Unlike the heart-stopping drama at Pingdu Pass, the towering imperial palace still presented a scene of peace and prosperity. Zhao Yan had finished handling court affairs and returned to Qianyuan Palace to review the day’s memorials.

In the winter palace, the air was dry and cold. Ground dragons and charcoal braziers burned in Qianyuan Palace, radiating a warm comfort different from the outdoors. After Zhao Yan finished reviewing several memorials, his gaze suddenly fell upon the intelligence reports pressed beside his desk. Incense smoke curled up beside the screen, making his eyes feel somewhat swollen. His hand holding the brush trembled, then he sighed softly, picked up those reports he had already read repeatedly many times, and opened them again. They still contained shocking words: “The Wu people and Murong conspired to provoke the Xiao Family Army into mutiny. Adjutant Zou Wu betrayed the country and led the Black Cavalry into the pass. Pingdu Pass was breached.” “The Yanzhou and Youzhou armies were almost completely annihilated. Only forty thousand of the Xiao Family Army remained. General Zheng Long fought desperately to block the Black Cavalry at the Wei River and retreated to defend Qingzhou City.” “Deputy General Yue Kewei of the two states died for his country. Pingdu Pass was massacred for three days…”

When Zhao Yan’s gaze touched the last few words, his heart clenched violently. He gripped the silk in his hands tightly, his face showing deep pain. At this moment, a eunuch ran in from outside the palace gate: “Your Majesty, another intelligence report has arrived from the front lines.”

Zhao Yan calmed the turmoil in his heart. When he raised his head, his expression had returned to normal as he said indifferently: “Read it.”

The eunuch finished reading the report in his hands, still saying the battle situation ahead remained deadlocked. With harsh winter weather approaching, he urged the capital to speed up grain and salary shipments. Zhao Yan waved his hand: “Very well, you may withdraw.”

But the eunuch still bowed and continued: “Along with this report came something sent by Marquis Xuanyuan.”

Zhao Yan’s body stiffened, then he said softly: “What is it? Bring it up.”

The eunuch respectfully withdrew and re-entered the hall carrying something – it was actually the tiger skin that had been split in two on Mount Zhong. Zhao Yan’s body trembled violently as he reached out to slowly stroke the fur, remembering that year when the two of them had fought side by side to hunt the tiger king. His heart immediately surged like waves against the shore, unable to calm for a long time.

Zhao Yan dismissed the eunuch from the hall and sat in a daze for a long time until the setting sun dyed the sky red. Xia Qing, who had been promoted to Commander of the Imperial Guards, entered to report military intelligence. After speaking for a while without receiving a response, he looked up to see Zhao Yan’s expression vacant, seemingly lost in thought. Feeling somewhat curious, he inquired: “Your Majesty, do you have something on your mind?”

Zhao Yan turned to look at him, his fingers lightly tapping on the desk, then suddenly spoke: “General Xia, can you tell me what constitutes the true way of an emperor?”

Xia Qing was shocked and quickly lifted his robes to kneel: “Imperial matters are not something Xia Qing dares speak rashly about.”

Zhao Yan shook his head with a bitter smile: “Rise. I’m just asking casually – I won’t punish you for it.” His gaze grew somewhat dim: “I just don’t understand some things. Tell me, the fall of Pingdu Pass under such favorable circumstances, tens of thousands dying at the hands of the Black Cavalry – is all of this because of me?”

Xia Qing quickly replied: “Pingdu Pass fell entirely because the Black Cavalry leaders used treacherous tactics and conspired with Zou Wu to secretly provoke conflict. How can Your Majesty take all the blame upon yourself?”

Zhao Yan sighed deeply: “If I hadn’t sent Yue Kewei a secret letter before departing, telling him to constantly watch Xiao Du’s movements and seize military power when victory was decided, he wouldn’t have been easily deceived by traitors, giving the Black Cavalry the opportunity to drive straight in. This time, if Xiao Du hadn’t used strategy to retake the pass in time, I fear most of the Central Plains would have been affected.”

Xia Qing’s expression became somewhat troubled. He opened his mouth but said nothing. Zhao Yan didn’t care about his response, seeming only to want to voice what weighed on his heart. He rubbed his brow and stood up, gazing at the flickering gauze lanterns under the eaves outside the hall: “Since childhood, everyone told me that rulers must be decisive in killing and understand how to govern people through power tactics. But now I understand less and less whether I’ve been wrong all these years.”

Xia Qing’s expression became increasingly hesitant. He pondered for a long time, seeming to finally make up his mind, and spoke: “Your servant has some words, but doesn’t know if they’re appropriate to say. Please grant your servant forgiveness first, Your Majesty.”

Zhao Yan turned to look at him: “Speak.”

Xia Qing’s eyes flickered slightly: “Once a gentleman whom your servant greatly respected told me that the true way of an emperor is to trust people, be good to people, and employ people – not to play with power tactics to harm, envy, and scheme against people. Those who can achieve the former are wise rulers, while those who only achieve the latter are merely winners.”

Zhao Yan listened quietly, feeling as if a flame had been lit before his eyes, illuminating his heart with clarity. He asked: “Where is this person you speak of now?”

Xia Qing’s expression became somewhat sorrowful as he slowly said: “He went to a very distant place and I fear no one will ever see him again. Your servant’s acquaintance with him was but casual, but the meetings and conversations I had with him, I keep in my heart and dare not forget.”

Zhao Yan felt something stirring in his heart. After a long time, he waved his hand: “I understand. You may withdraw.”

Xia Qing walked onto the corridor and looked up at the bright moon and stars, seeming to see that person smiling at him humbly again. He sighed softly and silently said in his heart: “Master Luo, I have told His Majesty what you said to me. If he can gain some understanding, your spirit in heaven can also find comfort.”

In the palace warmed by charcoal fire, Zhao Yan slowly walked before the tiger skin, seeming to return to Mount Zhong many years ago. On the hilltop at dawn’s first light, the breeze rustled the leaves and the fragrance of plants filled the air. There stood two youths, one in black and one in white, side by side. The white-robed youth gazed at the beautiful rivers and mountains below with a somewhat confused expression: “Chong Jiang, do you think I’ll be a good emperor in the future?”

The black-robed youth turned to look at him, his face showing soaring spirit and conviction: “What’s there to fear? I’m here to help you! If you take the wrong path, I’ll pull you back. If you get tired of walking, I’ll push you forward. Anyway, with us brothers united in purpose, the kingdom in your hands will surely be the best of times!”

That youth’s smile expanded slowly in memory – simple and clean, making him want to flee in panic. Zhao Yan felt the fur actually hurt his hands with its prickly touch. He closed his eyes as hot tears slid down his cheeks. All along, he had walked too far and forgotten that he once only wanted to be a good emperor. Across the distant night sky, he seemed to see that person far at the frontier, looking at him with anticipation.

So he finally made his decision, walking to his desk to draft an imperial edict. The candle flame flickered slightly in its gauze shade, but his heart seemed to be rekindled with the passionate fervor of surging blood.

Chong Jiang, I’ve taken so many wrong paths – are you still willing to help me one more time?

A few days later, at Pingdu Pass, Yuanxi stared at a bowl of black medicinal liquid before her, timidly pursing her lips: “How much longer do I have to drink this?”

Cui Yuan handed her the medicine bowl while taking out her needle case: “So many people beg for this bowl of medicine but can’t get it. If Madam doesn’t trust me, you’re welcome to send me back. After all, I was forced here by your marquis husband anyway. You don’t know how much I miss my little courtyard.”

Yuanxi laughed softly: “How would I dare not trust Divine Doctor Cui? It’s just that this medicine is really too bitter. Drinking too much makes my stomach produce acid. Besides, if you left, who would talk with me and relieve my boredom, and teach me to improve my medical skills?”

After the battle situation at Pingdu Pass stabilized, Xiao Du had forced Cui Yuan down from the mountain to treat Yuanxi’s condition. Unexpectedly, though their personalities were completely opposite, they got along remarkably well. Starting with discussions of medicine and human anatomy, they gradually became able to talk about anything, forming an unlikely close friendship.

So when Cui Yuan heard these words, she only snorted softly and tapped Yuanxi’s forehead with her finger: “You – when the Black Cavalry entered the city, you dared charge right in, not afraid of death, but you’re afraid of bitter medicine. I really don’t know what to say about you.”

Yuanxi lowered her head with an embarrassed smile. Several months had passed since the catastrophe at Pingdu Pass, and she could finally face that painful period calmly. Seeing her obediently drink the medicine, Cui Yuan nodded with satisfaction and began applying acupuncture needles.

Yuanxi watched her insert golden needles into her acupuncture points and couldn’t help asking softly: “A’Yuan, do you really think I can conceive?”

Cui Yuan glared with her beautiful eyes: “I’ve said before – if you question my medical skills again, I’ll pack my bags and return to my Yunchong Mountain immediately. Let’s see what you do then!”

Yuanxi quickly spoke soothingly to calm her, but couldn’t help feeling curious: “A’Yuan, you’re so young – how did you master such excellent medical skills?”

Cui Yuan paused, then showed a sly smile and whispered in her ear: “I’ll tell you a secret – I’m not actually as young as I look.”

Yuanxi stared wide-eyed at this exquisite face before her, which couldn’t possibly be over twenty years old, wondering what she meant by “not young.” Then Cui Yuan spoke very proudly: “Actually, I’m at least twenty years older than you. But I’ve been secluded in the mountains researching daily, and accidentally learned a secret technique. Using many precious herbs for maintenance, I’ve kept my appearance youthful.”

Now Yuanxi was truly stunned – her sister friend was actually nearly forty years old! She thought of how the young deputy generals under Xiao Du had been constantly visiting the mansion and trying various ways to court Cui Yuan since her arrival. If they knew her real age, their expressions would surely be quite entertaining. Then Cui Yuan sighed and stroked her face: “Who could bear to let such a beautiful face develop wrinkles?” She winked at Yuanxi with a smile: “This is our secret – don’t tell anyone, okay?”

Yuanxi was used to her narcissistic behavior, so she nodded with a smile. They chatted and laughed for a while before the door opened and Xiao Du strode in. Seeing Cui Yuan still in the room, he couldn’t help frowning: “Why are you still applying needles?”

Since that day, Cui Yuan had been holding a grudge against Xiao Du and found him unpleasant no matter how she looked at him. So she snorted dismissively: “Do I need to choose auspicious times for acupuncture? Who knew Your Lordship would return so early? I, Cui Yuan, have practiced medicine for many years – even the highest officials must wait when they come to me. So please bear with it for now, Your Lordship.”

Knowing that Yuanxi was friends with her, Xiao Du couldn’t be bothered to argue with her. He could only wait patiently for a while. Seeing her finally begin removing the needles while Yuanxi smiled mysteriously, he took her hand and asked: “What were you talking about just now? You look so happy.”

Cui Yuan’s eyes rolled as she quickly packed everything away, then ran toward the door while shouting loudly: “We were talking about how you grabbed me and wouldn’t let me leave that day in the mountain cave!”

Xiao Du’s face darkened. Just as he was about to settle accounts with her, Cui Yuan had already fled quickly. Both angry and anxious, Xiao Du looked at Yuanxi, who still wore a smile on the bed: “Don’t listen to her – I explained that incident to you…”

Yuanxi naturally knew Cui Yuan was deliberately teasing him, but finding his flustered appearance quite amusing, she tugged at his arm with a smile: “She’s just playing with you – look how worked up you got.”

Xiao Du looked aggrieved: “I’m just afraid you’d misunderstand. In my opinion, you shouldn’t be too close to someone like that. She’s so strange – who knows what she’s plotting?”

Yuanxi shook her head helplessly, about to scold him for being petty, when suddenly someone ran in from outside with a joyful expression: “My lord! The grain and salary shipments have finally arrived!”

Xiao Du and Yuanxi exchanged delighted glances and quickly went out to see. But what they never expected was that along with the grain shipment that day came an imperial edict: “Marquis Xuanyuan Xiao Du has repeatedly resisted foreign enemies and protected the nation with merit. He is specially granted the title of Loyal and Brave King, with Qingzhou, Yanzhou, Youzhou, and Huzhou as his fiefdoms. All officers and soldiers who died in battle at Pingdu Pass shall receive posthumous honors.”

The several states granted in the imperial edict were all the first line of defense against foreign enemies. This royal enfeoffment was equivalent to placing all of Great Mu’s border defenses in Xiao Du’s hands.

In February of the following year, the Xiao Family Army under the Loyal and Brave King’s leadership decisively defeated the remaining Black Cavalry. Murong leader Ashina Heli was killed in battle, and Second Prince Dianyun of Wu was severely wounded and fled back to his country with personal guards protecting him. From then on, both tribes were greatly weakened and could no longer threaten the Central Plains. Other tribes were all intimidated by the Loyal and Brave King’s reputation and dared not easily set foot in the Central Plains, giving the Great Mu Dynasty decades of stability.

The border people could finally live without suffering from warfare, so they regarded the Loyal and Brave King as a hero and were grateful to him. At the same time, the Loyal and Brave King ordered tax reductions, allowing the people to rest and recuperate. Qingzhou, Yanzhou, and other areas began to prosper increasingly.

Through the changing seasons, this day was again dusk. On Mount Fengcui outside Qingzhou City, a red sun was slowly sinking into the horizon. Under the golden sunset glow, two figures embraced closely, occasionally whispering softly, occasionally gazing quietly at each other, as if heaven and earth could only contain the other person.

As all the golden light was swallowed by the river water, Yuanxi’s face gradually showed signs of fatigue. She yawned and said lazily: “I don’t know why, but I’ve been feeling so tired lately.”

Xiao Du pressed her head against his shoulder, stroking her cheek while saying gently: “Then sleep for a while – I’ll wait for you anyway.”

Yuanxi leaned against his broad shoulder, closing her eyes very comfortably, and murmured softly: “It’s getting dark – why don’t you carry me down the mountain?”

Xiao Du nodded with a smile. Yuanxi drowsily lay on his back. The gentle breeze made her feel warm and secure in her heart. She leaned forward and secretly kissed his cheek, then pressed her face against his back and mumbled: “My husband is the best husband in the world.”

If someone had passed by then, they would surely have been surprised to discover that the famous general, the cold and decisive Loyal and Brave King on the battlefield, would smile so proudly at this most ordinary praise between husband and wife, as if it were the only thing in his life worth being proud of.

[End of Main Story]

Author’s Note: This concludes the main story. There will be one more epilogue chapter, and then it will be completely finished. I feel so reluctant to part with you all!

This ending might seem somewhat unrealistic, but the author is very satisfied with it. All the previous chapters were written hoping this ending would flow naturally. Regarding the conversation between Xia Qing and Zhao Yan, I borrowed from an answer I saw on Zhihu. When I read it, I deeply agreed – true political strategy shouldn’t rely on conspiracies and schemes to harm people, but should be the great wisdom of being good at recognizing and employing people. Although history may be filled with cunning, bloodshed, and the principle that winners take all, the author has always believed that building a great dynasty requires more than just these things. So this story’s ending must be bright and full of hope. That’s all I wanted to say – I hope you’re satisfied too! o(^▽^)o