Chapter 107: Awakening

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Yes, Lie Chang’an was instantly stunned.
His grandmother was still waiting for him at home.
How could he just die like this? He had yet to fulfill his grandmother’s hopes, yet to bring honor to the Lie family. How could he simply perish now?
He was unwilling, unwilling to let go.
He heard that voice again, telling him that his brothers in the military camp were all waiting for his return, that he still had countless ideals and ambitions unfulfilled.
The vast rivers and mountains, protecting the homeland, bringing peace to the realm—these were his grand aspirations.
He refused to abandon them so easily.
And there was another treasure he was most unwilling to leave behind.
A woman he had always kept close to his heart, carefully hidden and treasured, someone he wished to silently protect for a lifetime.
She was his reason to live.
He could not bear to part from her.
Even though loving her was a secret filled with both bitter hardships and sweet moments, he still did not want to relinquish it.
He seemed to hear her voice again.
Softly calling his name.
Chang’an.

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Chang’an.
I am your homeland.
Lie Chang’an suddenly opened his eyes.
The harsh light made him instinctively close them again, but after a moment’s adjustment, he slowly opened them once more.
Above him was a canopy made of golden nanmu wood; beneath him lay warm and thick bedding; a faint, delicate fragrance lingered in the air, wrapped in the comforting warmth of charcoal embers.
Lie Chang’an turned his head slowly; it felt stiff from so long without movement. He raised his hand instinctively to touch his neck, but instead felt a small, round, soft head.
He froze, the palm of his hand touching something soft and smooth.
Looking down, he saw at the edge of the bed a small head adorned with a delicate celestial bun hairstyle, asleep deeply as if utterly exhausted. Her fair, jade-like hands rested beside her, clutching a script.
The soft sensation he had just touched was her smooth forehead.
His palm suddenly burned, and he quickly withdrew his hand.
What was going on?
Where was he?
The room’s furnishings did not resemble the Eastern Palace of the Crown Prince, nor the Lie family residence—then where could this be?
Why was the princess sleeping here?
A dull ache began to throb again in his head.

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“General Chang’an, you’re awake? You’re finally awake?”
The door creaked open, and an excited voice followed. Lie Chang’an lifted his eyelids and saw a palace maid, about fourteen or fifteen years old, carrying a bowl of medicine. Upon seeing him awake, her face was filled with overwhelming joy.
Lie Chang’an felt this palace maid was somewhat familiar—after a moment, he recalled she was one of the maids who had accompanied the princess to Lihuai County.
Lie Chang’an opened his mouth, wanting to speak, but his throat was so dry and hoarse that no sound came out.
Gu Li was awakened by the noise; she lifted her head and opened her blurred eyes. When she saw the person on the bed had woken, she let out a scream so piercing it seemed to shake heaven and earth, “Ah! Lie Chang’an! You’re awake! You’ve finally woken up!”
“Princess!”
Xiao Qiu was startled, immediately ignoring protocol to cover the princess’s mouth, “Princess, be careful! Someone might hear you!”
Only then did Gu Li calm down, but she could not suppress the wild joy and excitement in her heart.
Heavens only knew how long she had waited that entire day.
Gu Li was nearly moved to tears, recalling the endless days of hope and despair, of pain and helplessness she had endured.
Each agonizing day of waiting and praying was vivid in her memory, impossible to forget.