Chapter 80

Blood sprayed beneath the Heart Tree, staining the nearby snow red, and also staining Mei Yi's face.

The originally bright light and heat became flickering.

The crows again noisily began to caw.

"Be quiet!" Mei Yi shouted at the crows.

The crows unhappily flew off the branches, but aside from the sound of wings beating the air, none bothered her.

After a long while, Mei Yi drew out the passion that had drunk its fill of blood.

After killing Xi En, the smoke-gray sword blade gained a hint of blue; after killing Stone Heart Lady, it gained a hint of scarlet; after killing this person, the sword's color became more complex. The blade seemed to have ripples of different ink colors flowing darkly within.

It no longer continued to shine, as if various forces had been neutralized; aside from the color flowing along the blade, it no longer had its former glowing appearance.

Indeed, since the sword could snatch the power belonging to Rahlo, it could likewise snatch the power belonging to the so-called Thousand-Faced God.

The snow continued to fall silently.

All sounds in the forest had vanished, suddenly becoming as silent as a soundless world.

Mei Yi threw the corpse to the ground, finally glanced at the fearsome, weathered face of the Heart Tree, then left.

The gate at the entrance of the Divine Tree Forest remained half-closed, and Mei Yi walked out through the gap left.

The guard soldiers stared in shock at Mei Yi, covered head to toe in blood; one of them had already become so frightened as to place their hand on their sword hilt.

"Your Highness?" said one of the soldiers holding a torch.

They never imagined that their female lord would look like this.

"What are your names?" Mei Yi asked after the giant ice plain wolf also walked out of the Divine Tree Forest.

The ice plain wolf's mouth was full of blood, and in the torchlight the blood glistened.

"Kaimo Weiers," said the torch-bearer.

"Jiales, Jiales Lang," they replied, swallowing.

Mei Yi no longer recognized most of the soldiers of Winter-facing City; she had only faced these two in practice drills, so she retained a vague impression of them.

"Kaimo, Jiales, please keep this secret. I don't want everyone in the castle to know by tomorrow that their female viscount killed someone, and I certainly don't want to be called the Blood Wolf Woman. Understood?"

"Blood Wolf Woman," that is an epithet impossible to avoid.

"Yes, Your Highness," they replied.

"Your Highness, are you all right?" Kaimo asked, working up their courage.

"Thank you for your concern, your lord is doing very well." Mei Yi didn't want to say more, "After sealing and locking the Divine Tree Forest, tell Pijiudu that there's no need to set up guards here tonight; you can also go sleep indoors."

At the first howl of the wolf, the bell rang.

"You have not lived through a new day," Mei Yi thought.

Early the next day, the snow had completely stopped, and the corridors and rooftops of Winter-facing City were piled with white snow. On the battlements of the city walls, the accumulated snow wrapped around, forming a series of rounded arc tops.

From the ceiling of the room, thick icicles hung down along the eaves in regular rows, and several youths were using poles to knock them down one by one.

The early-rising servants were clearing the snow from the main thoroughfares, and it seemed that life within the city was beginning to return to order.

At that moment, the woman in the red robe emerged from the guest chamber, her scarlet robe standing out starkly against the snowy backdrop.

"Your Highness, last night's howl was shocking!"

She seemed to have calculated that Mei Yi would pass through the guest chamber at this time.

"Madam, if you don't mind, would you care to dine with me?" After Mei Yi extended the invitation, the two walked together down the corridor.

Mei Yi did not think the sound could penetrate the Divine Tree Forest.

How did she come to know that?

"Your Highness, wolves, unable to control their anger, often charge recklessly, leading to failure."

A scent of fire emanated from beside Meilishanzhuo, and Mei Yi felt that if passion were thrust into her chest, the sword's brilliance would surely illuminate the whole of Winter-facing City at night.

"Madam, you appearing here so early, is it to mock me?"

"If it's to mock, that's too boring." She gave a mysterious smile.

These were words once spoken by the Faceless.

"You are an important force in Lahelo's struggle against the dark evil gods; do not let your brothers hinder your steps, do not let your sisters bind your sword when you sally forth. You have seen that the more you care for them, the more the evil gods seek to use them to overthrow and defeat you; in the end, you will not only fail to protect them, but will also harm them."

"Harm them?"

"Your two brothers had other destinies, but you severed them; your two sisters also had other paths to growth, but you blocked them."

Mei Yi felt that the woman in the red robe was undermining her confidence. She is an important force in Winter-facing City; without her, Winter-facing City, and indeed the whole world, would certainly be different.

"We are people, not tools of the gods." Mei Yi launched a counterargument, "How could I not care for them, not protect them?"

"If some god deems human emotions superfluous, then that god is likely a higher‑grade tool, meant to be used by people rather than the reverse."

"What meaning would the existence of spirits have if there were no people?"

"The Bulafo si are awaiting your reply." The woman in the red robe saw that Mei Yi had lost interest in the previous topic and shifted the subject, "If mishandled, it will only bring greater trouble to you and Winter-facing City."

"Madam. I am surrounded by trouble here, and I don't need the Bulafo si. Moreover, who is to judge whether something is handled well or poorly?" Mei Yi turned away, losing interest in the woman in the red robe; if all she had to offer was empty talk, then speaking with her would be a waste of time. "I will give them a reply, and let them not provoke me."

"Very brave." She chuckled, "Let me see that face."

The topic shifted so abruptly.

Upon hearing that, Mei Yi stopped and studied her closely. She resembled a basin of wood ablaze with fierce flames, and Mei Yi could even smell the scent of the burning fire.

"That face you peeled off with your hands." She gazed at Mei Yi's face, appearing quite interested in it.

"Lady Meilishanzhuo, I truly don't know just how much you still understand." Mei Yi's hand rested on her sword.

"Lahelo tells me how much I know, and that's all I know." She evaded the question, "You have already slaughtered part of the false god's power, punished the evildoers, turning them into the true 'Faceless'; I believe this is fate's arrangement."

She paused, looking at Mei Yi, "I can help you wear that face."

Now it was Mei Yi's turn to look at her face.

Meilishanzhuo's heart‑shaped face was undoubtedly beautiful and charming, her flesh and inner nature fused as one; in Mei Yi's view, as long as her fire remained unextinguished, her appearance would not change.

What do you want? Mei Yi only then realized the woman in red robes was not completely useless.

You think this is a trade? She flashed a brilliant smile, as if Mei Yi were merely a child amusing her.

Could it be a gift from Lahlo? Mei Yi didn't believe it.

You can regard this as my friendship. She said with a light laugh, "Among Lahlo's priests, some see you as an enemy, some as an important aide; I hope you can tell the difference."

I will remember this friendship, madam.

After saying that, the two walked side by side and took their seats together.

After handing over the "face" to Meilishanzhuo, Mei Yi and several council members came to the library.

After the library was burned, Mei Yi rebuilt the tower according to her own ideas. Half of the area was completely cleared out, new chandeliers were hung, fireplaces installed, and tables sufficient for dozens of people to hold discussions added, along with comfortable seating.

The other half had most of the rotten timber removed and, at any cost, decorative glass installed, making the library as transparent and bright as possible.

The books were arranged around the load-bearing pillars, with circular shelves set up.

Reading tables were placed where the bookshelves were near the light source. It is believed this will attract everyone who loves reading.

Unfortunately, the cultural atmosphere in Winterfell is really too low; neither children nor various soldiers are interested in this kind of place. At most, people came out of curiosity when it was first built.

There are always more people on the training field than in the library.

Your Highness, Sewen City sent a raven; the red warrior Credoh has led cavalry to outside Sewen City, and they expect that by tonight the main army will be able to return to Winterfell. the cultivator spoke first.

That's good news. They aren't much slower than her.

Please continue, cultivator. Mei Yi said.

Sir Willis Mandler has safely returned to White Harbor. The Earl of White Harbor is preparing a welcome banquet for the heir's return, inviting, inviting you and Sir Rodolick to attend. Well, I think the Earl of White Harbor is just inviting out of courtesy; I'll venture to say, you don't need to attend.

The reply says that Winterfell's affairs are busy, so we won't go. Additionally, please have Sir Willis recuperate in White Harbor. Continue, cultivator.

Chier cultivator took out a pen and noted it down on parchment.

Your Highness, Count Mandler is our important ally; perhaps we can use this opportunity to contact the two families' relations? Sir Robolf said.

What reason is there for a sovereign to attend the celebration of a vassal's son's return? Moreover, his son is someone I rescued. I'm going over; is this a thank‑you banquet or a welcome banquet? Besides, if he has the energy to host a welcome banquet, he'd be better off diverting some of that energy to help me watch the White Blade River. I think the fat guy just wants to take the opportunity to have a meal.

Your Highness, saying this now might be late; you should have Credoh directly bring Sir Willis to Winterfell, rather than let him return to White Harbor and then hold some welcome banquet. Mason Sewen said.

Your concerns and considerations are reasonable, but Willis Mandler and his father deserve Winterfell's trust, just like everyone else. Why bother strengthening ties with White Harbor? If I were a man, I could go look at his granddaughters; now going to look at a widower? She shrugged.

When no one continued to voice opinions, the cultivator continued:

What remains is, well, during this period we have received a total of forty‑three ravens from northern families; they expressed mourning for the unexpected death of Winterfell's Duke Brandon and his brother, and pledged allegiance to Your Highness, the lady of Winterfell. Well, I personally think that the replies from two families might be sarcastic rather than genuine allegiance.

Do we still have such oily‑tongued families in the north? Mei Yi laughed, "Tell me, which two? And what did they each say?"

They are respectively the Aston family of Lone Mountain and the Bolbo family of Goat Head Mountain. He took out a dozen letters, "The Aston family's Viscount Jori first expressed mourning for the deaths of the two princes, then he hinted at Your Highness's role in it, and finally he declared that he would pledge allegiance to the legitimate heir of Prince Brandon of Winterfell."

Alan Aston is a relatively famous knight in the Aston family's northern history; besides that, Mei Yi has no impression of this family.

Is Viscount Jori Aston a vassal of Bolton? That certainly sounds like mockery.

Viscount Jori Aston is a vassal of the Howard family; after Earl Howard died, the countess's control over the fief weakened, leading to the present situation. Sir Rodolick said.

Ah, Sir, I've said before that you should marry that countess. If you had married her, this little viscount wouldn't be jumping out to kick us, right? Mei Yi laughed as she said to Sir Rodolick.

Sir Rodolick felt somewhat embarrassed.

Your Highness, I might be able to protect the countess for a few years, but after I die things will stay the same, and it will also cause trouble for my daughter Bess." He said embarrassedly, then quickly changed the subject: "So, Countess Howard should seek a strong heir. With war looming, Your Highness might prioritize considering an adult heir of Howard Castle, such as Lawrence Snow. After all, he is the late earl's son, and the earl's vassals would accept him far more readily than outsiders.

Good," Sir Robolf Glover immediately agreed, "I've heard that Lawrence Snow performed well on his southern march and has already been knighted by Your Highness? He has the capability to become a regional count and subdue his vassals.

Let's discuss this later! Cultivator, please have Lady Willis Mandler send people to help her cousin stabilize the territory!

Countess Howard is the cousin of the Earl of White Harbor; helping her stabilize her fief is also considered a familial duty.

It's easy to ask for help but hard to send it away. If Mandler annexes Howard's lands, their territory would become terrifyingly large. Sir Robolf added.

Even if Mandler's territory were huge, it would still be better than handing it over to Bolton; first let Lord Mandler help us teach that jumping Aston a lesson." Mei Yi wasn't interested in this.

Cultivator, please continue talking about that one from Lone Mountain.

Yes, Your Highness. The current head of the Bolbo family is the uncle of Viscount Hal Bolbo, Qiongen Bolbo; this letter was sent on his behalf. He did not express mourning for the deaths of Brandon and Rickon; in the letter he used too many words to congratulate Your Highness on becoming lady of Winterfell, and I think his wording is excessive and ostentatious, so it's mockery.

So, does this person have a problem? Mei Yi asked.

Chier cultivator laughed, "He's not sick; he's fine, very healthy. As far as I know, many rumors circulate about him outside."

What rumors? Sir Rodolick asked.

There are rumors that he is a patricide, having killed his own viscount brother, and that the current Bolbo viscount is actually his son. Nearby farmers all say he likes to sneak into his sister‑in‑law's bedroom at night.

Do the nearby farmers also like to lie beside the viscount mother's bedroom? Mei Yi laughed as she asked.

Your Highness, I think it's unlikely; Qiongen Bolbo is neither blind nor crazy, so he would probably enter the room when no one is watching. the cultivator said, feigning distress.

Sir Rodolick pursed his beard and looked at Chier cultivator, as if discovering this side of him for the first time.

Cultivator, we have many more important matters to discuss than his scandalous stories; hurry up and say why you think he's being sarcastic. Mei Yi asked.

Perhaps he's truly an admirer of Your Highness? Mason Sewen joked.

He thinks, he thinks you are the most legitimate heir among Lord Eddard's children; he thinks you are a naturally great lord, because among Eddard's children you are the oldest, the wisest, most intelligent, most spirited of the northern people, and have the purest Stark blood… Your Highness, aside from the bloodline part, I agree with all those words, but I dare not draw that conclusion, so I guess this is sarcasm.

Ah, the Bolbo viscount is always a vassal of Bolton, right? Mei Yi inquired.

Yes, Your Highness. But I think Qiongen Bolbo wants to become a Bolton vassal himself; otherwise I can't understand why he would be willing to put his own name in the letter.

Perhaps he also wants to sneak into his sister‑in‑law's bedroom in daylight." Mei Yi brushed aside these boring letters, "Among these northern counts and viscounts, whoever hasn't sent a letter is the most important. Let's properly record and tally them; I have many subordinates, and I need to find them good castles and farms here.

Yes, Your Highness. I will give you a list today." the cultivator said respectfully.

Mei Yi nodded.

Ladies and gentlemen," Mei Yi said, "the north's main enemies are the wildlings beyond the Wall and Bolton to the east. According to what I know now, the Wall is already in peril, and Bolton, though more dangerous, is still at sea; landing time is uncertain, and even if they land, they need time to prepare. With heavy snow already fallen, it favors defense over offense. So I intend……

A guard rushed into the library, and Mei Yi had to stop.

Your Highness," the guard panted, worriedly saying, "Lord Kongqi Kongton led people to the pottery kiln, chopped off more than ten heads, and placed them in the main castle's great hall……