Suрpressing thе rеbеlliоn—whаt a monumentаl еvent! In the fеw yeаrs sinсе thе еmрeror аscended the throne, thе numbеr of сourt sеssiоns соuld be соuntеd оn оne hаnd, and this one wаs thе most sоlemn. At the brеak of dаwn, eunuchs in сеrеmоniаl rоbеs craсkеd the intеstinе whiрs on thе Cеlеstial Streеt. Тhe sеveral-zhang-lоng whip snapреd with а sharр, piercing сrасk that есhоеd асross thе uрturned еavеs and soаring ridges.
Тhе еmpеrоr hеld сourt not inside thе main hall but on the Impеrial Gate. А throne wаs plасed in thе center of the moon terrace. Once the emperor ascended the throne, all officials stood solemnly on both sides of the imperial path according to their ranks. At the crack of the whip, they performed the ritual of one kneel and three kowtows. Strangely enough, the timing was always perfect. As they bowed their heads, the dawn light, tinged with golden rays, surged like a tide, climbing over the dark, somber paving bricks and onto the backs of the officials. Then a red sun burst forth, leaping over the horizon, scaling the palace walls, and casting a brilliant glow upon the rows of bright yellow glazed tiles.
Wanwan arrived very early. Civil and military officials had gathered at the auxiliary gates of the Meridian Gate at dawn. Once Liangshi arrived, he would also enter the palace from there to pay homage to the emperor. She could not easily show herself in places crowded with officials from the outer court, so she hid on the Gate of Ultimate Return. The Inner Golden Water Bridge was his necessary path, and she waited there. As time passed without his appearance, she grew increasingly anxious. Wringing her handkerchief until her hands turned white, Yu Xixia whispered, "Your Highness, please remain calm. Even if the prince traveled through the night, the nine gates would not open until the fifth watch. From there to the inner city, it takes a considerable amount of time. I estimate it will be about another quarter of an hour."
Wanwan nodded, her heart pounding erratically. Earlier, there had been some discussions on the Imperial Gate, but the emperor brushed them aside, focusing intently on awaiting the arrival of the Prince of Nanyuan. Thus, the emperor and his officials gazed toward the Meridian Gate with eager anticipation.
The sun slowly rose, climbing above the roof of the Wenzhao Pavilion. After a long wait, someone finally emerged from the Left Auxiliary Gate. He wore a Black Gauze Winged Crown, a Red Crimson Gauze Robe, a Grand Belt and Grand Ribbon, and his shoulders bore the emblem of a Coiling Dragon. His demeanor was composed and dignified at all times. Wanwan recognized him at a glance—it was Liangshi! He had truly come!
Standing on the Gate of Ultimate Return, she feared losing control of her emotions. Covering her mouth and nose, she wept uncontrollably. The longing of these past two years seemed to dissolve in an instant at the sight of him. The countless days and nights of torment now felt worthwhile, for this day had finally arrived.
The Silk-clad Guards escorted two disheveled feudal princes, who stumbled along unsteadily. Liangshi strode ahead with his head held high, squinting as he surveyed the center of power. What attracted him now was no longer the resplendent, golden palace but the ruler of the nation at the heart of the multitude.
He remembered how the emperor had detained his wife and caused the death of his son. For two years, he had lain low, but this grievance had never truly subsided. Why had he given up advancing north after inciting Wang Ding? Because after several battles, he clearly realized that his preparations were insufficient. Even if he gathered his two hundred thousand troops, capturing the capital in one fell swoop would not be easy. Moreover, with too many monks and too little gruel, the involvement of Prince Chu and Prince Changsha would lead to endless complications even if they succeeded in seizing the realm. It was better to eliminate those three feudal princes in one stroke and then persuade the emperor to station the troops along the Andong Guard line. This way, his military strength could double, and when it was his turn to act, he would be like a tiger with wings.Ultimately, in his heart, the empire was secondary; he was a man who repaid every slight with vengeance. Whoever owed him a blood debt, he would demand repayment tenfold. Bearing humiliation and heavy burdens for now was to one day tread upon the bones of his enemies. He glared fiercely at the figure atop the Imperial Gate, his hands clenched tightly beneath his wide sleeves. The depth of his hatred matched the firmness of his resolve.
Yet the figure at the Gate of Ultimate Return suddenly leaped into his view, shattering his defenses in an instant. He halted, nearly breaking into tears—it was Wanwan. She had not waited for him at the Princess's Residence but had come personally to the front court to greet him.
Disregarding the eager anticipation of the entire court and casting aside all decorum and rules, he sprinted toward her. The Inner Golden Water Bridge was dozens of feet away from the Gate of Ultimate Return, and that short distance seemed to drain all his strength.
She ran toward him as well, her crimson dress blazing like fire in the sunlight.
As they drew closer, he saw the face he had longed for day and night, now truly no larger than a palm. His heart ached as if pierced by a knife, knowing she had suffered greatly. The once radiant and plump girl had been worn down by time, all because of his failings.
She finally threw herself into his arms, like a drowning person clutching a lifeline, embracing him with all her life as she wailed, "I will never let go... never let go again..."
Choked with emotion, he held her tightly against his chest.
Under the vast expanse of Celestial Street, they embraced before the eyes of all, and even the onlookers could sense the profound sorrow in their hearts.
The Emperor gripped the armrests of the Dragon Throne, his fingers unconsciously digging into the eyes of the carved dragons. "How did it come to this... It seems I truly made a mistake, putting my own sister through such hardship..."
A minister from the Inner Cabinet beside him offered comfort: "Your Majesty has done no wrong. Wang Ding's rebellion nearly brought about a catastrophe. Had the Princess Royal not remained in the capital, the Prince of Nanyuan would have acted without restraint. Sacrificing two years of Her Highness's time has secured lasting peace for Great Ye. Though Your Majesty may feel reluctant, you are not at fault."
The Emperor shook his head. "Using emotions to control others is ultimately unworthy... Look at them. I feel ashamed, deeply sorry for them."
The officials before the Imperial Gate sighed in unison, perhaps also because the Prince of Nanyuan had contributed to quelling the rebellion, earning their newfound respect. Despite his immense wealth, he remained mindful of the imperial court's favor—a subject worthy of a place in the Lingyan Pavilion, where heroes gathered.
The Emperor did not blame his brother-in-law and sister for their emotional display during the morning court. Reunited as husband and wife, embracing and kissing were only natural. It seemed nothing could ever separate them again. Even when Yuwen Liangshi paid his respects to the Emperor, he did not let go of the Princess Royal's hand. He meticulously recounted the details of the campaign, occasionally glancing at the Princess Royal's face as if fearing she might vanish.
The Emperor praised his loyalty and bravery: "The Prince Zhen'an has been restless for eighteen years, repeatedly ignoring imperial decrees, posing a grave threat to the court. Now, with the might of the Guannin Iron Cavalry and the invaluable assistance of the Prince of Nanyuan, this campaign has fully pacified the southwest, bringing me great relief. Tonight, a banquet will be held to welcome the Imperial Consort and the generals, where rewards will be distributed according to merit."
Liangshi, however, knelt with Wanwan and bowed deeply. "My loyalty to the court is as clear as the sun and moon. When the nation faces peril, it is my duty to serve with every ounce of my strength, and I dare not claim credit. Now that the war has ended, I only wish to return to the Southern Garden with my wife, to live out the rest of my days by Her Highness's side. I humbly beg Your Majesty's permission."The Emperor's face flushed with embarrassment. Forcing a couple apart and demanding the husband earn merits to redeem his wife—such a tale would truly tarnish his dignity if spread. Yet he could not admit to his own folly and had to cloak his words in grandiosity. With a forced smile, he said, "This is only right and proper—why would you need to plead? At the time, I was reluctant to let the Princess Royal leave the capital. After all, she is my dearest kin, an inseparable sibling. The Southern Garden is over two thousand li away, and I truly could not bear to part with her. I had hoped to keep you both in the capital, but fearing the Southern Garden would be left unattended, I had no choice but to impose this temporary separation. Now that you have spoken, if I still insist on keeping you here, it would seem I lack empathy. Very well, choose an auspicious day and prepare a Treasure Ship. Wanwan is delicate and cannot endure the jolts of land travel—the waterways are far more suitable. I will also dispatch Silk-clad Guards to escort you, ensuring your safe arrival at the Southern Garden."
Beneath her wide sleeves, her hands clenched tightly. Wanwan's tears fell onto the paving bricks, quickly seeping into the grain and leaving deep marks.
Was there ever a couple in the world as sorrowful as this? Upon leaving the palace, the two of them embraced in the Imperial Carriage and wept bitterly. All the torment and desolation of waiting melted into a torrent of tears. He kissed her repeatedly, urging her not to cry. "I know you have suffered greatly, but it will never happen again. Forget the misfortunes of the past—let us start anew."
She only shook her head. "I even lost our child. Will you resent me?"
Cradling her face, he assured her he would not. "It was not your fault. I know the whole story, and you can rest assured—I will not let them go unpunished. As for the child, we can have more. From now on, we will have plenty of time together. I will nourish you back to health, and we will be well, raising a whole brood of children."
She frowned. "How can we raise a whole brood? I am not a pig."
He laughed. "Who would dare call you a pig? You are my heart, my very soul tethered to you... You have no idea how I lived during the days you were not by my side..."
He too had grown thinner, his gaunt face bearing the weight of profound suffering. Wanwan wrapped her arms tightly around him. Inside this small carriage, there were only the two of them. Her soft whispers, sweet enough to melt his bones, brushed against his ear.
"I felt the same way. If you had not come soon, I might have died." Her cheek pressed against his earlobe as she kissed him with tender reverence. "Look at me now—I have grown unattractive. Before you came, I feared seeing you, afraid I would disappoint you and that you would no longer want me."
"Who says such things? You are more beautiful now than when I first saw you. Back then, you were like a child; now you have blossomed into a woman." His hand traced the curve of her spine, but as he spoke, his eyes reddened at the sight of her frail frame. "From now on, I will set everything else aside and devote myself entirely to caring for you. I will restore you to health, just as you were in the Southern Garden."
Choking back sobs, she clung to his neck and pleaded, "Promise me we will never part again."
"I promise, never again."
He kissed her lips—full and lush, a taste he had nearly forgotten. To regain what was lost filled him with a trembling, heart-pounding joy.She slowly leaned back against the embroidered pillows adorned with dragon patterns, her small face glowing with renewed hope. He felt a reckless impulse and shyly complained, "How bitter it is without my consort by my side. The Emperor indulges in nightly revelries—how could he understand?" Taking her hand, he pressed closer, "I think we could easily have five children, no problem."
Wanwan flushed crimson, allowing him to caress her. The intimacy of their entanglement only highlighted how lonely she had been during his absence.
This is good, she thought, closing her eyes. Finally, the day of liberation has come. She would be with him, never to part for all eternity. He molded her into a pool of spring water, and she gazed at him tenderly, infinitely accommodating. The imperial carriage moved slowly, the gentle ringing of bells on its curtains echoing around them. On the verge of losing control, she shrank her neck and reminded him, "We’re not home yet…"
He could hardly restrain himself but dared not compromise her dignity as a princess. With effort, he straightened his clothes. As soon as they entered the Eldest Princess Residence, he carried her back to the inner chambers, dismissing everyone within the second gate.
Lying on the bed with a radiant smile, she watched as he braced his arms above her. "Is this a dream?"
She reached out to gently stroke his shoulder. "No, it’s as real as can be."
He leaned down to kiss her, their warm skin kindling a trembling heat. He tried to be as gentle as possible, cherishing the heavy trauma she had endured. Her hazy gaze, filled with dependence and longing, filled him with guilt and unease. She truly loved him—utterly and from the depths of her soul.
A woman’s body is like a flower, blooming only with nourishment. He clearly saw its veins become distinct, each petal unfurling in turn, exquisitely enchanting. He held back, careful not to overstep, but she pressed her lips into a smile and whispered, "I’m fine… you’re fine…"
Encouraged, he grew fervent, and she swayed with him, reborn from the flames.
Just like this, they would continue loving each other, filling the void of their two-year separation. She murmured his name in a daze, and he cradled her in his arms, whispering softly, "I’m here." Love at its peak—even the tenderness overflowing in his heart felt insufficient for her. What could he do?
She was nearly submerged by the waves, but before drowning, she saw his eyes, gleaming like golden rings. With unexpected strength, she arched toward him, hearing his suppressed groan—he was just as joyful as she.
Heaven and earth grew dim, and it felt like an eternity before their souls settled back into place. Even in sleep, they sought each other. He recalled his lonely days in the Southern Garden, waking in the middle of the night in a panic, unable to find her, and sitting dazed until dawn—such days were unbearable to look back on. He tightened his arms, letting her rest against him. Their two bodies fit together like a Taiji diagram, complete only when joined.
But when they awoke, the sky had already darkened, startling Wanwan into a cry. The grand banquet in the palace to reward meritorious officials had likely begun, and their tardiness might make the Emperor suspect arrogance, stirring suspicion again.
He merely smiled, reassuring her. At this moment, the Emperor would be lenient no matter what. Having just rendered outstanding service to the imperial court, they were in a new honeymoon phase of ruler-subject relations. The Emperor wouldn’t punish them simply for missing a meal due to their reunion as husband and wife.
He even took his time leisurely selecting head ornaments and hairpins for her.
Wanwan looked up and said, "Hurry, or we might provoke the Emperor’s wrath, and he won’t let me return to the Southern Garden."He was stubborn. "What married couple doesn't engage in marital relations upon reunion? In a moment of distraction, we lost track of time. The Emperor is an expert in such matters and will surely understand our predicament."
This man, really! Wanwan glanced at Tong Huan, who was helping her with her makeup. Even Tong Huan's face, which could withstand storms, showed a hint of embarrassment. Wanwan felt even more flustered and lowered her head. Her graceful neck, illuminated by the lamplight, was so fair it dazzled the eyes.
Finally, after much effort, they were ready. By the time they entered the palace, the grand opera on stage had already begun. Hand in hand, they paid their respects to the Emperor. Wanwan stammered through an explanation, saying their carriage had broken down, causing a delay on the road.
The Emperor, after all, was a seasoned veteran in matters of romance. He glanced at them and understood everything perfectly. With a magnanimous wave of his hand, he said, "I understand, I understand. What does being late matter? How could I possibly blame you?"
Just as Liangshi had said, everything could be negotiated.
Because his brother-in-law had helped him this time, the Emperor's attitude toward him had noticeably changed. In his eyes, the Prince of Nanyuan had finally proven his stance. This newfound closeness was something no number of beautiful women could achieve. The Emperor regarded him as a confidant, sharing almost everything with him. From current affairs to court politics, he was willing to listen to his brother-in-law's opinions.
Liangshi spoke with great discretion, knowing exactly what to say and what to avoid. He handled himself impeccably, leaving no room for criticism. Finally, when discussing the remaining 160,000 troops from the three Feudal Princes after several battles, he tentatively suggested, "Andong Guard faces the sea to the south and is locked by Guanshan to the north. It has always been a crucial military stronghold in Eastern Lu. In recent years, Ronin have been causing disturbances at sea. If we have sufficient troops, the imperial court could order a full-scale attack immediately, without waiting for reinforcements from the capital. As for land routes, the terrain is treacherous, easy to defend but hard to attack, making it a natural barrier for the capital. Therefore, I have temporarily stationed the troops there. I fear my humble opinion may still have shortcomings, and I defer entirely to Your Majesty's judgment."
The Emperor excelled in poetry and song. Ask him to express his feelings and praise a woman with ample curves, and he could do so effortlessly. But ask him to strategize over a sand table, moving hundreds of thousands of troops around—that was not his forte. In the 260 years since the founding of Great Ye, the dynasty had lacked capable military commanders and was deficient in battle tactics. The Prince of Nanyuan's well-reasoned arguments felt like a lifeline to him. Clapping his hands together, he patted his brother-in-law's hand vigorously—
"Excellent, excellent! We shall do as you suggest. The Imperial Consort is truly a pillar of Great Ye. With Liangshi here, the world can be at peace."
The Empress glanced sideways at the Emperor's remarks, but as she did, her eyes met the Prince of Nanyuan's gaze. Those two sharp, blade-like stares seemed to seal her throat shut. The Empress hurriedly looked away, her expression suddenly changing.
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