Lan Yin Bi Yue

Kapitel 59

After she nodded, he shouted, "Hold your breath!" and grabbed Lin Suyang, jumping back into the water.

Following the direction he had just come from, he found the cave entrance. It was pitch black inside. Since he didn't know where it led or how long it was, Si Junxing was worried that Lin Suyang couldn't take it, so he lowered his head and covered her mouth to keep her breathing. Then, he kicked his legs and swam into the cave entrance.

Lin Suyang closed her eyes and hugged his waist tightly. The flowing water made her feel like she had become a fish. It was an indescribable feeling.

He didn't know how long he had been swimming. When Si Junxing saw light gradually appearing ahead, he was overjoyed. He quickened his pace and swam forward. As he got closer and closer to the light, he suddenly felt Lin Suyang's grip on him loosen. Forgetting they were connected by a rope, he quickly reached out and grabbed her. With a push of his feet, the two of them shot out of the water like arrows.

The air was fresh after the rain. The sunlight was soft. Everything felt so real and beautiful. Si Junxing carried Lin Suyang ashore. Then, exhausted, he collapsed onto the grassy bank, panting heavily.

Lin Suyang, realizing she was out of the water, slowly opened her eyes. Seeing the surrounding scenery, she couldn't help but feel relieved to finally be out. Before she could even fully rejoice, her body went limp and she collapsed onto Si Junxing.

Si Junxing cried out, "Ouch!" "Wife, are you trying to murder your husband?"

Lin Suyang tried to sit up but was pulled down by him. She fell back down.

"My dear wife, do you know how scared I was when you let go just now... Do you have a headache again?" Si Junxing looked at him anxiously.

Lin Suyang immediately blushed and turned her head away, saying, "No, I just got soft-hearted."

"That's good." But he was too soft-hearted... Si Junxing looked at Lin Suyang, who was lying motionless on top of him, and suddenly an idea flashed through his mind. He then chuckled and propped himself up, saying, "That's right, my wife was so tired last night, how could I have forgotten?" Lin Suyang closed her eyes, ignoring what the man was saying, and after a while, she fell asleep.

Si Junxing hugged Lin Suyang with a broad smile. He lay back down, gazing at the clear sky. These days are truly wonderful.

The two returned to the Jiang tribe village once more. After seeing the note left by Shen Xiao, they hurried back to Ji Yue Town. Time flies in the mountains; only upon leaving the world do we realize how much time has passed. They asked the townspeople about the date and learned that they had been in the underground cave for nearly a month. They exchanged their last remaining hairpins and headdresses for horses, and Lin Suyang and Si Junxing spurred their horses and galloped towards Ji Ao City.

Meanwhile, with Emperor Shenghan's permission, Shen Xiao, Yan Muqing, Gui Gan Zhenren, Si Lian, and others assembled a team to rescue the people of the Jiang tribe. Just as they were about to set off, they received a message from Si Junxing via carrier pigeon. They were relieved to learn that the two had returned safely.

As soon as Lin Suyang and Si Junxing arrived in Ji'ao, Han Yufeng sent people to invite them into the palace.

As they were led into Yihe Palace by palace attendants, they saw Shen Xiao carrying Qin Xiao, walking around constantly. Yan Muqing, Si Lian, and the others were either drinking tea or playing chess, seemingly treating the place as their own home.

"What are you doing here..." Si Junxing asked, looking at them.

"Ah, Sister Suyan, you're finally back! I don't know what I would have done with this little one if you had been any later." Shen Xiao exclaimed happily when she saw Lin Suyang, and then handed Qin Xiao, who was sobbing in her arms, over.

Lin Suyang quickly took it. The little guy finally saw his mother whom he had been separated from for so long. He gradually closed his mouth and stared at her with his big eyes.

This was the first time Si Junxing had seen Lin Suyang's child. He had only caught a quick glimpse of him at Qingxiang Palace, and it wasn't until today that he could see the child's face clearly. The child's features, which were slowly developing, were exactly like Lin Suyang's. He would surely be a heartbreaker who captivated countless women when he grew up.

Unable to resist, Si Junxing reached out and pinched Qin Xiao's cheek. The boy actually giggled, which made Si Junxing feel uneasy. He then took Qin Xiao from Lin Suyang's arms.

Qin Xiao kicked her little legs and grabbed Si Junxing's hair, but he seemed oblivious, shaking Qin Xiao back and forth, then carrying her around on the outside, filling the entire Yihe Palace with the laughter of a baby. Lin Suyang stared blankly at them, thinking how perfect it would be if this child were hers and his.

Lin Suyang was curious about how Qin Xiao, despite being an infant, was so difficult to care for. He would cry incessantly if touched by anyone he didn't approve of. So how had Han Yufeng taken care of him during this time? She didn't believe that Han Yufeng would set aside his imperial dignity to look after someone else's child.

In truth, Han Yufeng was truly at a loss with Qin Xiao. Leading troops into battle was one thing, but caring for a child was practically driving him mad. There weren't many trustworthy women in the harem, so he had no choice but to invite Ying Ru into the palace to try and take care of Qin Xiao. Strangely enough, Qin Xiao became much more obedient around Ying Ru, and even his occasional tantrums quickly subsided. Han Yufeng breathed a sigh of relief; at least he had done right by Lin Suyang.

That evening, the acquaintances sat in Yihe Palace and began discussing the affairs of the border tribes. It turned out that the person who had cast the curse on Lin Suyang was none other than Consort Xiao, the daughter of Yang Zhixiao, the Right Attendant Gentleman of the Palace.

Yang Zhixiao appeared gentle and obedient, but was actually ruthless at heart. She coldly watched as Consort Qi did her best to suppress the other concubines. However, she was not anxious at all, because she knew that as long as Qin Hao's heart was not with anyone else, no one could take away the Empress's position.

Unexpectedly, Yun Feng'er appeared later. At the time, she did not know that Yun Feng'er was Lin Suyang after she lost her memory. Seeing that Qin Hao was infatuated with Yun Feng'er every day, and that Consort Qi was unable to stop him, she became filled with hatred. So, when Lin Suyang went to pay her respects to Empress Dowager Fengxiang, she took the opportunity to cast a spell on him.

As for how she obtained the Jiang tribe's Gu, no one knew at first. Later, it was Master Guigan who discovered an important piece of information. He had unearthed old letters exchanged with the Jiang tribe's chieftain and suddenly remembered that the chieftain had mentioned having a close relationship with a high-ranking official in the Yan-Liao region. The Jiang tribe people are inherently reclusive and rarely interact with outsiders. It would be extremely impossible to obtain the Gu from them unless... by force.

But without the one who cast the curse, the stolen Gu is just a rotten worm, utterly useless. What could that person do with the stolen Gu? Regardless, since it's related to Yan and Liao, he has to go.

On the road, he happened to meet Si Lian, who was looking for Si Junxing. The two hit it off immediately and discovered during their conversation that they were on the same side, so they analyzed the whole matter together. Through Si Lian, he met Emperor Shenghan, who immediately launched a swift and decisive investigation to find court officials who had associated with the Jiang people.

After several investigations, it was discovered that the "high-ranking official" was none other than Wei Liang, the most prestigious official in the court! Enraged, Han Yufeng detained Wei Liang and interrogated him, only to be met with a shocking revelation. It turned out that Wei Liang had always believed Han Yufeng was deeply misled by Lin Suyang, fearing he would be led astray by beauty. Later, with Si Junxing's arrival, he was even more worried that a power struggle between brothers would destroy the Yan-Liao kingdom, and thus he had long harbored murderous intentions towards Lin Suyang.

Back in the Northwest, after Lin Suyang and Si Junxing separated, the assassins sent by Wei Liang came to kill Lin Suyang. The assassination failed, and Lin Suyang entered the Great Yang Imperial Palace. Wei Liang, still persistent, used his connections with the Jiang tribe to obtain a Gu poison. He originally intended for Xuan Ge to use it, but Xuan Ge refused, so he changed his target, exploiting Yang Zhixiao's jealousy and easily tricking her into working for him. To avoid detection, he ruthlessly ordered Kong Ling to wipe out the entire Jiang tribe. He intended to make Yang Zhixiao disappear as well, but upon learning that the Great Yang Imperial Palace was heavily guarded, seemingly dealing with something important, he spared Yang Zhixiao's life.

Unexpectedly, Si Junxing and Lin Suyang also found the Jiang Clan. Behind them was an unparalleled master. Knowing that they could not save them, they could only sit at home and wait for Han Yufeng to arrive.

Upon learning the reason, Han Yufeng was heartbroken and berated Wei Liang for his foolishness. He repeatedly questioned where his former composure as a strategist had gone, where his rationality in assisting in governing the country had gone, and whether he was simply becoming more and more useless with age, harming so many people for such absurd reasons. In a fit of rage, he imprisoned Wei Liang and decided to execute him at an opportune time.

Dozens of lives were lost across the entire Jiang tribe. Wei Liang did not try to absolve himself of responsibility, but only kept urging Han Yufeng to prioritize the country. Han Yufeng felt even worse. To him, Wei Liang was both a teacher and a subject. He had seen Wei Liang's dedication to Yan and Liao, but he could not spare his life because of this. Otherwise, how could he face the people of Yan and Liao?

Wei Liang's situation left him depressed for a long time. It was only after Ying Ru's persuasion that he cheered up. Wei Liang was wrong; he was wrong for not trusting Han Yufeng enough, and for letting his own worries blind him to reality. Han Yufeng believed he also bore some responsibility. If he had been more decisive when withdrawing from the competition for Lin Suyang, Wei Liang wouldn't have had these thoughts.

Now that the mistake has been made, the only way he can repay Wei Liang's kindness in teaching him and his loyalty to the Yan and Liao regions is to strive to fulfill Wei Liang's wishes.

Si Junxing looked dejected after learning this; Lin Suyang's earth curse was destined to never be lifted. Lin Suyang comforted him, saying that life and death were predestined, and that being able to be together in their final days was already a blessing.

Then the group began discussing future plans. Judging from the current situation, war between Yan Liao and Da Yang seemed inevitable. Han Yu Feng had already begun training his army and preparing provisions and weapons, waiting only for Qin Hao to issue a challenge. Meanwhile, in Da Yang, although Qin Hao was still working hard to reorganize the harem and the court, he was also secretly preparing for a major war. It must be said that Qin Hao was indeed quite capable, managing to juggle multiple affairs at this time.

When Si Lian asked Lin Suyang what her plans were, Si Junxing preemptively said, "I'm taking her away." Everyone looked at him. Lin Suyang lowered her head and didn't speak.

"I don't care whether they fight or not, it's none of our business. We just want to find a quiet place to live a good life." After going through so much, it wasn't that he was tired or weary, but rather that he simply couldn't bear to let Lin Suyang leave again and again, to hurt her. They weren't gods; they couldn't change anything. Since that was the case, why not let go of pointless worries and live their own lives properly? Besides, Lin Suyang was poisoned by a Gu curse; how long could she possibly have any happy days left?

“I agree,” said Master Guigan. “Life is short, only a few decades, gone in the blink of an eye. If one cannot live for oneself in this life, how can one expect the next? So, Junxing is right. Let’s not worry about anything else and take our wife to find a place to live in seclusion. You can go to Guigan Mountain. I searched for a long time before finding such a feng shui treasure. You’ve been there, and it is indeed very beautiful, isn’t it? Moreover, I can also prepare some medicine to suppress Su Yang’s poison. It won’t be a problem to delay it for a few years.”

Si Lian also said, "Since you think this way, it's the best outcome. However, will Emperor Hong give up? Not to mention he has already announced to the world that Su Yang is his empress, and the crown prince..."

Speaking of Qin Xiao is another hurdle. Si Junxing knows that their only connection right now is Qin Xiao. Lin Suyang can ignore the Lin family's affairs, but Qin Xiao is her child, blood-related. How could she abandon him and leave?

Everyone looked at Lin Suyang, awaiting her answer. Finally, Lin Suyang raised her head and said, "I will go with Si Junxing. As for Xiao'er... please take care of her. If the Emperor comes to take him back to the palace one day, you can hand Xiao'er over to him. If he doesn't come, we will come to take Xiao'er away. As for the title of Empress of the Great Yang..." Lin Suyang smiled slightly at Si Junxing, "I am Si Junxing's wife, Lin Suyang, not Empress Yun Feng'er."

Ignoring the presence of others, Si Junxing excitedly pulled Lin Suyang into a tight embrace. Shen Xiao clapped his hands and exclaimed, "You've finally come to your senses!"

Volume Four, Palace Absolute, Chapter 132: Never Letting Down One's Dependence (Final Chapter)

On the official road, a handsome young man on horseback blocked a carriage. The two sides stood in confrontation for a long time, when a woman's gentle voice came from inside the carriage.

"Yan'er...why are you doing this to yourself..."

Lin Suyang had long guessed that Lin Ziyan would come after her. After she had Shen Xiao deliver her handwritten letter to the Lin residence, she was prepared to face the Lin family. However, she did not expect him to arrive so quickly.

"Sister... are you really leaving?" Lin Ziyan asked in a dry voice. Leaving like this, never to return?

“Yan’er,” Lin Suyang said from inside the car, “you know, we can’t go back, we can’t go back... We couldn’t go back the moment Father sent me to the court.”

"...Sister, I'm sorry..."

"You don't need to apologize to me. I just hope you're all alright... Yan'er, I don't know what you'll do, I only beg you to protect yourself and Father... From now on, forget about me, your sister, and let Father forget about me, his daughter..."

Lin Ziyan remained silent, staring at the unmoving carriage curtain.

Si Junxing glanced at him, then whipped the carriage, which then bypassed Lin Ziyan and continued forward. Throughout the entire process, Lin Suyang did not come out to see him once.

Lin Ziyan stood on the official road, the rising dust obscuring the receding carriage from view...

In October of the third year of the Hongli reign, Empress Dowager Fengxiang, Consort Qi, and Consort Xiao were executed for inciting ministers to plot a rebellion. The investigation confirmed their instigation, and other ministers were punished accordingly. With this, Emperor Hongli completely eliminated the remaining members of the Fengxiang faction.

In November, Empress Jingshu passed away due to illness. Emperor Hong buried her in the imperial mausoleum with a state funeral.

In December, Consort Xuan was bestowed the title of Consort Xuan. Crown Prince Qin Xiao was granted permission to raise her.

In the first month of the fourth year of the Hongli era, King Qin Ke of Yin relinquished all military power and retired from the court.

In September, Emperor Shenghan of the Yan-Liao Kingdom declared war on Emperor Hong. The armies of both countries assembled at the Jinshan River. The great war lasted a year and a half, ending in August of the sixth year of the Hongli reign. The two countries negotiated peace, establishing the Jinshan River as the border, agreeing to a non-aggression pact, and sharing fifty years of peace.

In May of the seventh year of the Hongli reign, grain prices in the capital city of Dayuan suddenly soared. The Hongli Emperor intended to open the granaries to stabilize prices. A group of ministers, led by Lin Cheng, the Minister of Rites, strongly opposed this. At that moment, another storm was brewing…

"Mother, Brother Liang is bullying Hua'er again." A childish voice rang in her ears. Then a chubby little hand reached out. A tiny flower was drawn on the white back of the hand with ink.

Lin Suyang put down the book in his hand, his eyes shimmering, and bent down to pick up the little child standing next to him, saying, "Did Hua'er bully his brother again?"

"No, Hua'er would never bully Brother Liang," the little boy said matter-of-factly.

"Really?" Lin Suyang raised an eyebrow. "Then where did the stuff on your brother's face come from?" "It's...it's..."

"Auntie, Liang'er did it himself, it has nothing to do with my sister." The child, whose face was covered in ink, stood timidly at the door and looked at the little person in Lin Suyang's arms.

"...I've been gone for a short while, and you two are arguing again?" A person walked in from outside and said with a smile.

"Godfather..." Xiao Hua called out excitedly to the person who came, waving her hands and wanting him to hug her.

"What, Ninth Prince, are you willing to put down your chess game and come over for a stroll?" Lin Suyang put Xiao Hua'er down so she could play by herself, but Qin Ke squatted down and picked her up.

"It's all because of your husband. He said he was going down the mountain to buy you some tea and asked me to keep an eye on these two little devils."

Lin Suyang looked at the little boy at the door and asked, "Liang'er, where are your parents?"

"Mother said... Mother said there was going to be some kind of martial arts tournament in Xiancheng, so she dragged Father down the mountain..."

"This Xiao'er, how old is she and still so playful? Mu Qing too, just letting her be like this." Lin Suyang said angrily, and asked her to help take care of the child again.

"You're talking about others, but didn't Si Junxing dote on you too?" Qin Ke said with a smile.

"Yes, yes, Daddy won't let Hua'er come to play with Mommy. He says Mommy is tired," little Hua'er said earnestly.

"Si Yuhua!" Lin Suyang called out. Doesn't this child know how to give her own mother any face?

"I'm not telling Mother anymore. Father will scold Hua'er again when he gets back. Hua'er is going to play with Grandpa." Si Yuhua said, climbing down from Qin Ke. Reaching the door, she grabbed Yan Yunliang's hand and started walking out. "Brother Liang, you said you'd fish me something to eat..."

"Ahem," Qin Ke said, suppressing a laugh, "I should go out too. If your husband finds out I'm here, he won't give me a good look..."

"You..." Lin Suyang was both amused and exasperated. When did the Prince of Yin become like this?

Two years ago, after Qin Ke handed over military power to Qin Hao, he came to Guigan Mountain alone. He met the Guigan Master by chance, and after several conversations, the two became close friends. However, after arriving at the mountain, he encountered Lin Suyang's family and settled down there, no longer concerning himself with their affairs. Si Junxing knew about Qin Ke's past feelings for Lin Suyang and initially disagreed with him living next door. However, he was scolded by the Guigan Master for being petty and had no choice but to agree. Nevertheless, he kept a close eye on Qin Ke at all times. Later, he simply left the child with Qin Ke and spent all his time around Lin Suyang, making everyone aware of how jealous Si Junxing could be.

How fortunate Lin Suyang was! She had thought her Gu poison would only grant her a year or two of freedom, but fate smiled upon her, and after hundreds of failures, Master Guigan finally refined a miraculous medicine to relieve her pain. With her current life, she truly understood what life was all about.

When Si Junxing returned home carrying large and small bags, he saw Lin Suyang napping on the bed. His eyes darted around, and he went inside, locked the door, put his things on the table, quickly took off his clothes, and climbed into bed. "Wife..."

"My wife..."

"……what."

“Let’s have a little brother for Hua’er… Ouch…” Si Junxing was pushed aside and bumped into the wall. He looked at the person who was sleeping with his eyes closed with a mournful expression. After staring for a while without any reaction, he shamelessly crawled over again.

"My wife..."

At the foot of Guigan Mountain, a five-year-old child stood at the crossroads and asked the people in front of him, "Father, aren't you going up to see Mother?"

The man shook his head and said, "Father won't go. Father will have Uncle Yun take you up there. Have a good few days of fun." Looking up at the distant mountaintop, he thought, why add to my worries...

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