"Xiao Yi, how are you? Did any of those shards hurt you?"

Queen Ellyria reached out with her soft, jade-white hand, gently stroking Baiyi’s head. Her expression was tender—a look utterly unlike the one she wore for others beyond these walls.

"No…"

Baiyi, too, shed his usual foul-mouthed, ferocious demeanor before the Queen. His voice dropped to a whisper, hesitant and broken. A faint blush spread across his youthful face, betraying his embarrassment.

"It’s alright, Xiao Yi. Hurry and change your trousers, then get up. No more lazing about—we have duties today."

"I—I’ll do it myself!"

The blush still staining his cheeks, he snatched the trousers from Queen Ellyria’s hands and yanked them on in a flurry.

"Oh dear, Xiao Yi, so rushed!"

Seeing his frantic movements, the Queen moved to help, fearing he might trip in his haste.

"Mom! I’m not a kid! I can manage!"

Face burning, Baiyi shoved down his shame and tugged on his military trousers.

"There! All dressed! I’m off!"

"Huh? Xiao Yi—"

He’d already thrown on his long military coat, snatched his rusty Curved Saber, and bolted out the door—ignoring the Queen’s voice behind him, leaving her no chance to react.

*Sigh.* "Running so fast… not even tidying his clothes."

Queen Ellyria gazed at the open doorway, a helpless smile on her lips. Her eyes held the warmth of a mother watching a child who hadn’t quite grown up.

"Well… I’ll tidy these and wash them for him later."

Only Baiyi could make the Queen sigh like this—only he was worthy of her unwavering care. She wouldn’t spare a glance for anyone else.

After all, she wasn’t just a great Queen. She was a mother who loved her son fiercely.

…

"Idiot! Stupid Mom!"

Outside the Imperial Palace, Baiyi stomped down the street, arms crossed, scowling as he muttered curses under his breath.

"I’m sixteen! Not a kid anymore! Why does she keep barging into my room like that?!"

The memory of his mother hugging him while he was half-dressed flooded back. His blush deepened, spreading across his face.

"Argh! I’m the Grand General of the Great Empire! General Baiyi! I won’t be shaken by some damn thing like this!"

He shouted to the empty air, head ducked low, military cloak pulled tight to hide his flushed face. No one recognized the revered Grand General beneath the rumpled coat and scowl. Passersby edged away, wary of the foul-tempered youth.

"General?"

Baiyi’s grumbling led him to the capital’s defensive perimeter.

"Call me *General Baiyi*!"

He strode onto the massive city wall, scanning the ramparts. Before him stood a squad of towering soldiers in black iron armor, gripping greatswords and battle-axes. Every one had been handpicked by Baiyi himself—elite warriors hardened by brutal wars, men who’d stared death in the eye but never retreated an inch for the Great Empire. They were its sharpest spear and sturdiest shield.

"Morning, General!"

Sensing his terrifying aura—the presence of the Empire’s strongest warrior—they dropped their drinks, snapped to attention, and saluted.

"Morning my ass!"

Baiyi’s blush had vanished, leaving only the deep scar over his left eye, twisting as he glared. "No slacking today! I’ve got business elsewhere tonight, so you lot stay sharp. Guard this wall like your lives depend on it!"

"Yes, sir!"

Spotting his worn green military coat instead of his formal uniform, they knew today’s duty would be lighter. *If* they avoided his notice.

"Tch. You look lively enough. Listen up: not one soul passes through these gates tonight. Not out. Not in. Understood?"

"Understood!"

Satisfied, Baiyi spun around, grabbed a wineskin from the rampart, filled it with strong liquor, and hooked it to his belt.

"General, it’s barely morning. Where are you headed?" a soldier asked, eyeing his saber and wineskin.

"None of your damn business!" Baiyi barked, no patience for pleasantries. "Heard some tourists plan to ‘visit’ our wall. I’ll ‘greet’ them on the plains. Back by nightfall. Dismissed!"

"Yes, General!"

"*General Baiyi*!"