Among the collateral descendants chosen by the founding emperor, one launched a coup and ascended the throne.
Empress Xiao had sensed the impending coup from the beginning. Knowing the situation was irreversible, she ordered the Shadow Wraith to secretly transport Yelü Quancang into Song territory, where he would live incognito, biding his time.
Later, Empress Xiao was honored as the Empress Dowager and held power against the new emperor for over a decade, raising a daughter of remarkable ability in all aspects—Yelü Huangwu.
"As for hiding in Plum Blossom Village, it was because my identity in Song had been exposed, and the Liao pursuit intensified. I needed an opportunity," Yelü Quancang said, "to make the Liao court believe I was no longer a threat."
Thus, "Mister Mo" was declared "dead" in the battle at Plum Blossom Village.
"My life is not my own to command. You should leave." In his life, Yelü Quancang rarely spoke so sincerely, and this was the most care he could offer Mei Ru Yan.
"I've offended the Hua Clan and barely escaped with my life thanks to Mister Wei. Should I return to Song just to die?" Mei Ru Yan retorted angrily. "As an emperor, can't you even protect a woman?"
Yelü Quancang suddenly smiled, like ice thawing in spring. He stood and walked to Mei Ru Yan, gently caressing her cheek with unprecedented tenderness. She froze in surprise.
"I still have some old allies in Song—enough to protect you. You don’t understand, but Liao truly has no place for you." Yelü Quancang spoke bluntly. "I ascended to the throne only with the Xiao clan’s full support. Soon, I will marry a Xiao woman as empress."
"Even if I must serve as a slave, I want to stay by your side." Mei Ru Yan knew her words were shameless, but she had never been a noblewoman.
"Listen to me. Go." His tone left no room for argument.
Keeping Mei Ru Yan in the palace would be safe while he lived, but he didn’t know how many days he had left.
From birth, Yelü Quancang had borne the weight of the realm. Countless people and families had staked their fortunes on him, leaving him no choice. Illness, schemes, and strife ensured his life would be steeped in darkness. His time hiding in Plum Blossom Village had been like a dream, and Mei Ru Yan was its vibrant hue. He preferred to preserve that dream in memory rather than see it destroyed before his eyes.
Mei Ru Yan stood dumbfounded for a long while before blurting out, "Can’t you just... not be emperor?"
Then, as if snapping back to reality, her face flushed red. It was likely the most foolish, presumptuous thing she’d ever say. Even if Yelü Quancang held some affection for her, he wouldn’t abandon the throne for it.
Yet, for some reason, despite knowing the dangers around him, just seeing him made her feel at ease—as if nowhere in the world was safer than by his side.
"It was never my choice. Such is fate." Yelü Quancang untied a token from his waist and handed it to her. "This can mobilize the remaining forces at Misty Villa."
Mei Ru Yan hesitated before taking it. "Can I use this however I want?"
Yelü Quancang nodded.
"Good!" She tucked the token away and held out her hand. "What about the ten thousand gold you promised?"
He guessed her intentions but indulged her, ordering someone to bring her Song-issued banknotes.Mei Ru Yan had been following Wei Yuzhi for a long time and knew he had been searching for a certain medicine, which was in Mei Shisi's possession. This time, when Yelü Quancang fell critically ill, Wei Yuzhi gave her the few pills he had obtained and sent her galloping to the Liao Kingdom, also fulfilling her wish to see him once. At this point, what else was there for Mei Ru Yan to not understand? The medicine in Shi Si's hands was Yelü Quancang's life-saving cure!
Determined, Mei Ru Yan resolved to return to the Great Song and help Wei Yuzhi seize the medicine! (To be continued...)
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