One of the collateral branch disciples chosen by the founder staged a coup and ascended to the throne.
Empress Xiao sensed the coup early on and knew the situation was irreversible. She ordered Ghost Shadow to secretly send Yelü Quancang to the Great Song, where he lived under an assumed name, waiting for the right opportunity.
Afterwards, Empress Xiao was honored as Empress Dowager. She shared power with the new emperor for over a decade and raised a capable daughter, Yelü Huangwu.
“As for hiding in Meihua Li, it was because my identity in the Great Song had been exposed, and Liao’s pursuit intensified. I needed an opportunity,” Yelü Quancang explained. “To make Liao believe I was no longer a threat.”
So, “Master Mo” had “died” in the battle at Meihua Li.
“My fate is not my own. You should leave,” Yelü Quancang said. These were the most heartfelt words he had ever spoken, and this was the most care he could show Mei Ruyan.
“I’ve offended the Hua family. I only escaped death thanks to Master Wei’s help. Returning to Song would be suicide,” Mei Ruyan said angrily. “You’re an emperor, yet you can’t even protect one woman?”
Yelü Quancang suddenly smiled, like ice and snow beginning to melt. He stood up, walked to Mei Ruyan, and gently caressed her cheek. His expression showed unprecedented tenderness, leaving Mei Ruyan stunned.
“I still have some old subordinates in Song who can protect you. You don’t understand; there’s truly no place for you in Liao,” Yelü Quancang said directly. “I was able to ascend to the throne thanks to the Xiao family’s full support. I will soon marry a Xiao woman as my empress.”
“As long as I can stay by your side, even as a slave or servant, I’d be content,” Mei Ruyan knew her words were shameless, but she had never been a noble person to begin with.
“Listen to me. Go,” Yelü Quancang’s tone brooked no argument.
Keeping Mei Ruyan in the palace, he could protect her while alive, but he didn’t know how many days he had left.
Yelü Quancang was born bearing the weight of an empire. So many people and families had placed their bets on him, leaving him no choice. Illness, schemes, and struggles were destined to fill his life with darkness. The days hidden in Meihua Li were like a dream, with Mei Ruyan a vibrant color within it. He preferred this dream to remain forever in his memory rather than be destroyed before his eyes.
Mei Ruyan was stunned for a long time before foolishly asking, “Can’t you just… not be emperor?”
As soon as she said it, she came to her senses, her face flushing red. She realized this was probably the stupidest, most presumptuous thing she had ever said. Even if Yelü Quancang had some feelings for her, he wouldn’t give up the throne for her.
But for some reason, even knowing the dangers of staying by his side, just seeing him made Mei Ruyan feel at ease as if there was no safer place in the world than by his side.
“It’s not what I wanted, but it’s my destiny,” Yelü Quancang untied a token from his waist and handed it to Mei Ruyan. “This token can mobilize the remaining forces of Misty Mountain Villa’s main branch.”
Mei Ruyan hesitated before accepting the token. “I can use this however I want?”
Yelü Quancang nodded.
“Good!” Mei Ruyan put away the token and held out her hand. “Where’s the ten thousand gold you promised?”
Yelü Quancang guessed her intentions but allowed it, ordering someone to give her negotiable certificates valid in Song.
Having followed Wei Yuzhi for a long time, Mei Ruyan knew he had been searching for a certain medicine, which was in Mei Fourteen’s possession. This time, with Yelü Quancang critically ill, Wei Yuzhi had given her the few pills he obtained to rush to Liao, fulfilling her wish to see him. At this point, what was left for Mei Ruyan to misunderstand? The medicine in Mei Fourteen’s hands was Yelü Quancang’s life-saving drug!
Mei Ruyan resolved to return to Song and help Wei Yuzhi obtain the medicine!