Pass. Lu Heng rushed to the frontlines and was promoted to Deputy of the Thousand Households for his military merit. After earning his distinction, he didn’t even stop to rest, he rode through the night to return to the capital.

He barely made it through the city gates before they closed. His travel companions were nearly dead from exhaustion and gasped in astonishment: “Lu Heng, what urgent matter could possibly be worth this madness? Why did you have to come back today?”

“For a matter that can’t be delayed.” Lu Heng added in his heart, today was the first of the twelfth month, he had to return to celebrate his sister’s birthday.

Wang Yanqing waited all day and had already given up hope. She took off the coming-of-age hair ornaments that Madam Fan specially prepared for her and was about to change for bed. As she removed the pearl flowers in front of the mirror, her heart was filled with disappointment. She had gone to such lengths to dress up, just to be seen by him. Everyone had been there, everyone except him.

As she combed her hair, she wondered where Lengzui Pass was and whether he was in danger on the front lines. Just then, a sudden noise came from the window. Startled, Wang Yanqing stood up, her face paling.

A thief? Who would dare sneak into the Lu Mansion?

As she thought this, the window opened and a figure leapt inside. When she saw his face clearly, she let out a breath of relief and scolded: “It’s so late, why didn’t you use the door? I thought you were a thief!”

Lu Heng turned and closed the window, walking toward her with a smile: “Maybe I am a thief, a flower thief.”

Wang Yanqing was happy that he suddenly returned to celebrate her birthday. But seeing his travel-worn appearance, she worried for his safety and deliberately pouted, saying: “Weren’t you at Lengzui Pass? Why did you come back?”

“Of course I had to come back.” Lu Heng stepped closer, cupped her face, and kissed her deeply. “Today is my sister’s coming-of-age ceremony. Years ago, she promised me, once she came of age, she’d marry me. How could I dare miss it?”

Wang Yanqing’s cheeks flushed. She gave a soft hum and pouted: “Why are you only here now? I already took my hair down. It looked so nice during the day.”

“It’s okay.” Lu Heng pulled out a hairpin from his sleeve. Despite the freezing weather, it was still warm, he’d clearly kept it close to his body the whole way. He gathered her hair and gently pinned it up: “To me, Qing Qing is already beautiful enough. No adornment could make her more so.”

Wang Yanqing could no longer hold back. She reached out and hugged him tightly. Lu Heng also wrapped his arms around her and held her close.

One was travel-worn, the other in a disheveled dress, yet they embraced tightly under the cover of night. After a long time, Lu Heng loosened his grip slightly, pressed his forehead against hers, and asked gravely: “Qing Qing, will you marry me?”

Holding back tears, Wang Yanqing solemnly nodded: “I will.”

In the eleventh year of Jiajing, in the first year of their marriage, they celebrated Wang Yanqing’s seventeenth birthday. She inexplicably wanted to visit Dajue Temple to offer prayers, so Lu Heng accompanied his new bride along the winding mountain path. He asked: “Qing Qing, what made you suddenly want to come to the temple?”

Lifting the carriage curtain, Wang Yanqing looked at the steep cliffs beside the road, a strange emotion rising in her chest: “I just feel this place is very important to us. As if, I would meet you here.”

Lu Heng turned his horse and glanced down at the jagged rocks beneath the cliff. He thought that meeting here wouldn’t have been a very auspicious beginning. But turning back to her, he smiled and said: “No matter where we meet, you’ll always be my wife.”

Wang Yanqing looked at him. She meant to say, don’t be so smug, but she couldn’t help laughing instead.

May your heart be like mine. From childhood to old age, from opposition to devotion, through all the twists and turns, it was always you.

　　— End of The Imperial Guard’s Revenge

The childhood friends alternate universe extra is now complete. The Imperial Guard’s Revenge is officially concluded. Thank you for your continued support! Wishing every reader peace, health, and all the best in everything!

Prev TOC