Mu Yuchengs Abkommen

Kapitel 62

Then the only option is to go through the wall.

“You—” I asked uncertainly, “You will…” “I can get through any obstacle. That’s not difficult for me,” it replied lazily.

I exclaimed in astonishment, "You know what I'm thinking? You can read minds?" It lazily hummed in agreement.

"Have you made up your mind?" it suddenly asked.

I nodded: "Yes." "By the way, what did you mean when you said that in my illusion?" I asked curiously.

He hummed softly, his cool, indifferent voice wafting over: "You don't need to worry about those things. Just reach the point where you see the most revered emperor as a stone, the most noble emperor as a passerby, and Meixi and Daji as the ugliest people. Then, you can begin the most important journey of your life, ascending to that position everyone dreams of." I chuckled, then said somewhat mischievously, "Pearls are smooth and lustrous; how could they possibly look like stones? My sense of touch and sight can't be that far off. Emperors are just like ordinary people, passersby in our lives; Meixi and Daji are first-rate beauties, and my standards are reasonable enough not to see them as ugly." "I can sense you chuckling in your mind." It remained asleep, unresponsive to my words.

"I did it on purpose," I said with a faint smile, leaning against the cold stone wall.

"I have to go. Since you've made your choice, do what you believe in." After saying this, it disappeared before my eyes. I know it has always been by my side. It said my growth is its growth, so my pain is its pain, my wound is its wound. It is with me.

“Wait,” I said, stretching out my long arms to encircle it and burying my head in its soft, snow-white fur.

It was slightly taken aback. "What are you doing?" But when it felt a warm, damp sensation, it fell silent.

A muffled voice, slightly stuffy, came from the ostrich's nest: "Let me warm up. It's so cold." After a long while, I looked up, my face still calm: "Alright, you can go now. Take care." After Xiaobai left, I stood there alone, my mind filled with countless thoughts: my wounds, the paintings in those rooms, his unfamiliar gaze, and the Yi Jin Xuan. Yi Jin, Yi Jin—was it a memory of An Jin?

Thinking back on those absurd days, I suddenly felt an urge to laugh out loud, and so I did. In this empty prison, I laughed loudly, looking up at the sky. How desolate, how sorrowful the laughter!

"Your Majesty..." A worried voice called out softly from the darkness.

129 Parting (Part 2)

"Who?" I answered softly.

"It's me, Your Majesty. You are the only one who survived after entering that place. So Your Majesty need not worry, His Majesty will surely release you," the man comforted her.

"Really?" I chuckled softly. "Call me by my name. I don't even know if I can get out of here, let alone be some 'Empress.' Call me by my name. Are you also a member of the Dark Gate?" "Yes," he replied respectfully, but still asked with surprise, "Your Majesty knows about the Dark Gate?" I nodded calmly. There was nothing strange about that.

I looked at him in the darkness; he was still dressed in his usual handsome and dashing bodyguard uniform. I couldn't see his expression because the cell was dimly lit. It was damp and reeked of a foul stench, and I could hear screams from time to time, from which I could tell how much torture and pain someone was enduring.

My mind was a little hazy, and I made small talk: "I'm sorry, Guard Du, I may not have the chance to spar with you in martial arts." Du Shaotang remained silent. He didn't know what to say to this woman he had always admired and respected. He knew she didn't need sympathy, comfort, or his pity. Even in prison, even after enduring so many tragic things, she remained as strong as ever. She was still so stunningly beautiful that one couldn't help but linger around her.

Clad in pristine white, she smiled gently in the breeze. A captivating charm emanated from her.

Just like when I first met her, I was deeply impressed.

However, he only needed to protect her silently; he was content just to watch her quietly from the sidelines.

"Your Majesty, no, Wei Ying... Is there anything I can do for you?" "No need." I shook my head faintly, like a dying person choosing to silently await death.

"Oh, right." I suddenly remembered there was something I hadn't done yet; perhaps I could leave behind a reason to save the entire Xie family from disaster. When I met Xiao Quanzi, I had already instructed him to find Yunying and rescue her. When I left, I saw they were safe and sound, and I was relieved.

"Do you have paper and pen?" I asked him.

"Wait, I'll be right back." With that, he disappeared into the darkness.

The air in the darkness made me feel suffocated; I couldn't breathe properly.

A tightness in my chest made me cough uncontrollably. The coughing aggravated my wounds, causing them to ache.

Brother Sima, even if the years are filled with hardship and life is lonely, even if we are no longer who we are, even if there is no return date, I will still keep my promise. The promise to give you all the wealth in the world, the promise to protect this country for you.

Sometimes I think back, I traveled a thousand years to come here, to meet you. In your life, I don't know what I am. Am I your smile, a fleeting beauty, a moment in the blink of an eye? Am I your sunflower, making my heart bloom? Am I your harp, singing a love song alone? Am I your poison, making you fall in love at first sight?

"Paper and pen are ready, Mother—" He handed them to me through the crack in the iron bars. I struggled to crawl over and knelt on the ground. My hands were too heavy to hold the pen. I had to bite the pen with my teeth and then shakily wrote down the only words I wanted to say on the snow-white paper.

The tears, which had been held back for so long, finally burst forth. Scalding hot, they fell drop by drop onto the pristine white paper, staining the undried ink into clumps of mist, the water stains spreading outwards, fading into faint flowers, and blurring the characters.

"Your Majesty—" he suddenly cried out in astonishment as the empress was right in front of him.

"What's wrong?" I mumbled through my nose, lowering my head to wipe away my tears.

"Your hair..." He hesitated to finish. You see, in this palace, all the women carefully cherished and protected their beauty, fearing that the Emperor's favor wouldn't last. Especially hers...

I put down my pen, let my messy hair fall loose, and casually tousled it. When I saw some gray hairs mixed in, I was slightly stunned. Gray hair overnight? How could this happen to me? Was it because I was thinking too much? Or had my body, weakened by long-term injuries?

Casually picking up a few strands of white hair and playfully twirling them between my fingertips, I wondered if the white hair appeared overnight. Was it the pain in my heart, or some remaining weakness in my body, that caused my face to age so quickly?

If I manage to get out of here alive, Qingci will definitely develop a medicine to cure me and restore me to full health. I'm not worried.

I knew that Du Shaotang's eyes held so much heartache, worry, and even a hint of pity. I smiled nonchalantly: "It's alright, I don't mind. So be it. I don't even know if I'll get out of here alive." My tone was casual, my expression completely unconcerned. But the pain in my heart was unspeakable.

I pulled something out from inside my clothes—the jade pendant he had given me that day. It was blue-green and of the finest quality. I later inquired and confirmed that it had always belonged to the empress of the Jin state, and he had given it to me on my birthday.

Today, I will return it to him.

There was another letter, just a few words, yet it carried astonishing power.

I've imagined him seeing these scenes many times, but I've dismissed all those ideas at once. It's true what they say, those involved are often blinded by their own perspective; I was one of them too.

I handed the items to Du Shaotang, looking at this man—who, even in prison, was still willing to help me—with genuine interest for the first time. He was all alone here; I couldn't help but trust him. "Give these to the Emperor. Thank you," I said with a bright smile. He was momentarily stunned by my radiant smile.

Du Shaotang watched her smile, which shone brightly even in the darkness, illuminating the entire cell. Suddenly, he felt she was like a rising star in the night, radiant and dazzling, like raindrops falling on a profusion of blossoms, beautiful as brocade, dreamlike.

Du Shaotang stepped forward and respectfully accepted the item I handed him. Upon seeing the jade dragon-patterned sword, he paused slightly, his eyes wide with astonishment. As a member of the Dark Gate, he naturally didn't know what it was holding.

"Who exactly are you?" His voice trembled slightly; he even doubted whether he was dreaming.

I smiled brightly, like an innocent child: "I am who I am." Such a simple, ordinary answer, yet it touched Du Shaotang. To be true to oneself?

Some faces will inevitably grow old, just like the years that cause a car to fall off its odometer. On your journey, you will never see my aging again, Brother Sima.

I took out the pills I had prepared beforehand from my underwear, swallowed them with a smile, and then closed my eyes.

On that piece of paper was written: When love reaches its deepest point, it is forgotten. No resentment remains, only fragrance endures.

Let us be carefree and return without worry. To be born without joy, to die without sorrow—these are all worldly trifles. Let us run free between heaven and earth, and curse the heavens for their madness! Brother Sima, where is our final resting place?

Longing is a grand feast; you've left, and I'm left to enjoy it alone. Brother Sima, we will eventually forget each other.

In the darkness, I saw a beam of light; my drifting thoughts, like intricate threads of brocade, found no way out. I smiled, and closed my eyes contentedly.

Knowing that you love me in this life is enough.

Volume 4

Volume Introduction:

Even if we're separated, even if we're not together, will you still wait for me in the same place? Will you still love me? Brother Sima.

Chapter 130 The Truth

Inside the Imperial Palace. Late at night.

"Your Majesty, there is something I wish to say, but I am unsure whether I should." Li Jiu took a deep breath. Never mind, what does it matter what promise he made, whether he was a gentleman, or whether he had promised Wei Ying?

Sima Rui raised an eyebrow, waiting for him to continue.

Li Jiu closed his eyes briefly: "Does Your Majesty remember the strategy I proposed to repel the enemy that day?" Sima Rui's expression darkened slightly. Could it be—no way? He dared not think any further.

"That wasn't my idea, but Consort Liande's." Like a bolt from the blue, Li Jiu blurted out the answer. Sima Rui's face paled.

Li Jiu, seemingly oblivious to everything, continued, “During the rebellion, Her Majesty suddenly appeared at Mi's house at night, informed me, and then left. His Highness the Crown Prince was also present. Her Majesty, not wanting to attract attention, asked me to remain silent. I agreed, and have always kept my promise. However, today it seems Your Majesty has some misunderstanding about Her Majesty. How could someone who proposed a strategy to repel the enemy possibly be plotting a rebellion? If she had treasonous intentions, with her intelligence and cunning, she would never have revealed such a glaring flaw. Doesn't Your Majesty find this strange?” Sima Rui sighed deeply, his brow furrowed, looking haggard. “I have never doubted her. Her character would never allow her to do such a thing. The evidence is conclusive, people's hearts are unpredictable, and all the ministers are watching; I have no choice but to act. Li Jiu, I am the Emperor.” Sima Rui lowered his head, muttering to himself, “So it was her.” She had always been by his side, always had been her.

“There’s one more thing,” Li Jiu’s expression suddenly became inscrutable, “I’ve always been puzzled. The other day, when Her Majesty mentioned that Young Master Jin would appear, I asked her how she knew, but she answered casually. I thought she was joking. However, on the day Su Jun was banished, Young Master Jin really did appear. It’s strange, very coincidental, isn’t it, Your Majesty?” Sima Rui remained silent for a long time. His face grew increasingly pale. His lips also became increasingly ashen.

"Your Majesty?" Li Jiu called softly.

Suddenly, Sima Rui clutched his head, his face contorted in agony, his whole body trembling and his muscles spasming. It was a truly terrifying sight.

He was still muttering to himself, "Xiao Jin... Xiao Jin... Wei Ying... Wei Ying... Who is she?... Who is she?!" His eyes were vacant, unable to see anything.

"Your Majesty, Your Majesty, what's wrong?" Sima Rui stood up shakily and unsteadily, feeling dizzy and disoriented. He stumbled and knocked things over everywhere, leaving a mess on the ground, and the sound of things breaking echoed through the hall.

Sima Rui let out a low growl of unbearable pain, like a trapped beast. Finally, his eyes went blank, his vision went black, and he collapsed with a thud.

In the dead of night, an anxious voice shattered the tranquility: "Someone! Someone! Quickly summon the imperial physicians!" Chaos erupted within the palace; the emperor had become drowsy and seemed to have fallen into a coma. The imperial physicians were frantic, frantically discussing what to do. Prescribing medicine for the emperor was a delicate matter, as it concerned their lives. Moreover, the emperor's symptoms today were strange, not like a physical ailment, but more like being under some kind of witchcraft or demonic spell.

The imperial physicians were like ants on a hot pan, completely helpless!

Li Jiu stood there, his usually calm face beginning to show anxiety.

Your Majesty, you must hold on!

Just as he was burning with anxiety and restless, a eunuch waiting outside the door suddenly came in to report that a guard was requesting an audience, saying that he had important business to discuss and that he had no choice but to see him.

For some reason, Li Jiu suddenly had a bad feeling. Something seemed to be going to happen tonight.

Suddenly, a flash of lightning streaked across the window, almost tearing the face of the night sky apart. Amidst the thunder and lightning, a mournful, weeping sound suddenly arose in the air, as if the entire sky was weeping for someone, bidding farewell to someone.

Li Jiu's hurried steps were suddenly interrupted by a sharp pain in his heart, leaving him stunned. He stopped, and suddenly felt a warm sensation on his face. Involuntarily, he touched his face, then was utterly astonished; he didn't know when, but tears were streaming down his face. Moreover, he felt an inexplicable pain in his heart, and the tears kept flowing. This made him look very strange. A minister, suddenly weeping like a child, startled the eunuch walking ahead, who glanced back.

What's wrong with this person today? It's been such a chaotic day, it feels like the night will never end.

It was like an endless night. The little eunuch prayed for daylight to come quickly. Tonight seemed too eerie. He was so afraid that he trembled involuntarily.

A pale-faced man dressed as a guard, like a walking corpse, stood in the doorway, seemingly oblivious to everyone around him. He stood there like a statue, motionless, as if his soul had left his body.

Li Jiu walked up to him, and the eunuch who had led the way called him for a while before he barely regained his senses, as if his soul had just returned to his body. His face was full of grief, and his eyes were filled with endless sorrow. He bowed respectfully and kowtowed, then almost reverently handed what he was holding to Li Jiu.

Li Jiu took it with a puzzled look. He was extremely surprised and suspicious. It was a precious jade pendant and a folded piece of white paper.

The guard stared blankly at him for a long time, then said something to him.

Those words struck Li Jiu like a bolt from the blue, almost knocking him to the ground. His vision blurred, and he nearly fainted. Fortunately, a quick-thinking eunuch nearby caught him in time, preventing him from collapsing to the ground.

Li Jiu steadied himself. He couldn't afford to collapse now; the Emperor was waiting for what he had in his hands.

In a hazy, dreamlike state, Sima Rui suddenly heard a slightly choked voice say to him, "Your Majesty, Your Majesty..."

"Consort Liande has just passed away. This is a jade pendant that Consort Liande had a guard give to you." As she spoke, she handed him the jade pendant, which was still warm from being held in her hand.

Sima Rui's eyes were unfocused, staring at him through a thick fog. The warm touch in his hand made his heart clench. Waves of excruciating pain, overwhelming agony, and devastating blows struck him like bolts from the blue.

Then, a mouthful of blood spurted out. The scattered drops, like plum blossom spots in the dark night, appeared alluring and sinister under the dim lamplight, like ghosts, causing Li Jiu and the imperial physician beside him to gasp in surprise.

"Xiao Jin!" Sima Rui cried out in anguish before finally fainting.

Amidst the ever-changing tides of history, the course continues uninterrupted, following the records in the annals. This continent continues its relentless march along the tracks of history, evolving and evolving, its traditions enduring. What is destined to happen continues to happen, and what is destined to disappear continues to disappear. No one can change this.

On this vast and magnificent continent, everything unfolds on its own, without anyone stopping in their tracks.

Not long ago, Consort Lian, the beloved concubine of the Jin Emperor, died tragically. The Emperor, after a severe illness, held a grand funeral for his beloved consort, and the entire nation mourned for several days in remembrance. He decreed that no celebratory events should be held throughout the country for ten days. A rumor circulated that the Emperor deeply loved Consort Lian and, after recovering from his illness, attempted suicide several times to follow her in death. However, he was stopped by hundreds of ministers and his concubines kneeling at the palace gates, pleading and weeping. Seven days later, the Emperor finally emerged from the palace, emaciated and almost a skeleton. After promising not to take his own life, he collapsed. Upon regaining consciousness, he seemed reborn, a completely different person, becoming aloof and indifferent. The following day, he posthumously conferred upon Consort Lian the title of "Empress Zejin" and decreed that the title of Empress would remain in her name for life, and no further Empress would be appointed.

The emperor's deep affection moved people throughout the land. The common people were also deeply touched.