The document is clear to the world

Chapter 117

“If a person doesn’t care about their own situation at all, only thinks about your safety, only thinks about your well-being, only thinks that if you live, you can live for them, then they must love you very much, far more than they love themselves.” Hudutai stared at me intently. “Or perhaps, they have never loved themselves.”

I was speechless for a moment, just staring blankly at Hudutai.

“He said he believed you could live on in his place! That’s why he left so peacefully.” Hudutai smiled gently. “He understood you better than he understood himself.”

After saying that, he turned around with a sense of relief, "I've finally repaid your man's favor. I can get ready to go back now."

"A favor?!" I looked at him, puzzled.

"Yes, my wife."

"Your wife?" I asked steadily. "It seems you have many women, but never a wife."

He laughed, looking completely bewildered. "Yes, I'm in a hurry to go back and marry my sweetheart. I was even waiting for your man to officiate the wedding for me. I really don't know if it's because he's not lucky enough or I'm not."

"Which beauty is it?"

"Eagle Song".

I was taken aback. "She's already..."

"When I went in, she was about to commit suicide, but I stopped her. Later, Lu Li let her go and decided not to pursue the matter. That's the favor I owe him," Hudutai said nonchalantly. "From now on, I will keep a close eye on my wife and make sure she doesn't cause any trouble."

I smiled. "But... when did you become interested in her?"

“I never saw her as a woman before, so I never paid any attention to her. Until… when I stopped her from committing suicide, the obsession in her eyes seemed familiar. I have always liked women with genuine personalities.”

"Does this seem familiar? You still have an old flame?" I looked at him with amusement.

"Idiot, it's you, you vixen." He gently tapped my forehead. "In this world, you're the first person to dare push me to the ground and curse me as some kind of monster." With that, he laughed and strode away. "Your man is far superior to me... so I can't afford to steal his woman. I didn't dare when he was alive, and I still don't dare now that he's dead."

As Hudutai's laughter faded behind me, I leaned against the coffin and slowly sat down, my head resting against the sandalwood body of the coffin. My voice was so soft that only I and the coffin could hear it...

"You've really been doing a lot behind my back. Are you playing matchmaker this time?"

Chapter Two: The Child Becomes Emperor

The court's power has split into two factions: one led by the Fourth Prince and the Prime Minister, who are now the retired emperor, who holds great power; the other led by me, a member of the imperial clan, who supports the regent Lu Xiu in assisting the young emperor to ascend the throne.

The sound of the night watchman's drum came from afar, growing louder as I patted the sleeping Jinghan with one hand. A soft rustling sound reached my ears, and I quickly looked behind me. The silvery moonlight peacefully shone on the blue bricks, casting a faint halo. I saw Fourth Master standing motionless in place.

His voice was soft, “The child looks a lot like him.”

I leaned against the bedside, gently stroking Jinghan's little face in the cradle, and smiled faintly. I slowly rose and walked over, asking, "Prince Mu, is something the matter?"

"We'll only discuss official business."

I smiled slightly and said, "I don't recall having any private matters to discuss with Your Highness."

"Please give your orders, Your Majesty." I walked to the door and stood by the window. The night outside was growing deeper, the lamplight only illuminating a few steps away, and the chrysanthemums drooped their buds, seemingly asleep. The deep palace grew increasingly silent. I lightly touched the dew on the corridor with my finger, my voice cold, "Your Imperial Father actually used a trick to coerce you into touching Yao Shuhuan."

Fourth Master pursed his lips and stared at me without answering.

"So you knew about that child all along. The child was initially hidden in your manor by the Emperor. I remember Sangsang once said that Fourth Sister-in-law lost a little daughter, and Sangsang always blamed herself for dragging her little sister down with her. In fact, the child who drowned was Xi'er, who was raised as a daughter to cover up the truth. It was you who instructed Mianye to take the child to Nalan Manor. The death of the young princess of the Mu Prince's manor was just a cover. You calculated the time, the place, and the opportunity, just waiting for us, mother and son, to meet again in such a bizarre environment. Then everything that seemed illogical became natural. You just didn't expect that your Emperor wouldn't believe your cover at all, and even after so many years, he could still recognize Xi'er, who was being led by Lu Xiu."

He turned to the side, making it impossible for me to see him clearly.

I looked out the window and said softly, "Fourth Brother, since you've already done so much, can't you help me a little more? I don't believe you... truly want to see everything that Father desires happen."

Before he could answer me, a young palace maid came to announce, "Your Highness, Consort Shu is likely about to give birth."

I nodded. I turned to look at Fourth Master. "The woman is giving birth in the front. Fourth Brother, you should just stay in the backyard and read some books." The implication was clear: I didn't want him to get involved.

He didn't insist. He looked at me deeply, then sat calmly before the cradle, looking at Jinghan and asking, "Will he become a wise ruler like his father?"

"I don't know." I smiled with relief. "But... I hope so."

Having said this, he quickly left the inner room and hastily boarded the sedan chair. As he lowered the curtain, he hurriedly summoned a eunuch outside the chair, saying, "Go and invite Grand Marshal Yang. Grant him permission to lead his personal troops to surround the inner palace from the west. Summon Prince Duan and have him quickly prepare the edict for the new emperor's ascension to the throne. Order the officials of the Six Ministries to await further developments."

The sedan chair proceeded towards the West Palace, where, as expected, there were people even more anxious than I was. The Prime Minister and Fu Jing were waiting outside the inner chamber. I could see the almost arrogant blaze in the eyes of this father and daughter as they looked at me. I wondered what the Emperor Emeritus had promised the Prime Minister. Would he allow Fu Jing to raise the young emperor after the new ruler was established? No wonder this father and daughter were more anxious than anyone else.

Xiaoyu had also heard the news and entered Huanxi Courtyard after me. She followed the wet nurse into the delivery room. A few steps away, our eyes met, and we understood each other's thoughts. It was going to be a bloody and sleepless night, and she wanted to be with me. Huanxi Courtyard had never had so many palace lanterns lit at the same time before; today was truly an unprecedented event. Xiaoyu walked slowly from the delivery room with the wet nurse, knelt before me, and respectfully said, "Congratulations, Your Majesty, Consort Shu has given birth to a dragon princess. Mother and daughter are healthy."

Those behind me seemed to breathe a sigh of relief, except for Fu Jing and the Prime Minister, whose faces were ashen. My expression towards Xiaoyu was anything but relaxed; her gaze, looking up at me, held a hint of urgency. Only she and I knew that, regardless of the outcome, it would all come down to one thing—"A dragon girl has been born, and mother and daughter are healthy and well."

I stood up and calmly said, "Is that so? Come with me to the inner room to see him."

Xiaoyu quickly stepped aside, and the fleeting worry in her eyes made me realize that things were indeed not going as planned.

I sat on the soft couch in the delivery room, holding the infant in my arms. He didn't cry, only made faint whimpering sounds. His mother was still unconscious. The old nanny who brought him to the mortal world wiped her sweat and said, "The little prince looks like the emperor, but even more like Consort Shu."

I laughed inwardly. How could he resemble Lu Li? His features, including his nose and mouth, were exactly like those of the Fourth Master, except that his eyebrows and eyes were very similar to Yao Shuhuan's.

Xiaoyu walked up quietly and whispered in my ear, "Eighth Prince has arrived with the imperial physician."

Yes, if a newborn infant were to die, the imperial physician could do the quietest thing. This was also the last resort that Lu Xiu and I had discussed beforehand, but of all things, she had to give birth to a son. Now, the child's life or death hangs in the balance. Lu Li, if you were here today, what would you choose? You would surely keep this child, and then take me away, bidding farewell to court affairs and living in seclusion together. But... things are different now. There is no longer anyone who can pull me away from all this misery, allowing me to say goodbye to it all.

The imperial physician was already waiting outside the screen. Through the screen, I could see Lu Xiu's gaze was steady yet solemn.

She glanced at the midwife and said, "The little princess is growing very well."

The old nanny paused for a moment, then understood and continued, "Yes, the little princess looks a lot like Consort Shu."

I smiled and praised her quick thinking. I glanced at the screen and said, "The little princess is healthy; there's no need for the imperial physicians for now."

On the 27th day of the tenth month of the first year of the Deyou era, a daughter was born in Huanxi Palace and named Qingyang. She was raised in the Eastern Palace. On the 28th day of the tenth month, Prince Duan announced Emperor Dezong's dying edict designating Jinghan, the eldest son of the Eastern Palace, as the heir apparent. On the 29th day, Prince Duan and Prince Mu supported the heir apparent's ascension to the throne. All six ministries responded, and the Grand Marshal also led troops into the palace to ensure the safety of the throne until the young emperor ascended the throne. Emperor Dezong and Empress Rong issued a grand summons to the entire nation, expressing gratitude for the late emperor's kindness, and declaring that the young emperor would observe five years of mourning and not ascend the throne. During these five years, the dynasty name would remain unchanged, and two regents would jointly govern the country.

The two regents were none other than the Fourth Prince and the Eighth Prince.

So next year will still be the second year of Deyou...

"Your Majesty, Your Majesty..." came the repeated calls.

I just looked up and saw the courtiers kneeling on the ground in front of the beaded curtain of the Chaoyang Palace.

He pinched the ring between his thumbs and leaned back. "Where were we, gentlemen? Let's continue."

"Your Majesty, are we really going to negotiate with the Liao Kingdom?"

I smiled faintly, “The Liao Kingdom has already sued for peace. Continuing the war would only be a waste of resources and manpower. Now, the Liao royal family has undergone a change of power, with the Yelü clan's imperial power being replaced by the Xiao dynasty. It is a time for dynastic change and recuperation. At this very moment, they are trying their best to befriend our dynasty. Their regret for the reforms is obvious. Wouldn't it be an invasion if we were to take action against them?!”

“Your Majesty, our late Emperor was murdered by the Liao Kingdom through a scheme. If this grudge is not avenged, Nanping will be filled with hatred.” A military general stepped forward and said indignantly, “Your subject is willing to request reinforcements.”

"I admire and appreciate the general's loyalty," I smiled slightly. "But we live in a time of peace, not chaos."

Having said that, he straightened up slightly and said, "Wen'an, draft the imperial edict."

No sooner had I finished speaking than the First-Rank Vice Minister of the Secretariat hurriedly echoed me, "Wen'an, receive the imperial decree."

I slowly stood up, lifted the beaded curtain with one hand, and stepped out from behind it. I walked step by step toward the assembled officials in the main hall. "I hereby order the dispatch of envoys to Liao to demonstrate our determination to negotiate peace. However, from this day forward, Liao will submit to our dynasty through its descendants, paying tribute and coins annually, and coming to court every year to request an audience. We will also open border trade between the two countries and allow intermarriage..."

In the fourth year of Deyou, the bustling city of Youzhou was filled with crowds.

On a crisp autumn day, with a gentle breeze and sunshine, one feels incredibly sleepy.

I fanned myself and listened to the storyteller on stage recount the story of Meng Jiangnu crying down the Great Wall, and then, quite unceremoniously, I yawned.

"Liu Shang, what happened to Meng Jiangnu in the end?" As I walked out of the storytelling venue, I rubbed my sleepy eyes and turned around to see Liu Shang wiping away tears with a handkerchief. The girl glared at me angrily, "She was heartbroken. If you don't want to hear it, don't ask."

I was somewhat dumbfounded. The little girl had been with me for a few months, and her temper had grown; she had learned to argue with her master.

"Are you hungry?" the little girl finally managed to utter a sensible question.

Seeing that I nodded, she said "Oh" and pointed to a noodle shop on the side, "Let's go eat a bowl of noodles before we leave."

"Whatever..." I strode over, "Anyway, the money's tied up with you."

"Two bowls of braised noodles with scallion oil," I ordered the waiter skillfully, adding, "One bowl with chili."

"Another letter has arrived from the Empress Dowager, urging you to return," Liu Shang instructed in a low voice.

I took a sip of the soup, looking completely satisfied. "The ingredients are really fresh today."

Liu Shang sighed and, without saying another word, buried his head in eating his noodles.

On the border battlefield outside Youzhou City, yellow dust swirls in the wind, and across the way, one can vaguely see cavalry trading with the Liao Kingdom. The yellow dust beneath my feet once buried 230,000 soldiers.

Three years ago today, the Liao Dynasty launched a massive invasion southward, encroaching upon our land and traversing Youzhou with its iron hooves, boasting that it would conquer the Central Plains within three months. The Emperor of the Central Plains personally led an army northward to retake Youzhou, driving the Liao army out of the city. The Liao people, outside their own borders, decided to fight to the death. The Liao Emperor mobilized the entire nation to meet the attack, personally leading his iron cavalry to confront the Emperor of the Central Plains outside Youzhou. He used fire to surround our large army, which was preparing to return home. Our army, with fewer than 80,000 soldiers, fought a fierce battle against the Liao army of fifteen thousand men for eighteen days… By the time reinforcements arrived, the scene was one of carnage. The flames of war had burned for ten days, and the corpses of two hundred thousand soldiers were beyond recognition, leaving only piles of charred remains, most without complete bodies. Among them… were the two emperors of both countries…

The Battle of Youzhou resulted in the death of the Liao emperor, devastating losses, and a severe blow to the Liao dynasty's strength. The Liao dynasty underwent a change of rule, and the new ruler sued for peace. Three months after the war, the Liao army and our dynasty signed the Treaty of Youzhou, establishing a peace agreement. The Liao troops withdrew and retreated to Shangjing. Both sides became allies, each maintaining their respective borders. Trade routes were reopened, and inter-ethnic exchanges were encouraged…

After the peace treaty was signed, the Liao ambassador personally escorted the tomb of our emperor to the capital, but the body could not be identified.

Buried under the yellow earth along with 200,000 troops, the only recognizable piece is this golden iron armor scattered on the battlefield, which was never burned.

Perhaps too much time has passed—three years have gone by—and no one remembers the carnage, the sky stained crimson by the flames of war, or the eternal resting place of an emperor. The departure of an emperor has left behind a peaceful and prosperous era for the people of both nations!

Three years is enough to erase a person's hatred and tenderness.

Three years is far too long to guard an empty palace and piles of documents accumulated over the years.

Three years later, I finally mustered up the courage to set foot on this yellow earth.

Chapter Three: The Phoenix Descends Upon the World

"Wake up, we've entered the city." Lu Xiu shook me, who was still unconscious.

I stretched my arms sleepily, glanced at the poplar trees falling rapidly outside the carriage, and said with relief, "Finally, we're almost home."

After traveling non-stop for half a month from Youzhou, I finally arrived at my doorstep, feeling a surge of joy in my heart.

"You should at least show your face when you get down here, as a reward for those ministers who have been waiting in the cold wind for so long," Lu Xiu muttered to himself, leaning against a corner of the carriage and fanning himself with a paper fan.

Five years after Emperor Dezong died in Youzhou, the Empress and the Regent visited five cities on the Liao border to understand the people's conditions, reward the troops guarding the cities, stabilize the people's hearts, and boost the morale of the army.

At noon on the tenth day of the eleventh month of the fifth year of the Deyou reign, the Empress's phoenix palanquin and the Regent Prince, accompanied by his guards, passed through the North Gate, crossed the moat, and proceeded along the winding path to the Dingmen Gate. The sixty-four cannons that greeted the Empress at the Meridian Gate Square were twenty-seven fewer than the eighty-one cannons that had greeted Lu Li. The Regent Prince was dressed in…

He rode in full military attire atop a magnificent Akhal-Teke horse, followed by the empress's opulent phoenix palanquin. Civil and military officials lined both sides of the imperial road, surrounding him as he performed the grand ceremony of three kneelings and nine kowtows.

I was helped out of the imperial carriage, and the palace ladies-in-waiting all bowed down when they saw me from afar.

The little prince was held in his wet nurse's arms, his bright eyes scanning my figure around, and one of his little hands waving in the air.

Led by the Grand Chancellor and followed by all the officials, they once again knelt at the North Gate to welcome the imperial carriage.

"Thank you for your help during this time." I first helped the prime minister up, then waved my sleeve to let the senior officials rise.

Afterwards, we exchanged some polite, formal words. I can't remember most of what was said. I just wanted to quickly crawl back into my warm and cozy carriage. As I turned back to my phoenix palanquin, I passed by Lu Xiu. He was on horseback, smiling warmly at me. One of his hands unexpectedly reached out. Before I could respond, he pulled me close. I felt a sudden tightness around my waist, and he pulled me onto his horse.

Lu Xiu put one arm around my waist and held the reins in the other. The horse shot off like an arrow, heading straight for Jinghe Gate. I turned around and glanced at the disoriented officials and generals, and smiled softly. "Are you fooling around again?"

Lu Xiu tightened his grip on my arm. Laughter filled my ear. "I'm going to mess around and show them."

"Rumors have been circulating for a while that we're in cahoots, that our relationship is ambiguous. Don't you know how to avoid suspicion?" I smiled. Though I said that, I didn't care at all. I leaned back against him.

He laughed even more unrestrainedly. "Let them talk. The more outrageous their claims, the happier I am. Anyway, we can turn the world upside down now. What's there to be afraid of? Let the rumors become the facts in everyone's mouth."

I sighed helplessly. I thought to myself, "I'm afraid before I even reach the main hall, the memorials criticizing the Regent's indiscretions will pile up like a mountain." The thought of spending several sleepless nights reviewing these memorials made me want to run away.