FM - 2

In the northern district of Condor City, in the Daguan Building where the Ministry of Defense of Moselan is located.

The soft winter sunlight poured through the tall glass windows into the room. An elderly man dressed in a navy-blue military uniform strode confidently down the spacious corridor.

The soldiers on the tenth floor saluted him: “General, sir.”

General Jiangwei, with white hair and beard, was energetic and imposing in his straight military attire, exuding an aura of authority without needing to show anger. The beautiful female secretary of Du Boqin led him to the office door and knocked: “Your Highness, General Jiangwei has arrived.”

Upon hearing this, the tall man in the white shirt immediately stood up from behind the desk. He quickly pushed his chair aside and hurried forward, just in time to open the door for the elder.

General Jiangwei patted Du Boqin’s shoulder firmly and smiled: “Boqin!” Du Boqin shook hands with him respectfully: “Uncle Jiangwei.”

General Jiangwei said: “It’s been a while since we last met. How is your mother recently?” Du Boqin replied: “She’s fine.”

“And your younger siblings?”

“They’re fine too.”

“And you?”

“I’m also fine.”

General Jiangwei laughed heartily: “I just returned to the capital yesterday and heard that you’ve been in good spirits lately?”

Du Boqin forced a smile: “I think you must be too idle after retirement. Let me make you some tea.”

General Jiangwei shook his head immediately, his voice booming: “As long as the Northern Chalei Island remains in Leon’s hands, our generation will never retire.”

The boiling water poured down, spreading a touch of green at the bottom. Du Boqin served the tea to his mentor and cautiously began: “There have been some disagreements within the military regarding the deployment of troops on Northern Chalei Island.”

General Jiangwei said: “Our generation failed to reclaim Northern Chalei; it is your generation’s responsibility to carry this burden. What does Panrege plan to do?”

Du Boqin replied: “He holds a conservative stance on increasing troop numbers but hasn’t explicitly opposed it. In any case, if this succeeds, it will be credited to his leadership, but he won’t bear the consequences of failure.”

General Jiangwei cursed angrily: “That old fox!” Du Boqin smiled helplessly.

Jiangwei had once fought alongside his father and, now seventy years old, was still willing to return to assist because he refused to give up the plan to reclaim Northern Chalei. Reclaiming the Northern Chalei Island, which was separated during the Moselan independence movement, was something the late Duke Duval cared about until his death.

Du Boqin tapped on the operational map on the desk: “I have already transferred military forces from the East Coast and adjusted the deployment plans of several nearby oil bases.”

General Jiangwei rested his hand on the armrest of the sofa, took out his pipe, and continued speaking as if chatting casually: “Boqin, next month’s military exercise is very important. Listen to me, you need to train an excellent flight team capable of destroying all key infrastructure of Leon’s armed forces within ten minutes.”

Du Boqin’s expression changed slightly, then he nodded.

General Jiangwei nodded approvingly and slowly took a puff of his pipe. He looked at the handsome young man before him—his subordinate, his student, the son of his lifelong friend, and the most outstanding successor among their generation. The Air Force Command Office on the tenth floor of Daguan Building was far from the endpoint of this person’s achievements.

General Jiangwei’s tone gradually became serious: “I heard some rumors upon my return.”

Du Boqin pursed his lips and remained silent.

General Jiangwei’s tone was calm but carried a hint of caution: “I don’t want to say this, but I must. Boqin, listen to my advice and abandon the investigation into your father’s cause of death.”

Du Boqin remained composed and did not speak.

General Jiangwei said: “Meijie discussed this matter with me. Give it up.”

Du Boqin’s tone was somewhat stubborn: “You know what this means to me.”

General Jiangwei tapped the ash from his pipe: “Precisely because I was your father’s close friend, I don’t want you to be too obsessed. Boqin, you are still young. We old ministers have followed your father for many years and have high hopes for you. We cannot disrupt the grand strategy. You will surely rise steadily until you command the entire military, but for now, listen to me and abandon the investigation.”

Du Boqin’s stance was unwavering: “No.” General Jiangwei’s voice boomed: “Say it again!”

Du Boqin fearlessly looked at him: “Uncle Jiangwei, no.”

General Jiangwei slammed the table: “Your stubborn temper is exactly like your father’s!” Du Boqin said gloomily: “Regarding this matter, you can’t stop me.”

General Jiangwei looked at his stern face, sighed suddenly, stood up, and patted his shoulder: “Think about it first. We’ll discuss this again next time.”

Du Boqin stood by the car. Yi She whispered beside him: “Your Highness, there’s a call from Paris.” Du Boqin’s voice was somewhat hoarse: “Bring the phone over.”

Seeing the troubled look on his face, Yi She quickly said: “I’ll arrange for the driver to come.” Du Boqin stopped him: “No need.”

He got into his own car.

Yi She got into another car nearby and quickly directed the accompanying guards to follow. Du Boqin held the steering wheel with one hand and dialed the phone with the other, putting on his headset.

His mother’s gentle voice came through: “Boqin.” Du Boqin responded: “Mom.”

The Duchess of Duval’s voice was always elegant: “Did you receive the ring I sent you?”

“Yes, thank you.”

The Duchess chuckled: “Which lucky girl is it?”

Du Boqin smiled faintly: “I’ll introduce her to you after I give her the ring.”

The Duchess of Duval suddenly changed the subject: “Today... Mr. Jiang called me.” Du Boqin listened quietly with a frown.

The Duchess softly said: “Your father’s matter is in the past.” A flicker of irritation passed through Du Boqin’s mind: “Do you also want me to stop?”

The Duchess of Duval said: “Mom wants what’s best for you.”

Du Boqin suppressed his emotions: “Others may have forgotten, but you should know how Father was forced to abandon the career he loved his whole life...”

The Duchess of Duval interrupted: “Your father had already come to terms with it by the end. All three of you have grown up, and he passed away peacefully.”

He replied firmly: “The family has its dignity, Mom. I can’t let him go so ambiguously.”

The Duchess of Duval said wistfully: “Your nature and temperament are the most like his. No wonder he loved you so much.”

Du Boqin’s heart was filled with complex emotions.

The Duchess of Duval’s loving voice carried a hint of choking: “Mom has already lost your father. For the remaining three children, I don’t want any mishaps.”

Du Boqin hung up the phone, loosened his tie, stepped on the gas pedal, and the car sped through the night streets of Condor.

The lights of Xinjia Garden Apartments were visible in the distance. The guards allowed passage one by one. The headlights of the leading black car illuminated ahead without slowing down, swiftly passing through the guard post. The soldiers didn’t even have time to salute.

The front door of the house was half-open. Yi She parked the car in the driveway, and the soldier stood by Du Boqin’s car, standing straight on the driveway, staring motionlessly at the black car in the middle, its shiny black windows unmoving.

At this moment, a woman rushed out of the doorway. Her jet-black short hair flashed in the wind, wearing a white shirt over a trench coat.

The car door immediately opened.

Zhen Ning smiled warmly and embraced the tall man who stepped out of the car. The man’s air of hostility faded, and his gloomy expression finally relaxed a bit after a whole day.

Yi She quietly sighed with relief and turned to direct the handover of the guards. The servant gently closed the gate.

Du Boqin caught a whiff of her light fragrance: “Why aren’t you asleep yet?”

Zhen Ning smiled: “I picked some flowers in the garden today and was just looking at them.”

She studied biological sciences in university and always had an exceptional sensitivity to plants. It came as no surprise to Du Boqin that she would become a perfumer after graduation. Moselan’s climate was uniquely advantageous, rich in plant resources. Even the backyard garden of Xinjia Apartments was planted with numerous rare flowers and plants.

Du Boqin said: “Let’s invite a designer another day and convert the side hall on the first floor of Fanlu into your studio.”

Zhen Ning thought for a moment and said: “It’s a bit rushed now; the New Year in Huáguó is approaching.” Du Boqin nodded: “First, draw up the design plans.”

After taking a shower, Du Boqin sat on the edge of the bed drying his hair. Seeing no one in the room, he softly called out: “Zhen Ning.”

Zhen Ning was tidying up his scattered shirts and ties in the living room outside. Upon hearing him, she responded: “Yes, Your Highness.”

Du Boqin saw the young woman outside turn around, her rosy face glowing with vitality.

“Come here.”

Zhen Ning glanced at the man inside the room. His damp, messy hair and usually cold, unsmiling face finally showed some signs of relaxation, revealing a bit of normal emotion from a young man. He seemed somewhat lost and agitated tonight, but seeing her brought him some peace of mind.

Zhen Ning dropped his clothes and started waving her hands: “Your Highness, move aside, I’m about to launch myself.”

Du Boqin clapped his hands and opened his arms toward her: “Hurry up.”

Zhen Ning screamed and leapt onto the bed.

Du Boqin swiftly reached out and caught her firmly. They both laughed and rolled into the sheets.

Du Boqin buried his head in her hair and whispered: “Thank you.”

“For what?”

“For still wanting to be with me.”

During the New Year holiday after Christmas, Zhen Ning spent it alone in the city while Du Boqin worked at the base. When he returned, he drove her to the Fanlu Estate.

This time, after entering the main villa area of the estate, Du Boqin didn’t stop the car but headed into the mountains. He drove through a ribbon-like mountain road and sped down a hidden path in the woods.

After passing a white building, Zhen Ning saw an entire slope covered in flower fields. She already understood—it must be a private flower field.

Zhen Ning lowered the car window and carefully observed the plants along the way. For a moment, her face showed shock, but she quickly composed herself and smiled: “I didn’t expect such a beautiful sight in the mountains.”

Du Boqin stopped the car by the roadside: “Hmm, this is a professional botanical garden. I thought you might like it here.”

A man in his fifties, with a dark complexion, quickly ran out of the building upon hearing the sound. He bowed respectfully: “Your Highness.”

Du Boqin handed him the car keys. The man took the keys and passed them to a young man behind him, instructing: “Park His Highness’s car in the garage.”

Du Boqin turned back and took Zhen Ning’s hand. Zhen Ning jumped out of the car.

The man’s face showed a brief surprise but quickly returned to normal. He bowed to her: “Miss.”

Zhen Ning smiled at him: “Hello.”

Zhen Ning picked a small grass plant by the roadside, examined it closely, and sniffed it: “What is this? I’ve never seen it before.”

Du Boqin calmly replied: “This is a Tagantet seedling.” Zhen Ning’s heart skipped a beat—it really was it.

Tagantet, commonly known as Golden Slash Flower. She carefully spelled out the name in her mind to calm her racing thoughts. This was her first time seeing this legendary golden grass of Moselan. She had seen this plant in the catalog of top formulas at Windman Hotel. Every year, Windman Hotel spent heavily to purchase mature Tagantet from secret channels in Moselan, transported by a special plane within ten hours of harvesting to their headquarters, where the hotel’s three best perfumers distilled the essential oil.

Legend has it that the Tagantet grown in the misty hills at 29 degrees north latitude in Moselan is a unique and rare variety found nowhere else in the world. Windman Group mastered the therapeutic use of this essence and launched an essential oil spa series that had unparalleled effects on facial rejuvenation and pain management. The luxury full-body care offered in the presidential suites of Windman Hotels commanded astronomical prices but still attracted countless celebrities and wealthy women every year.

Du Boqin, thinking of his horse, walked toward the stable and simply said: “This is Fanlu’s flower field for use within the estate. You can come whenever you like if you enjoy it.”

Zhen Ning understood. This was just an experimental field. The real flower fields of the Duval family were deep in the Fanlu Mountains. She silently raised her eyes to gaze at the mist-covered Fanlu Mountain. From the highlands halfway up the mountain, a vast expanse of land stretched across the valley—a sea of golden flower seedlings.

Zhen Ning squatted down and pulled out two more seedlings, carefully examining their roots.

The young man standing silently nearby couldn’t help but raise his eyebrows. Du Boqin waved his hand, signaling them to leave.

At this moment, a familiar neigh came from the stable. Upon hearing it, Du Boqin turned and waved from afar, shouting loudly: “Old Ge, let it out!”

Following his gaze, Zhen Ning saw the stable gate open instantly. A brown stallion reared up, let out a long neigh, and galloped toward them along the garden path.

Du Boqin said: “Zhen Ning, wait here for me.” Zhen Ning asked: “Are you going to ride?”

“Hey!” Zhen Ning chased after him, “Take off your coat.”

Du Boqin took off his coat and threw it to her. With practiced ease, he mounted the horse, grabbed the reins, and spurred the horse forward. Man and horse shot off like an arrow, galloping down the mountain road.

Zhen Ning sat on a bench by the field, watching his white shirt billow slightly in the wind as his figure on horseback gradually disappeared into the distance.

Most hereditary nobles in Moselan were skilled in archery, shooting, and horsemanship. One could imagine his youthful prowess in riding and shooting during his days at the Fanlu Estate.

She thought silently, if this man ever proposed to her, she would say yes without hesitation—immediately, without a second’s delay.

Then they would have three children. In the mornings, when sunlight pierced through the thin fog, wobbly toddlers would line up each morning waiting for her to pour them milk.

That was the greatest ideal life could offer.

Zhen Ning sank into deep thought until she was startled by the ringing of a phone.

She checked it—it was Du Boqin’s phone ringing in his pocket. Zhen Ning shouted loudly toward the slope: “Boqin—”

Du Boqin rode back, took the phone from Zhen Ning, and listened as Yi She said on the other end: “Your Highness, the latest update from James’ men: the missing Marine Corps officer from those years is very likely still hiding within the country.”

Du Boqin frowned slightly, his expression unchanged, and gave a simple instruction: “Continue the investigation.”

Du Boqin turned around, reached out to pull Zhen Ning up, and brushed the dust off her pants: “Let’s go have dinner.”

Dinner was set on the third floor of the small building in the flower field. Beyond the floor-to-ceiling windows lay the vast expanse of the Tagantet garden under the night sky.

Du Boqin unfolded the napkin for her and said: “It’s a pity I can’t accompany you back.” Zhen Ning smiled: “It’s alright.”

After a moment of thought, Du Boqin said: “Should I start learning Chinese?”

Zhen Ning took the glass from his hand, swirled the wine inside, and teased: “You don’t need to learn Chinese; you should practice fighting. I have three brothers. My eldest brother says that whoever wants to be my boyfriend has to beat them first.”

Du Boqin shook his head, remaining calm: “Fighting is not good. How about having your brother race with me in flying planes instead?”

Zhen Ning kicked his calf lightly under the table with her bare feet: “Don’t get too cocky.”

Looking around the vast estate, Zhen Ning asked: “You can’t leave the country for personal reasons. Doesn’t your mother return to Condor?”

Du Boqin’s eyes dimmed slightly: “She rarely does after my father passed away.” His voice lowered, “Zhen Ning, would you think like my mother, that I shouldn’t get involved in Moselan politics?”

Zhen Ning shrugged: “Women can never control men’s ambitions.” Du Boqin sighed: “I wish you weren’t so perceptive.”

Zhen Ning softened her tone: “What forces you into this may not be the position itself but something you can’t let go of.”

Du Boqin’s expression froze momentarily.

After a while, he softly replied: “Yes. My father, you know, he didn’t leave this world cleanly and honorably.”

Zhen Ning hesitated and nodded, unsure if he wanted to talk about his father: “Regarding this matter…”

After reuniting with him in Condor, Zhen Ning had carefully reviewed the Duval family history multiple times. This royal kinship family had a long history in Moselan, building immense family wealth through the cultivation of Tagantet. The Duval family had always been active in Condor’s high society. From Du Boqin’s great-grandfather who guarded the colonies to those who sacrificed themselves in Moselan’s independence war, the family began stepping into politics—all well-documented historical facts. However, the darkest and most mysterious part of the family’s history was the November air disaster involving his father.

About this, Zhen Ning had never dared to bring it up with him because it was too tragic.

She turned to look at him. Du Boqin glanced at her, understanding her unspoken words: “Yes, there is no truth outside. The truth is sealed in the national archives or has disappeared with time.”

Zhen Ning’s heart skipped a beat: “You want to investigate…” Her voice paused.

Du Boqin answered without hesitation: “Yes.”

Zhen Ning didn’t speak further, feeling somewhat shocked. He was already a high-ranking officer, and the family had regained royal recognition. There was really no need to dig up old papers and put himself in a passive situation again. Du Boqin’s face turned somber: “I might be kicked out of Condor and exiled to some remote border area.”

Upon hearing this, Zhen Ning was particularly delighted: “Good, good, good. Bring Lulu along, and we’ll develop a utopia.”

The man opposite finally smiled, a hint of shallow amusement appearing in his eyes.

During their meal, they occasionally exchanged a few low words. After a while, Du Boqin suddenly said: “I really hate to see you go back.”

Zhen Ning’s expression turned serious: “When I’m not around, please maintain self-restraint, Your Highness. Keep a distance from your admirers, such as Miss Jiang and others.”

Du Boqin leaned on the back of the chair, raising an eyebrow upon hearing this, unable to resist laughing loudly. Zhen Ning lunged forward and covered his face tightly with a napkin.

Du Boqin reached out and pulled her into his arms, kissing the top of her head. What great fortune had he encountered to meet her again and truly win her heart?

He had thought about their future. He had served for over ten years, and transitioning from flying to working at Daguan was already in the plan. After fulfilling his father’s last wish, if he could be cautious enough and smoothly retire from national institutions, by then, wherever Zhen Ning wanted to go, he would accompany her.

A whole street behind the bustling Xinjia Fund Building was lined with open-air café seats occupied by a few scattered tourists.

Du Boqin placed several shopping bags on the chair next to Zhen Ning. As the New Year approached, Zhen Ning would soon return home. Today, he had half a day off, accompanying her to buy gifts for her family.

Zhen Ning looked at the man across from her. He wore a blue Air Force shirt over casual clothes, sitting relaxed yet resembling a sword sheath containing sharpness, with an extraordinary brilliance subtly flowing.

Du Boqin glanced at the message his secretary sent on his phone and told Zhen Ning: “Your flight is on Thursday morning.”

Zhen Ning responded with a sound.

Du Boqin said: “I don’t know if I’ll make it in time to see you off. I’ll be on a business trip next week.” Zhen Ning nodded: “It’s okay.”

She noticed the guards had already brought his car over.

Du Boqin stood up: “I’ll return early in the afternoon. Wait for me for dinner, okay?” Zhen Ning smiled: “Understood, Commander.”

Du Boqin laughed, pulling her hand and pushing open the café door: “It’s cold outside. Go sit inside.”

The next day, Du Boqin was to return to Fokong. At six in the morning, Zhen Ning reached out, but no one was beside her. She sat up groggily from the bed and saw the light on in the adjacent walk-in closet. Zhen Ning went in and found him already dressed in uniform, bending down to pack his luggage.

“Are you leaving so early?” She turned on the main light for him. Originally, he only turned on a wardrobe light to avoid disturbing her.

“Mm.” Du Boqin turned around when he saw she was up and said gently, “Did I wake you? I’ll finish packing soon. Go back to sleep.”

Zhen Ning walked into the closet to help him pack. All his shirts and pants were neatly pressed military uniforms. She folded his ties and placed the socks for washing in separate compartments.

Du Boqin stuffed his laptop inside and fetched a few documents from the study. Once everything was packed, the waiting servant took the luggage downstairs.

Du Boqin returned to the room and carried Zhen Ning back to bed. Zhen Ning yawned and crawled back under the covers: “Go to work. I’ll sleep a bit more.”

Du Boqin suddenly held her hand: “Darling.” Zhen Ning turned her head: “What is it?”

Du Boqin took out a ring from his pocket and knelt on one knee. Oh my god, Zhen Ning felt the entire room spinning.

He held her hand: “Shu Zhen Ning, I love you. My heart belongs to you. I want to spend a beautiful life with you. Whenever you need me in your life, I will be by your side. I will never leave you. Will you marry me?”

Zhen Ning sat on the edge of the bed, staring blankly at the ring he held up—platinum band with an oval-shaped dark red gemstone embedded in the center. Zhen Ning tugged at her wrinkled pajamas, then looked at the man in front of her dressed in a striking military uniform. She grabbed her hair and dazedly replied: “What did you just say?”

Du Boqin said: “Zhen Ning, marry me.”

Tears began to well up in Zhen Ning’s eyes: “Can you repeat the longer part again?” Du Boqin repeated that section once more.

At four in the morning, her hair disheveled and appearance forgotten, she could only nod while sobbing. Du Boqin slipped the ring onto her finger.

Zhen Ning cried even harder: “I didn’t put on makeup, and I look so ugly...”

Du Boqin couldn’t help but smile as he kissed her cheek: “I originally planned a ceremony, but I couldn’t wait. You’re going home for the traditional New Year.”

He earnestly reminded her once more: “After the New Year, I’ll go home with you to meet your parents. We’re getting married. You might need to become Moselan. We’ll discuss it slowly. The key point is, I want to marry you. Remember that?”

Zhen Ning knew that if they were to get married, the paperwork review would be a very complicated process. However, Du Boqin didn’t seem to think much of it. He had once told her: “Didn’t my father manage to marry my mother smoothly?”

Zhen Ning understood the price he had paid—giving up his place in the line of succession to the throne, after which the entire Duval family would forever be excluded from the Kara Palace.

Si San knocked lightly on the door from outside. Du Boqin stroked her hair: “I have to go.”

With tears in her eyes, Zhen Ning hugged his neck: “Remember to call me when you land from your night flight.” Du Boqin promised and walked to the door but suddenly turned back. He leaned on the bed, bent down, and kissed her lips deeply.

Zhen Ning said: “Shall I see you off downstairs?”

Du Boqin held her back: “No need. The car is already waiting outside.”

In the morning, Si San reported to her in the dining room: “His Highness received an urgent mission and returned to the military earlier this morning.”

Zhen Ning responded with a sound: “Mm.”

After breakfast, Zhen Ning went upstairs to pack her luggage. She felt a sense of security in her heart. She was a girl raised in the Feng family, where children were accustomed to independent living from a young age. The ring on her ring finger was his best promise to her. If Du Boqin remained in military service, frequent separations would become the norm in their future married life. That’s just how military marriages were—everything followed the timetable of the state.

Si San said: “His Highness instructed that if Miss Shu has any urgent matters after returning to the country, please contact the Fanlu Estate.”

Zhen Ning nodded.

On Thursday morning, the guard officer escorted her to the airport.

Si San opened the car door for her, his gaze carrying a special warmth: “Miss Shu, have a pleasant journey.”

Zhen Ning politely replied: “Goodbye.”

In the departure hall, Zhen Ning saw fine snowflakes falling onto the runway. On the day she left, Condor experienced its first snowfall of the year.

What a warm winter it was.

Ancient North Jian City in February.

The warm winter sun shone on the ancient city walls. Tourists came and went, people from all over speaking various dialects of Mandarin appeared at every tourist spot. The buzzing noise of the crowd filled the streets and alleys, creating a slightly dizzying atmosphere throughout the ancient city.

In a teahouse by the street, a girl wrapped in a bright shawl slowly sipped her tea in the winter sunlight.

A young man strode in, grabbed the girl’s ear: “When did you sneak back into the country?”

Shu Zhen Ning cried out in pain: “Let go!”

Feng Ze sat down opposite her with a grin: “Where’s your luggage?” Zhen Ning replied: “I left it at the shop.”

Feng Ze poured himself a cup of tea and sprawled his long legs lazily on the bench.

Zhen Ning took a deep breath. How wonderful—the scent of plants mixed with the faint aroma of the slate road was the smell of home.

She looked at Feng Ze and asked: “Are Mom and Dad home?” Feng Ze nodded: “They’re waiting for you.”

Zhen Ning nodded, stood up: “Let’s go.” Feng Ze said: “What’s worrying you? Have a cup of tea before we leave.” Zhen Ning ignored him and walked straight out. “Hey!” Feng Ze put down his cup and chased after her.

Feng Ze drove the car. They first went to the shop to pick up her luggage, then headed south along the lake. By the lake was a large resort, the headquarters of Windman Group. The car detoured and continued driving. After nearly fifteen minutes, they entered a quadrangle courtyard.

The gate was wide open, and family members were already waiting at the entrance.

Feng Ze jumped out of the car. Uncle Cheng, the family driver, came forward to help with the luggage and couldn’t help but smile upon seeing Zhen Ning: “Young lady.”

Zhen Ning smiled and greeted: “Uncle Cheng!”

Old Cheng said: “Master is waiting in the living room.”

It was rare for Feng Lun to be home. Everyone in the family knew she was close to her father. She skipped through the courtyard and saw the whole family drinking tea in the living room—Mom and Dad, her eldest brother and sister-in-law, and her one-year-old nephew crawling on the floor.

Zhen Ning went forward to hug Feng Lun, then held her mother’s hand, and turned to greet: “Big Brother, Sister-in-law.”

Not seeing her second brother, she asked: “Where’s Second Brother?” Feng Ze walked in and said: “He’s not in the country.”

Feng Lun said: “Daughter, go check if your room is ready. Come down for dinner later.” Then he turned and said, “Old Cheng, help bring up the girl’s suitcase.”

Zhen Ning stood up as instructed.

“Daughter,” her mother called her, “the vase in your room was broken by your naughty nephew a few days ago. Mom replaced it for you.”

Zhen Ning respectfully acknowledged and went upstairs.

That night during dinner, although it was usually a quiet family dinner, Zhen Ning felt that Feng Lun seemed unusually heavy-hearted, and her eldest brother also looked somewhat tense. Only her third brother kept teasing her to talk.

After returning to her room, she noticed something unusual—her suitcase wasn’t placed inside.

She felt her pockets and realized her phone was gone too. She remembered her coat being taken off by Feng Ze when she got home.

Zhen Ning knew something was amiss. She quickly turned around and opened the door.

Feng Lun stood at the door, with several black figures in the corridor and on the stairs. Feng Lun asked: “May I come in, Father?”

Zhen Ning stepped aside.

Father and daughter sat down in the room.

Feng Lun’s tone was familiar and gentle: “Did you have a good Christmas in Condor?”

“Yes,” Zhen Ning smiled brightly, “How’s Ping Ce?”

Feng Lun advised earnestly: “Your client, you shouldn’t inquire about anymore.” Zhen Ning stuck out her tongue at Feng Lun: “Alright, I won’t ask.”

Feng Lun fell silent for a moment and finally said: “Very well.” Zhen Ning replied: “Then it’s settled.”

Feng Lun said: “Do you know why Princess cannot stay in Moselan?” Zhen Ning guessed: “Because of her uncle?”

Feng Lun explained slowly: “The political forces within the Kara Palace each have their own support. Moselan’s economic system reform has been ongoing for nearly ten years but has always been criticized externally because the various political factions have differing opinions and are difficult to unify. King Tuo Mo III once attempted to push forward an economic reform to reclaim the oil industry on the coast of Northern Chalei. The actual driving force behind this economic change was his confidant—Jinqin Duval. The king followed Jinqin Duval’s advice and tried to pressure the parliament to reclaim the oil fields on Northern Chalei Island. This economic reform plan infringed on the interests of Moselan’s upper class and ultimately failed due to the king’s air disaster. Now, the new faction is trying to lobby the parliament to revisit the matter.”

Zhen Ning thought for a moment: “What about Ping Ce?”

Feng Lun answered: “Moselan is currently under the regency of Prince Jeffrey, who will not support the princess returning to the country.”

Feng Lun glanced at the ring on her left ring finger: “This time you returned from Condor, is there anything you want to tell your father?”

“You saw it, Father?” Zhen Ning spread her hand openly, “I was proposed to.”

Feng Lun forced a smile at Zhen Ning, his usually kind face even slightly distorted: “The eldest son of the Duval family?”

Zhen Ning smiled: “My big brother’s people saw me, right? At Xinjia Building.”

“You just returned from Condor and specifically went back to spend Christmas there, staying for so long. Your big brother was worried.” Feng Lun didn’t deny it, “Daughter, Father asks you, have you decided?”

“Of course!” Zhen Ning nodded quickly, her smile fading and replaced by an unusually serious expression, “Father, you’ll bless me, right?”

His youngest daughter, he understood, was not the type of girl to lightly accept a man’s proposal ring.

“My daughter has grown up.” Feng Lun placed his hand on the armrest of the chair, looking at his youngest daughter with a gaze full of complexity and reluctance. Zhen Ning’s anxious eyes almost made him unable to meet her gaze directly.

He had to shift his gaze slightly, fixing it on the window, maintaining a silent posture.

Zhen Ning’s expression slowly calmed down.

From the moment her father mentioned her ring, she had sensed something was amiss. She hadn’t seen her father in such a hesitant state for many years. In her memory, her father was always decisive, intelligent, and full of energy—the pillar of the family, the strongest support for everyone’s stable life.

“Daughter, what I’m about to tell you next is extremely important.” Zhen Ning held her breath.

The room fell into complete silence.

After a long while, Feng Lun finally spoke again, his voice unbearably heavy: “On November 1st, eighteen years ago, I was there…”

Zhen Ning’s eyes widened abruptly, as if a rapidly spinning motor had been stuffed into her ears. Her whole brain began to buzz. November 1st—a date crucial to the life and death of Du Boqin’s family—how could her father be connected to this?

Zhen Ning’s clasped hands trembled, her pupils contracted slightly. The files she had read countless times instantly surfaced in her mind—November 1st, the Friday before Moselan’s National Day, at 3:40 PM, after watching a military exercise at the Fokong military base, King Tuo Mo III boarded a plane to return to Condor. Fifteen minutes after takeoff, the plane caught fire and exploded mid-air. King Tuo Mo III, thirteen attendants, and the flight crew all perished.

When the news broke, the entire nation was shocked.

This day marked the darkest day in Moselan’s history, known as the Bloody November.

Du Boqin’s father, Duke Jinqin Duval, who was then the Minister of Defense and Chief of the Army General Staff, was originally scheduled to accompany the king back to the capital but, for some unknown reason, did not board the plane at the last minute before takeoff.

The Crown Prince of Moselan, father of Princess Ping Ce, ordered the cabinet to immediately form an accident investigation committee. The Prime Minister personally signed a secret order, and the military secretly arrested Duke Duval within twelve hours.

Following this, the political landscape of Moselan underwent a dramatic upheaval. The second most powerful noble family overnight declined and fell. Apart from retaining their hereditary noble surname, Old Duke Duval was stripped of his title and placed under house arrest by the military. He spent over a decade in the Fanlu Estate with his wife and children until he passed away in the hospital, marking the true end of this history filled with mysteries.

Her father’s words came clearly, one by one: “I was ordered by my superior to infiltrate the Fokong military base. My mission was to install a bomb on the tail of the king’s private jet and arrange for a senior officer from the Feng family to delay the defense minister, who was about to board the plane, using a fabricated urgent military document.”

Zhen Ning felt as if her brain had been struck hard, a blinding red light filling her vision, and her whole body went numb.

She tried to widen her eyes, but her mind remained dizzy, buzzing in her ears. Her hand trembled, knocking over a teacup by the table. The scalding tea spilled out, but she was oblivious, only managing to call out softly: “Father—”

As soon as the words left her mouth, she realized her throat was tight, her voice trembling fiercely: “So… that really was… murder?”

Feng Lun replied: “Yes.”

An assassination mission carried out by her own father.

This was the Feng family’s proudest battle, perhaps also their greatest nightmare over the years. The ultimate beneficiary of this assassination was Tuo Mo IV, who later inherited the throne. The conservative nobles of Moselan colluded with him, helping him smoothly usurp the throne, thereby maintaining the monopoly of several major families over the national economy for centuries and ensuring the legitimacy of their pursuit of interests.

Each generation of royalty in the tumultuous power struggles had a master in control, and they were merely pawns.

The Feng family, relatives of the queen’s family, used this relationship and merit to smoothly evacuate from Moselan, relocating abroad and living peacefully for so many years.

Feng Lun sighed silently, his words carrying a sense of tragic fate: “The Feng family gained the protection of the fourth-generation royal family through this incident. Now, what should come has finally arrived.”

Zhen Ning desperately covered her face, utterly disoriented, with only one thought in her mind—she shouldn’t have accepted Du Boqin’s proposal.

Time seemed to freeze.

She didn’t know how much longer it was before she finally reacted. Feng Lun had walked to her front. “Daughter,” Feng Lun looked at her, “is Du Boqin searching for the people involved back then?”

Zhen Ning remembered, Du Boqin had told her: “My father did not leave this world cleanly and honorably.”

She nodded.

Feng Lun wasn’t surprised; the Feng family’s intelligence was much earlier than Zhen Ning’s information: “If this case is re-examined in Moselan, the Feng family will surely become sacrificial pawns. Apart from fully blocking the news to stop his investigation, all our work has already been comprehensively retracted.”

Feng Lun hesitated slightly: “At the time, things were urgent. Looking back now, I shouldn’t have let you get involved in the Kara Palace incident.”

Zhen Ning still clung to a sliver of hope: “Father, Du Boqin doesn’t know I was involved in the Kara Palace matter.”

Feng Lun shook his head: “He just doesn’t know yet. Moselan has a top-notch intelligence system. If they find out your identity, uncovering this matter would be effortless.”

Zhen Ning’s mind was in chaos. “Have a good New Year at home,” Feng Lun’s expression returned to calmness, his kindly face seemingly aged significantly, with a trace of suppressed sadness in his eyes. “Daughter, after you return to Condor, you mustn’t contact the family anymore.”

“I’ve always been reluctant to let you change your surname because the Moselan identity left by your parents is safe. This was also your identity when you studied at Ford. We need to help you re-arrange two Chinese foster parents, but for safety reasons, you should minimize Du Boqin’s contact with them.”

It took Zhen Ning a while to finally snap out of it: “What do you mean? What about you and Mother? And my brothers?”

“Daughter, I have your mother and your brothers. I can’t let them fall into danger. Can you promise me that after marrying him, you will never reveal the family’s secrets?”

Zhen Ning was completely stunned, tears suddenly bursting forth: “Then I can never come home again?”

“Daughter, I promised your parents to take good care of you.” Feng Lun stroked her hair, “No matter who you marry, Father blesses you.”

“I won’t have the chance to walk my daughter down the aisle.” Feng Lun’s voice choked slightly. “No, it’s not right…” Zhen Ning had just returned today, still immersed in the blissful memories of Condor, but suddenly hit by a devastating wave, overwhelmed with anxiety, she could only cry out abruptly: “Father, no! I won’t leave you and Mother.”

“Silly girl, you’ve already accepted someone else’s proposal ring.” Zhen Ning’s eyes widened.

“Your eldest brother will arrange everything for you.” Feng Lun lovingly took out a handkerchief to wipe her face, walked out, and said to the person at the door, “Lao San, come in and keep your sister company.”

A flash of light passed through Zhen Ning’s chaotic mind. She suddenly remembered and immediately pulled her father’s sleeve: “He’s looking for a missing Marine Corps officer. The latest intelligence says that person is still hiding in Moselan.”

Feng Lun’s expression tightened, but he quickly nodded, placing her hand in Lao San’s hand: “Alright, Father knows. Don’t think about these matters anymore. Let your third brother take you out and have some fun.”

Lao San stepped closer, hugging her. His hand touched her, and he found her drenched in cold sweat. He pulled her into his arms: “Don’t be afraid, Brother is here.”

Zhen Ning buried her face in his shoulder, whimpering like a wounded animal’s desperate cry. Lao San waited for a long time until Zhen Ning calmed down somewhat before putting his arm around her shoulders and saying: “I’m sorry, but you won’t be able to use communication devices for a while. Mother has already had someone change the passwords for the entire estate’s system.”

Zhen Ning stared blankly at him for a long while before mechanically nodding.

Lao San said: “We still need to talk. You haven’t told him the location of our home, right?” Zhen Ning shook her head.

Her thoughts moved sluggishly. After pondering for a while, she said: “Mm, he knows it’s in the southwest region. I’m still using my original identity, so I haven’t mentioned Windman. Home should be safe…”

Zhen Ning struggled to recall fragments from her memory: “I told him that I opened a perfume shop.”

Feng Ze nodded: “Alright, it’s fine.” Zhen Ning desperately covered her head.

Feng Ze kissed her forehead, closed the door, and instructed the bodyguards outside: “Keep a good eye on her.”

Spring had arrived.

Feng Ze was drinking tea and chatting with her in the garden. Nearly three months had passed since the incident.

Zhen Ning had built one defense after another in her heart before she had the courage to ask: “How has it been handled?”

Feng Ze weighed his words carefully before answering: “On the surface, everything seems calm.”

Feng Ze said: “When you returned, you lingered at the teahouse in the city for a while. The teashop owner who recognized you left for Shanghai the next day.”

Zhen Ning knew that the teahouse had likely been purchased by the Feng family.

Feng Ze said: “You were a familiar face in that area, so some people might remember you. But fortunately, there are thousands of tourists coming and going very quickly. Apart from that shop, everything else is fine. Your previous identity was already secure enough; we just need to erase traces of your return to the country.”

Zhen Ning gave a faint smile: “I didn’t expect to cause such a big trouble.”

Feng Ze suddenly leaned over, brushed aside the hair at her temple, and kissed her cheek: “Don’t be sad, okay?”

Zhen Ning shook her head and smiled at him: “Don’t worry, this is my own decision.”

Three months had passed since the incident. To reassure her parents, she hadn’t left home again. In the first month after returning from Condor, Aunt Cheng doted on her, bringing her breakfast upstairs every day and tidying her room. Afterwards, she quietly told Mother Feng that the pillowcases on the bed were always wet.

Later, she gradually stopped crying. Her daily life was much the same as when she lived at home—wearing loose wool pants and wandering around. During the day, she played with her little nephew, and at night, she ran on the backyard grounds. Sometimes she practiced shooting with her father, but most of the time, she studied her plants in the garden workshop.

However, whenever she had free time, she would become absent-minded, her vibrant expression vanishing instantly, her look particularly bewildered, as if her soul had suddenly transferred to another space.

Feng Ze thought for a moment and then said: “You don’t blame Father?”

Zhen Ning was taken aback and then resolutely shook her head: “Brother, I understand the gravity of the situation.”

Zhen Ning took a ring out of her pocket and gently placed it on the table, immediately turning her face away, unable to look anymore, only holding back tears: “Please send this back to him.”

Feng Ze hesitated for a second: “Sister, contacting him from our side is extremely dangerous.” Zhen Ning suddenly burst into tears: “Please take it away.”

Feng Ze immediately reached out and took the ring. He stood up: “Let Brother handle it.”

A moment later, Feng Ze returned to the garden empty-handed. He leaned over and kissed Zhen Ning’s hair: “Do you know what I regret the most? I regret not going to London to ski with you during that Christmas vacation.”

Zhen Ning smiled and shook her head at him.

Her parents were kind, and her brothers were loving. The debt of gratitude for raising her was as heavy as a mountain for the Feng family.

Moreover, Zhen Ning had no better solution. Even if Du Boqin hadn’t suspected her identity before, if she returned to Moselan to break up with him, even if she could muster the willpower to do so, her identity would inevitably be questioned. Having served in Moselan’s military and political circles for many years, Du Boqin’s mind was extraordinarily meticulous and profound, making the risk too great. She could very well be detained for investigation. Feng Lun did not agree to her taking such a risk. Zhen Ning understood; she had already pushed the entire Feng family to the edge of a cliff.

She couldn’t afford to make another wrong move.

After the initial intense pain of learning the news had passed, she had been putting up a brave front. Now, as she slowly relaxed, she found time difficult to bear.

Gained momentarily, only to lose again. In fact, since reuniting with Du Boqin, she had felt unreal happiness, akin to being in a dream. Just a blink later, the dream disappeared.

Feng Ze told her that someone had recently checked all the essential oil shops in the ancient city, naturally finding nothing because the shop had closed down the moment she returned from Moselan, replaced by a jade shop the next day.

Her silent departure itself was already a significant risk. If Du Boqin were to thoroughly investigate her, she should already be within the surveillance range of Moselan’s intelligence department. The passport she used at the Moselan embassy could never be used again.

Zhen Ning and Peacock trained at night.

Peacock slowed down and patted Zhen Ning’s head with her cold-resistant gloves: “Sister, what are you thinking about?”

Zhen Ning breathed deeply, snapped out of her thoughts, shook her head, and banished all distracting thoughts. Peacock pointed to the steps on the distant hillside: “Another ten kilometers tonight?”

Zhen Ning became eager to try but still looked worriedly at her stomach: “Really?”

Peacock put her hands on her waist and glared at her: “Don’t underestimate your sister.”

Zhen Ning immediately stretched her legs and got into a sprint position.

“You’ve been gallivanting all over the world, maintaining a decent level of fitness,” Peacock laughed and patted her shoulder. The two ran towards the mountain path.

Central District of Condor.

The brightly lit hall of the Royal Air Force Club late at night.

An elegantly dressed man held a wine glass and loudly greeted the man who walked in: “Hey, James!”

James, wearing a white shirt and suit, looked up and smiled: “Hey, where’s Yi She?” The man pointed behind him: “By the polo field.”

Yi She immediately noticed the intelligence officer from the security bureau walking in. He had heard that James had been carrying out secret missions for His Highness and hadn’t shown his face for a while.

Yi She opened the door and went up to greet him: “Hey, buddy.”

James pushed through the crowd and strode in: “Hey, Captain of the Guards.” He tilted his chin inward: “Is he inside?”

Yi She nodded and kindly reminded him: “He just landed at six o’clock, and his mood is terrible. Are you sure you want to go in?”

James showed Yi She the heading of the document in his hand: “How dare I not go in?” Yi She glanced at it, his expression slightly changing: “Wait a moment, I’ll notify His Highness immediately.” James smiled, loosened his tie, and called over a waiter to bring drinks.

Du Boqin sat by the floor-to-ceiling window, expressionlessly watching the brightly lit polo field. The wide green grass was illuminated by intense lights, making it look like daylight. A few lavishly dressed players, without helmets, accompanied their partners, strolling lazily on the field, occasionally hitting the ball casually.

When the waiter came to serve him more drinks, several bottles by his side were already empty. At this moment, someone came over to greet him: “Hey, Boqin, aren’t you playing?” It was the second son of the Xiangdongke family, Xiang Jia Shang.

Du Boqin waved his hand indifferently.

He had already seen Yi She come in and secretly furrowed his brow.

Yi She whispered: “Your Highness, James has an urgent matter to report.” Du Boqin calmly said: “Let him in.”

James handed him a box directly: “Your air parcel, cleared customs today.”

Du Boqin’s heart trembled slightly: “What is it?”

James tactfully replied: “It’s been checked, it’s safe.”

Du Boqin opened the box, and upon seeing its contents, his frosty expression darkened abruptly. He felt months of suppressed anger surging from his chest upward.

James, standing nearby, raised an eyebrow. It was not an easy task. Du Boqin suppressed his anger and asked, “Can we trace the sender?”

James answered truthfully: “The overseas mailing address and name were forged. I tried, but there was no result.”

“Boqin,” James pressed down on the package receipt, “this is no ordinary family. The methods they used to conceal their true identity are highly sophisticated.”

Du Boqin’s voice grew darker: “Alright, you’re off duty. Sit down and have a drink.” James sat opposite him, raising his glass to exchange a few pleasantries with Xiang Jia Shang on the side.

Du Boqin raised his hand and downed the drink in one gulp.

The golden liquid burned its way down his throat, leaving a bitter taste throughout his mouth. Shu Zhen Ning had vanished completely for half a year.

She had sent him a message before boarding at Condor Airport, her tone showing no signs of anything unusual. He saw the message at night and called her, but it didn’t go through. That week, he was heavily occupied with training tasks and didn’t think much of it. When he returned to the capital, he realized something was amiss.

It was as if she had evaporated from the face of the earth.

James arranged for people to follow her return route and search along the way, but the investigation results came back empty. Her passport address was an apartment in the city, and neighbors confirmed that she hadn’t returned. Subordinates even resorted to extraordinary means to enter the clearly single woman’s neatly kept but slightly dusty apartment. The inspection results showed nothing unusual. It was said that her parents lived in a nearby town, but their exact location was unknown.

Thus, the trail went cold.

So where did she go after leaving Moselan?

Si San had to cautiously suggest: “Your Highness, please check if any confidential documents are missing.”

Du Boqin had already checked; there were no signs of computer intrusion. Zhen Ning never inquired about his work and hadn’t even approached his study.

He then investigated her movements during her months in Moselan. She ran every morning on fixed routes, occasionally went shopping, always accompanied by others.

Every move was under the watchful eyes of guards and drivers. She never came into contact with any suspicious individuals.

Even with the best mental fortitude, he couldn’t completely control his worry. Si San was very concerned about his state: “Your Highness, you’re about to return to Fokong. You can’t go with this kind of emotion.”

In the end, James had to abuse a bit of his authority to summon Yu Ji Xuan to the office.

The young flutist was beautiful. After her performance, she arrived at night accompanied by her agent. She had long, wavy, flaxen hair and wore large sunglasses. Soldiers kept the agent outside, and she politely complied by entering the office alone.

James received her.

Ji Xuan retrieved Zhen Ning’s phone number and address from her mobile phone.

James took a look—it was worthless, exactly the same as what they had. Ji Xuan asked: “Officer, what happened to my sister?”

James smiled and said: “Nothing. If Miss Shu contacts you, please notify us immediately.” She began dialing Zhen Ning’s number, which remained unreachable.

James politely said: “Sorry to trouble you, Miss Yu. You may leave.”

Ji Xuan nodded courteously, picked up her handbag, and turned to walk out. She switched numbers and continued calling: “My sister’s phone is unreachable. Has she gone hiking recently? Didn’t she ask you about it last time in Condor? I told her not to go hiking alone…”

Du Boqin walked in just in time to see this scene after finishing a meeting. He couldn’t help but pinch the bridge of his nose, feeling a throbbing pain in his temples.

James pulled open a door, and an expert behind it stood up, shrugging at James.

Du Boqin glanced at the report handed to him by his subordinate. The lie detector showed normal readings for pulse, breathing, and skin resistance—all physiological parameters were within normal ranges.

Yu Ji Xuan genuinely didn’t know where she was. It seemed her identity as Yu Ji Xuan’s cousin was real. But following this lead, James only found her deceased biological parents. As for who adopted her, it was like a drop of water merging into billions of people—it had long since evaporated without a trace.

Shu Zhen Ning must have believed her identity was secure enough to stay by his side. But having gained his trust, why did she suddenly leave? And having successfully escaped after leaving, why did she risk sending the ring back?

Du Boqin’s expression darkened further. At this moment, Xiang Gongzi curiously leaned over: “What is it?”

James quickly pressed down on it, giving Yi She a meaningful glance. Yi She stepped forward and took the box away.

Du Boqin felt his heart pounding violently. He pushed the wine glass aside and stood up: “I’m going out for a smoke.”