Chu Tong listened silently, then couldn't help but say, "That's all in the past, let's not bring it up again."
Xie Linghui glanced at Chu Tong, refilled his teacup, took another sip, and said:
“Chu Tong, you’re clever and intelligent. There are some things I don’t need to tell you to understand. I had no choice but to kill you back then. People can’t live on feelings alone. So even though I was reluctant and heartbroken, I still had to kill you. Although I know this was unfair to you, I had to sacrifice you for the Xie family… Even though I love you, and you are the woman I love most in my life, if I could turn back time, I would still kill you without hesitation… If you hadn’t died, my father, my mother, my brother, my sister, even Steward Hong and the Xie family’s servants would all have died. I can’t ruin the entire family for my own selfish feelings…” Xie Linghui’s voice grew softer and softer, and after a long silence, he said, “Chu Tong, I’m sorry…”
Chu Tong shook her head and said, "Xie Linghui, I was just an insignificant girl back then. Even though it was because of your Xie family that I caused such a huge disaster, it's understandable that you want to kill me. Even though I hate you, I understand your predicament. Although you wronged me, you didn't do anything wrong. It's just that you don't understand me. I, Yao Chu Tong, may not have much conscience, but I'm willing to risk my life for my friends and I know how to repay kindness. If you let me go to Bei Liang or Nan Yan, I will never tell anyone about that matter, even if I die. You value your own life and interests too much, so you assume that others are the same way."
Xie Linghui suddenly raised his head, his sharp eyes fixed on Chu Tong. Chu Tong looked directly into Xie Linghui's eyes and said, "But... but you shouldn't have killed Wang Lang! He saved my life several times, and his kindness to me is immeasurable. You actually killed him, so I will definitely take your head!"
Xie Linghui laughed loudly, "How can you blame me? This is clearly a trick played by the dead emperor! He wanted to depose the crown prince, but he was afraid of the power of the crown prince's maternal uncle's family. On the surface, he supported the Xie family to support the crown prince, but secretly he instructed the Wang family to support the third prince, Dexin! It's a pity that the Xie family put all their hopes on that incompetent crown prince. So when the crown prince is deposed, the Xie family will inevitably be eliminated. At best, they will be exiled to the frontier; at worst, their entire family will be executed and wiped out. All the hard work they have accumulated over the years will be in vain, so they have no choice but to gamble everything! Originally, the capital's defenses were riddled with holes. I could have taken the capital with a few thousand soldiers and forced the emperor to abdicate. But Wang Lang stubbornly defended the capital and even forced Xiuyan to her death. I knew then that this man could not be allowed to live!"
Chu Tong sighed deeply, a wave of bitterness washing over her. She said slowly, "Xie Linghui, why do you scheme and plot so much?"
Xie Linghui was stunned for a moment, then suddenly burst into laughter, looked up at Chu Tong with a pleading look in his eyes, and said, "Chu Tong, pour me a cup of tea!"
Chu Tong was stunned. She looked up at Xie Linghui and saw that his features were still handsome and resolute, like an eagle soaring in the desert. In an instant, all the memories flooded her mind. This man had given her a home when she was wandering the world, and had been so indulgent and considerate towards her, allowing her to experience the taste of love between a man and a woman for the first time! This man was the first person to give her heartfelt care and warmth after her mother's death, and in the end, he was also the one who pushed her into the abyss.
Chu Tong lifted the teapot and poured a cup for Xie Linghui, her posture being the most standard "Phoenix Three Nods." Xie Linghui smiled and said, "You used this posture the first time you poured tea for me." His smile was tinged with vicissitudes and emotion.
Chu Tong said softly, "It's been a long time since I've poured tea like this. The person is still the same, but the feelings are no longer the same."
Xie Linghui shuddered, then gave a wry smile and said, "Never mind." He took a sip of his tea and sighed sincerely, "This is truly excellent tea..."
After saying that, Xie Linghui stood up, walked to Chu Tong, looked at her and said, "I know you want my head, go ahead and do it!" Then, Shuang Ri stared at the flickering candlelight in the mountain stream and said, "Actually, ever since the day I started the rebellion, I knew this day would come. My head was just hanging on my own neck, and I was waiting for someone else to take it. In the end, it was you who came to take my life. I am really happy."
Chu Tong drew her dagger, stood up, shook her head, and said, "I really don't understand. If you knew this would happen, why did you still rebel? Why don't you take the Xie family's vast wealth and find another place to live a good life?"
Xie Linghui laughed loudly: "Hahaha—a person's life is as fleeting as a blade of grass in autumn. Living a glorious twenty-odd years is a hundred times better than living a hundred years in mediocrity, accomplishing nothing, and dying on a sickbed! My lifelong goal, Xie Linghui, is to rise to the highest ranks of government, to hold the power of life and death! I'd rather do this than live like a stray dog, spending the rest of my life in fear!"
He turned to Chu Tong and said, "Come closer, I have a huge secret to tell you."
Chu Tong, wary of his trickery, gripped the dagger tightly in her right hand and cautiously approached. Xie Linghui pulled Chu Tong close, grabbed her right hand, and desperately shoved the dagger into his own chest!
With a soft "poof".
Chu Tong was stunned. Xie Linghui pulled Chu Tong into his arms, kissed her hair, and said:
"Well done." Then, with all his might, he laughed loudly, "In my life, I, Xie Linghui, have commanded thousands of troops, served as a mighty general, and enjoyed worldly riches and glory. My life has been worthwhile!"
After saying that, he pushed Chu Tong away, swayed and fell to the ground. He took out a purse from his sleeve and said intermittently, "I owe you... I've returned it to you..." Then he looked at the cave entrance and said, "Look... it's dawn... the sunrise... is so beautiful..." After saying that, he tilted his head to the ground and slowly closed his eyes.
Chu Tong stepped forward and took the purse from Xie Linghui's hand. The purse had rough stitches, just like the one she had made for him herself. She opened the purse and saw two jade ruyi inside. One was smooth and intact, while the other was full of cracks, obviously because it had been broken and then glued back together.
Chu Tong looked at it for a long time, then put the purse back into Xie Linghui's hand and said softly, "Xie Linghui, I don't want to cut off your head anymore. I'll leave you with a whole corpse... You owe your elder brother what you owe him, you can settle the score with him when you get to the King of Hell... You don't owe me anything now..."
She stood up and walked out of the cave without looking back, the red candles inside going out one by one, leaving only darkness.
The imperial court quelled the rebellion, and the three armies returned in triumph. Emperor Dexin was overjoyed and specially ordered Chu Tong to enter the palace to be rewarded and honored. Yun Yinghuai originally intended to take Chu Tong directly back to Beiliang after the battle, but Chu Tong refused, saying, "I spent twenty million taels of silver, not only to buy the title of Imperial Envoy, but also the title of Princess of Great Zhou. I should go back and claim that title, otherwise wouldn't this deal be a loss?"
Yun Yinghuai said, both amused and exasperated, "Why would Yao Chutong, a legendary female knight-errant in the martial arts world, care about such empty fame?"
Chu Tong shook her finger and said, "No, no, it's not that I care about empty titles, but since you are already a prince of Beiliang, for the sake of a good match, I should naturally become a princess of Dazhou."
Yun Yinghuai couldn't persuade her otherwise, so he gave in and accompanied her all the way to the capital. Chu Tong was summoned to the palace, and Yun Yinghuai waited for her in the capital. Dexin was overjoyed to see Chu Tong and said with a gentle smile:
"Miss Yao, I heard that you have made many brilliant plans on the front line and even killed the traitor Xie Linghui, making great contributions."
Chu Tong knelt down and said obediently, "Your Majesty, this is not my achievement, but Your Majesty's achievement. I am able to make great strides because of your great blessings."
Upon hearing the word "child," Dexin frowned slightly and said, "Miss Yao, you should rest well in the palace for two days. The day after tomorrow is an auspicious day calculated by the Imperial Observatory, and your reward will be completed on that day."
Chu Tong was overjoyed and knelt down to express her gratitude, saying, "Thank you for your great favor, Your Majesty! Long live the Emperor!"
Leaving the Imperial Study, the eunuch led Chu Tong towards the inner palace. Passing through the Imperial Garden, Chu Tong couldn't help but look around with great curiosity. The garden paths were paved with colorful stones, the railings were carved, and exotic flowers and plants grew beside the stones. Orioles sang among the green willows, artificial hills were adorned with emerald rocks, and winding streams flowed with deep blue waves. As she walked, she felt a subtle fragrance filling her sleeves, and the entire garden exuded charm.
Chu Tong admired the sights for a while, then, as she walked, she saw a slender figure slowly approaching in the distance. The person wore a bright red palace dress with a yellow cloud-patterned satin embroidered with phoenixes and peonies, overlaid with colorful phoenixes and peonies. Below, she wore a scarlet satin pleated skirt with colorful wave patterns and mandarin ducks embroidered with colorful patterns. Her hair was styled in a noble concubine's bun, adorned with a five-phoenix hairpin holding a pearl. Her entire being was graceful and elegant, her bearing exquisite, like a celestial maiden descended to earth. Chu Tong was immediately startled; the person was none other than Jiang Wansheng!
Chu Tong quickly tugged at the sleeve of the little eunuch beside her, forcing a smile, and asked, "Eunuch, who is that beauty who seems to be of heavenly status?"
The eunuch said, "She is a princess sent by Southern Yan for a marriage alliance. She is known as the most beautiful woman in Southern Yan. The Emperor has made her a Noble Consort, and she has been enjoying great favor these past few days."
Chu Tong suddenly realized what was going on. She turned around and glanced at Jiang Wansheng again, thinking to herself: "Oh dear, Miss Jiang really did become Wang Zhaojun and came to the Great Zhou for a marriage alliance!"
She felt relieved that Jiang Wansheng was now married, thus eliminating one of her rivals, but a sense of melancholy lingered in her heart. She couldn't help but glance back at Jiang Wansheng several times, only to see her stunningly beautiful face solemn and expressionless. Chu Tong thought to herself: Even as a concubine, living a life of luxury in the palace, she must be unhappy.
Just then, the eunuch led her to a courtyard. The house was spacious and bright, and the courtyard was filled with exotic flowers and plants. Six palace maids were already waiting for Chu Tong's arrival. Chu Tong didn't stand on ceremony. She had been traveling a long way and had been summoned to the palace by the emperor as soon as she entered the capital. She was tired and sleepy, so she fell asleep as soon as she lay down on the bed.
When Chu Tong woke up, it was already afternoon. She stretched, quickly washed her face, and was just getting ready when a palace maid announced that General Tao Guanglin was requesting an audience. Chu Tong frowned, thinking to herself:
The war is over, what is he doing here? Thinking this, she stepped into the outer hall, where she saw Tao Guanglin sitting in a grand chair. When he saw Chu Tong arrive, he quickly stood up, cupped his hands, and said with a smile, "Greetings, Miss! Congratulations on your arrival."
Chu Tong sat down in the chair with a half-smile, looking at Tao Guanglin and said, "Lord Tao, I wonder what makes me so happy?"
Tao Guanglin said, "His Majesty already knows about our father-daughter relationship. He just summoned me to the palace to have you recognized as a member of the family. I have ordered the ancestral hall to rewrite your family genealogy. From now on, you will be my eldest daughter, Tao Danxing."
Chu Tong chuckled and said, "Lord Tao made a good deal, gaining a daughter who has performed a great service out of nowhere."
Tao Guanglin was somewhat embarrassed and awkwardly said after a long while, "You think this is for my sake? Isn't it for yours! If you didn't have a powerful family background, how could you have entered the palace as a concubine!"
Chu Tong was taken aback. With half a piece of mung bean cake in her mouth, her eyes widened, and she exclaimed, "What did you say?!"
Tao Guanglin said, "The Emperor summoned me, even at the risk of offending his own sister, just to have you acknowledge your ancestry. His intention is clearly to have you enter the palace as a concubine." He continued excitedly, "The Emperor currently only has three concubines in his harem, and the position of Empress is still vacant. These three are: the daughter of the Wang family, the eldest daughter of the Mei family, and the princess who just arrived from Southern Yan. The Wang family has declined since Wang Lang's death and is no longer a threat. The Mei family's power is no match for our Tao family, and that princess sent for a political marriage is even less of a match. How could the Emperor allow a foreign princess to become Empress? Danxing, if you enter the palace, use a little skill to win over the Emperor, and give birth to a prince, the Empress's position will surely be yours!"
Chu Tong was furious, thinking to herself: Damn it, you want to use me as a tool to climb the social ladder and get rich? I will never acknowledge you as my heartless father! But she remained calm on the surface and smiled, "I see. In that case, it's a sure-fire deal."
Tao Guanglin carefully observed Chu Tong's expression and said, "Exactly!"
Chu Tong waved her hand and said, "Okay, I understand. You can write me into the family tree. Let me know when you're officially recognized as a member of the clan." After saying that, she stood up casually, turned around and took a few steps, saying, "If there's nothing else, you can go now. I'm sleepy and want to sleep a little longer." After saying that, she slowly strolled into the bedroom.
After listening to the conversation inside the room from outside the window, Dexin pondered for a moment and said to the little eunuch beside him:
"Send men to keep an eye on her, and make sure she doesn't leave your sight." The eunuch nodded and ran out.
Chu Tong tossed and turned in bed, unable to sleep. She thought to herself, "Damn it! So that old emperor was plotting this! I'm doomed, I'm going to be the emperor's concubine!" Thinking this, she became extremely anxious. She glanced around furtively, realizing she was being watched and had no way to escape.
The day passed in a daze. The next afternoon, several old women came to take Chu Tong's measurements and cut clothes for her. Chu Tong let them work on her expressionlessly. Suddenly, one of the old women slipped a crumpled piece of paper into Chu Tong's hand when no one was looking. Chu Tong was startled and quickly and quietly clutched the paper tightly, saying, "I need to pee." She then went behind the screen, unfolded the paper, and read: "Tonight at midnight, at the east window of the bedroom, help will arrive."
Chu Tong was overjoyed and quickly swallowed the crumpled paper before emerging from behind the screen.
That night, Chu Tong went to bed early, sending the palace maids to the outer room. She quietly got up, dressed, and crept to the east window of her bedroom. After a few moments, she heard a soft knock on the window. Overjoyed, Chu Tong secretly opened it and saw a man in black standing outside. The man said to her, "I am an old friend of Wang Lang, and I have come to rescue you." Chu Tong didn't care whose old friend he was; she just wanted to be taken away. The man in black held the window open for her, and she tiptoed out of the room.
The man in black was clearly very familiar with the palace layout, and he led Chu Tong, dodging left and right, as they ran outside.
After running for a while, the man in black shouted "Oh no!" Chu Tong was startled and looked around. She saw Jiang Wansheng and De Xin walking slowly towards them. The man in black pulled Chu Tong into a nearby rockery.
As the two drew closer, Zhi Xinde smiled and said, "My beloved consort, I know you are virtuous. Tonight you personally delivered food to the Hall of Diligent Governance. I am deeply moved. I will stay at your place tonight."
Jiang Wansheng smiled gently, "It is my duty to care about Your Majesty's health." As she spoke, the two walked to the rockery. Dexin stopped and looked at Jiang Wansheng's stunning face under the moonlight, which was even more beautiful and refined. His heart stirred, and he couldn't help but take Jiang Wansheng's hand and say, "My dear consort, you have rarely smiled since you came to the Great Zhou. What do you want? I will give you everything I can."
Chu Tong thought to herself: I knew it! Jiang Wansheng has been acting like someone owes her a hundred taels of silver, always sullen and unhappy. I guess she's not happy about marrying into this family either. But Dexin, you lecherous devil! You're clearly lusting after my looks, and now you're getting all aroused when you see Jiang Wansheng. You have no morals at all! Compared to my husband, you're a million times worse.
Jiang Wansheng was clearly not used to being so intimate with Dexin. She shook her head, pulled her hand away from Dexin's large hand, and looked up, saying, "Your Majesty, I have nothing special..." She suddenly paused here. It turned out that she had turned her face and just happened to see half of Chutong's face peeking out from behind the artificial hill! Jiang Wansheng was startled and couldn't help but pause.
Chu Tong inwardly cursed, quickly peeking her face out from the hole in the artificial rockery and frantically gesturing with her index finger to her lips. De Ting asked suspiciously, "My dear concubine, what's wrong?" Jiang Wansheng recognized Chu Tong at a glance. Despite her quick wit, she immediately smiled and said, "Your Majesty, I just thought of something I really want. Your Majesty, please come back to the palace with me!" With that, she grabbed De Xin and left.
Watching the two figures disappear into the distance, Chu Tong sighed deeply, thinking to herself: Jiang Wansheng, you're actually a good person. Now I owe you another favor.
The man in black led Chu Tong to an empty house, took out two sets of eunuch's clothes, and changed into them. Then, he took out his waist token and led Chu Tong out of the palace without any hindrance. Once outside the palace gates, the man led Chu Tong to quietly avoid the soldiers patrolling the streets, led her over the city wall, and easily found two fine horses tied in a corner. They each rode one horse and galloped like lightning towards the outskirts.
After traveling for about an hour, the man reined in his horse, turned it around, and said to Chu Tong, "Miss Yao, we've arrived. Your husband is waiting for you here."
Chu Tong looked ahead and saw a ferry crossing with a boat moored there. A tall and upright figure stood on the shore holding a torch. Who else could it be but Yun Yinghuai?
Chu Tong was overjoyed. She jumped off her horse, ran forward, and threw herself into Yun Yinghuai's arms, saying, "My little husband! I've finally seen you! If it had been a few days later, I would have become the emperor's concubine!"
Yun Yinghuai was taken aback, then patted Chu Tong’s back affectionately and said softly, “It’s alright now, let’s go back to Beiliang right away!” After saying that, he looked up at the man and said, “I can’t thank you enough for your great kindness. May I ask your name, benefactor?”
The man stepped forward and ripped off the black cloth that had been covering his face. Chu Tong and Yun Yinghuai gasped in shock. The man's face was covered with scars of all sizes, making it impossible to see his original appearance.
The man laughed and said, "My name is Du Xunyin. Five years ago, I met Miss Yao once in a dilapidated temple. That night, you stole the jade plum blossom from my neck."
Chu Tong exclaimed, "Ah, ah, it's you! Weren't you dead?" Then she thought to herself, "So, he was Qin Ye's scapegoat back then, and now he's Qin Ye's brother-in-law."
Du Xunyin shook her head and said, "No, I just temporarily held my breath and fainted."
That night, a palace maid escaped from the Great Zhou Imperial Palace. This woman was connected to the power struggle between the Wang and Xie families and the dark secrets of the harem, so several groups were hunting her down. I happened to be rescued by the group being pursued by the Wang family. Third Master Wang Lang saved me and hid me in another province, even teaching me to read and write. I could never repay such a great kindness. Later, Third Master wanted to use a scheme to force Prince Duan to turn against the Xie family. Because I resembled Third Master somewhat, I infiltrated the Prince's residence to do this. Afterwards, Third Master asked me what my plans were, and I volunteered to disfigure myself and enter officialdom. Third Master then recommended me to the Emperor's side, making me a close advisor.”
Chu Tong and Yun Yinghuai suddenly realized and nodded repeatedly.
Du Xunyin continued, "I am also saving Miss Yao with my own selfish motives." After saying that, she turned to look at Yun Yinghuai and said, "Hero Yun, my sister Du Yujuan is now married to Qin Ye, but Qin Ye has been demoted to a commoner for some reason. So please take good care of her in Beiliang."
Yun Yinghuai nodded and said, "Of course, please rest assured, Young Master Du." After saying that, he pulled Chu Tong onto the boat and waved goodbye to Du Xunyin. The boatman pushed hard on the boat, and the boat sped forward like an arrow released from a bow.
Chu Tong and Yun Yinghuai sat in the cabin of the boat. Yun Yinghuai lit a red candle, then reached out and pulled Chu Tong into his arms. They sat quietly for a moment, then Yun Yinghuai said, "Yesterday, someone sent me a secret letter saying you were in trouble and that I should quickly prepare a boat to meet you here. I hurriedly found the brothers of the Tonghua Society and got this boat." He then sighed, "Fortunately, there was Young Master Du, otherwise..."
Chu Tong tilted her head back and laughed, "Otherwise, what would you do?"
Yun Yinghuai laughed and said, "Otherwise, I will return to Beiliang and raise an army, and in a fit of rage for the sake of a beautiful woman, I will take you back from Dexin."
Chu Tong felt a surge of sweetness in her heart, kissed Yun Yinghuai's face and said, "I'm content with just hearing you say that!" Then she began to recount Jiang Wansheng's story.
Yun Yinghuai nodded and said with emotion, "Yes, Wanmei has always been a woman of great courage. Now, for the sake of Nanyan, she will surely be willing to sacrifice herself. It is admirable and regrettable."
Chu Tong snorted coldly and said, "If it were me, I wouldn't be willing to sacrifice myself to become Wang Zhaojun. Do you think peace between two countries can be achieved by just one woman? If that's the case, why don't Southern Yan marry all its princesses to us and see if that can stop the iron cavalry of Great Zhou!" In fact, Chu Tong was mostly confused and muddled about these matters. She just said this because Yun Yinghuai praised Jiang Wansheng, and she was jealous.
Yun Yinghuai guessed Chu Tong's thoughts, but he also felt that what the little girl said made some sense. He smiled and said, "You see things quite clearly. No wonder Lady Yao is famous throughout the martial arts world. She is an outstanding and talented woman, and no one can compare to her."
Upon hearing Yun Yinghuai's praise, Chu Tong beamed with joy and nodded repeatedly, saying, "That's right! This heroine is naturally unmatched in both literature and martial arts. Look at me, a talented woman who doesn't even care about the Emperor, yet only wants to marry you. This is a wonderful thing that has fallen from the sky. You must always treat me well in the future, otherwise you will be letting down the grace that God has given you."
Yun Yinghuai suppressed a laugh and said solemnly, "Of course, I didn't know it was a big pie falling from the sky, and when I broke it open, it was even filled with three kinds of delicacies! I will definitely treat you well from now on, so that God won't blame me for not being appreciative."
The two were chatting and laughing when suddenly Chu Tong seemed to remember something and whispered, "My dear husband, I don't want to go back to the Northern Liang Palace. Every day I'm either kowtowing or kneeling, it's exhausting, and I have no freedom at all."
Yun Yinghuai nodded and said, "I don't want to either. Let's not go to the palace. Let's find a good place, get married, and live happily ever after."
Chu Tong exclaimed with delight, "Ah, that's wonderful! I still have some of the jewelry your mother gave me. Let's withdraw that money, buy a big house, and then travel around and have fun. It'll be so wonderful!"
Yun Yinghuai's eyes were filled with laughter as she said, "Indeed, very beautiful!" She paused, then continued, "I heard that Qin Ye is still guarding the imperial tomb in a humble house. None of his former concubines or lovers have come to visit him. On the contrary, his former unfavored concubine, Du Yujuan, has remained devoted to him. Now, Qin Ye's arrogant nature has changed a lot, and he is more considerate towards Du Yujuan. The two already have a child." At this point, she whispered in Chu Tong's ear, "Xing'er, I wonder when we'll be able to have our own child?"
Chu Tong blushed and pulled a silver hairpin from her hair to trim the candle wick, trying to hide her embarrassment.
"Let's talk about marriage when you marry me in a grand sedan chair carried by eight men, and I become your true wife!"
Yun Yinghuai held Chu Tong's hand and smiled, "You've been my little wife for a long time. Five years ago, when I first met you, we got married. But at the time, I only thought it was a game, but I never expected that I would really be entangled with you for a lifetime."
Chu Tong felt a sweet warmth in her heart, turned her head and smiled sweetly at Yun Yinghuai. The candlelight illuminated her beautiful face, making her exceptionally charming.