Different from the thrilling and suspenseful atmosphere of Pingdu Pass, within the majestic imperial palace, there was still an air of tranquility. Zhao Yan, having dealt with the court affairs, returned to the Qianyuan Palace to review today’s memorials.
Inside the palace, now in the grip of winter, the air was dry and chilly. Fires burned in the Qianyuan Palace, emitting a warmth different from the cold outside. Zhao Yan finished reviewing several memorials, his gaze suddenly falling on the stack of reports on the desk. Incense wafted gently by the folding screen, irritating his eyes. His hand holding the brush trembled slightly, then he sighed softly, picking up the reports he had already scrutinized repeatedly, and opened them once again.
The words on them were still alarming: “The Wuren and Murong tribes incited rebellion, causing chaos in the Xiao family army. Lieutenant Zou Wu betrayed the country, allowing the Black Cavalry to breach Pingdu Pass.” “The armies of Yanzhou and Youzhou were almost annihilated, with only forty thousand troops left in the Xiao family army. General Zheng Long sacrificed himself to block the Black Cavalry at the Wei River, retreating to Qingzhou City.” “Lieutenant Generals Yue Ke and others died for the country, and the city of Pingdu Pass was pillaged for three days…”
As Zhao Yan’s gaze reached the last few words, his heart clenched, and he tightly gripped the silk cloth in his hand, a deep pain showing on his face. At that moment, a eunuch rushed in from outside the palace, saying, “Your Majesty, there’s another report from the front.”
Zhao Yan calmed the turmoil in his heart, and when he raised his head, his expression returned to normal. He said faintly, “Read.”
The eunuch finished reading the report, which once again described the stalemate on the battlefield and urged the capital to expedite the delivery of provisions with the approaching harsh weather. Zhao Yan waved his hand and said, “Alright, you may leave.”
But the eunuch continued respectfully, “Along with this report, the Marquis of Xuanyuan has sent something as well.”
Zhao Yan’s body stiffened, and then he said softly, “What is it? Bring it here.”
The eunuch respectfully withdrew and returned with an item, which turned out to be the tiger skin torn in half on Zhongshan Peak. Zhao Yan trembled suddenly, running his hand slowly over the fur, remembering the year when they had fought side by side, hunting the tiger king together. His heart surged with emotions, and he sat motionless for a long time. Until the sunset stained the sky red and Xia Qing, now the commander of the Forbidden Army, entered the palace to report on the military situation, he hadn’t spoken. Seeing Zhao Yan lost in thought, Xia Qing felt a bit curious and asked, “Your Majesty, is there something on your mind?”
Zhao Yan turned to him, tapping his fingers lightly on the desk, and suddenly spoke, “General Xia, can you tell me what truly constitutes the way of a true emperor?”
Xia Qing was startled and quickly knelt, saying, “I dare not speak lightly of such important matters.”
Zhao Yan shook his head with a bitter smile and said, “Get up. I was just asking casually; I won’t hold it against you.” His gaze became somewhat dim as he continued, “I just can’t seem to understand some things. Tell me, was the fall of Pingdu Pass and the loss of tens of thousands of lives to the Black Cavalry because of me?”
Xia Qing’s expression became awkward, he opened his mouth but hesitated to speak. Zhao Yan didn’t care for his response, seeming only to want to express these thoughts weighing on his heart. He rubbed his brow and stood up, gazing at the fluttering lanterns outside the hall, and said, “Since childhood, everyone has told me that a ruler must be decisive and understand the art of governance. But now, I’m increasingly unsure if I’ve done the right things these years.”
Xia Qing’s expression grew more hesitant, after contemplating for a while, he seemed to have made up his mind and said, “I have some words, but I don’t know if it’s appropriate to speak them. Please forgive me first, Your Majesty.”
Zhao Yan turned to him, saying, “Go ahead.”
Xia Qing’s eyes flashed with a hint of light as he said, “Once, a gentleman whom I deeply admired told me that the true way of an emperor lies in trusting, benefiting, and employing people, rather than using cunning to harm, envy, or manipulate them. Those who can achieve the former are true enlightened rulers, while those who only achieve the latter are merely winners.”
Zhao Yan listened quietly, feeling as if a flicker of flame had ignited before him, illuminating his mind. He asked, “Where is this person you speak of now?”
Xia Qing’s expression turned somewhat sorrowful, and he replied slowly, “He has gone to a distant place, perhaps never to be seen again by anyone. Though I only had a passing acquaintance with him, the conversations we had are cherished in my heart, never to be forgotten.”
Zhao Yan felt a stir in his heart and after a while, he waved his hand and said, “I understand now. You may leave.”
As Xia Qing walked onto the veranda, looking up at the bright moon and stars, it was as if he could see that person smiling gently at him again. He sighed softly, silently saying in his heart, “Mr. Luo, I have conveyed your words to His Majesty. If he can gain enlightenment, perhaps your spirit in heaven will find peace.”
Inside the warmly lit palace, Zhao Yan walked slowly to the tiger skin, as if transported back to Zhongshan Peak many years ago. On the mountain peak at dawn, with the breeze rustling the leaves and the fragrance of trees in the air, two teenagers stood side by side—one in black and one in white. The one in white looked out at the landscape below, his expression somewhat lost, and said, “Chongjiang, do you think I’ll be a good emperor in the future?”
The one in black turned to look at him, his face filled with confidence and determination. “Why worry? I’m here to help you! If you take the wrong path, I’ll pull you back; if you grow weary, I’ll push you forward. As long as you and I are united, the era you’ll usher in will surely be the best!”
The smile of that teenager gradually enlarged in his memory, simple and pure, making him want to flee. Zhao Yan felt his hand pricked by the fur, closing his eyes as a warm tear slid down his cheek. He realized that he had gone too far all along, forgetting that he had only wanted to be a good emperor. Across the distant night sky, it was as if he could see that person on the border, looking at him with hopeful eyes.
So he finally made up his mind and walked to the desk to draft a decree. While the candle flame flickered under its silk shade, his heart seemed to have been reignited, once again filled with fervent aspirations.
Chongjiang, I’ve taken so many wrong turns. Are you willing to help me once more?
A few days later, inside Pingdu Pass, Yuanxi stared at the bowl of dark medicine in front of her, pursing her lips timidly. “How much longer do I have to drink this?”
Cui Yuan handed her the bowl while taking out a needle box, saying, “Many people would beg for this medicine in vain. Madam, if you doubt me, you can simply send me back. After all, I was brought here by your Marquis.”
Yuanxi smiled gently, “How could I not trust you, Physician Cui? It’s just that this medicine is too bitter. Drinking too much of it makes my stomach ache terribly. And besides, if you leave, who will keep me company and talk to me, helping me improve my medical skills?”
After the situation stabilized at Pingdu Pass, Xiao Du personally sent Cui Yuan down the mountain to treat Yuanxi’s illness. Surprisingly, despite their different personalities, the two of them hit it off unexpectedly well. Starting from discussions on medical skills and human anatomy, they gradually began to talk about everything, eventually forming an inseparable bond.
When Cui Yuan heard Yuanxi’s complaint, she only snorted lightly, tapping her forehead with her finger, saying, “You, dared to charge into the city when the Black Cavalry attacked, fearless of death, but now you’re afraid of this bitter medicine. I don’t know what to say to you.”
Yuanxi lowered her head, blushing, several months had passed since the catastrophe at Pingdu Pass, and she had finally come to terms with the pain. Seeing her obediently drink the medicine, Cui Yuan nodded satisfactorily and began to administer acupuncture.
As Yuanxi watched her insert the golden needles into her acupuncture points, she couldn’t help but ask softly, “Ar Yuan, do you think I can conceive?”
Cui Yuan widened her eyes and retorted, “I’ve already said it. If you doubt my medical skills again, I’ll pack up and return to my mountain of clouds immediately. Let’s see how you’ll cope then!”
Yuanxi hurriedly placated her with kind words, but couldn’t help feeling curious, asking, “Ar Yuan, you’re so young, how did you become so skilled in medicine?”
Cui Yuan was momentarily stunned, then flashed a cunning smile, leaning close to her ear, and whispered, “I’ll tell you a secret. I don’t look as young as I appear.”
Yuanxi stared at her flawless face, unable to believe that she could be much older than her twenties. But what did she mean by not looking young? Then Cui Yuan smirked and continued, “Actually, I’m at least twenty years older than you. But I’ve been secluded in the mountains, practicing a secret technique I accidentally learned. By using precious herbs, I managed to maintain a youthful appearance.”
Yuanxi was truly shocked this time, realizing that her sister was nearing forty. She thought about how since Cui Yuan arrived, the young deputy generals under Xiao Du’s command often visited the mansion, trying to impress her. If they knew her true age, their reactions would be priceless. Then Cui Yuan sighed, touching her face, “With a face as beautiful as mine, how could I bear to let it develop wrinkles?” She winked mischievously at Yuanxi, saying, “This is our little secret. Don’t tell anyone.”
Yuanxi, used to her narcissistic behavior, nodded with a smile. They chatted and laughed for a while until the door opened, and Xiao Du strode in. Seeing Cui Yuan still there, he furrowed his brows and asked, “Why are you still giving her treatment?”
Since that day, Cui Yuan had been holding a grudge against Xiao Du, finding everything he did displeasing. She snorted disdainfully, “Must I choose the right time to give her acupuncture? Who knew that His Highness would return so early? I, Cui Yuan, have been practicing medicine for so many years. No matter how high-ranking, everyone has to wait until they come to me. So, Your Highness, just bear with it.”
Xiao Du, knowing of Yuanxi’s friendship with Cui Yuan, didn’t bother to argue with her and waited patiently for her to finish. When she finally began to withdraw the needles, Yuanxi had a mysterious smile on her face. Xiao Du, intrigued, asked, “Why are you laughing so happily? What were you talking about?”
Cui Yuan quickly packed up her things and rushed out the door, shouting as she fled, “We were talking about that day in the cave, and how you held onto me and refused to let go!”
Xiao Du’s face darkened, about to confront her, but Cui Yuan had already dashed out. Xiao Du sighed, feeling both angry and anxious. He looked at Yuanxi, who still had a smile on her face, and said, “Don’t listen to her. I’ve already explained that matter to you…”
Yuanxi naturally understood that Cui Yuan was deliberately teasing him, but seeing him so flustered was also quite amusing. She pulled his arm, laughing, “She’s just messing with you. You shouldn’t get so worked up. This person is so strange. Who knows what she’s thinking.”
Xiao Du shook his head helplessly, “I’m just afraid you’ll misunderstand. I have to say, you shouldn’t get too close to her. She’s so odd, who knows what she’s thinking.”
Yuanxi sighed helplessly, about to call him petty, when suddenly someone rushed in from outside, their face full of joy, saying to Xiao Du, “Your Highness, the grain and supplies have finally arrived!”
Xiao Du and Yuanxi exchanged surprised looks and hurried out to inspect. What they didn’t expect was that along with the supplies came a royal decree: Xiao Du, the Marquis of Xuan Yuan, had repeatedly resisted external enemies and made significant contributions to the protection of the country. He was granted the title of Loyalty and Valor King and awarded Qingzhou, Yanzhou, Youzhou, and Huzhou as his fiefdoms. All the soldiers who died in the Battle of Pingdu Pass were posthumously promoted.
The territories bestowed upon him in the decree were the first line of defense against external enemies. This title essentially entrusted the defense of the borders to Xiao Du’s hands.
In the second month of the following year, under the leadership of King Zhongyong, the Xiao family’s army decisively defeated the remnants of the Black Cavalry Army. The leader of the Murong tribe, Ashina Heli, was killed in battle on the spot. The second prince of Wu Country, Dianyun, was seriously injured and was escorted back to the country in a sorry state by his guards. From then on, both factions suffered great losses and were no longer capable of attacking the Central Plains. The other tribes were intimidated by King Zhongyong’s reputation and dared not easily set foot in the Central Plains, thus bringing decades of stability to the Great Mu Dynasty.
The people of the border towns finally no longer suffered from the ravages of war. They regarded King Zhongyong as a hero and felt grateful to him. At the same time, King Zhongyong ordered a reduction in taxes, allowing the people to recuperate and thrive. Regions like Qingzhou and Yanzhou began to prosper more and more.
Seasons passed, and on this day at dusk, atop the lush Fengcui Mountain outside Qingzhou City, the setting sun slowly sank into the horizon. Under the golden glow, two figures embraced tightly, occasionally whispering to each other or simply gazing into each other’s eyes, as if the world could only accommodate the two of them.
As the golden light disappeared into the river, Yuanxi’s face gradually showed signs of fatigue. She yawned and lazily remarked, “I don’t know why, but I’ve been feeling so tired lately.”
Xiaodu rested her head on his shoulder, caressing her cheek gently as he softly said, “Then let’s take a nap. I’ll wait for you.”
Yuanxi leaned against his broad shoulder and closed her eyes, feeling extremely comfortable. She murmured sleepily, “It’s getting dark. Why don’t you carry me down the mountain?”
Xiaodu nodded with a smile, and Yuanxi, half asleep, climbed onto his back. With a gentle breeze brushing past them, she felt warmth and tranquility in her heart. She leaned forward and stole a kiss on his face, then whispered against his back, “My husband, you’re the best husband in the world.”
If someone happened to pass by at this moment, they would surely be surprised to see the renowned young general, the resolute King Zhongyong on the battlefield, smiling proudly at such ordinary praise between husband and wife, as if this were the only thing in his life worth boasting about.
(End of the main text)
The author has something to say: With this, the main text comes to an end. There will be an epilogue and then it will be finished. Oh no, I feel so reluctant to part with you all!
This ending may seem somewhat unrealistic, but the author is very satisfied with it. The preceding chapters were all leading up to this conclusion smoothly. The conversation between Xia Qing and Zhao Yan was inspired by an answer I saw on Zhihu. When I read it, I found it very insightful. Real strategy should not rely on scheming and plotting to harm others but on the great wisdom of understanding and employing people. Although history may be filled with intrigue, bloodshed, and the rise and fall of kings, the author always believed that building a great dynasty requires more than that. Therefore, the ending of this story must be bright and full of hope. That’s all I have to say. I hope you all are satisfied! o(^▽^)o