Mu Yuchengs Abkommen

Kapitel 55

Suddenly, as if appearing out of thin air, a peerless young man in flowing white robes slowly descended from the high city tower. Behind him followed three equally outstanding, handsome, aloof, and captivating men.

The chaotic battlefield instantly fell silent. Everyone looked up at this god-like figure.

A clear, cool voice, like the gentle murmur of flowing water, softly said: "How do you know he won't show up?"

The peerless youth smiled gently, his beauty unparalleled.

Volume 3, Chapter 112: Miracle

I suddenly remembered what Consort Huan had said.

She looked at me meaningfully and said, "Everyone thinks I'm one of those special ones. But besides you, there's only that unruly, brilliant, and stunningly beautiful young man. The Emperor's feelings for you and him are different. For me, the Emperor only felt youthful affection and guilt. The scholar I fell in love with was introduced to me by him, but after we decided to elope, he suddenly disappeared, as if he vanished into thin air. I could never find him again. Rui couldn't find him either. Rui has always felt guilty that if I hadn't brought him to see me, we wouldn't have met, and none of that would have happened. So Rui has always felt guilty towards me and has always wanted to make it up to me. Not long after, I suddenly discovered I was pregnant. It was a bolt from the blue, and I almost committed suicide. In this era, a woman's premarital pregnancy was a very serious matter, a disgrace to the family, and a shame to the entire clan." If discovered, I would surely be killed or banished. After Rui learned of this, he pondered for a long time and resolutely decided to take me as a concubine, though he worried that this would be unfair to me. I was already heartbroken and understood the coldness of human relationships. I was already deeply grateful for his selfless sacrifice for me, yet even in the harem, he still wouldn't let me suffer any grievances, always accommodating and protecting me. Others thought he neglected me, but perhaps that tranquility was what I preferred. I wasn't his wife, and even the children weren't his; for an emperor to do this for me, I could never repay him in my lifetime. He was truly a man of deep affection, but after living in the palace for many years, he had seen through the deceit and treachery, which is why he rarely trusted others. This was forced upon him by the cruelty of the world. He was an emperor, and therefore had many things he couldn't do, many things he had to do.” She sighed slightly.

Although I maintained a calm expression, my heart was already surging with emotion.

Are those two special ones me?

Looking at this woman with a cool and aloof expression, at the indifference and vicissitude on her face that seemed so different from those other glamorous women vying for love, I thought, perhaps love really can make people grow old, or be reborn.

Are you still looking for him?

She nodded, her expression one of happiness. There was none of the resentment she felt after being abandoned by him and experiencing so much.

I frowned, surprised: "Have you ever thought about giving up the search?"

She smiled faintly, "I may have thought about it, but I still persisted." She took a sip of tea and said softly, "Whether I can find it or not is no longer important. What matters is that I've gotten used to reminiscing about our past love while searching. That feeling is irreplaceable."

For the first time, I truly looked at this woman, and unlike other women of this era, she possessed a tenacity and strength unlike any other. Her face radiated an almost sacred light—a light imbued with maternal love and the gentle, forbearing compassion of a woman deeply immersed in love. I suddenly understood why some say that women of ancient times were the greatest and most self-sacrificing. They were truly admirable. They loved their husbands and lovers so unconditionally.

Regardless of whether others have hurt them, regardless of whether the men they deeply love love them back, regardless of how many women share that one and only love, they endure everything... Their hearts are actually quite open, aren't they? It's just that sometimes they are imprisoned by worldly customs and the idea of male superiority.

I think at that moment, I understood a little better what I had to do.

Or, what can I do, what should I do?

So, I chose to stand here. Not as Xie Weiying, one of his women, but as Young Master Jin. To defend and protect this country that belongs to him, but has nothing to do with me.

Perhaps this is a case of loving the house because of its owner. But suddenly, I found myself no longer missing the old days. It was as if I had truly become a part of everything here.

I looked coldly at the middle-aged man with a bewildered expression, and smiled slightly. Although I was smiling, it was a smile that chilled me to the bone.

"How do you know he won't appear?" My voice was very soft, so soft it seemed as if it didn't belong to this world. Yet, it flowed into everyone's consciousness like a gentle stream.

I watched them quietly, watching the people who looked up to me.

Suddenly, without warning, one by one, the civilians and soldiers alike dropped their swords and spears, and as if by unspoken agreement, they all silently, devoutly, and powerfully prostrated themselves at my feet. I stared at them in astonishment. What were they doing? What had I done to deserve this? I had only done what I was supposed to do. For some reason, at that moment, I felt several beams of scorching light following my back, and I involuntarily stiffened.

Suddenly, Qingci, who was standing behind me, seemed to understand my thoughts and sighed, "Young Master, perhaps you only think that you did what you should do, but for them, it was a turning point in their lives. Their lives, no, even their fates, were changed because of your existence. Therefore, they are truly kneeling at your feet."

Suddenly, the Vermilion Bird King, the Black Tortoise King, and the Azure Dragon King all knelt down devoutly and respectfully said, "Young Master, we are willing to follow you for eternity."

The boy stood silently on the open plain, like an immortal statue, or even a celestial being. He possessed a noble, elegant, and aloof air. His shadow, as faint as the many white clouds floating in the sky, was reflected in the clear eyes of everyone present.

The common people, soldiers, and even the ministers atop the walls gazed silently and with admiration at this exceptionally talented young man, at this legend of the continent. Their eyes shone with fervent passion, like those lost in a dark forest suddenly finding the North Star to guide them. They truly loved this young man who cared for the people of the world from the bottom of their hearts.

The young man smiled at them, a faint smile as enchanting as a firework suddenly bursting in the sky. "All I do is hope that everyone can live happily. That's the meaning of Junjin's existence. This country is protected by everyone. I hope that one day, with me, Anjin, here, there will be no strife, no misfortune, and no disasters that harm anyone. I know these things are not easy, but we will work together, do our best, and fulfill our duties. To everyone here who is grateful to Junjin, Junjin is with you."

A young man in white robes fluttering in the wind. A young man bathed in a soft glow under the sunlight. A young man whose gentle gaze sweeps over everyone like water. A young man who embraces all the world's youths with a heart full of tolerance.

An unparalleled, breathtakingly handsome young man.

The devout kneeling people whispered, "We will protect this country together... Young Master Jin... Young Master Jin..." Their voices were as loud as drums, soaring into the sky, echoing for a long time above the country.

Standing high atop the wall, Sima Rui surveyed the scene with a complex and bitter gaze. When had An Jin, who once belonged only to him, now belonged to the world? When had they become so close, yet so worlds apart?

Looking at this young man, whose name he had long heard but whom he had never seen before, Li Jiu couldn't help but sigh in admiration. What an extraordinary young man! The young man's gentle and indifferent expression involuntarily reminded him of someone else, someone equally unique and special. That unassuming woman.

This rebellion has been called a miracle on the continent by later generations.

Because of Jin Shao's complete revelation. Because of Jin Shao's arrival.

Due to various reasons—exams, appointments, class meetings, club activities…—the update has been late. Please forgive me!! Also, thank you all for your continued support, thank you for always being by my side, really, thank you everyone!!

Volume 3, Chapter 113: Desolation (Part 1)

Smoke curls and time flies by, but even as Sima Rui looks closely, he still can't see that person clearly, nor can he understand anything about that person.

He opened his mouth: "Xiao Jin..." But the sound vanished as soon as it entered the air. Sima Rui's eyes were somewhat dazed, as if everything in front of him was a blank white expanse, and his mind was completely empty.

Sima Rui was somewhat stunned. Looking at him, his gaze grew increasingly distant, and his pupils widened.

Li Jiu looked at the emperor's reaction with a puzzled expression, unable to understand why the usually serious and wise emperor would have a blank expression, like a lost child who couldn't find his way home. Like a helpless child!

How could Li Jiu believe that an emperor, so high and mighty and supreme, would have such an expression?

Suddenly, as if sensing something, the boy turned around and stared blankly at the emperor, looking utterly lonely and weary. Who was truly captivated by whose face?

So clear, so translucent, so sorrowful like flowing water, so helpless, so indifferent, so desolate... a thousand turns of tenderness, a lingering, affectionate tenderness.

In the end, it turned into a silent sigh, a sigh that was lonely and hasty, which did not escape the throat, did not circle the room three times, did not linger, and did not linger.

Just as it arrived, it drifted in and left just as serenely as a wisp of cloud in the sky.

That white figure, transformed into a magnificent shadow in the world, has lingered in people's hearts for a long time.

Sima Rui looked at him, looked at him intently, looked at him for a long time, and when he heard that sigh, his left chest suddenly skipped a beat, and a sharp pain shot through his heart.

Then, as the setting sun cast its last rays upon the ground, lengthening his shadow, Sima Rui suddenly smiled, a smile as gentle as drifting clouds. That smile was identical to that of the departing youth—faint, melancholic, and breathtakingly beautiful.

After the rebellion was quelled.

The three princes were stripped of their titles, but they still enjoyed government support as nobles.

Su Jun was thrown into a death row cell, and his accomplice son, Su Xunnan, was also imprisoned to await trial. His relatives, however, were all exiled or demoted to commoners by the emperor, who did not exterminate them all. For a time, the entire country praised the emperor's virtue.

Huan Wen and a few men from his army escaped death and returned to the capital in triumph, receiving a great reward. After Su Xunnan was imprisoned, he sent a message to Huan Wen. It contained only three simple and heavy words: "I'm sorry."

That day, Huan Wen spent the entire day in his courtyard with a cold expression. The following day, he drank all day, remaining unconscious for three days and three nights. Upon waking, he became withdrawn and aloof, introverted and quiet. The other princes of Jiankang repeatedly tried to comfort him, but to no avail.

"Su Da, are you really so determined? Do you really not want me to restore your status as a concubine?" Sima Rui's voice was steady and powerful.

Su Da knelt respectfully on the ground: "Su Da thanks Your Majesty for your great kindness and virtue. However, Su Da wishes to follow Master Xie for eternity and serve her for the rest of her life."

I looked at her, my heart aching, and said, "Suda, you don't have to be like this. You should choose your own path. Be yourself." I knew these words were somewhat willful, somewhat rebellious. But I wanted her to choose her own happiness.

She smiled faintly and said firmly, "Master, you don't need to worry about Su Da. Su Da has already made up her mind. It is Su Da's blessing to be able to follow Master."

Hearing her say that, I suddenly fell silent. Su Da, upon her return, seemed quite different from before. She seemed to possess an added serenity and aloofness. I didn't know what had happened between her and Huan Wen during the march, nor would I ask. But I hoped she was happy. Even if it meant doing something for her, I would do it.

I suddenly smiled faintly and said to Sima Rui, "Your Majesty, since she has made her decision, let her have it. However—" I paused, then smiled mysteriously, "In my palace, there have never been masters and servants, only sisters. I would like to become sworn sisters with Su Da. I wonder if that is permissible?"

Sima Rui smiled gently at me, his smile full of indulgence and affection: "Let's decide on this matter."

“Then,” I changed the subject, “Since Su Da is my sister, wouldn’t she be considered the Emperor’s sister?” Sima Rui stared at me blankly, somewhat confused.

But she still nodded obediently, "Of course." Little did she know that she was falling into my trap step by step.

Suda knelt on the ground, looking at me with a puzzled expression. I gave her a reassuring smile.

I gave Sima Rui a sweet and sly smile: "As the Emperor's sister, she should at least be a princess, right?"

Sima Rui was taken aback for a moment, then laughed happily: "Consort Lian, you actually set me up. Now I can't possibly wrong 'my' sister. How about," he pondered for a moment, "we should bestow upon her the title of Princess of Nankang."

I nodded with satisfaction and said respectfully, "Your Majesty, I thank you on behalf of Su Da."

Su Da finally understood my intentions and said, moved, "Master—"

I went over to her, helped her up, and said gently, "From now on, there are no more masters and servants here. You and I are now sisters. You just heard it too, the Emperor has also bestowed upon you the title of Princess Nankang. Su Da, from now on, you are free."

Su Da wept and said, "Su Da thanks Your Majesty and Consort Lian De."

I know that Su Da followed Huan Wen through countless life-or-death experiences, surviving several close calls. Although Huan Wen didn't fall in love with her, his attitude towards her was no longer as harsh and cold as before. On the contrary, they had developed a deep bond of mutual dependence. These are things that Huan Wen and I could never achieve.

To Huan Wen, I was just a dream from his youth; once the dream ended, he had to face reality.

Therefore, I will do my best to create every opportunity for happiness for these two people I care about.

I don't know if this counts as making amends, but I've always been clear that the person who will bring happiness to Huan Wen will not be me.

Volume 3, Chapter 113: Desolation (Part 2)

"I'm sorry." His smile was bitter. His young face held a coldness and desolation I was unfamiliar with, along with a hint of helplessness and self-mockery.

"Why?" I asked, puzzled.

He said softly, "I promised to treat you well for the rest of my life."

I lowered my eyelids and smiled faintly, "Suda is my sister. If you treat her well for the rest of your life, that will be my whole life."

He smiled bitterly and said, "Wei Ying, Xie Wei Ying, did you ever love me? Even for a moment, not even for a second?"

I remained silent for a long time.

I took a deep breath, looked at him, looked at him intently, and finally smiled slightly, saying frankly, "Huan Wen, I don't want to lie to you. I'm sorry. I like you, I really like you. But it's the liking between friends, the liking between siblings. I will always be grateful for your cherishing and companionship, and I will remember it in my heart. Huan Wen, let's just remember the beautiful things we did growing up together in our youth. Those things have nothing to do with others, only the two of us need to remember them. Huan Wen, from today onwards, we don't need to remember our future. I won't remember you, and you don't need to remember me. Let's both forget its existence in our hearts."

He chuckled softly, a sound so desolate, so helpless. Yet, there was also a sliver of relief, a hint of liberation.

“That’s fine,” he sighed softly. “Ying’er, from now on, you only need to remember the good Huan Wen from before. No matter how unfamiliar Huan Wen becomes in the future, no matter what he becomes, you don’t need to remember him anymore. I’m afraid that Huan Wen will become so unfamiliar that you will never recognize him again.”

At the time, I didn't understand what he meant. But later, I did. After losing his father, Huan Wen had to shoulder the heavy responsibility of the entire family. The Huan Wen who had always been indifferent to fame and fortune and lived a carefree life began to formally enter the political arena. He began his career to the top of the political ladder. He was right. I really didn't recognize that greedy, opportunistic, selfish, cruel, mercenary, power-hungry, and treacherous Huan Wen.

That beautiful teenage love faded away silently.

A few days later, the emperor bestowed a marriage upon Huan Wen. Huan Wen was appointed Grand General and married the emperor's younger sister, Princess Nankang.

A silent family dinner. I'm really not used to it.

"Everyone, get started! This is something I cooked myself, as a wedding gift for you two. Try it, is it delicious?" I said with a smile.

Huan Wen sat there silently, not saying a word. Su Da lowered her head shyly, her face slightly flushed, not daring to look at him.

I laughed: "What, you think my cooking isn't good enough? I remember Yunying, Xiaoquanzi, and the others used to love my cooking. Huan Wen, didn't you used to like it a lot too?"

Su Da shook her head and chuckled, "How could that be? Your cooking has always been delicious. It's just—" Su Da hesitated and glanced at Huan Wen, whose face was cold.

After a long silence, Huan Wen took a few deep breaths and finally spoke calmly, "How could that be? Your Majesty's cooking has always been a favorite of mine."

I smiled awkwardly. What's wrong with Huan Wen?

I ignored him and started eating on my own. It was delicious. My blissful expression made Suda chuckle softly, "Is it really that delicious?"

With my mouth full of food, I nodded and mumbled, "Yeah, really. You can try it if you don't believe me."

They began to eat in silence.

I sighed softly, looking at the chopsticks, and suddenly said gently, "Actually, love is like these chopsticks. Love like chopsticks is neither too tight nor too loose. Just right. Each chopstick seems so independent, without any clinging or resentment, standing side by side with the same level of equality. But once the two chopsticks come together to pick up food, like this," I picked up a piece to demonstrate, took a bite, and continued, "the two chopsticks become inseparable, biting together, working together to accomplish something. No matter how difficult it is, they will not give up on each other. Love between two people is like that, simple and unadorned, but it is the most real existence and mutual dependence."

I was talking and eating at the same time, with my head down, so I didn't see their expressions or demeanor.