Chapter Eleven: Wolf’s Fang by the Brook, Fading Affection

Within the imperial palace of the Li Dynasty, a conspiracy was quietly taking shape. Though Crown Prince Li Chengye had been suppressed, he remained unwilling to accept defeat; his heart, filled with ambition, twisted ever deeper in the shadows.

Secretly, he colluded with certain ministers of the court—men motivated either by personal gain or envy and fear of Li Chengyin. Together, they conspired in the palace’s remote corners, whispering dark schemes in dimly lit chambers, plotting to strike at Li Chengyin once more while he was stationed at the frontier.

They knew well that Li Chengyin, occupied with affairs on the border dealing with the Western Province, was stretched thin and far from the core of political power—an opportune moment to strike. So, they meticulously forged evidence of treason and collusion with the enemy, fabricated letters, and bribed witnesses, aiming to leave Li Chengyin utterly defenseless against accusations.

If their plan succeeded, Li Chengyin would be utterly crushed, losing not only the emperor’s trust and favor but also being branded with a disgrace that would stain his name for eternity, rendering him powerless to reclaim his standing.

Li Chengye, envisioning himself removing Li Chengyin through this scheme, saw the path to the throne clearing without obstacle. His eyes gleamed with madness and anticipation, as if already adorned in the dragon robe, reigning supreme. The ministers involved, too, fantasized about the wealth, honor, and supreme power they would gain under Li Chengye’s rule.

Lurking in the shadows of the palace like a pack of greedy wolves, they waited to open their jaws and devour Li Chengyin, blind to the turbulence and disaster their exposed treachery would bring upon the Li Dynasty. Only blinded by their base desires, they steadily descended into the abyss of sin.

One day, they sat side by side beside a gently flowing creek, surrounded by an atmosphere of tranquility and peace. Li Chengyin turned to Xiaofeng, his eyes shimmering with mystery and hope, and softly said, “Xiaofeng, close your eyes. I have a surprise for you.”

Xiaofeng hesitated slightly, looked into Li Chengyin’s gaze, and saw a rare purity and eagerness there. She slowly closed her eyes.

Seeing this, Li Chengyin carefully reached inside his garment near his heart, where he had long kept a treasured wolf’s tooth. His movements were gentle yet solemn, fingers trembling slightly, as if afraid to disturb this object loaded with memories and deep affection. At last, he grasped the wolf’s tooth and slowly withdrew it.

At that moment, the campfire by the creek blazed brightly, the flickering flames casting a soft, warm glow upon the wolf’s tooth, cloaking it in a mysterious veil. This light seemed to whisper stories buried deep in the passage of time.

Li Chengyin’s gaze never left the wolf’s tooth, filled with profound tenderness and longing, like an unfathomable, pure, and captivating pool. His fingers unconsciously traced every contour of the wolf’s tooth—the rough tips sliding over its sharp edges, feeling a faint sting that evoked memories of joys and pains shared with Xiaofeng; then gently caressing the smooth root, each touch tender as if handling the world’s most precious and fragile treasure, pouring all his yearning and love into every stroke.

In his mind, the scene of Xiaofeng handing him the wolf’s tooth on the vast grasslands resurfaced—a sunny day when her smile outshone the blooming flowers, her eyes sparkling with sincerity. She had said, “Li Chengyin, this wolf’s tooth is for you. It will protect you.”

From that moment, the wolf’s tooth had been deeply embedded in his soul.

Xiaofeng, eyes still closed, felt an inexplicable ripple of nervousness and hope within her heart.

After a moment, Li Chengyin gently clasped Xiaofeng’s hand and placed the wolf’s tooth in her palm, whispering, “Xiaofeng, open your eyes.”

Slowly, Xiaofeng opened her eyes and saw the wolf’s tooth resting in her hand. Instantly, a jolt like an electric shock passed through her body; her fingers trembled involuntarily.

Her gaze was filled with complex emotions—surprise, gratitude, and a flood of sweet memories rushing back like a rising tide.

She recalled the carefree days with Li Chengyin on the grasslands, riding horses across the boundless plains, the wind roaring past their ears, their laughter echoing across the fields.

They had once confessed their hearts beneath the stars, making solemn vows whose echoes still lingered in her ears. Tears welled in Xiaofeng’s eyes and spilled down her fair cheeks, dropping onto the grass below, each tear creating tiny shimmering blossoms.

Seeing Xiaofeng’s tear-streaked face, Li Chengyin’s heart ached sharply. Without hesitation, he reached out, pausing briefly in the air, uncertain whether to disturb her fragile moment steeped in memory and sorrow.

Then, he lightly brushed the tears from her cheeks with his fingertips. His touch was gentle beyond measure, as if her face were the most delicate porcelain in the world—so fragile that even the slightest carelessness might cause harm.

Xiaofeng lifted her head, eyes misty, and met Li Chengyin’s gaze. In that instant, time seemed to freeze; everything around them blurred, leaving only the profound longing and love reflected in each other’s eyes.

Li Chengyin tightened his grip on Xiaofeng’s hand, his palm broad and warm, enclosing her small hand. His fingers clenched hers firmly, as though pouring every ounce of his emotion and resolve into that grasp.

Xiaofeng did not resist. Her hand trembled slightly in his, then she slowly squeezed back, returning the hold.

In that moment, the hatred and barriers between them began to dissolve like spring wind scattering the last traces of winter, fading gently into the night of the grasslands.

Beside the warm campfire, under the vast sky, their love was like a phoenix reborn from the flames—after enduring countless hardships and pain, it gradually revived and blossomed more brilliantly than ever. It illuminated their hearts and paved their future path with a golden light of hope.