The two Golden Guards who had entered the mountain together heard the commotion and rushed out from the cave. Though injured, together they could still carry Hu Yuanjie into the cave.

The rain intensified, mixed with even more frequent sounds of falling rocks, echoing throughout White Screen Mountain like soul-summoning death knells.

Liu Chaoming crushed the medicinal herbs he carried with him and applied them to Su Jin’s temple, stopping her bleeding.

A Golden Guard beside him removed the water pouch from his waist and offered it forward: “Lord Liu, you’ve labored half the night. Have some water and rest a while—let this humble officer care for Minister Su.”

Liu Chaoming glanced at him, took the water pouch, gave Su Jin a small amount to drink, then returned the pouch and shook his head: “No need.”

The Golden Guard could only bow to him and turned to care for Hu Yuanjie instead.

Liu Chaoming let Su Jin rest her head on his knee. Listening to the rain outside, he sat in silence through the entire night.

The next morning, when the rain finally stopped, Zuo Qian led the Golden Guards and several physicians into the mountains to search for people. Upon seeing Liu Chaoming, he first asked about Su Jin’s condition. Learning that her life was not in immediate danger, he reported: “After His Majesty returned to the palace, he ordered Commander Liang of the Capital Guard to gather physicians from Yingtian Prefecture and bring five hundred soldiers to White Screen Mountain. Barriers have also been set up on the official roads at the back of White Screen Mountain and Ao City. For one month, travel to and from the capital will detour through Suzhou Prefecture.”

The “His Majesty” in Zuo Qian’s words no longer referred to Zhu Jingyuan, but to the new emperor of the Great Sui dynasty, Zhu Nanxian.

Liu Chaoming nodded, then looked toward Imperial Physician Fang Xu, who had accompanied Zuo Qian.

Fang Xu set down his medicine chest and first bowed to the two lords present before saying: “Minister Su has a cold constitution and cannot easily withstand the chill. Before this subordinate treats her, it would be best to have someone put up a windbreak screen.”

He knew Su Jin’s identity as a woman, which was why he said this.

Zuo Qian nodded: “A’shan, take some men to set up a windbreak for Minister Su.”

Liu Chaoming entered the screen together with Fang Xu. Fang Xu first called Su Jin’s name several times. Seeing no response, he took her pulse and examined her legs and arms.

Liu Chaoming asked: “How is it?”

“Not very good.” Fang Xu shook his head. “Minister Su is a woman after all. Though this subordinate didn’t examine her in detail, judging from her pulse, aside from her left arm needing a splint, the rest should be without major problems. However, this wound at her temple—looking at the shape of the injury, it must have been caused by a heavy blow. This subordinate called Minister Su’s name loudly several times just now, but she didn’t respond. There must be blood clotted in her brain.”

Liu Chaoming said: “When she fell from the cliff, her temple was already bleeding. Later, to save the Hu Envoy and me, she was grazed by falling rocks again.”

“That explains it. Brain and forehead injuries most easily lead to deep sleep from which one cannot wake—some people even sleep this way for a lifetime.” Fang Xu said. Seeing Liu Chaoming’s expression freeze, he quickly added: “My lord need not feel guilty. From what you just said, Minister Su was conscious after the first injury. The second injury was only a graze—it shouldn’t be too serious. This subordinate will immediately prescribe good medicine to stop bleeding and disperse blood stasis for Minister Su. After returning to the palace, she can recuperate properly.”

Liu Chaoming said: “Thank you, Physician.”

“However…” Fang Xu hesitated. “This subordinate cannot guarantee how many days it will take for Minister Su to wake. I can only say—quickly, perhaps one or two days; slowly, even a year or half a year is possible. Moreover, whether she will have other symptoms after waking—such as memory loss or mental confusion, and whether such symptoms are temporary or permanent—all these things must wait until she regains consciousness before diagnosis can be made.”

Liu Chaoming looked at Su Jin and after a quiet moment said: “As long as she’s safe, that’s good.”

“Yes, as long as she’s safe, that’s good.” Fang Xu was packing up his medicine chest when he heard these words and sighed: “The path Minister Su has walked is truly bitter.”

Having spoken, he bowed to Liu Chaoming and withdrew from the screen.

Outside the cave, the Golden Guards were still searching the mountains for wounded soldiers and common people who had mistakenly entered.

Liu Chaoming remained inside the screen, recalling Fang Xu’s words—the path Su Jin had walked was truly bitter.

But this path, in the end, was one he had guided her onto.

When Old Imperial Censor Meng made his deathbed request, it was only about one Su Shiyu. At that time, Liu Chaoming hadn’t considered the connection to Prime Minister Xie. He thought the old censor valued her so highly only because of her extraordinary talent and brilliant writings.

Over two years ago, in the late spring rain, they first met. Though they had never seen each other before, he had inexplicably, without reason, recognized her.

As he entered the Court of Judicial Review, he said to the Court Vice Minister beside him: “Go inquire—that minor official standing in the rain, is he called Su Shiyu?”

That Vice Minister actually knew Su Jin and immediately replied: “In response to Lord Liu, he is indeed a Rank Eight Administrator in the capital’s offices, surname Su, given name Jin, courtesy name Shiyu.” Seeing that she had caught the Left Chief Censor’s eye, he added: “It’s said he has great talent—when he passed the second-tier jinshi examination, he wasn’t yet seventeen.”

Liu Chaoming then paused in his steps, glanced at the spring rain that seemed to connect with the sky outside the office, and instructed An’ran: “Take this official’s umbrella and deliver it to him.”

At that time, he still didn’t know she was a woman. He believed the old censor’s deathbed instruction—”with your ability, guard her for a lifetime”—meant guiding her onto the path of an imperial censor, to continue the志 the old censor had left unfinished, allowing her astounding talent to be fully displayed.

Later, even after learning her true identity, though he hesitated, he never once regretted that initial decision.

From the moment she entered the Imperial Censorate, she was truly the best censor he had ever seen—her writings were clear and articulate, her prose neither excessive nor sparse, her mind bright and humbly eager to learn. She was decisive when facing matters and tenaciously resilient, rising to meet difficulties even when trapped in dire straits.

So he always treated her with three parts more severity than other censors—actually because his expectations of her were too high.

Sometimes, he couldn’t help but think: no wonder Prime Minister Xie would treat her as a son, pouring his lifetime’s talents into raising her. He must have seen in her this quality that ordinary people could hardly hope to reach.

But today, for the first time, Liu Chaoming began to reflect on whether he had been wrong.

What did it matter if her writings and strategies were brilliant as brocade? What did it matter if she rose to Vice Minister, to Minister, to a position below one and above ten thousand? Su Shiyu’s journey could be described as walking on knife edges, with endless cliffs behind her. Each time she fell, she was either shattered to pieces or covered in wounds.

If proud, unyielding bones must be forged with blood, then who would fulfill the most ordinary wishes?

Liu Chaoming thought: he no longer wanted to guard her for a lifetime. He only wanted to guard her safety.

A Golden Guard outside said: “Lord Liu, General Zuo says we should first escort you and Minister Su back to the palace.”

Liu Chaoming hummed in acknowledgment, glancing at Fang Xu who was entering with medicine. Fang Xu understood his meaning and said: “My lord, rest assured. It’s not far from here to the Sui Palace. As long as care is taken along the way, Minister Su can endure this bit of travel hardship.”

Only then did Liu Chaoming agree: “Good.”

Because the late Emperor Zhu Jingyuan, the Seventh Prince Zhu Zhaowei, and the Twelfth Prince Zhu Qiyue had all died on the same day, Zhu Nanxian hadn’t had a moment’s rest after returning to the palace. After deliberating all night with several ministers, they had only settled the late Emperor’s posthumous title and funeral arrangements. When the assembled officials had just dispersed at the hour of Chen, Chief Administrator Hu from the Imperial Clan Court came to report: “Your Majesty, early this morning, when Consort Qi heard yesterday’s tragic news from the Imperial Mausoleum, she hanged herself. The Seventeenth Prince’s intention is… to throw her corpse into the mass burial ground. However, the Ministry of Justice hasn’t yet issued the document determining Consort Qi’s crimes. Technically, she’s still a Dowager Consort. You see…”

The sordid affair between Zhu Zhaowei and Consort Qi was ultimately shameful to speak of, which was why although Su Jin’s side had interrogated Consort Qi several times, her crimes had not been made public.

Zhu Nanxian supported himself on an armrest with his elbow, closing his eyes to pinch the bridge of his nose: “Under the name of criminal consort, bury her.”

“This—” Chief Administrator Hu was shocked. “You truly mean to throw her in the mass burial ground?”

Zhu Nanxian didn’t answer this, simply raising his eyes to sweep him with an indifferent glance.

Eunuch You beside him immediately scolded: “Impudent thing! His Majesty has already said to do this—are you planning to rebel? Don’t you see His Majesty is already exhausted? From now on, for such trivial matters, the Seventeenth Prince and the two Dowager Consorts will make decisions themselves. There’s no need to ask His Majesty again. His Majesty manages ten thousand affairs daily—how could he have idle time to concern himself with how your Imperial Clan Court handles one criminal consort?”

Only after hearing these words did Chief Administrator Hu realize that the Thirteenth Prince, who had always treated people with benevolence and kindness, had truly become the new Majesty. He hastily kowtowed in apology and withdrew from the hall on his knees.

Zhu Nanxian no longer resided in the Eastern Palace. After he returned yesterday, the Imperial Clan Court had already prepared Minghua Palace for him.

Minghua Palace was where the Great Sui emperors resided. Its scale was no less than a palace hall, with the vast Minghua Terrace outside, and it also included Minghua Hall for discussing matters with officials—only slightly smaller than Fengtian Hall.

Zhu Nanxian was currently sitting in a side chamber of Minghua Hall.

After Chief Administrator Hu left, Eunuch You quickly presented a bowl of ginseng soup, saying: “It’s said that yesterday, His Majesty was so grief-stricken over the late Emperor’s passing that he coughed up blood. After returning to the palace, he labored continuously through the night. You really should take better care of your dragon body.”

Zhu Nanxian took the ginseng soup from him and drank it silently, then first asked: “Is there news from Qin Sang?”

Early that morning, he had dispatched Qin Sang to guard at Chengtian Gate and immediately report to him the moment Su Jin returned to the palace.

“In response to Your Majesty, not yet.” Eunuch You said, then added: “Your Majesty, please don’t worry. This journey back and forth for Lord Liu and Minister Su will take some time. Surely in a few more hours, they should return.”

Zhu Nanxian handed the empty bowl back to him without saying anything, propped his forehead with his hand, and leaned back against the armrest again, closing his eyes: “I will rest for a moment.”

He was truly exhausted, though not because he hadn’t slept for two consecutive nights.

Yesterday’s deaths of Zhu Jingyuan and Zhu Qiyue had already left him unbearably burdened. Thinking that Su Jin’s fate remained unknown, he felt like a drowning man, battered by raging waves that drained every bit of strength from his limbs, yet he dared not sink.

His ears were filled with things Ayu had said to him before.

“Does Your Highness also like this jade pendant?” “If Your Highness likes it, please accept it.”

“The thirteenth of the seventh month is perfect. Tomorrow I’ll see the envoy off, then take the faster route back—I’ll definitely return to the palace early on the morning of the twelfth.”

Eyes closed and brow furrowed, Zhu Nanxian slowly raised his hand to take out the jade pendant carved with the character “rain” that he had kept close to his chest, then clenched it tightly in his palm until it left deep red marks.

After an unknown amount of time, a knock sounded from outside Minghua Hall.

Zhu Nanxian’s eyes flew open. He looked toward the entrance and saw Eunuch You bowing as he entered the side chamber. He asked urgently: “Is there news of Minister Su?”

Eunuch You knelt and prostrated: “In response to Your Majesty, still none. The three Ministers of Rites, War, and Works have come again, saying there’s an urgent matter requiring Your Majesty’s decision. Should Your Majesty see them outside, or shall this servant invite them in?”

Zhu Nanxian said: “Have them come in.”

Shortly after, Luo Songtang, Liu Dingliang, and Gong Quan completed their greetings with Zhu Nanxian. Luo Songtang was the first to speak: “Your Majesty, earlier we ministers were only focused on discussing the late Emperor’s funeral arrangements with you and actually forgot an extremely important matter. We ministers truly deserve ten thousand deaths. Please forgive us, Your Majesty.”

Zhu Nanxian clicked his tongue and frowned: “Speak plainly.”

“Yes.” Luo Songtang bowed. “It’s like this—now that Your Majesty is the new emperor of Great Sui, all actions are taken in the new emperor’s name. Therefore, we should first draft the new emperor’s reign title. Only after drafting the reign title can the seal-casting bureaus of various departments create new seals, and various major matters—such as establishing an empress, selecting consorts—”

At this point, Luo Songtang quickly raised his eyelids to glimpse Zhu Nanxian’s expression, then quickly lowered them again. “And also matters such as autumn ceremonies, autumn selections, and so forth—can proceed smoothly.”

Zhu Nanxian said: “Drafting reign titles is a matter for your Ministry of Rites and the Hanlin Academy. Why ask me?”

Luo Songtang said: “Yes. Since Your Majesty returned to the palace, we ministers, together with several learned scholars from the Hanlin Academy, have already drafted several options. But which one to ultimately select still requires Your Majesty’s decision.” As he spoke, he presented a memorial. “Your Majesty, please look.”

Zhu Nanxian fell silent for a moment and was just opening the memorial when Eunuch You suddenly entered from outside the hall, announcing: “Your Majesty, Lord Liu has brought Minister Su back to the palace!”

Zhu Nanxian suddenly froze. The memorial in his hand slipped to the floor.

He opened his mouth, seeming to want to ask about Su Jin’s safety, but at this moment, he found himself unable to ask.

Fortunately, Minister of War Gong Quan was quick-tempered. Without regard for propriety, he directly asked: “How are Minister Su and that Annan envoy?”

Eunuch You said: “Your Majesty and lords may rest assured—they’re both alive. The Minister Envoy injured his leg and needs to recuperate in the palace for a while. Minister Su is said to have injured her forehead and is currently asleep. This servant just asked Imperial Physician Fang from the Imperial Medical Bureau—”

Before he finished speaking, Zhu Nanxian suddenly stood up and swept past them like a gust of wind, striding toward the outside of Minghua Palace.