"Because I want to help Daddy! Mommy used divination and found out that Daddy is about to face a great disaster soon."
Bai Xilie raised an eyebrow: "Oh? What kind of great disaster?"
Bai Zhi'er started counting on her chubby fingers: "Floods, earthquakes, droughts, usurping the throne, the fall of the nation... um, there are a few more, but I can't remember them."
Bai Xilie was momentarily speechless.
Great Chu was a realm he conquered with his fists.
The Emperor of the former dynasty Southern Country was incompetent and indulgent, and the people were suffering.
The country faced invasions from foreign tribes, and internal chaos was rampant. The former dynasty's ruler took no action, only indulged in drinking and revelry, and trusted treacherous officials!
When Bai Xilie rose in rebellion, with his courage, meticulousness, and exceptional martial skills, he won the allegiance of many famed scholars and talented generals!
However, after establishing himself as Emperor, faced with the ravaged nation left by the former dynasty, indeed, everything was somewhat lacking and insufficient.
Bai Zhi'er's hair was mostly dry. He picked up his daughter and gently pinched her chubby cheeks.
He said in a deep voice, "Daddy will protect Zhi'er. No matter what disaster comes this time, I won't let our family be separated again."
Bai Zhi'er lay on her daddy's shoulder, feeling a sense of security that mommy couldn't provide.
She nodded with satisfaction and, feeling safe, the little one started to feel sleepy.
Bai Xilie had many questions to ask, but seeing the little one already closing her eyes slightly, he didn't press on.
He placed Bai Zhi'er on his own dragon couch, tucked her in tightly, and sat silently by her side, keeping watch.
Bai Zhi'er mumbled sleepily, "Daddy, don't go. Zhi'er has traveled a long way just to see you..."
Bai Xilie was a fierce and violent man, but at this moment, his heart melted at his daughter's words.
A trace of loving fatherly smile appeared on his resolute face, and he gently caressed his daughter's head.
Over the years, the void in his heart was somewhat filled with the return of his daughter.
In the night, Bai Xilie dreamed of the woman he deeply loved, Bai Zhi'er's mother—Jing Jia.
The two of them were still living in the small cottage in the mountain where they first met.
Bai Xilie asked hoarsely, "If I conquer the world, will you really stay?"
Jing Jia pressed her red lips together, smiling enchantingly: "No, I have other things to do. But, I can leave you a reward."
"What kind of reward?"
Jing Jia held his hand and placed it on her heart. Her stunning gaze was captivating and bewitching, like a demon that ensnares souls.
Yet, it was utterly focused and affectionate.
"For instance, having a child for you."
...
As the night deepened, in a wide alley where the moonlight could barely reach.
A carriage lay scattered on the ground, the horses pulling it dead in a pool of blood, their bodies severely fractured and deformed.
From the large hole smashed into the wall, it seemed the horse suddenly lost control and crashed to death.
Along with the overturned carriage, people inside were most likely in grave danger.
However—
Feng Fuce sat comfortably on the sedan, one long leg slightly bent, his posture lazy and relaxed.
His fingertips, resting on his knee, bore two wounds with fresh blood slowly seeping out.
He gazed at the serene night sky, the dark moon hanging high.
Soon, a group of Evil Face Envoys rushed over: "Marquis, are you alright?"
The carriage before them was severely destroyed. Upon inspecting the horse's head, they found the harness had been tampered with unnoticeable barbs.
"Someone poisoned the barbs, attempting to harm you. Marquis, we will immediately investigate thoroughly!"
Feng Fuce gave a soft "hm," signaling his tacit approval.
He rarely traveled by carriage, and if not for that little one's reminder today, he would have ridden a horse back to the mansion.
But since she said so, he really wanted to know what would happen if he rode the carriage.
Looking at the wreckage before him, Feng Fuce raised an eyebrow, a deep glint in his eyes.
Was it merely a deliberate assassination?
But how did she know there would be danger riding the carriage?
Putting these thoughts aside, the fragrance of good fortune on her truly made him a bit hungry.
Under the moonlit night, in the dark alley, the young man's long eyebrows reached his temples, with cold eyes surging with dark desolation.
Like an awakened ancient beast.