Both his men and the physician arrived shortly. His Black Amour Troop reported that the rebel had been eliminated. After his men took leave, the physician reported to him that Shao Shao and Huo Yi had sustained surface wounds, nothing life-threatening. However, Shao Shang's body constitution was a little weak nevertheless the baby was very healthy and strong too. Huo Buyi learnt that she was seven months pregnant when he took the opportunity to ask the physician. He was desperate to know how far along was her pregnancy. When he consolidated all the information and pieced everything together, that was when he realised what a fool he had been. The agony he felt, all that guilt, they were simply just piling up. Empress Quan and Lu Sao came to check on Shao Shang, they poured their hearts out to him, telling him everything. Now that he was here, were truly glad. Empress Quan encouraged him to do whatever he could, for he was no longer around. He now had Huo Yi and Shao Shang was carrying his child, all that was left was just to make things right. 

It was late into the night after Huo Buyi had cleaned up, he sat by Shao Shang's bedside. He held her hand as he said, 'What have I done? What did I put you through? I know I have hurt you and nothing could atone for what I have done. I am remorseful.' He fell briefly asleep beside her. Huo Buyi woke up before dawn and checked on her. That was when he realised that she had developed a fever. She was delirious, slipping in and out of consciousness. As usual, she started calling out for him, and he responded with hugs telling her that he was there and would never leave her side. He would dote on her, take care of her, and listen to her until their hair turned grey. Even in death, he would not hesitate to follow her. Before losing consciousness again, Shao Shang stroke Huo Buyi's face and said, 'It's so nice to be able to see you in my dreams.'

Huo Buyi took care of Shao Shang for three days and nights. He took care of things in the house and also worked together with Yuan Sheng to manage Merchant. Yuan Sheng knew where he stood so he told Huo Buyi that he would return to overlook things at Xing Wang Town. He would help to look after Merchant's business dealing in Xing Wang Town. When Shao Shang started to regain consciousness, Lu Sao resumed taking care of her and also broke the news of Huo Buyi's stay. Shao Shang did not see him during her period of recuperation. Yet, at the same time, Huo Yi had been talking about Huo Buyi when he shared with her what the day was like for him. Huo Yi shared that he was very happy because Huo Buyi sent him to school and everyone thought that Huo Buyi was his father. Everyone in town simply assumed that Huo Buyi was the father of Huo Yi and the husband of Shao Shang since he lived in her house. They thought that it was probably their safety at risk that was why Shao Shang was being so secretive with the identity of her husband.

Shao Shang was concerned when she heard the rumours and saw the happiness in Huo Yi's face. That evening after dinner she took a walk in the garden,  it was the first time after so many days since she left her room. While sitting at the pavilion she looked up at the night sky. That was when  Huo Buyi walked up to her and placed a coat over her shoulder. He was worried that she might fall sick again. She held on to the coat and said, 'I was told that if the men could be the sun of the sky during the day, who touches people's lives and protects them, then women could be the stars at night, lighting up the darkness, bringing hope to the people. I understand that Huo Yi must have been a bother to you these few days, given that you are so busy. Thank you so much for saving us. How long will General Huo be staying? I would have to talk to Huo Yi about your departure, it is best not to give the child any expectations or false hope. I supposed General Huo will live very well thereafter.' The disappointed Huo Buyi replied with a smile, 'I still have some business to take care of over here, I will return to the North as soon as I have completed the task assigned by the Emperor.' 

Huo Buyi plucked up his courage and started to mention the past. Shao Shang held back her tears and stopped him from continuing. She looked at him and told him that some damages were irreversible and she could not hand her heart to him anymore. Moreover, she did not see the point of remaining in a relationship without trust. Shao Shang added that she was happy and contented with how things were like in her life. She walked away saying, 'In time to come, General Huo will have a family of your own and you won't even have any recollection of me.' Looking at her back view as she walked away, he was utterly bereft and felt crestfallen. They were so close yet so far. Huo Buyi started to walk back into his room after Shao Shang was no longer in view. Along the way, Huo Buyi started to think of strategies to win her back. Although the situation was deemed gloomy, Huo Buyi decided to go all out. Life without Shao Shang was simply unbearable.