Qianlong Is Reborn, but Little Swallow Is Still Little Swallow

The setting sun was blood-red, bathing the martial arts arena in crimson. Dressed in Qing attire, Xinrong crossed the covered walkway with her maid, intending to find Xiaoyanzi and settle the matter of the principal wife's title.

A sudden rush of air made Xinrong pause. In the arena, Xiaoyanzi had her long hair tied high and wore light silver armor, a sword in hand. The setting sun fell upon her as she spun into the air, touched the ground with her sword tip, and landed steadily, her armor rustling as she flourished her blade. A rare sharpness gleamed in her eyes.

Xiaoyanzi sensed someone watching and turned to look over curiously. Xinrong snapped back to her senses, her heart jolting. She turned hastily and hurried away.

Under the covered walkway, Xinrong stopped. The dusk seemed to brush her cheeks, and the corners of her eyes reddened. She quietly told her maid not to speak of what she had seen that day. A moment later, she managed a faint, bitter smile. "Yongqi isn't worthy of her. Someone so full of life shouldn't be trapped beneath the palace's four walls, rotting away with the rest of us."

Qianlong loved her and was willing to let her be herself. He didn't want to trap Xiaoyanzi in the palace for his own selfish reasons, forcing her to compete with his other consorts for his favor. Instead, he let her follow her heart and become a woman general.

Fu Ertai loved her, but he knew that the person Xiaoyanzi truly loved was all the people of the world. He was willing to serve as her deputy, her most loyal subordinate, and her sharpest blade.

Yongqi loved her and was willing to secure the crown prince's position for her, asking only that she remain forever free-spirited.

Xiaoyanzi belongs to no one alone. She is a free swallow, with a vast sky beyond where any bird can fly. All she has to do is look back, and she will find a crowd standing behind her.