The morning light filtered through the thin canvas of Murong Yexuan's military tent when a soldier delivered a lacquered wooden box tied with blue silk ribbon.
"Your Highness," the soldier said, bowing. "A delivery from Young Lady Bai Rouyuan. From the Southern River Silk Region."
Murong Yexuan dismissed him immediately, fingers tightening around the box.
Inside it was—Bai Rouyuan's fragrance creation.
Tailored for him.
He untied the silk ribbon carefully, almost reverently.
When he lifted the lid—a soft wave of scent drifted upward.
Cool like mountain cedar, warm like amber, clear like mint, and elegant like white musk.
A scent made for a marshal prince.
A scent made for him.
Murong Yexuan froze.
Then inhaled again—slowly, deeply.
It felt like something in his chest loosened.
He lifted the small letter on top.
To His Highness Prince Murong Yexuan,
'This fragrance set follows your temperament—calm, firm, and quietly warm.
Use the incense before sleep; the perfume during formal meetings; the cologne during training; and the soap, oils, and shampoo as usual.'
—Bai Rouyuan
So simple.
So clean.
So earnest.
His fingers curled around the paper.
His heart tightened painfully.
I want to meet her again.
Letters Across Two Regions
From that day onward, Murong Yexuan wrote letters to Bai Rouyuan — at first as thanks, then more and more.
To his surprise, she replied.
At first politely, reserved, proper.
But slowly… her words relaxed.
Bai Rouyuan wrote about her daily life; about her business expansion, new perfume formulas, her lessons with Master Su Yuelian, her friendship with Princess Qingshi…
In overtime, it became a habit.
Every two weeks, a letter arrived.
Murong Yexuan read them all.
Sometimes twice.
Sometimes three times.
He smiled often in the privacy of his tent—
something even Bai Yunchen found suspicious.
Bai Yunchen Notices a Change
Back at the Northern Frontier camp, Yunchen started to notice something odd.
Murong Yexuan no longer stole his letters.
In fact, he calmly let for Bai Rouyuan's letter delivered to him.
Yunchen scratched his head.
"Your Highness, why aren't you grabbing my letters anymore?"
Murong Yexuan looked up from Bai Rouyuan's newest perfume sample.
"…I don't need to."
Yunchen blinked. "You're not stealing it? At all?"
"…No."
"Are you feeling ill?"
"…Get out."
Yunchen burst out laughing.
But he wasn't upset.
He liked this Prince Murong Yexuan version—more open, more human, more… attached.
The War Ends After a Long Years
Winter came.
Spring passed.
Another winter rose.
Finally, after three full years, the northern enemy fell back, defeated and exhausted.
A white flag fluttered on the horizon.
The war was over.
Victory was theirs.
A Letter That Changes Everything
As celebrations roared through the camp, Bai Yunchen received a letter from home.
He rushed to Prince Murong Yexuan's tent.
"Your Highness, my father is returning to the capital!"
"He wants me, Yanyu, and Rouyuan to return too."
Murong Yexuan paused, "Rouyuan… returning?"
He forced his voice to remain calm.
"Then you all should go. The Bai family has been apart for too long."
But inside—his heart raced.
I need to return to Lingnan City.
I must… meet her first before she goes back to Wuzhen[1].
Rouyuan Prepares to Leave
In Lingnan City, Bai Rouyuan bowed respectfully before Wen Shisheng.
"Grandfather, Father will finally return. He asks Yu Ge and me to return to Wuzhen City."
Wen Shisheng nodded.
"You have grown. I won't stop you."
"But remember—Lingnan will always be your home."
Rouyuan smiled warmly. "I will continue Yunyan Pavilion business in the capital."
At that moment, Wen Xianyi burst into tears.
"Ah Yuan! I'm going too!
"Father! Please let me go!"
Wen Roushan sighed heavily, "Behave, Yi-Er. You can go if you promise to behave and take care of yourself."
"Protect Wen Clan's reputation."
"I will! I swear!"
"Double promise. No..triple promise,"
He gave permission.
Wen Xianyi jumped, hugging Bai Rouyuan.
Rouyuan then wrote to Princess Qingshi in Donghai City[2], informing her of about the returning to Wuzhen City.
Murong Qingshi replied swiftly: "I will meet you in the capital!
Wait for me, Ah Yuan Meimei!"
Rouyuan laughed softly.
She had a best friend now, other than Xianyi, Qingshi now is her best friend too.
Parting at the Crossroads
When the Snow Wolf Cavalry prepared to return to the capital, Murong Yexuan stopped Bai Yunchen.
"I cannot return yet."
"There are matters I must settle in Lingnan City."
Bai Yunchen frowned.
"Be careful, Your Highness."
"I'll report the war results first."
Murong Yexuan nodded.
They clasped forearms.
"Safe journey."
"You too."
Their paths split.
Bai Yunchen and the cavalry rode toward Wuzhen City.
Murong Yexuan and some of his bodyguard rode toward Lingnan City.
Arrival at Lingnan City — But He Is Too Late
Upon reaching Lingnan City, Yexuan rode directly to Wen Clan Mansion.
The moment Yexuan arrived at Wen Clan Mansion, he dismounted with urgency.
He introduced himself and said, "I am here to see Miss Bai Rouyuan."
The guard bowed apologetically.
"Your Highness…"
"Young Miss Rouyuan, Young Master Yanyu, and Young Miss Xianyi left yesterday."
"They returned to the capital as per Great General Bai requested."
Yexuan stopped.
His grip on his reins tightened.
Yesterday.
He had missed her by only one days.
"…I see."
His voice was quiet.
Almost emotionless.
But inside, something sank.
He bowed slightly to Wen Shisheng, who came to greet him.
"Forgive my intrusion, Patriarch Wen."
"I came to thank Miss Bai personally."
Wen Shisheng smiled faintly.
"She will be happy knowing you came, Your Highness."
"Go — I beg someone waits for you in Wuzhen City, even if she doesn't know it yet."
Murong Yexuan lowered his head. "Yes…"
A Visit to Prince Murong Yunxian — Unfinished Answers
Before leaving Lingnan City, Prince Murong Yexuan visited Prince Murong Yunxian's Mansion.
Murong Yunxian welcomed him warmly, "Ah Xuan! Back so soon?"
Yexuan bowed.
"I've come to thank you for the troops."
"And to ask about the investigation into the stolen rations."
Murong Yunxian sighed.
"Slow. Too slow."
"Information gets stuck in the capital, and I'm far south."
"Wen Clan's Silk Whisper Guild is investigating, but results are delayed."
"But The Majesty promise to look forward this case. Just how long it will take I also can't answer it."
Yexuan nodded.
"It is enough."
"I will pick up the investigation myself once I return."
Murong Yunxian smiled, "Good. Ahhh, Ah Xuan… Rouyuan is in Wuzhen City."
Something flickered in Murong Yexuan's eyes.
"I know."
He touched the scent pouch tied to his belt— Bai Rouyuan's scent.
His promise burned quietly inside him.
I will find you.
[1] The empire capital city.
[2] Main city of Eastern Sea Region