Love in the Desert – Hani Kyzy, Alen Fang

According to legend, the vast desert is extremely lacking in water resources, and the various tribes fight for control over the oases. The three major city-states of Yunpei, Tiandu, and Masui dominate the desert, while other tribes must use marriage alliances to exchange for resources. With the emergence of the rare book the Desert Scroll, Yunpei City, led by Na Zhan, hosted a luxurious marriage alliance banquet to compete for the book.

Meanwhile, chaos in Masui City forced their families to flee, aiming to seek refuge in Tiandu City. Masui's ninth princess, Ge Xinwei, escaped with her mother to the outskirts of Tiandu City, hoping to request protection. As the rebels from Masui pursued them, Tiandu City remained indifferent and ordered its soldiers to shoot arrows.

Unfortunately, Masui's ninth lady was shot and died, using all her strength to send Ge Xinwei and her nurse away on horseback to Yunpei City before passing. Ge Xinwei was resolute in her desire for revenge and planned to sneak into Yunpei City with the marriage alliance envoy, E Na Qi. E Na Qi sought the protection of the Yunpei City lord through the marriage alliance, but Na Xiu, Huang Beishuang, did not wish to marry.

She secretly took valuable items, intending to escape, and happened to run into Ge Xinwei and her nurse. Na Xiu lied, claiming that sand bandits were chasing her, but Ge Xinwei saw through the deception. When Ge Xinwei learned that Na Xiu was the very envoy she was looking for, she confided her experiences to her.

Na Xiu felt sympathy for Ge Xinwei's plight and was unwilling to accept her identity as a bride; she believed that marriage alliances could not solve problems. Ge Xinwei thought that as a small tribe, there was no choice but to seek the protection of the city lord. Na Xiu was reluctant to go through with the marriage alliance and wanted to find another opportunity to escape.

Ge Xinwei felt that she was not responsible for E Na Qi, especially since E Na Qi had worked hard to secure this opportunity. She proactively offered to accompany Na Xiu, expressing her willingness to enter the marriage alliance, even though she had no qualifications for it. Na Xiu had a clever idea, suggesting that Ge Xinwei become the bride, allowing her to become the lady of Yunpei City.

Ge Xinwei reminded Na Xiu to think carefully; after their identity swap, Na Xiu would become the fugitive princess from Masui, which would make survival in the desert extremely difficult. Na Xiu had no regrets and confirmed with her blood that she was willing to face whatever hardships lay ahead. The two publicly swore to exchange identities, and from then on, Ge Xinwei became Na Xiu, Huang Beishuang, while Na Xiu became Masui's ninth princess, Ge Xinwei.

They agreed not to reveal their identities for the sake of E Na Qi. Ge Xinwei handed her princess seal to Huang Beishuang, and Na Xiu also gave her marriage alliance edict to Ge Xinwei. Holding the edict, Ge Xinwei had her servant acknowledge that she was Huang Beishuang, and everyone present had no objections and was willing to follow her.

The bandit chief, Ruo Wen, held a portrait of Ge Xinwei and ambushed her in a place she was bound to pass, capturing her and stealing their belongings. Ruo Wen brought Ge Xinwei back to his camp, only to realize he had captured the wrong person. He blamed Man Hu for providing incorrect information and demanded he inquire again about the desert's most beautiful woman.

Ge Xinwei falsely claimed to be Ruo Wen's woman and threatened him to let her go. Ruo Wen laughed maniacally, asserting that he was Huang Tian Kuang Ruo Wen, and before Ge Xinwei could react, he knocked her out. Huo Qingyun was wandering alone in the desert and was injured when he happened upon the marriage alliance envoy led by E Na Qi.

Huang Beishuang took out ten bags of water to save him and commented on his kindness towards horses, noticing that they seemed intelligent. Huo Qingyun suddenly fainted, and Huang Beishuang managed to get him onto a cart. When Huo Qingyun regained consciousness, he discovered that Huang Beishuang had the the Desert Scroll in her hands.

He falsely claimed to be a merchant and mentioned that he had discovered they were from the E Na Qi tribe, intentionally stating that he also needed to go to Yunpei and reminding them to be cautious on the road.

Huo Qingyun knew that E Na Qi had the *Desert Scroll* and didn’t want Na Zhan to take advantage, so he planned to strike first. Huang Beishuang asked Guo'er to mend the bedding, and Huo Qingyun deliberately showed his wound. When Huang Beishuang saw it, she told him to go to her tent to apply medicine. Taking this chance, Huo Qingyun rummaged through her belongings but was caught by Huang Beishuang.

Huang Beishuang pretended not to notice, but in reality, she knew he had ill intentions and had already hidden the *Desert Scroll*. Huang Beishuang instructed her maid Guo'er to repair the bedding, but Guo'er was playing and laughing with the other maids, leaving the task to Nanny Duo Zai. Upon learning this, Huang Beishuang was furious. She scolded the laughing maids, pulling out a whip and demanding to know who came up with the idea.

After discovering that Guo'er was deliberately being lazy, Huang Beishuang took out the whip, intending to punish her, and ordered the others to sit down. Huang Beishuang made Guo'er kneel. Guo'er was resentful of her servant status, thinking Huang Beishuang was a noble lady while she had no choice because of her lowly position. She also didn’t want to follow along for the marriage alliance.

Huang Beishuang reminded everyone of E Na Qi's mission, stressing that they were risking their lives for the survival of the E Na Qi tribe. She asked the group to voluntarily choose whether to stay or leave. Ruo Wen's group had tracked the whereabouts of the E Na Qi team. Man Hu, pleased with himself, boasted that they would catch up soon, and Ruo Wen confidently drank.

At dawn the next day, Huang Beishuang planned for the team to depart quietly, warning Lian Huan to be cautious of Huo Qingyun. Although she had tested him before, his quality of clothing made her suspect he wasn’t just a simple bodyguard. Lian Huan worried that Huo Qingyun would catch up once he woke, but Huang Beishuang reassured him that she had already drugged Huo Qingyun's drink, believing he wouldn't wake up soon.

However, what she didn’t know was that Huo Qingyun hadn’t drunk the wine; he was only pretending to sleep. When Ruo Wen and his bandits caught up with the E Na Qi team, he finally met the desert’s most beautiful woman. Huang Beishuang offered all their food and jewels, hoping to exchange them for their lives and reach Yunpei on time.

But Ruo Wen wanted not only their resources but also the women, and he took everyone back to his Deadwind Camp, showing no concern for E Na Qi’s fate. Huang Beishuang and her group were taken back to the camp. She noticed that the location had a strategic advantage, avoiding both quicksand and storms, realizing Ruo Wen was skilled at observing terrain.

She told everyone to focus on staying alive and not to resist, as she would find a way to save them. Huo Qingyun had tracked them to Deadwind Camp and took advantage of the bandits looting resources to steal the *Desert Scroll*. Ruo Wen put fruit tree leaves into wine and forced Huang Beishuang to drink it, trying to control her body and soul. Suddenly, Huo Qingyun attacked Ruo Wen from behind, forcing him to release Huang Beishuang.

As the drug took effect on her body, Huo Qingyun hurriedly carried her away. The two of them rolled off the horse into the sand. Huang Beishuang, feeling cold and uncomfortable, whispered to Huo Qingyun. Huo Qingyun, unable to control himself, held Huang Beishuang, but she suddenly regained her senses and pushed him away, trying to numb herself with the cold river water. Huang Beishuang took off her clothes and walked into the freezing river but suddenly fainted and fell in.

When Huo Qingyun turned around and saw she was gone, he immediately rushed into the river to save her. When Huang Beishuang woke up, she found herself saved by Huo Qingyun once again. Huo Qingyun offered her medicinal herbs, but Huang Beishuang refused to take them, knowing the herbs would make her sleep for seven days, delaying her journey to Yunpei.

Before Ruo Wen was knocked unconscious by Huo Qingyun, Huang Beishuang forced him to drink spring wine, and when he woke up, the drug took effect. Guo'er deliberately tried to seduce him, but Ruo Wen wasn’t interested. Ge Xinwei discussed an escape plan with the maids, but Ruo Wen burst in and carried her away. The two struggled in the room, and Ge Xinwei deliberately teased Ruo Wen, and he couldn’t resist, leading to a night of passion.

Huo Qingyun jumped into the water to rescue Huang Beishuang. When she woke up, she learned that she had a fever the night before, but fortunately, Huo Qingyun had taken care of her. There was an unspoken intimacy between the two. Huang Beishuang expressed her gratitude, and Huo Qingyun replied that it was simply repayment for the water she had given him.

He returned the Desert Scroll to Huang Beishuang and suggested they make a deal to help her save people. Huang Beishuang planned to return to the Dead Wind Zone. After a passionate night with Ruo Wen, Ge Xinwei woke up to find that Ruo Wen didn’t care for her at all. He thought that if Huang Beishuang hadn't escaped, Ge Xinwei would never have had the chance to receive such favor.

Ge Xinwei wasn’t angry; instead, she bit an imprint into his back to remind him that she belonged to him. Ruo Wen took out Huang Beishuang’s hairpin, and Ge Xinwei deliberately provoked him, saying he wasn’t used to being rejected by a beauty. Ge Xinwei knew that the one who had escaped was Huang Beishuang. She wanted to help delay Ruo Wen so that Huang Beishuang could return to save the other servants.

Ge Xinwei revealed her identity as the Princess of Masui and told Ruo Wen that if he escorted her back to the city, she would give him the treasures of the underground palace. Ruo Wen stared at her, thinking she was inviting a wolf into her house, but Ge Xinwei didn’t care at all. Huo Qingyun took Huang Beishuang to see Dong Lao, claiming to be his friend bringing gifts.

Dong Lao scrutinized Huang Beishuang and ordered his men to kill Huo Qingyun and keep Huang Beishuang, but they were no match for Huo Qingyun. Ruo Wen actually took Ge Xinwei to Masui and left his men to guard the camp, knowing that Huang Beishuang would surely return to rescue her people. Ge Xinwei asked why he didn’t bring his men, and Ruo Wen confidently said he was enough on his own. Huo Qingyun instructed Dong Lao’s men to bury explosives.

They knew Ruo Wen wasn’t around and reassured Huang Beishuang, giving her the trigger to set off the explosives. Huo Qingyun disguised himself as Dong Lao’s second-in-command, expressing a desire to join Huang Tiankuang. Man Hu had already tied up Duo Zai to show Huo Qingyun's sincerity. Huo Qingyun offered Huang Beishuang as a gift, but Man Hu said he couldn’t make that decision and had to wait for Ruo Wen.

He asked Huo Qingyun to kill Duo Zai as a show of loyalty. Without hesitation, Huo Qingyun drew his blade, but Huang Beishuang rushed over to shield Duo Zai, cursing him. Huo Qingyun pushed her aside and thrust his dagger toward Duo Zai. When Huang Beishuang continued to protest, Huo Qingyun pretended to strike her, but Man Hu intervened, inviting him to drink. Seizing the opportunity, Huo Qingyun stole the prison keys and handed them to Huang Beishuang.

Huang Beishuang was thrown into a cell, learning that most of her people had been killed. She told the remaining servants to follow her closely, and Duo Zai realized she wasn’t dead. Just as Huo Qingyun was drinking with Man Hu and the others, Guo Er, while serving wine, exposed their scheme. Man Hu and his men grew more alert, and Dong Lao’s people detonated the explosives.

Huo Qingyun led Huang Beishuang and the others to escape, but Duo Zai was struck by an arrow in the back. Ge Xinwei deliberately led Ruo Wen in circles, wondering if Huang Beishuang and the others had escaped. Ruo Wen grew suspicious, thinking that Ge Xinwei couldn’t possibly not know the way home. As Duo Zai lay dying, she urged Huang Beishuang to use her wisdom to reclaim everything and not be consumed by desire.

Huang Beishuang wept bitterly, singing a lament as she mourned Duo Zai. Huang Beishuang saw that only two people from E Na Qi had escaped and decided to go to Yunpei alone to complete her mission. Lian Huan and Duo Er were willing to follow Huang Beishuang and protect E Na Qi. Huang Beishuang gave the Desert Scroll to Huo Qingyun, hoping he would escort her safely to Yunpei, promising to meet his conditions.

However, since she had been injured by an arrow and was in poor health, Huo Qingyun suggested that Lian Huan and Duo Er go to Yunpei first with the pass while they caught up later. Huo Qingyun helped Huang Beishuang onto a horse and asked why she insisted on going to Yunpei. Huang Beishuang confessed that neither Masui nor Tiandu could tolerate her. Huo Qingyun deliberately tested her, having heard Duo Zai call her "Ninth Princess" earlier.

As Man Hu and his men closed in on them, Huo Qingyun took her to hide in a cellar, and Huang Beishuang praised him for his knowledge of the desert. As Man Hu's men approached the cellar, Huo Qingyun pulled her into his arms to protect her.

Huo Qingyun protected Huang Beishuang, narrowly avoiding detection by the desert bandits. After the bandits left, sand got into Huang Beishuang’s eyes, and Huo Qingyun leaned close to her face to blow the sand away. Meanwhile, Ruo Wen and Ge Xinwei stopped at a post station to rest.

Ruo Wen exchanged gold for the Masui map, but Ge Xinwei thought it was not worth the price and demanded a refund, only to be stopped by Ruo Wen, who wouldn’t allow her to cause trouble. Huo Qingyun took Huang Beishuang to an inn, where the people around were captivated by her beauty. Sha Qu came out to greet them, inviting Huo Qingyun to stay upstairs and subtly signaling the others to dismiss the drinkers.

Huo Qingyun asked Huang Beishuang how she obtained the *Desert Scroll*, and Huang Beishuang explained that it was a gift from one of her father’s old acquaintances, though she no longer remembered what he looked like. Sha Qu heard that Rong Lao had resurfaced in the desert and informed Huo Qingyun. The two set out to search for him but were ambushed by the secret guards of Tiandu along the way.

Huo Qingyun asked Sha Qu to continue gathering information, agreeing to meet at the inn in five days. Sha Qu had already discovered that Tiandu’s spies were staying at the inn, and Huo Qingyun decided to close in and wipe out all the spies. Ruo Wen and Ge Xinwei passed by the inn and noticed the red flag hanging outside.

Ge Xinwei assumed they would have to sleep on the streets again, but Ruo Wen saw a black flag on the inn, suspecting it was a place for exchanging military intelligence. He asked Ge Xinwei to cooperate with him in staging a scene to secure a room. Ge Xinwei agreed but only after making Ruo Wen promise her three favors, to which he reluctantly agreed.

Huo Qingyun learned that Na Zhan had taken Rong Lao before them and urged Sha Qu to draw a map of the Yunpei Palace as soon as possible. Sha Qu teased Huo Qingyun about bringing a woman back with him, but Huo Qingyun shifted the topic by pulling out the *Desert Scroll*. Ge Xinwei pretended to be blind, while Ruo Wen posed as a horse trader, both insisting on staying at the inn.

Luo Cheng, suspicious of the two, reported the matter to Huo Qingyun, thinking that the man looked like a desert bandit. Seeing that it was Ruo Wen, Huo Qingyun, worried about being recognized, hurriedly moved the sleeping Huang Beishuang. Ge Xinwei discovered some of Huang Beishuang’s personal belongings in the room and secretly took them while Ruo Wen wasn’t paying attention.

When Huang Beishuang woke up, she realized she was in Huo Qingyun’s room and learned that Ruo Wen was also staying at the inn. As Ruo Wen descended the stairs, he saw Huo Qingyun and found him somewhat familiar, but Huo Qingyun pretended not to know him. Ruo Wen seized the opportunity to search for the Masui city defense map. Ge Xinwei returned Huang Beishuang’s belongings and explained the situation to her, unintentionally revealing that she was the Ninth Princess.

Huo Qingyun was a bit puzzled, as he had heard Duo Zai also refer to Huang Beishuang as the Ninth Princess before. Realizing that Ruo Wen was after the Masui map, Huo Qingyun deliberately let him find it. Man Hu caught up with Huo Qingyun and shot him in the back with a poisoned arrow. Huang Beishuang saved Huo Qingyun and helped treat his wound, personally sucking out the poison, but she noticed that he wasn’t affected by the toxin.

When Huo Qingyun’s Mangliu waist tag fell, Huang Beishuang realized he had been lying to her all along and guessed that Huo Qingyun was the leader of Mangliu. Master Zhu received the border pass disc and reported the situation to Na Zhan, recording all the marriage alliance tribes. He mentioned receiving E Na Qi’s border pass disc at the last moment but hadn’t personally seen Na Xiu, suspecting they hadn’t reached Yunpei.

Na Zhan didn’t care, as he wasn’t concerned about the fate of Na Xiu and her people. His soldiers captured Rong Lao and placed him in a secret room in the library, where Na Zhan ordered strict surveillance, not allowing any slack. Na Zhan was wary of Mangliu’s people, believing they were involved in selling military and political secrets, and was concerned they could bring trouble to Yunpei. He instructed his men to be on high alert against them.

Huang Beishuang carefully tended to Huo Qingyun. While sleeping, Huo Qingyun had a nightmare and suddenly grabbed Huang Beishuang’s hand, begging her not to leave him. Huang Beishuang looked at the man in front of her and smiled warmly.

Ruo Wen studied the Masui city defense map, but Ge Xinwei snatched it and examined it herself, claiming she had never seen such things as she was still unmarried. Ruo Wen threatened her with a knife, not believing her nonsense. A group of men became interested in Ge Xinwei and tried to forcibly take her away, while Ruo Wen stood by, watching as if enjoying a show.

Ge Xinwei fought back and shouted Ruo Wen's name, scaring the men into quickly apologizing and fleeing. Ruo Wen remained firm, warning Ge Xinwei not to deceive him. Huang Beishuang, standing by the wishing tree, leaned against Huo Qingyun and thanked him for protecting her all this time, wanting to say a proper goodbye. Huo Qingyun suddenly kissed Huang Beishuang, but she pushed him away and slapped him.

Huo Qingyun said he could help her with E Na Qi, but Huang Beishuang told him she had a greater mission. She then approached Huo Qingyun again and willingly accepted his kiss, letting their dreams fully part. Huo Qingyun reminded her to remember her promise, saying they would meet again. As Huang Beishuang walked away, Huo Qingyun was overcome with grief, coughed up blood, and fainted. When Huo Qingyun woke up, he learned that Huang Beishuang had left.

Sha Qu, who was standing by, handed over a letter from Huang Beishuang. Huo Qingyun opened it to find a heartfelt farewell, with Huang Beishuang wishing that they would meet again in another life. Huang Beishuang arrived in Yunpei as promised and collected some soil in a money pouch. Ye Pei didn’t understand her intentions, but Huang Beishuang told her to wait and see. Huang Beishuang then changed her clothes and entered the Eastern Palace of Yunpei.

Huo Qingyun, unable to let go, rode after her and called out her name, returning the *Desert Scroll* to her. Huang Beishuang didn’t turn around; it was Lian Huan who retrieved it. As Huo Qingyun watched Huang Beishuang walk away resolutely, his heart ached unbearably, and he coughed up blood. At the peace marriage ceremony, the tribes and princesses who had the border pass disc awaited the call of the Lord of Yunpei.

Each princess came forward one after another to pay their respects. When the princess of the Zhenqu tribe, Zhenqu Youjia, appeared, her beauty captivated the audience. Zhenqu Youjia, dignified and graceful, presented her tribute and humbly offered to lower her status to that of a servant, expressing her sincerity to Yunpei and her desire to serve the Lord, Na Zhan.

Na Zhan was intrigued by the painting in the tribute, and Zhenqu Youjia explained that it was a scene from her dream, something she had intended to offer Na Zhan once he conquered the desert. Feeling tired, Na Zhan called for the last princess, Princess Mizhan, to step forward. Huang Beishuang arrived just in time and asked Master Zhu for a favor, explaining that she had come from the far northern desert to meet Na Zhan.

Master Zhu angrily ordered her to leave, warning her not to cause a disturbance at the entrance. Huang Beishuang threatened to take her own life, drawing a blade and placing it against her neck, begging Master Zhu to report her request. The audience with Na Zhan was about to conclude when he heard that someone from the northern desert had arrived, assuming it was the first time someone from E Na Qi had come. He allowed her to enter.

Huang Beishuang presented soil from her homeland and expressed her loyalty to Yunpei, stating that she had risked her life to come. Na Zhan asked what would happen if she wasn’t conferred a title, and Huang Beishuang said that whether she was granted one or not, her tribe would remain loyal to Yunpei. Na Zhan suggested arranging another marriage for her, but Huang Beishuang politely declined, saying that if the peace marriage failed, she would remain alone for life.

She then offered to perform a dance, indifferent to whether she would be mocked. Huang Beishuang performed the Phoenix Rebirth Dance, leaving the audience stunned. Na Zhan praised her dancing skills, noting that she had used chemical powders on herself to create such a spectacular effect.

Na Zhan bestowed a large amount of jewelry upon Huang Beishuang, who was staying in Yunfang Pavilion. Ye Pei hurriedly called her "madam," but Huang Beishuang, not used to the title, insisted they continue to call her Na Xiu. Huo Qingyun instructed Sha Qu to continue searching for the secret passage. Sha Qu reported that the passage had been damaged in a fire years ago, and finding it would take some time.

Huo Qingyun heard that Huang Beishuang had been conferred a title, which he had expected. He knew that Na Zhan didn’t care about beauty but was more interested in the *Desert Scroll*. In front of Na Zhan, Master Zhu praised Zhenqu Youjia, saying she was intelligent and understood the bigger picture. Earlier, Mizhan Yu Wei had forcefully tried to take Yufu Pavilion, completely disregarding Zhenqu Youjia and even attempting to humiliate her, but Huang Beishuang stopped her.

Master Zhu admitted that he couldn’t quite read Huang Beishuang’s character, only feeling that she was very passionate. Na Zhan was thoughtful, remarking that Huang Beishuang wasn’t an ordinary person; otherwise, she wouldn’t have been able to escape from Ruo Wen’s grasp. Master Zhu considered the living arrangements for Zhenqu Youjia and Yu Wei and suspected that Yu Wei might be an impostor. Na Zhan ordered him to investigate, and if confirmed, Yu Wei was to be killed immediately.

When Na Zhan learned that Huang Beishuang had chosen the remote Yunfang Pavilion to stay in, he was furious, knowing that it was where someone had once passed away, but Huang Beishuang didn’t mind. Sha Qu found the entrance to the secret passage, and Huo Qingyun decided to explore it himself. Before leaving, he tied a red silk ribbon to a tree.

That night, Huo Qingyun carefully entered the passage, recalling how, as a child, Elder Rong, following his father’s instructions, had led him out of the city through this very route. Ye Pei hurried over in a panic, informing him that Yu Wei had actually been replaced by Yu Qiang. Upon discovering this, Na Zhan had already beaten her to death and ordered that the tribe’s tributes and priestesses would no longer be accepted.

Huang Beishuang calmly told Ye Pei to stay composed and not cause trouble as long as they didn’t start anything. Huo Qingyun emerged from the secret passage and entered Yunfang Pavilion, where he discovered the room that Huang Beishuang had chosen. Ye Pei asked Huang Beishuang if she regretted her decision, saying she knew that Huang Beishuang liked Huo Qingyun.

Huang Beishuang told Ye Pei to stop mentioning him, saying that even though she liked him, she had to forget him, or disaster would follow. Huo Qingyun, hiding under the eaves, overheard this and felt conflicted. Ge Xinwei followed Ruo Wen into Masui City, worried about being recognized, so she covered her face. Ruo Wen captured her and took her to the Grand Sacrifice Ceremony, presenting the Ninth Princess’s seal to the soldiers.

The elder in charge of the ceremony, upon learning of this, immediately tied Ge Xinwei up, intending to use her for the ritual. Ge Xinwei shouted for them to release her, insisting that she wasn’t the Ninth Princess. Just as the elder was about to carry out the sacrifice, Ruo Wen appeared and rescued her. The two of them fiercely punished the people of Masui.

After being rescued, Ge Xinwei bluntly stated that she wanted to follow Ruo Wen and become a desert bandit. Ruo Wen looked at her and seemed to accept, but just as Ge Xinwei thought he was rushing things, Ruo Wen tied her hands together and rode off on his horse. On his way back, Ruo Wen encountered Man Hu and the others, who informed him that the Death Wind region had been destroyed by Tong Bahe and Huang Beishuang.

Na Zhan visited Elder Rong’s room, instructing his subordinates to serve him well. Elder Rong showed no interest in Na Zhan, stating that ever since the former lord passed away, he had no feelings left for Yunpei. Na Zhan took out the *Desert Scroll* and asked Elder Rong to decipher it, praising him for his vast knowledge. He mentioned that the scroll had been co-authored by him and Rong Ruo and wanted to learn its secrets.

Na Zhan also inquired about the whereabouts of the child from years ago, but Elder Rong pretended not to hear. Furious, Na Zhan left Elder Rong’s room, and Master Zhu asked whom he wanted to spend the night with. Na Zhan bluntly replied that he wanted both. Meanwhile, Huo Qingyun led a group through the secret passage, splitting them into teams to quickly find Elder Rong’s room.

Huo Qingyun searched alone, using his memory to find the hidden passage in Yunfang Pavilion. Upon opening it, he found Huang Beishuang’s clothes. He suddenly remembered the moment when Na Zhan stormed Yunpei, witnessing his father being killed by Na Zhan, who then took over his father’s position as Lord of the city. As Huo Qingyun realized this, he carefully examined the arrangement of Yunfang Pavilion and heard the sound of Huang Beishuang entering. He quickly hid behind a screen.

Sensing someone in the room, Huang Beishuang deliberately sent Ye Pei away. Just then, Master Zhu arrived, informing her that she was to share the night with Zhenqu Youjia.

Ye Pei reminded Huang Beishuang that it was time for her bath. Seeing her hesitation, she asked if she didn’t want to go. Huang Beishuang knew that not going would be considered a capital offense, so she reluctantly freshened up and headed to Na Zhan's bedchamber. Zhenqu Youjia eagerly tried to please Na Zhan, while Huang Beishuang feigned illness, managing to avoid the situation she didn’t want to be a part of.

Zhenqu Youjia served Na Zhan, and the two became intimate on the bed, but Na Zhan’s attention still lingered on Huang Beishuang, who was casually flipping through the *Desert Scroll*. Na Zhan noticed this. Na Zhan stopped what he was doing and got out of bed to quiz Huang Beishuang on the contents of the book. Huang Beishuang was able to answer all of his questions clearly, and Na Zhan realized that she had an extraordinary memory.

Huang Beishuang, keeping her head down, humbly praised Na Zhan’s superior knowledge, saying that otherwise, he wouldn’t know the book's contents so well. Na Zhan became intrigued by her and remarked that she had managed to escape from Ruo Wen's territory. Huang Beishuang replied that at worst, the war with Ruo Wen would mean death, but she couldn’t let Enna Qi lose hope, and she couldn’t risk offending Na Zhan.

Na Zhan believed that she would eventually open her heart to him and said he would wait for the surprise she would bring him. Taking the opportunity, Huang Beishuang asked to leave the bedchamber, and Na Zhan agreed. Huo Qingyun drank heavily and lashed out at Sha Qu, demanding that they complete the map by tonight. Ge Xinwei followed Ruo Wen to Tong Bahe’s territory.

Ruo Wen’s eyes were filled with murderous intent, and he completely ignored Ge Xinwei, even throwing the roasted duck she had kindly prepared for him onto the ground. After plundering, Tong Bahe returned to his territory only to find Ruo Wen there, and in fear, he tried to flee. Tong Bahe, wanting to live, begged Ruo Wen for mercy. Ruo Wen captured Tong Bahe’s subordinates and deliberately said he would spare only ten of them.

Tong Bahe, smiling, agreed, but when counting, there was one too many. Right in front of everyone, he killed his own brother, thinking it would save his own life. Ruo Wen spoke to Tong Bahe’s brothers, urging them to see Tong Bahe’s true nature. When Tong Bahe tried to resist, Ruo Wen swiftly killed him with one strike. Terrified, Tong Bahe’s men knelt and begged for mercy, pledging their loyalty to Ruo Wen as their new leader.

Ruo Wen accepted their submission and happily hosted a feast for everyone, offering them wine and meat. Ge Xinwei got drunk and confessed that she wasn’t afraid of Ruo Wen, but she didn’t like the way things were done. Ruo Wen asked her if she was willing to live as a desert bandit for the rest of her life, and for a moment, he hesitated.

Ge Xinwei, drunk, collapsed into Ruo Wen’s arms, saying it was her first time experiencing something like this. The next morning, Ruo Wen ordered his men to gather information about Masui City and prepared to head to Yunpei with his brothers. As he gazed at the sleeping Ge Xinwei, he left her the jewels that Man Hu had stolen. When Ge Xinwei woke up, she found that everyone had left.

Zhenqu Youjia was pleased after gaining Na Zhan’s favor, and Na Zhan rewarded her with gold, silver, and jewels. She intentionally sent gifts to Master Zhu as thanks. News quickly spread that Huang Beishuang had not been favored by Na Zhan, which worried Ye Pei. Huang Beishuang reminded Ye Pei and Lian Huan to be cautious with their words and actions in the mansion. Na Zhan personally visited Yunfang Pavilion, bringing a gift for Huang Beishuang.

To her surprise, it was two volumes of the *Desert Scroll*. Na Zhan deliberately tested Huang Beishuang, asking her to interpret the contents of the scrolls. Her answers satisfied Na Zhan, and he left the scrolls with her. Huang Beishuang realized that Na Zhan was ambitious and intended to use him to avenge her parents. Sha Qu brought Huo Qingyun good news, saying that Huang Beishuang had returned to the mansion late last night without receiving Na Zhan’s favor.

Huo Qingyun was pleased to hear this. Huang Beishuang leafed through the *Desert Scroll*, recalling her mother’s words that only by gathering all five volumes of the scroll could they resolve the crisis facing their people. The herbal section she had obtained was crucial, as it contained a hidden message. Huo Qingyun quietly entered the inner courtyard and saw Huang Beishuang asleep in a chair. He gently covered her with a thin blanket.

When Huang Beishuang awoke and asked about it, Ye Pei suggested that it might have been Na Zhan who left the blanket. Na Zhan, eager to use Huang Beishuang’s photographic memory to unify the desert, ordered Master Zhu to arrange a grand celebration for the upcoming Moon Festival, inviting the people to join in the festivities.

Master Zhu specifically gave Zhenqu Youjia a gift, complimenting her on her beautiful new clothes and deliberately sending her a lampwick in the name of the city lord. Zhenqu Youjia returned the favor with jewelry, and Master Zhu told her that the city lord enjoyed drinking tea at night and suggested she perform well during the festival. Ye Pei, without thinking, curiously asked about the Masui festival celebration. Huang Beishuang reminded her to be careful with her words.

Master Zhu had sent a lampwick, expecting that Huang Beishuang would return the gesture, but to his surprise, she sent pastries instead. He intentionally mentioned that Na Zhan liked medicinal tea, hoping to see her make a mistake. Huo Qingyun learned that Na Zhan was hosting a lantern festival for the Moon Festival and saw this as a golden opportunity to rescue Old Master Rong.

Sha Qu subtly suggested that they could kill two birds with one stone, but Huo Qingyun pretended not to understand. Na Zhan instructed the general to keep an eye on the lantern festival, as it was his first time participating in a common folk event in years. The general reminded the performers, who were carefully selected from hundreds, to give their best performance in front of Na Zhan.

Meanwhile, Huang Beishuang was deeply engrossed in her study of the *Desert Scroll*. Ye Pei urged her to get up, stretch her body, and relax. As Huang Beishuang turned around, she noticed the red silk tied to a tree and remembered that Huo Qingyun had a habit of hanging red silk. Na Zhan came to Yunfang Pavilion again to see Huang Beishuang, asking her about her insights after reading the *Desert Scroll*'s section on sand dunes.

Huang Beishuang humbly said she had only scratched the surface and requested a little more time. Na Zhan, unhurried, allowed her to take her time and promised a great reward once she finished. The general reported that the city lord of Masui had sent a congratulatory gift, but Na Zhan dismissed it, mocking the city lord Ge Er Ke Qin as a worthless figure.

Taking advantage of the situation, Huang Beishuang inquired about Masui and learned that they had been sending tributes for protection for years. She intentionally mentioned that although Masui’s land was barren, it could still produce rare goods for Yunpei. Na Zhan, showing disdain, remarked that Masui only survived by relying on trade with Yunpei.

Na Zhan initially wanted Huang Beishuang to accompany him to the lantern festival, but she made an excuse, saying she needed to focus on the *Desert Scroll* and couldn’t join him for the time being. Na Zhan didn’t press her. After he left, Huang Beishuang asked Ye Pei and Lian Huan if they noticed Na Zhan's attitude toward Masui.

Lian Huan sensed Na Zhan’s contempt, but Huang Beishuang couldn’t make a clear judgment and wanted to wait for another opportunity to probe further. Ye Pei muttered quietly, thinking that Huang Beishuang was still concerned about Masui, and Lian Huan reminded her to watch her words. Na Zhan visited Old Master Rong again, but Old Master Rong still showed no warmth toward him and spoke to him sharply.

Na Zhan, feigning concern, said that Old Master Rong was important to him and that he feared he might not have enough food or clothing. Na Zhan then deliberately told Old Master Rong that he planned to give him a small gift during the lantern festival. Old Master Rong pretended not to understand and continued eating the food Na Zhan had brought.

Ruo Wen and his brothers reached the border of Yunpei, and he ordered them to split up and sneak into Yunpei to find Huang Beishuang. Ruo Wen, however, stayed behind to rest, deliberately waiting for Ge Xinwei to come after him. Ge Xinwei, furious, chased after Ruo Wen and demanded to know why he had abandoned her. She declared that anyone she set her sights on could never escape her grasp.

Ruo Wen didn’t care for her reasons, but Ge Xinwei confessed that she liked him. Huo Qingyun and his men replaced the acrobats, preparing to approach Na Zhan during the lantern festival. At the festival, Huo Qingyun spotted Huang Beishuang in the marketplace and deliberately appeared in front of her. The two donned masks and went on a secret date. Ge Xinwei helped Ruo Wen pick out a mask, and the two joined the lively crowd at the night market.

At the bonfire party, Ruo Wen nearly recognized Huang Beishuang and sent Ge Xinwei away. Man Hu gathered information that Huang Beishuang had been appointed as a lady and revealed that he had already arranged his men around the venue. Ge Xinwei was captivated by the magic show, especially the "vanishing person" trick from the Central Plains. Ruo Wen, pretending to indulge her curiosity, encouraged her to try it. But when the box was opened again, Ge Xinwei had disappeared.

Huang Beishuang and Huo Qingyun were strolling through the lantern festival when they suddenly heard General Wu call out to her. As Huang Beishuang turned her head, Huo Qingyun was nowhere to be seen. Huang Beishuang lied, claiming that she had gotten separated from Ye Pei. Na Zhan invited Old Master Rong to the lantern festival, deliberately setting the venue in the marketplace to showcase Yunpei’s prosperity to him.

Master Zhu announced policies exempting taxes for the Yunpei oasis, and the crowd applauded enthusiastically. When the performers took the stage, Huang Beishuang recognized that one of them was Huo Qingyun in disguise. Worried that Na Zhan might discover him, she took the initiative to approach Na Zhan, offering him a five-flavor medicinal tea to divert his attention. Meanwhile, Ruo Wen and Man Hu had already devised a plan and were preparing to take action at the venue.

Na Zhan accepted the medicinal tea from Huang Beishuang and led everyone in praying for Yunpei’s well-being. Sensing the opportunity, Ruo Wen blew his whistle, signaling his brothers, who were also getting into position. Huo Qingyun heard the whistle and felt something was amiss. He then blew a different type of whistle, confusing the members of the Mangliu gang, who looked at each other, unsure of its meaning.

Huang Beishuang, seeing that Na Zhan had become suspicious, deliberately asked about Zhenqu Youjia's gift. Zhenqu Youjia presented a rare and precious teacup from her family, and Na Zhan, holding the hands of his two wives, praised the fine tea paired with the exquisite teacup. Na Zhan then proposed rewarding the performers, and Huo Qingyun requested Huang Beishuang’s five-flavor tea. After drinking it publicly, he passed around a leaf.

General Wu, after confiscating the newly acquired oasis, suggested a competition between the two wives to secure a place for their matriarchal tribes. Seeing this, Ruo Wen realized he could not proceed with his plan and ordered his brothers to retreat. It was only after returning that Huo Qingyun reflected on the unusual whistle. Sha Qu speculated that it was Na Zhan's doing, but Huo Qingyun explained that although Na Zhan heard the whistle, he couldn’t decipher its meaning.

Sha Qu observed Old Master Rong’s appearance from the venue and deduced that Old Master Rong had been treated well by Na Zhan and was likely living in a sunlit room. Huo Qingyun planned to double back and rescue Old Master Rong again. General Wu discovered a hidden weapon at the venue but didn’t understand the significance of the yellow cloth attached to it. When Na Zhan asked about the whistle code, General Wu said he didn’t know.

Na Zhan then instructed General Wu to continue plundering the weaker tribes, as he had already detected an attempt to rescue Old Master Rong and intended to set a trap to draw them out. Man Hu found out that the Mangliu gang’s gathering spot was in a teahouse. Ruo Wen knew that only the Mangliu could recognize the sound of the "Yellow Sky Frenzy" whistle. Luo Cheng suspected that the Mangliu had colluded with Na Zhan.

Ruo Wen caused a scene at the teahouse to confront Huo Qingyun, intending to settle the score. Huo Qingyun provided him with information, revealing the secret that Qin Duo, who managed Yunpei’s military supplies, was involved, hoping to strike a deal with Ruo Wen. Ruo Wen left a portrait of Ge Xinwei, demanding that Huo Qingyun find her in exchange for wiping the slate clean.

Sha Qu was worried that they were raising a tiger that might eventually turn on them, but Huo Qingyun believed that it was worth the gamble, given Ruo Wen and his companions’ exceptional martial skills. When Ge Xinwei woke up, she found herself sold into a brothel. The madam, impressed by Ge Xinwei’s beauty, planned to make her the top courtesan. Ge Xinwei, assuming it was Ruo Wen who had sold her, tried to escape but was caught.

Huang Beishuang and Huo Qingyun exchanged emotions through bamboo flute melodies, almost getting caught by Master Zhu. Master Zhu brought embroidery threads for Huang Beishuang, urging her to practice early. Na Zhan mentioned that he often suffered from insomnia, suspecting that the child he thought was dead might still be alive, and he deliberately spoke about finding his long-lost sibling. Old Master Rong mocked him for his tyranny, saying that the child had long been trampled under the iron cavalry.

Huo Qingyun frequently visited Yunfang Pavilion to secretly watch over Huang Beishuang, and Huang Beishuang could also sense his presence. Zhenqu Youjia wanted to prepare her embroidery carefully to win Na Zhan’s heart, not wanting Huang Beishuang to steal the opportunity. Na Zhan once again favored Zhenqu Youjia, and her maid, Lian’er, tactfully excused herself. Ye Pei rushed in, flustered, saying the embroidery thread was missing.

Huang Beishuang calmly told her to search again and ordered Lian Huan to quickly go outside the palace to buy more supplies.

Lian Huan couldn’t find embroidery threads, and Huang Beishuang suspected it was Zhenqu Youjia’s doing. Just as they were feeling anxious about the lack of threads, Huang Beishuang recalled from a book that the roots of the jiemashu tree could be used to make threads. She instructed Lian Huan and Ye Pei to work with her overnight, dividing the tasks to peel the bark and pull out the fibers from the tree roots by hand.

Ye Pei complained that the process was too difficult, and it would take forever to grind the fibers into fine threads. From a distance, Huo Qingyun quietly watched them. After Huang Beishuang fell asleep, he, relying on his memory, peeled and processed all the roots into threads, placing them in front of her window. When Huang Beishuang woke up and saw the threads, she knew that Huo Qingyun had been there.

She picked up a candle and walked outside, while Huo Qingyun intentionally ran into the room to hide from her. Huang Beishuang knew he was behind her and pretended to fall so Huo Qingyun would catch her. They playfully teased each other, with Huo Qingyun suggesting she missed him. Huang Beishuang denied it but asked him why he had come. Huo Qingyun only mentioned it was because of old memories.

When Ye Pei heard voices from the room, Huang Beishuang covered for Huo Qingyun, claiming she had already fallen asleep. The next day, under the cover of night, Huo Qingyun visited Yunfang Pavilion again. Huang Beishuang held him by the waist, making him feel touched. Seeing that her hands were injured, Huo Qingyun felt distressed and stayed with her to help finish the embroidery.

Master Zhu highly praised Zhenqu Youjia’s embroidery, and Na Zhan also thought it had value as a collectible. However, when he saw that Huang Beishuang’s embroidery was merely wrist guards, he complained that she had made it carelessly. Huang Beishuang, anticipating this reaction, requested to explain the embroidery in person. She asked General Wu to slash the wrist guard with his knife. Na Zhan was surprised to see that the wrist guard remained undamaged and asked about its construction.

Huang Beishuang explained that after reading the herbology section, she discovered that the roots of the jiemashu tree could resist blades, which inspired her to make the wrist guards. Satisfied with the wrist guards, Na Zhan nevertheless felt it was difficult to determine the winner. Master Zhu suggested that the two wives present a culinary dish in ten days for further evaluation, and Na Zhan agreed. Zhenqu Youjia was displeased and blamed Xiaolian for the bad idea.

Although they had taken Huang Beishuang’s embroidery threads, she still found a loophole by using the tree roots. Zhenqu Youjia was determined not to underestimate the next culinary competition. Ruo Wen waited at the entrance of the military supply depot for Qin Duo, while Man Hu remained doubtful of the news. A brother brought information from the Mangliu gang, revealing that Ge Xinwei was in a brothel. Upon learning this, Ruo Wen prepared to kill two birds with one stone.

The brothel madam had no way to deal with Ge Xinwei, who had a bad temper and refused to entertain guests or eat. Ruo Wen and his men barged into the brothel, pretending to seek pleasure. The madam decided to have Ge Xinwei serve them. When Ge Xinwei saw that it was Ruo Wen, she angrily accused him of arriving too late and tearfully complained about being forced to receive guests.

Ruo Wen gave her the opportunity to vent her anger, speaking suggestively about how she could repay him. Man Hu threatened the madam, demanding to use the brothel as their base, and ordered her and her staff to cooperate. Sha Qu, with a portrait of Ge Xinwei, visited the Enaci tribe and learned that she was actually Na Xiu.

Upon hearing this, Huo Qingyun realized that Huang Beishuang and Ge Xinwei had switched identities for a marriage alliance, and he recalled how Lady Masui had once pleaded for help outside the gates. Feeling guilty, he blamed himself for Lady Masui’s death. Sha Qu believed that the hatred over the death of one's mother was irreconcilable and that Huo Qingyun and Huang Beishuang’s marriage bond could not continue.

Huang Beishuang pondered over the principle of the twin fruit trees and speculated that the second part of the Desert Scroll might be about climate. She became so absorbed in her reading that it was already late into the night when she stepped outside to look across the courtyard, but Huo Qingyun was nowhere to be seen.

Qin Duo went to Zuixiang Pavilion for entertainment, where Ruo Wen, disguised as a servant, greeted him and deliberately arranged for Ge Xinwei to entertain him. Ge Xinwei planned to steal his key but was caught. Qin Duo then tried to assault Ge Xinwei, but Ruo Wen couldn’t hold back and burst into the room, beating Qin Duo severely. Afterward, Ruo Wen scolded Ge Xinwei for acting recklessly, and she was still shaken by the encounter.

Huo Qingyun visited Huang Beishuang again while she slept, but she had been pretending to be asleep, waiting for him. She asked if something was troubling him. Knowing he couldn’t face Huang Beishuang, Huo Qingyun made an excuse to leave. Huang Beishuang gave him a belt made from the jiemashu roots, and though Huo Qingyun hesitated before accepting it, Huang Beishuang found his behavior odd.