She was the Heavenly Emperor's most beloved daughter. Though inherently kind, she possessed a strength of character that wouldn't allow her to appear vulnerable before the servants. A guard brought her horse, and with a swift mount, she galloped away.

She had no destination in mind. Despite her harsh words to Zong Jun, Yao Ji knew returning to the Great Yan Dynasty was impossible. The journey was arduous, and no princess who had been sent for a political marriage simply returned home.

She rode hard, urging her horse to greater speeds, but the further she ran, the more her frustration festered. She longed to seek out Moroha, the only one who truly understood her, yet the thought made her pause. Wouldn't such an action validate the barbarian's accusations?

Her impulsive flight had thrown the golden tent into chaos. Aqing tearfully begged the Great Khan to send men after the Great Khatun. Zong Jun, still fuming, remained coldly indifferent.

No one had ever defied him so brazenly. Even before inheriting his title, the old Great Khan had never rebuked his exemplary son. Zong Jun was accustomed to unquestioning obedience and tolerated no disrespect.

Yao Ji had constantly challenged him. Anyone else would have faced his wrath, but with her, he found himself inexplicably lenient. He had even swallowed his pride to seek reconciliation, only to be met with further defiance and a dramatic outburst.

Her words stung. She wanted to leave him, Chunyu Zong Jun, for that savage!

A mixture of anger and bitterness churned within him. Her open interactions with Moroha gnawed at him. He knew there was nothing between them, yet the mere thought ignited his fury. The Great Khan, unaccustomed to the complexities of women, was unaware that he was experiencing jealousy.

He stewed in his tent until his anger subsided, replaced by a creeping regret. Where could she have gone in the dead of night? Winter had arrived, and the prairie nights were frigid. She had left in only thin garments. What if she froze? He fidgeted restlessly, torn between retrieving her and preserving his pride.

He hesitated. Suddenly, a cry from outside pierced the silence, "It's snowing!"

"Damn it!" Zong Jun shot to his feet. "Someone, prepare my horse!"

Snow began to fall.

Yao Ji had heard tales of the prairie's unpredictable weather, but she hadn't expected snow in November. Dressed in light autumn clothes, she soon shivered uncontrollably. Her frantic ride had left her disoriented in the darkness.

The wind whipped snow against her face as she huddled beneath her horse, a flickering lantern in her hand, seeking warmth against the animal's belly. She couldn't continue wandering aimlessly. Unless she found the right path, staying put was her best option. She trusted Zong Jun to find her. Despite their argument, he wouldn't abandon her in a blizzard.

Regret finally blossomed in her heart. She had been acting out, venting her pent-up frustrations. Zong Jun hadn't meant to offend her. Their stubborn pride had driven them to this impasse.

She had been relying on his indulgence. She knew he held a special affection for her. Zong Jun's fault lay in his arrogance, his lack of sensitivity. These were not grave offenses, but Yao Ji was no ordinary woman. She was the Heavenly Emperor's daughter, pampered and cherished, possessing a pride as fierce as it was hidden.

Now, her pride had brought her to this. Tears welled up, and she began to weep softly.

Mid-sob, she froze. A strange rustling sound reached her ears. It grew louder, and her horse whinnied in terror. Fear gripped her, draining the color from her face. In the dim light, she saw the eerie green glow of eyes emerging from the darkness. She had heard the prairie tales. She remembered Zong Jun's warning. If not for her remaining courage, she would have collapsed. Wolves. Closing in. She was surrounded.