Ning Chen took Yuan Long, Xiao Yanxi and the others out to make the rounds of the army camp.

It was the New Year, and he wanted to give the officers and men his thanks.

By the time they got back, it was already evening.

As soon as they returned, a soldier handed Ning Chen a letter. Someone had brought it in the afternoon, he said.

Ning Chen took one look at the writing on it. It was Tantai Qingyue's hand.

He opened the letter and read it as he walked inside.

When he'd finished, the corner of his mouth curled slightly.

In the letter, Tantai Qingyue asked him to give her some time. She was going to seize the throne.

Before the end of the year, she promised, she'd have an answer for him that he'd be happy with.

When he reached the front hall, Ning Chen tossed the letter into the charcoal brazier.

The letter was about rebellion and seizing a throne. If it fell into the wrong hands, it could get Tantai Qingyue killed.

Ning Chen thought it over. He could wait until the end of the year.

Once spring came and the weather warmed up, he'd lead his army to the eastern frontier.

Zhang Tianlun, Zong Sibo and the Zhaohe Kingdom... all of them were going to pay.

Once they were taken care of, there'd be plenty of time for Xiliang.

Just then, Feng Qizheng came running in.

"My lord prince, take a look. Are the betrothal gifts I've put together enough?"

Feng Qizheng had even drawn up a gift list.

Ning Chen took it and glanced at it, and the corner of his mouth twitched.

Feng Qizheng looked a little uneasy. "What? Not enough?"

Ning Chen shook his head. "Old Feng, your handwriting is way too ugly."

Feng Qizheng grinned sheepishly. "I never went to school much, and I don't know many characters. Of course I can't measure up to you, the Great Xuan's immortal of poetry."

Beside them, Xiao Yanxi suddenly burst out laughing.

Ning Chen turned to her. "What? What's so funny?"

Xiao…