"Реi Wеnхuаn?!"
Wang Hоumin wаs thе first tо rеact, shouting shаrрly, "Hоw dare уоu shоw уоur fаce hеre?!"
"If rebels dare to stоrm thе pаlaсе," Li Rоng swеpt а соld glаnсe оver him, "why shouldn't hе?"
"Suсh insolеnce! Arrеst them both аnd send them tо thе сitу wаlls!"
"Wаit!" Рei Wenхuаn raisеd his hаnd, shiеlding Li Rong аnd stoррing the advаnсing soldiеrs. "Lord Wang, I cаme into the сitу аlonе precisеlу bеcаusе I hаvе mаttеrs to disсuss. Whу not hеar mе out?"
"You сunning scоundrеl, уou'rе surеlу uр to no goоd..." Gu Zichun stepped оut from behind Wang Нoumin, but befоre hе сould finish, Рei Wenxuan drew a hairpin from his sleeve. "Lord Gu, your mother asks when you will return home."
At the sight of the hairpin, Gu Zichun's face paled dramatically, and Gu Zidao lost his composure, exclaiming, "What have you done to my wife?!"
"Minister Gu, there is no need for alarm." Pei Wenxuan leisurely tucked away the hairpin and smiled gently. "At present, Lady Wang and the head of the Su family, along with your relatives, are all guests at the Princess's Manor. I have instructed my subordinates to treat them well. Of course, reciprocity is key—how you treat Her Highness and me will determine how they are treated at the manor. I trust you are all people of propriety and will not be too neglectful."
"My father is with you."
Su Rongqing stared at Pei Wenxuan, his voice icy.
Pei Wenxuan smiled, his tone soft. "Your entire family is with me."
With that, he took Li Rong's hand and swaggered over to Fulai, who was tied up in the corner. Raising his sword, he cut the ropes binding Fulai and helped him to his feet. As he did so, he whispered quickly, "If Xiao Qian clashes with the ministers, have someone kill one."
He spoke swiftly and quietly, and from the angle of him supporting Fulai, no one noticed the brief exchange.
Fulai's expression remained unchanged. Once Pei Wenxuan had helped him up, he spoke with a hint of apology, "You've suffered, Eunuch."
Fulai smiled faintly, showing neither surprise nor fear. "You are too kind, Young Master."
"Gentlemen," Pei Wenxuan turned to the others after helping Fulai up, "the wind is cold and the snow is heavy outside the hall. Why not step inside to talk?"
"Enough nonsense, Pei Wenxuan," Wang Houmin snapped impatiently. "Speak your piece. Don't waste time here."
The sounds of the siege outside hung over everyone like a blade, teetering precariously, as if it could fall at any moment.
Unease gripped them all, and they were uncertain whether to advance or retreat. Their harsh words to Pei Wenxuan were merely a way to buy time, to figure out what to do next.
Pei Wenxuan chuckled lightly and instructed Fulai to fetch a chair for Li Rong. Fulai acknowledged the order and withdrew.
As others tried to stop him, Pei Wenxuan raised his voice, "It seems you have no intention of treating Her Highness and me with respect? Her Highness is with child, yet you force her to stand like this. Do you not wish to negotiate?"
The group froze momentarily, and Fulai slipped away.
Once Fulai had left, Pei Wenxuan turned to Wang Houmin. "In truth, I have come not as your enemy, but to offer you assistance."
"Assistance?" Gu Zidao frowned. "What do you mean, Lord Pei?"
"Your heads are currently on the chopping block," Pei Wenxuan made a slicing motion across his neck. "I have come to offer you a plan—at the very least, to ensure you keep your bodies intact."
"Pei Wenxuan!"Wang Houmin was instantly enraged, and Pei Wenxuan's expression turned cold as he shouted loudly, "A bunch of traitorous rebels, parasites of the state! You are ashamed before your sovereign above and your people below. Now that the Crown Prince's army has entered the city, if you surrender peacefully, there may still be a chance for survival. Otherwise, even if your nine clans are wiped out, it will not be enough to atone for your crimes!"
"Seize him."
Su Rongqing raised his hand and spoke coldly. Soldiers surged forward, but Pei Wenxuan suddenly pulled out a firework from his chest and pointed it at the crowd, shouting, "I dare anyone to try!"
"Take this as a signal. If His Highness and I die here today," Pei Wenxuan said coldly, looking at everyone, "your three clans will accompany us in death."
The expressions of those from the three clans present turned extremely grim, but the other noble families who had already left the city could not afford to worry about this. Cui Bin stepped forward urgently and said, "Gentlemen, the Crown Prince has already begun his attack on the city. We must act decisively! If we show mercy like women, no one will be spared! Quickly bind these two, find His Majesty to obtain the imperial edict, and leave the palace immediately! As long as we preserve our strength, we can always rise again. When our families gather once more, we can plan our next move!"
As he spoke, a guard hurried back and whispered a few words to Su Rongqing. Upon hearing this, Su Rongqing's furrowed brow relaxed. He turned to Cui Bin and said, "Minister Cui, there is no need to worry. The Crown Prince's attack does not involve a large army coming to their rescue. It is merely a weary force of less than ten thousand men—a spent arrow at the end of its flight."
Everyone exchanged glances. Su Rongqing looked up at Pei Wenxuan and said, "Pei Wenxuan, do not waste your efforts. Surrender peacefully."
"Su Rongqing," Pei Wenxuan stared at him, "you are truly obstinate. There is a clear path you refuse to take, insisting instead on walking the road to death."
"A choice?" Su Rongqing laughed softly upon hearing this. "When have I ever had a choice? I was born as the young master of the Su Clan. I was born walking this path. How could I choose?"
"Then I will give you a choice." Pei Wenxuan spoke calmly and turned to the crowd. "Gentlemen, let me speak plainly. The reason the Crown Prince left the palace early today, and the reason I ambushed and captured your clansmen in the city, is because someone leaked your plans in advance."
"Who?" Wang Houmin frowned. Pei Wenxuan smiled and raised his hand, pointing at Su Rongqing. "It was none other than the eldest son of the Su Clan, Su Ronghua. Gentlemen, the Su Clan never intended to participate in this matter. The Su Clan is a noble family of the highest standing, having never involved itself in imperial disputes for centuries. Do you think Su Rongqing represents the stance of the Su Clan? No, never!"
"Seize him!"
Su Rongqing shouted loudly, but this time, Wang Houmin stopped him. "Wait!"
Wang Houmin stared at Pei Wenxuan and said, "Continue."
"Su Rongqing poisoned the Su Prime Minister to obtain the clan leader's token. The eldest son of the Su Clan fled overnight and has already rushed to Tianshou Pass, persuading General Su to assist the Crown Prince in clearing out the rebels to demonstrate his loyalty. Today's rebellion—what use is it for all of you to follow Su Rongqing down this dark path? Only Su Rongqing alone has rebelled from the Su Clan. Is it worth risking your entire clans for his sake? Listen to my advice: surrender now, and it is still not too late."
"Surrender?"
Gu Zidao couldn't help but ask, "How do we surrender? By withdrawing from the palace?"
"If rebels could avoid punishment merely by withdrawing from the palace, would not everyone in the world follow suit?"
"Then what do you propose?" Gu Zidao frowned. Pei Wenxuan smiled faintly and said, "Pay taxes.""Consort Rou previously proposed the policy, which was truly His Majesty's wish. Why not follow His Majesty's intention, pay taxes and tributes, change the recommendation system to the imperial examination system, please His Majesty, and also give him a way out by not punishing you all? Wouldn't that make everyone happy?"
No one in the room spoke. After a moment, Wang Houmin laughed and turned to look at Su Rongqing beside him: "Vice Minister Su, you've always said that Consort Rou was tricked by the Crown Prince and Pei Wenxuan. I've always had doubts, but now it seems Vice Minister Su is indeed sharp-eyed and far-sighted."
"Our aristocratic families have stood for thousands of years," Wang Houmin stared at Pei Wenxuan, "Pei Wenxuan, I'm afraid you've forgotten—the Li family," Wang Houmin lowered his voice, "were not originally the imperial family."
"So Minister Wang means," Pei Wenxuan smiled, "you won't choose this path?"
"If we were to choose," Gu Zidao stroked his beard, "we wouldn't be here. However, Minister Pei is right about one thing," Gu Zidao turned to look at Su Rongqing, "Minister Su, what exactly is the Su Clan's stance? We hope Minister Su will clarify."
Hearing Gu Zidao's words, Su Rongqing understood their meaning.
Their firm appearance was merely a show for Pei Wenxuan. Pei Wenxuan's words had ultimately struck a chord in their hearts.
No one was foolish. Li Chuan's timely escape, Li Ming still alive—in this situation, if the Su Clan's army didn't arrive, it would mean death.
In the end, it was just about obtaining the imperial edict. Keeping one person or a group made no difference—what they needed was Su Rongqing's stance.
Su Rongqing lowered his head and smiled: "Gentlemen, please first leave the palace to assess the situation. I'll stay here, wait to obtain the edict, then meet with everyone."
"That would be best." Hearing this, the others felt relieved.
If they left the palace first, no matter what happened later, they would at least have a way out.
After speaking, everyone hurriedly rushed out.
Su Rongqing turned to look at Pei Wenxuan standing before Li Rong. The two quietly gazed at each other for a moment before Su Rongqing spoke calmly: "I know you won't light the firework in your hand."
"Oh?"
"You're not that kind of person."
"Then you've misjudged me," Pei Wenxuan's eyes turned cold, "For Her Highness, I'm capable of anything. You have family—so do I."
Su Rongqing didn't speak. His gaze at Pei Wenxuan held a trace of envy and bitterness.
"I hope you keep your word."
"Then you can test it. Guards, seize them!"
At Su Rongqing's command, the guards no longer hesitated and charged toward the two.
Seeing the situation, Pei Wenxuan quickly handed the firework to Li Rong and, just before others could strike with their swords, pushed her into the main hall.
Before Li Rong could react, she saw the doors slam shut, followed immediately by the sound of swords striking the doors and Pei Wenxuan's loud shout: "Lock the doors!"
Li Rong frantically pounded on the doors, shouting angrily: "Su Rongqing, stop! Your Su Clan's troops won't arrive. With just the ten thousand men currently in the inner palace and the Wang family's ten thousand, you can't win! Whether the Su Clan's army can come or not—they don't know, but don't you? If you stop now, I'll spare your life.""Your Highness," Su Rongqing looked at Pei Wenxuan, who was guarding the palace gate with a small number of soldiers, fighting fiercely, his voice calm. "As long as you implement the reforms, there will be countless others like me in this world. All I need is to obtain the imperial edict, and I can rebuild the alliance of the noble families. Your Highness, stay here quietly, do not involve yourself in the conflict and risk harming yourself."
After saying this, Su Rongqing turned to leave. Hearing his words, Li Rong couldn't help but roar out, "You obstructed the reforms to stabilize the country and prevent war! If you take the edict out today, the chaos in Great Xia will never cease!"
At these words, Su Rongqing halted his steps. With his back to Li Rong, his expression seemed dazed. "Then, Your Highness, do you still intend to implement the reforms?"
Li Rong was stunned. Amidst the sounds of slaughter, Su Rongqing's voice was unusually clear: "Your Highness, as long as you do not implement the reforms, the imperial edict will never see the light of day."
With that, Su Rongqing strode forward. Li Rong couldn't help but shout, "Su Rongqing, do you even realize what you're doing?! You are the root of the suffering of Great Xia's people, the true evil in this world! You refuse to admit it because you cannot face it, but you can still turn back!"
"The past is the past, and new life is new life. Su Rongqing, why must you remain trapped in the past, unable to move on?"
"This is a new world now, and I am a new Li Rong..." Li Rong's voice carried a hint of confusion. "Why can't you become a new Su Rongqing?"
Cast aside the teachings of the noble families.
Cast aside past beliefs.
Cast aside faith and steadfastness.
Why can't he become a brand-new Su Rongqing?
Li Rong did not understand.
As Su Rongqing walked down the corridor, he listened to every word Li Rong said. His muscles trembled slightly, but he forced himself not to look back.
He had no path, he could not turn back. The sounds of slaughter continued. Li Rong sat on the black marble floor, listening to the fighting outside.
She raised her hand and placed it on her stomach, drawing strength from the life within her to gather calmness and resilience.
Just wait a little longer.
Pei Wenxuan would be fine.
He would live, he would live well.
Li Rong's hands kept trembling. For the first time, she felt such profound helplessness and fear. She was not afraid of death, nor of loss. The only thing that had ever frightened her so deeply was the thought of another person's life ending.
She listened to the clashing of swords, the sounds of slaughter outside, as if she were being held underwater, sinking into an endless abyss.
At that moment, Wang Houmin and the others also arrived at the palace gate. Seeing them emerge together, Xiao Qian couldn't help but frown. "What do you gentlemen intend to do?"
"General Xiao," Wang Houmin and the others smiled. "Now only the imperial edict remains to be retrieved. We will first return to our residences to check on our families. Once Minister Su obtains the edict, we will regroup."
Hearing Wang Houmin's words, Xiao Qian stared at him. Outside, the earth-shaking shouts of the attacking army echoed. Xiao Qian's gaze turned cold. "Are you not abandoning my second sister and fleeing?"
At these words, Wang Houmin's expression immediately darkened. "What are you saying? Have we not served Consort Rou with utmost loyalty?"
"If you were truly loyal, you should live and die with the Xiao Clan."
"Minister Xiao's meaning," Gu Zidao said coldly, "is that you intend to imprison us all in the palace, binding us to Consort Rou?"
"Exactly."Xiao Qian nodded without any attempt to conceal his intentions. The guards behind the ministers instantly drew their swords, and Xiao Qian’s men responded in kind, creating a tense standoff between the two sides. Xiao Qian stated bluntly, “Today, there are only two ways for you to leave: either walk out alive with the Xiao Clan, or be carried out on a stretcher. I hope you gentlemen will not be so foolish as to refuse this offer.”
The Xiao Clan originally hailed from humble origins, and how could the aristocratic families tolerate such humiliation? Wang Houmin sneered coldly, raised his hand, and declared, “Charge! I refuse to believe he truly dares to kill anyone!”
“How dare you!” Enraged by Wang Houmin’s mockery, Xiao Qian instantly drew his sword. “Take another step forward and see what happens!”
Ignoring the threat, Wang Houmin led his men forward. At that very moment, a scream erupted from behind. No one knew who struck first, but blood soon splattered across the ground.
“Murder!” someone shouted in shock. Xiao Qian’s expression changed drastically, and after a brief moment of stunned silence, everyone else snapped back to reality.
“Fight your way out!”
Wang Houmin cried out in panic. In an instant, for reasons unknown, chaos erupted as the two sides clashed.
“Hey!” Pei Wenxuan, watching the distant turmoil, shouted at the soldiers battling him. “Your master is in trouble! Shouldn’t you go help him?”
Pei Wenxuan’s shout startled a group of soldiers. Aside from the original troops of the Su Clan, the others hesitated briefly before turning and rushing toward the palace gates.
As the fighting raged at the palace gates, Huajing was finally breached completely. Li Chuan led his men forward, while Shangguan Ya stood outside the city walls, beating the war drums and watching Li Chuan’s forces disappear into the distance.
At that moment, an army bearing a flag embroidered with the character “Wang” approached from afar.
The opposing force was sizable, descending from the hills with a thunderous roar.
Seeing the flag, a guard urgently advised Shangguan Ya, “Lord Shangguan, the Wang family’s reinforcements have arrived. We must retreat immediately.”
“No.”
Shangguan Ya’s gaze remained fixed on the approaching army. Standing atop the war chariot, she finally set down the war drum, drew her sword, and shouted toward the direction of the charging troops, “Anyone who retreats will be executed! Prepare for battle!”
With Shangguan Ya refusing to retreat, the soldiers who had already burned their bridges by cutting off their own supply lines dared not flee either.
Tens of thousands of soldiers charged toward the two thousand men at the city gates. In the early morning light, dust clouds billowed, and the ground trembled. Shangguan Ya’s heart raced wildly. As the enemy drew closer, her hands trembled uncontrollably.
She had always been taught to live for her family, but for the first time in her life, she felt that her fate was in her own hands.
Even if the choice she made was to face death rather than seek survival.
Yet, even at this moment, she felt no regret.
Instead, an indescribable exhilaration surged within her. In this world, freedom and dignity far outweighed life itself.
Her breathing grew more rapid. When the two armies were less than ten zhang apart, she suddenly heard a cry from the crowd: “Look! Another army!”
Shangguan Ya abruptly turned and saw a flag bearing the character “Su” fluttering atop the hill behind her. A young man in jade-colored robes, sword in hand and a curved bow hanging from his horse, rode toward the battlefield, bathed in the morning light.
Shangguan Ya couldn’t help but smile. At that very moment, someone nearby shouted, “Watch out!”
Before the words fully left their mouth, she was shoved aside. The two armies collided instantly, and Shangguan Ya tumbled to the ground. Fighting desperately, she swung her sword and rushed toward the young man on horseback.
He had clearly spotted her as well, weaving through the crowd as he charged toward her.Never had Shangguan Ya felt so clear-headed as in this moment. She shouted the other's name amidst the crowd: "Su Ronghua!"
Her hair, loosened to evade blades, streamed behind her as she charged forward without hesitation through the encircling slaughter.
As that figure drew nearer and nearer, until at the last moment, he reached out his hand to her.
Gazing up at the youth on horseback, she urgently stretched out her own hand.
The instant he grasped her, it felt as if a wish spanning two lifetimes had finally been fulfilled in that moment.
Su Ronghua pulled her onto the horse in one swift motion. Before Shangguan Ya could speak, she heard him both urging the horse toward Huajing at full speed and soothing her: "Don't worry. I've already explained everything to my cousin. I brought troops for reinforcements, and he went to inform the family to grant Qin Lin passage."
"You all..." Shangguan Ya's voice trembled as she spoke. She steadied herself for a moment before continuing calmly, "Have you decided?"
Su Ronghua did not answer. Holding her close, he led his soldiers into Huajing. As they galloped along the imperial road, he looked upon the familiar capital and said slowly, "Yes."
"I will petition His Highness for an edict, leading the Su Clan back to our homeland. All our lands and people will pay taxes like ordinary citizens, in exchange for Rongqing's life."
Hearing this, Shangguan Ya was not surprised. She looked up at him from within his embrace. The youth wore an unusual seriousness that lent him a steadfastness he had never shown before.
"Even now," Shangguan Ya's voice was soft, "you still want to save Su Rongqing? If you don't save him, your Su Clan would still be considered meritorious."
"Everyone in this world may abandon Rongqing," Su Ronghua's voice was calm as he spoke, "but I cannot. Whether we are meritorious or not doesn't matter. The only regret is—"
Su Ronghua paused. After a long while, he seemed to have adjusted his emotions, forcing a casual smile: "With such a status, I'm afraid I can no longer propose to Miss Shangguan."
Shangguan Ya said nothing, only gazing at Su Ronghua.
The smile no longer reached his eyes.
That noble young master of Huajing, who once cared only for romance and leisure, had ultimately vanished.
Waiting is the longest thing in life.
Especially powerless waiting.
Li Rong did not know how long she had waited when she finally heard the tremendous sounds of shouting and killing at the entrance. After another long while, the noise outside suddenly fell silent.
The great doors swung open with a crash, and she saw Pei Wenxuan standing unharmed at the threshold.
Behind him stood Li Chuan, Lin Chuan, and a host of reinforcements. Seeing her standing calmly in the hall, Pei Wenxuan couldn't help but smile. Just as he was about to speak, he watched as Li Rong suddenly rushed toward him, throwing her arms around him in a tight embrace.
This was the first time she had shown such vulnerability before him.
With that embrace, it felt as if a silent wall had crumbled. Pei Wenxuan looked down at Li Rong, struggling to control his emotions as he raised his hand to gently hold her, whispering, "Go to a safe place and rest first. I will go find Su Rongqing."
"I'll go too."
Li Rong knew this was not the time for conversation. In truth, as long as Pei Wenxuan was alive, everything was still manageable.
She released Pei Wenxuan and glanced up at Li Chuan and Xun Chuan, asking, "Where is Lin Feibai?"
"He led troops to the inner palace first to rescue His Majesty."
"And Qin Lin?"
Li Rong strode directly toward the inner palace, turning to ask Xun Chuan. Xun Chuan lowered his voice: "General Qin sustained some injuries, but they are not serious. He is currently confronting the Su Clan's forces and specifically dispatched me to lead ten thousand soldiers ahead, scaling the snowy mountains to arrive early."Xun Chuan explained the situation in a few sentences. Li Rong nodded and simply said, "You've worked hard."
"For Your Highness," Xun Chuan looked up at her, his eyes full of sincerity, "it is no hardship."
As Li Rong led the group swiftly toward the inner palace, inside the bedchamber, Consort Rou pressed Li Ming against the table: "Where is the imperial seal?"
Li Ming remained silent, his eyes closed. Su Rongqing and Hua Le searched frantically around the room. For a moment, even Su Rongqing grew anxious.
He had to find the imperial seal. He must find the imperial seal.
The sound of fighting echoed from outside. Su Rongqing immediately looked up and turned to Consort Rou. "Li Chuan's men are here, hurry!"
Upon hearing this, Consort Rou gritted her teeth, drew her knife, and pressed it against Li Ming's neck. "Didn't you say you would pass the throne to Cheng'er? Didn't you say you loved me? Where is the imperial seal?! Hand it over!"
"My position," Li Ming said with a calm expression, "I can give it, but you cannot demand it."
Seeing Li Ming's demeanor—even at this moment, he still looked so lofty and superior—Consort Rou couldn't help but tremble. "In your heart, I, Cheng'er, and even Hua Le are nothing."
Li Ming raised his clouded eyes and stared coldly at her. "We are lowly, insignificant, nothing more than playthings who exhaust ourselves to please you. You despise the arrogance of the noble clans, but deep down, what you love is that very arrogance."
"Shut up."
Hearing this, Li Ming's face instantly flushed with anger. "You dare to do such things and still want my throne? You're dreaming!"
"Dreaming?" Consort Rou laughed. "Yes, I'm dreaming. I've been dreaming for many years."
As soon as she finished speaking, Consort Rou raised her knife and brought it down, slicing off one of Li Ming's fingers. Li Ming cried out in agony. "You wretch!"
Hearing Li Ming's screams, Consort Rou suddenly felt an indescribable sense of exhilaration. For a moment, she even felt that whether she obtained the imperial seal no longer mattered.
After all, she had reached the end of the road.
What she cared about now was trampling Li Ming beneath her feet.
The Son of Heaven, the one before whom all others bowed, was now being tortured by her.
It was as if such actions could mend the humiliation she had endured—the disdain, the mockery, the feeling of being trampled upon by others.
"The imperial seal."
She raised her hand and sliced a piece of flesh from Li Ming's back. As Li Ming cursed and screamed, Xiao Rou continued cutting, tears streaming down her face as she repeated, "The imperial seal, give me the imperial seal."
"Cheng'er must ascend the throne."
"I will become the Empress Dowager."
"Hua Le will become the Grand Princess."
"My Xiao Clan will become the most prominent nobility in Great Xia! The imperial seal! Give me the imperial seal!!"
"Over there."
Li Ming could no longer endure the torment. Howling, he pointed to a compartment in the floor. "Stop touching me," he gasped urgently. "The imperial seal is there."
Hearing this, Su Rongqing quickly stepped forward, opened the floor compartment as Li Ming had indicated, and found a jade box inside. He hurriedly retrieved the box, took out the imperial seal, and pulled out the edict from his robes to stamp it with the seal.
Just as the seal was stamped, the door burst open. Li Rong led her people in, striding swiftly. Su Rongqing snatched up the edict and immediately dashed toward the window.
Pei Wenxuan reacted the fastest, saying only, "I'll pursue him."
With that, Pei Wenxuan followed Su Rongqing and disappeared through the window.
As Su Rongqing fled, he took a large group of people with him. Li Rong looked up and saw Li Ming sitting in his chair, Consort Rou pressing a sharp blade against his neck, and Hua Le standing beside her, trembling slightly.
"Let us go."
Consort Rou spoke calmly. Li Rong's expression remained serene as she waved her hand. Xun Chuan acknowledged the order and led the others to retreat.
Only Li Rong and Li Chuan remained in the room. Li Chuan pulled over a chair for Li Rong to sit, then stood silently behind her. Li Rong sat gracefully in her seat, smiling as she looked at Consort Rou.
Consort Rou gripped Li Ming's hair, and seeing Li Rong like this, she couldn't help but feel a surge of fear.
Li Rong smiled faintly and gently raised her hand. "Go ahead.""Li Rong," Consort Rou gritted her teeth, "this is your father."
"Father?" Li Rong lowered her head and laughed, "He is also Hua Le's father, your husband. How can he be my father alone? You want to kill him—what does that have to do with me?"
"Since childhood, his most beloved son was Li Cheng, his most cherished daughter was Hua Le, and the woman he truly loved was you. Now that you want to kill him, you tell me he is my father and ask me to let you go?"
Li Rong seemed to find it amusing: "Do you think I am weak and easy to bully, or do you think I am foolish and ignorant?"
"If you want to act, do it quickly. Slit his throat here, and I can hurry to have Chuan'er ascend the throne. For your contribution, I will grant you a whole corpse."
"Mother."
Hearing this, Hua Le panicked for a moment.
She glanced at Xiao Rou, then at Li Rong. For some reason, she suddenly knelt down.
"Your Highness," she said, her voice trembling, her eyes filled with pleading, "I beg you, for the sake of our shared Li bloodline, spare me. I am your sister. If you let me go today, I promise I will never argue with you again. I will forever be your most loyal, most filial, and most obedient sister."
"I was wrong in the past," Hua Le said, crawling on her knees toward Li Rong. "Forgive me, I beg you, forgive..."
Before she could finish, a sword landed with a clang in front of Hua Le. Hua Le froze, looking up in a daze to see Li Chuan staring coldly at her: "Stay away from my sister."
Hearing this, Consort Rou suddenly laughed.
"My child," she called to Hua Le, "do you see now? Pleading for mercy will yield no results. People like us can never beg for mercy in our entire lives."
As she spoke, she set Li Ming down and walked toward Hua Le. She seemed to want to help Hua Le up, but her eyes remained fixed on Li Rong.
"You are wrong. In truth, you should care about him."
"He never loved me, nor did he love Cheng'er, much less Hua Le. In the palace, we were nothing but stains in his eyes, mud under his feet. He only needed us, used us."
"He never once thought of me when building the Northern Yan Tower."
"He never gave me a shred of respect."
"He never restrained his temper in front of me, hitting and scolding as he pleased."
Consort Rou stopped in front of Li Rong, looking at her as she slowly smiled. "I endured him for a lifetime, waited for him for a lifetime, loved him for a lifetime. But he never cared for me, all because I was born lowly, a servant, while your mother was born into a noble family, with the blood of the Shangguan Clan flowing in her veins. She could never make mistakes; she had to be respected."
"But why?"
Consort Rou stared at Li Rong. "Why are you born to be above others? And why am I born to be trampled in the mud? Is this heaven fair?"
"No, it is not."
Li Rong answered decisively. Consort Rou was taken aback as Li Rong spoke softly, "So, you should fight. But having a reasonable reason does not justify acting without restraint."
"I sympathize with you," Li Rong calmly examined her, "but I cannot support you."
"Sympathize with me?" Consort Rou couldn't help but laugh upon hearing this. "Yes, people like you should sympathize with us. I should be grateful for the mercy Princess Pingle has shown..."
As she spoke, Consort Rou raised her eyes, a cold glint flashing in them. In that instant, she stepped forward, dagger in hand, thrusting it fiercely toward Li Rong!At that very moment, a feathered arrow shot fiercely through the window, instantly piercing Consort Rou's skull!
Consort Rou's blood sprayed onto Hua Le and splattered across Li Rong's face.
Li Rong watched expressionlessly as Consort Rou collapsed to the ground. After a brief moment of stunned silence, Hua Le suddenly let out a sharp, piercing scream.
She shrieked madly, backing away through the pool of blood while screaming, then rushed frantically to the door, flung it open, and dashed out.
Moments later, the screams abruptly ceased. Li Rong looked at Consort Rou lying on the floor, feeling her blood soak through the soles of her shoes.
She gazed for a long time before speaking softly.
"May you be reborn into a better world."
A world where one's background, lineage, or gender is irrelevant—a world where everyone is respected, where through effort, each person can rise and achieve a better life.
After speaking, Li Rong lifted her eyes to look at Li Ming across from her.
His dragon robe was already soaked through with blood. Father and daughter quietly locked eyes.
After a long while, Li Ming weakly asked, "Aren't you going to kill me?"
Li Rong thought for a moment, stood up, and turned away. "Rest well. I'll call the imperial physician."
"Why won't you kill me?!"
Seeing Li Rong turn away as if she didn't care at all, Li Ming couldn't help but roar in a low voice. Li Chuan turned and saw Li Rong standing at the door.
Li Rong's gaze fell on Hua Le, who lay collapsed in the snow. She looked for a long time before murmuring softly, "Your crimes do not warrant death."
"You were not a very good father, nor a particularly good ruler. In the past, I would have wanted to kill you. But someone taught me that remembering a person's goodness is more important than remembering their faults. If you always dwell on the evil, over time, you forget your own kindness."
As she spoke, Li Rong raised her eyes and took a deep breath. "Besides, you don't need me to do it, do you? Father, rest well."
With that, Li Rong pushed the door open and walked out.
Once outside, she turned to Xun Chuan beside her. "Where is Pei Wenxuan?"
"He is said to be at Weiyang Palace."
"Stay here, accompany Chuan'er, and do not leave his side for even a moment."
After giving her orders, Li Rong strode away.
As Li Rong hurried toward Weiyang Palace, Pei Wenxuan walked with his sword drawn through the innermost chamber of the palace.
He had chased Su Rongqing all the way here. The guards were fighting outside the palace, leaving only him and Su Rongqing inside Weiyang Palace at that moment.
Su Rongqing had chosen to flee to Weiyang Palace precisely because it must have a secret passage for escape. In their previous life, Shangguan Ya had presided over the central palace for so long, and Su Ronghua had come and gone freely within the palace—there must have been some special means of entry and exit.
In the innermost room of Weiyang Palace, light filtered through the gauze windows, casting a dim glow. Light curtains fluttered in the wind, and a screen embroidered with landscapes and figures divided the room. Outside, the sounds of fighting continued, but inside, it was so quiet that even the sound of dripping water could be heard.
Su Rongqing was here.
Pei Wenxuan knew it, but he didn't know exactly where he was hiding.
And Su Rongqing was in the same position.
Both of them hid in the shadows, observing their surroundings while concealing themselves.
Suddenly, the lamp wick crackled. Pei Wenxuan spotted a shadow falling onto the screen. He thrust his sword straight toward it. The other party had clearly noticed his presence as well. Two swords simultaneously pierced through the screen, clashing against each other. They slid along the screen, slicing through the landscape ink painting above, all the way to the end. Then, Pei Wenxuan pressed his wrist down, forcing his sword to press against Su Rongqing's blade!However, Su Rongqing reacted with lightning speed. With a flick of his longsword, he kicked from the side, then took advantage of Pei Wenxuan’s evasion to spin around and slash down with his sword!
The screen was knocked to the ground by the two of them, their swords clashing fiercely. As they faced each other, Pei Wenxuan clearly saw the icy killing intent in his opponent’s eyes.
Pei Wenxuan gave a faint smile. “I’ve long heard that Minister Su topped the academy examinations every year, never failing to take first place in any subject. The rumors indeed do not deceive—Minister Su’s swordsmanship is truly extraordinary.”
“You flatter me.”
Su Rongqing said no more. Raising his hand, he launched a fierce assault, slashing downward!
Light gauze fluttered in the room, the two fighting figures flickering in and out of sight. Their swordsmanship was evenly matched, and for a time, they were locked in a fierce struggle.
Neither could be considered a top-tier master, but among civil officials, they were skilled in combat. Their longswords slashed, clashed, and separated again, each move carrying a long-held intent to kill, without a hint of restraint.
“You’ve wanted to kill me for a long time.”
Su Rongqing sensed Pei Wenxuan’s killing intent and spoke coldly. Pei Wenxuan sneered in response. “The first time you held an umbrella for Her Highness,” their swords clashed once more, the impact numbing both their arms, “I wanted to kill you.”
“What a coincidence.” Su Rongqing raised his hand, slicing past Pei Wenxuan’s crown. “On the day you became engaged to Her Highness, I thought the same.”
“Then I must thank the Second Young Master for sparing my life.”
Pei Wenxuan aimed straight for Su Rongqing’s throat, forcing him to retreat hastily. Pinned against a pillar, Su Rongqing suddenly dodged aside. Pei Wenxuan couldn’t retract his sword in time, stabbing it into the pillar. Seizing the opportunity, Su Rongqing slashed toward Pei Wenxuan’s hand. Pei Wenxuan swiftly raised his sword, grabbed Su Rongqing’s wrist, and threw him over his shoulder, slamming him to the ground!
Su Rongqing was forced to release his sword, using all his strength to drag Pei Wenxuan down with him.
Both were compelled to abandon their swords and began brawling barehanded on the ground.
This was the first time they had faced each other directly in fifty years, and it was a matter of life and death. Without further words, Pei Wenxuan grabbed Su Rongqing’s hair and slammed his head repeatedly into the ground. Su Rongqing seized Pei Wenxuan’s wrists, twisted them, and kicked him in the abdomen!
They were like two wild beasts, two country ruffians, devoid of any semblance of decorum, pounding each other with fists and feet.
The commotion outside seemed to grow louder, and Su Rongqing clearly grew anxious. He locked his hands around Pei Wenxuan’s throat, pressing down with deadly force.
Pei Wenxuan countered by gripping Su Rongqing’s neck, refusing to let go.
“Why… why are you still struggling…”
Pei Wenxuan felt his breath growing labored. “You can’t escape, and that fake Li Cheng won’t be of any use either. Her Highness has made up her mind—a posthumous edict won’t force her hand.”
Su Rongqing remained silent. He, too, was struggling to breathe under Pei Wenxuan’s grip, gasping for air but unwilling to release his hold. He listened as Pei Wenxuan continued, “You had so many paths to choose from, yet you refused to take them. Since you were reborn early, you could have proposed to her and married her—but you didn’t dare.”
“You could have let go and worked with her to support Li Chuan—but you wouldn’t.”
“You knew the noble families were at fault, and Li Chuan, though flawed, could change—but you refused.”
“In the end, you have nothing, yet you claim there was no way out. Su Rongqing, isn’t that laughable?”
“It is laughable.”
As soon as Su Rongqing spoke, his strength faltered. Pei Wenxuan rolled over, kicking him away!
The two tumbled to opposite sides, quickly scrambling to their knees, coughing violently on the ground.Pei Wenxuan looked up at him first, only to see Su Rongqing crouched on the ground. "But what about me..."
"I am the young master of the Su Clan. How can I disregard the interests of my family?" Su Rongqing coughed, raising his head. "I have already lost Her Highness. I have nothing left. I conspired with the noble families to rebel, staking my life on it. And now you tell me I was wrong?"
As he spoke, Su Rongqing laughed bitterly. "Then what about everything I lost? Was it all in vain? I could have married Her Highness. I could have been like my elder brother, stubbornly kneeling before my father, pleading to marry Her Highness. But I didn’t. In my previous life, I watched her marry you. On the day of her wedding," Su Rongqing's voice choked, "I followed her bridal carriage all the way to the Princess's Manor. In this life, I personally persuaded you to marry her. I welcomed you as the groom, I handed you over to her with my own hands, all because I chose this path."
"I have already given up what is most precious to me," Su Rongqing stared at Pei Wenxuan. "I cannot be wrong."
"Remember one thing," Pei Wenxuan's voice was calm. "Her Highness was not something you gave up. She was someone I fought for. Whether you chose to contend or not," Pei Wenxuan looked at him steadily, "Her Highness has always been my Her Highness."
Hearing this, Su Rongqing fell silent.
The two stared at each other quietly. Pei Wenxuan stood up, reached out, and pulled the long sword still embedded in the pillar. "Remember this well."
"If you are wrong, you must admit it."
"If she loves me, you must leave."
"In this lifetime, whether you are alive or dead, do not think of approaching Her Highness," he pointed the sword at him, "not even by a hair's breadth."
As soon as the words fell, Pei Wenxuan swung his sword. Su Rongqing rolled to the side, grabbed a sword, and blocked the strike with a backhanded motion.
The clash of swords echoed through the room. This time, both fought with all their might, as if provoked by something, slashing at each other recklessly.
Light gauze was cut and scattered everywhere, the screen was mostly destroyed, and the sounds from outside grew fainter until, at last, Li Rong's faint inquiry could be heard: "Where are they?"
The moment Li Rong's voice sounded, Su Rongqing's hand trembled. Pei Wenxuan's sword slid past his blade and pierced his chest.
Blood slowly flowed out, and both men stopped moving.
Li Rong pushed the door open and saw Pei Wenxuan's sword pressed against Su Rongqing's heart in the room.
As Li Rong entered, Pei Wenxuan quickly withdrew his sword. Su Rongqing slid to the ground, leaning against the pillar, watching Li Rong approach as he gasped for breath.
Looking at the familiar figure in such a wretched state, Li Rong was momentarily unsure whether to feel resentment or sorrow. She walked up to Su Rongqing and slowly crouched down. Su Rongqing's eyes were fixed entirely on her.
"It's over."
She looked at him, her voice calm.
Hearing these words, Su Rongqing slowly smiled. "I am glad Her Highness has come."
"Say your farewells."
Li Rong looked at him as if gazing at an old friend, with pity and sadness in her eyes.
Su Rongqing looked into Li Rong's gaze, gasping for breath. In the end, he only asked, "Your Highness, must you... reform the system?"
"I must," Li Rong affirmed. "I hope that this world will never again have a Hongde or a Xiao Rou."
"I also hope that this world will never again have the Aya, Su Ronghua, you, me, my father, my mother, Xie Lanqing... from the previous life."
"Do not use lofty words to conceal the truth of devouring others. People are people. All emotions, all power, should be respected."Su Rongqing did not speak, his gaze fixed intently on Li Rong.
Li Rong waited for him. After a long while, his voice trembled as he spoke: "The greatest conflict among noble families lies in the distinction between legitimate and illegitimate children."
Li Rong had not expected Su Rongqing's final farewell to be about this. She was taken aback for a moment, then heard Su Rongqing look at her and softly say: "Your Highness, I never intended to harm you. I have always wished for you to live well."
"Even if it means being with Pei Wenxuan," he smiled, "I hope you live well."
"When I returned through rebirth, I did not propose marriage—not out of cowardice, but because I knew you liked him, and I knew I had harmed you. Moreover, I intended to kill Li Chuan, and you would never forgive me."
"I tried to stop you from establishing the Supervisory Department because the noble families were powerful, and I did not want you to face threats."
"As for proposing marriage on the Northern Yan Tower," Su Rongqing breathed lightly, not daring to blink, afraid that each glance might be his last. With all his strength, he spoke with difficulty, "it was also because the noble families sought to drive Your Highness out of Huajing. I thought Pei Wenxuan was dead, and Your Highness had lost the wager with the court. The only way to protect Your Highness was to use the Su Clan's status to plead for a favor on your behalf. It was not meant as a deliberate offense, nor was it taking advantage of your situation."
"I know."
Li Rong's voice was somewhat hoarse as she lowered her eyes. Su Rongqing smiled, gazing at her for a long time before mustering the effort to retrieve a small gold-dusted fan from his sleeve.
"This is what Your Highness dropped that night at the cliff."
Su Rongqing raised his hand and placed it in Li Rong's palm: "I had intended to keep it secretly, but in the end, I must return it to Your Highness."
Just like his feelings.
He had intended to keep them hidden in his heart forever, disturbing no one, letting no one know. But in the end, he was still just an ordinary person.
Li Rong looked down at the small fan in her hand, saying nothing. Su Rongqing studied her, and after a long while, his voice trembling with hope yet filled with despair, he said: "I have long admired Your Highness."
Li Rong's hand stiffened.
This was the first time in two lifetimes he had spoken these words.
"At twelve years old, when I first saw you in front of the imperial study," tears welled in his eyes, "I admired Your Highness. For one lifetime, for two lifetimes, I have loved only Your Highness."
Hearing these words, Li Rong did not know why, but she felt her eyes grow sore.
She nodded, acknowledging his words.
Seeing her reaction, Su Rongqing smiled gently: "Your Highness, in this lifetime, have you lived well?"
"Yes," Li Rong replied hoarsely, "very well."
"That is good." Su Rongqing nodded. "I am at ease now."
"Your Highness," Pei Wenxuan walked to Li Rong's side and helped her up, "do not crouch for too long."
Li Rong acknowledged him and allowed Pei Wenxuan to support her.
"Let's go," Pei Wenxuan said softly. Li Rong nodded, and the two walked side by side, supporting each other as they made their way out. After a few steps, Li Rong suddenly halted. She turned back to look at Su Rongqing: "Rongqing," she said, looking at him as if sharing joyful news with a friend, "I am with child."
Su Rongqing was stunned.
He suddenly remembered Li Rong's greatest regret in her previous life.
She often spoke of children—it was their shared pain.
And in that moment, he finally understood clearly that she truly was living well, different from her previous life.
He smiled and nodded: "Good. Rongqing congratulates Your Highness."
With that, he struggled to stand and looked at Pei Wenxuan: "Young Master Pei, may I trouble you," he raised his hand, pointing to a zither placed nearby, "I wish to play one final song for Your Highness."Pei Wenxuan nodded, released Li Rong, and went to fetch the qin for him.
When he placed the qin before Su Rongqing, he also set down two bottles of medicine.
"After today, Su Rongqing will be dead."
Su Rongqing was taken aback. Pei Wenxuan stood up, and as he rose, he carelessly knocked the candle flame to the ground.
The flames licked at the light gauze on the floor as Pei Wenxuan turned and walked away. He came to Li Rong’s side and wrapped an arm around her shoulder.
Li Rong allowed herself to be held, and the two of them walked forward together.
Su Rongqing turned his head, gazing at the rising fire beside him. After a long while, he plucked the first string of the zither.
Li Rong heard the sound of the zither behind her, but she did not look back. The two of them were together, leaving this past behind.
By the time they emerged, the fire had already spread.
Li Rong stood in the courtyard with her back to Weiyang Palace, listening to the tune "Joyful Farewell" coming from within.
It was a short farewell song, light and beautiful.
The sound of the zither mingled with the crackling of the flames. Li Rong stood quietly at the entrance until the music stopped. Only then did she turn her head to see Weiyang Palace completely engulfed in flames.
She watched for a long time, and Pei Wenxuan waited quietly beside her.
After a long while, Li Rong came back to herself. She took a step forward as if nothing had happened and simply said, "Let's go."
They had only walked a few steps when they saw Su Ronghua rushing in frantically. As soon as he entered the courtyard and saw Weiyang Palace ablaze, he froze for a moment before hurriedly stepping forward. Pei Wenxuan quickly stopped him, urgently saying, "Brother Su! It's dangerous inside!"
"Is Rongqing inside?" Su Ronghua asked, his face full of panic. "Is he?"
"Is Su Rongqing inside?"
Shangguan Ya chased in and, hearing Su Ronghua's words, quickly inquired. Li Rong nodded and said only, "He's already gone. Going in now would be suicide. Let's go."
With that, Li Rong walked out. Su Ronghua, hearing her words, stared blankly at the raging fire, his eyes filled with shock and pain.
Shangguan Ya came before him and said in a low voice, "I need to tell you something."
Su Ronghua didn't listen. Shangguan Ya pursed her lips and said, "Weiyang Palace has a secret passage. I know where the exit is. If Su Rongqing is still inside now, he will surely die. But if he made it out..."
Shangguan Ya looked up at him. "He's alive."
The flames engulfed the roof of Weiyang Palace. Li Rong stopped in her tracks and turned back with Pei Wenxuan.
Inside the bedchamber, Li Ming was surrounded by physicians. In the end, he did not hold on until Li Rong returned. Slowly, he closed his eyes.
Li Chuan stood before the bed, listening as the imperial physician trembled and cried out, "Your Highness, His Majesty... has passed away."
He said nothing, watching quietly. After a long while, he dismissed everyone in a hoarse voice.
As the others left and closed the great doors, only Xun Chuan remained, standing behind Li Chuan.
"Why didn't you leave?"
Li Chuan asked, his voice raspy.
"Your Highness said I must not leave your side for even a moment."
Li Chuan did not speak. He felt the presence of that silent figure standing behind him.
Step by step, he walked forward, knelt before the dragon bed, took Li Ming's aged hand, and gently pressed it against his forehead.
He had heard Li Ming's final words clearly.
He had said, "I'm sorry."
The news of Li Ming's passing soon arrived. Li Rong heard it and merely nodded.
Then she turned and walked forward aimlessly. Pei Wenxuan walked by her side, accompanying her.
The two of them remained silent.
In the now completely quiet palace, servants gradually emerged to sweep away the accumulated snow. The two of them walked together, shoulder to shoulder, their sleeves brushing against each other.
As they walked, it was unclear who reached out first, but beneath their sleeves, they silently took each other's hand.
The strength transmitted through their hands invisibly supported them both.
Listening to the sound of footsteps in the snow, Li Rong suddenly felt that she could walk this path well.
Walk far, walk well, walk long.In the winter of the twentieth year of Kangxing, the treacherous consort of the Xiao Clan conspired with powerful families to stage a rebellion, murdering the emperor within the palace. This event became known in history as the Kangxing Palace Rebellion.
Princess Ping Le, along with her Imperial Son-in-Law and others, quelled the rebellion and assisted Crown Prince Li Chuan in ascending the throne, changing the era name to Dexu.
It was said that this new ruler lacked the talent for governance and preferred indulgence in pleasure. Knowing his son well, the late emperor, before his passing, specially appointed Princess Ping Le as the Regent Princess to assist in overseeing state affairs. The former Minister of Personnel, Pei Wenxuan, was promoted to Right Chancellor.
On the day of the coronation, the court officials gathered in the hall, awaiting the emperor's presence. However, after a long wait, all they received was an imperial decree and a crane.
The emperor had no interest in state affairs. On the day of his coronation, he announced that a crane would represent him in court, as he intended to cultivate immortality and seek enlightenment, hoping to ascend to immortality as soon as possible. All state affairs were to be handed over to the Princess Regent for handling.
No one present dared to speak. Only the newly appointed Right Chancellor, Pei Wenxuan, immediately knelt and performed a grand salute toward the crane.
From then on, state affairs were entirely taken over by the Princess Regent.
The Princess Regent acted with swift decisiveness. After assuming her position, she quickly dealt with all individuals involved in the Kangxing Palace Rebellion. Those who participated in the rebellion were executed or exiled, and their families were expelled from Huajing.
The rebel leader Xiao Su, who led troops in the rebellion, was also suppressed by Qin Lin's forces.
The court began to function normally again, and Li Rong was overwhelmed with work. Even with Pei Wenxuan's assistance, she often left early and returned late.
After several days, Pei Wenxuan suddenly informed her that Su Rongqing's funeral day had arrived.
Li Rong was momentarily stunned. Pei Wenxuan walked behind her, fetched her cloak, and said, "After all, he was an old friend for many years. Let's go pay our respects."
Due to her physical condition, Li Rong was unable to climb the mountain. She only visited with Pei Wenxuan to offer incense for Su Rongqing.
Su Rongqing had no remains, having been cremated to ashes in the palace. Su Ronghua buried him with his clothing as a substitute.
When Li Rong arrived, Su Ronghua personally guided her and Pei Wenxuan on a tour of the Su residence. As they walked, he recounted stories of Su Rongqing's childhood.
"When I was young and disobedient, my father saw it clearly. Knowing I was beyond redemption, he subjected Rongqing to strict discipline. Every morning, Rongqing had to recite the family precepts in front of the ancestral hall. Every day, he listened to our father emphasize that, as the young master of the family, the rise and fall of the Su Clan should be the most important matter in his life."
Su Ronghua led Li Rong and Pei Wenxuan across a small bridge to the ancestral hall.
Inside the hall, candlelight flickered dimly, and the ancestral tablets of the Su Clan were arranged on the altar.
The newest tablet belonged to Su Rongqing.
Su Ronghua stopped before the ancestral hall. Gazing at it for a long time, he spoke in a low, hoarse voice, "I am the one who harmed him."
If he had not evaded responsibility in his youth and had resisted to the end, Su Minzhi would not have been so harsh on Su Rongqing.
If he had guided his younger brother more, Su Rongqing would not have taken such a desperate path.
He stood before the ancestral hall for a long time before finally snapping back to reality. With a faint smile, he led the two forward, apologizing, "I'm sorry, I was momentarily overcome with sorrow."
After saying this, he quickly guided them to the next location.
A few days after Su Rongqing's burial, the entire Su Clan relocated away from Huajing.
Thereafter, the new dynasty truly began.
Only two months into the new dynasty, the first joyous event arrived: the Princess Regent, who held immense power in the court, was getting married again.
The groom was the same as last time.
This time, Princess Ping Le held an even higher status, and the man she was marrying had already become the youngest chancellor of Great Xia.
Thus, their wedding was even more grand and elaborate than the first.This time, Pei Wenxuan personally went to the palace gate to welcome Li Rong. He watched as the palace gates slowly opened wide. Li Rong, dressed in wedding attire, held a golden round fan that covered half her face as she knelt on the ornately carved and jade-inlaid imperial carriage.
As the light veil fluttered, her face was faintly visible. Her eyes held a smile as she quietly gazed at him through the crowd.
Pei Wenxuan couldn’t help but smile, raising his hand in salute and calling out loudly, “Your subject, Pei Wenxuan, respectfully welcomes the phoenix carriage!”
Planting the phoenix tree, the phoenix carriage finally returns.
Fireworks suddenly burst open, scattering petals hidden within them across the springtime Huajing.
Everyone looked up, watching the petals drift everywhere. Lin Feibai turned his head and looked at Shangguan Ya beside him, who was smiling as she sent Li Rong off.
Her eyes were full of joy. Lin Feibai remained silent for a long time before suddenly speaking, “Shangguan Ya.”
“Hmm?”
“Have you ever liked someone?”
Shangguan Ya fell into thoughtful silence. Lin Feibai chuckled and suddenly said, “Forget it, let’s not hold each other back.”
With that, Lin Feibai took out a deck of leaf cards from his sleeve and handed them to Shangguan Ya. “I’ll return these to you. Thank you and Her Highness for saving me back then.”
“You…”
Shangguan Ya hesitated. Lin Feibai didn’t look at her. The two walked along the long street, following Li Rong’s carriage. Lin Feibai smiled brightly. “I can tell that Su Ronghua would die for you.”
Then, Lin Feibai turned to look at her, raising an eyebrow. “But my life is precious—I won’t die for any woman. So I won’t stand in your way.”
“Let’s forget about the marriage arrangement. I never sent betrothal gifts anyway, so let’s just pretend nothing happened. I plan to return to the southwest. The girls there are passionate, cheerful, and much more straightforward than the sour-faced ones here in Huajing.”
Shangguan Ya didn’t speak. After a long while, she said in a low, hoarse voice, “Thank you.”
After Li Rong’s wedding, Lin Feibai left Huajing.
Xun Chuan, seeing that the time was about right, also decided to return to the northwest.
Li Rong and Shangguan Ya saw her off as she left Huajing. Shangguan Ya was quite reluctant. “You haven’t been back for long, and now you’re leaving again. Wouldn’t it be better to stay in Huajing?”
“Huajing doesn’t belong to me,” Xun Chuan said, smiling as she looked at Li Rong. “When you’ve traveled many roads, you don’t want to stay confined to one city.”
“But,” Xun Chuan thought for a moment and smiled again, “every year from now on, I’ll come back to see you.”
“Alright,” Shangguan Ya nodded. “Get married soon and bring someone back with you.”
Xun Chuan smiled lightly, saying only, “Alright, I’ll try. Then…” She looked up at the two girls. “Shall we part ways here?”
“Before we part, I have something for you.” Li Rong smiled and took out an appointment document from her sleeve.
“You’ve been appointed as the General Who Guards the North, but I haven’t given you the appointment document yet.”
With that, she handed the document to Xun Chuan. “Take a look.”
Xun Chuan was somewhat puzzled, not understanding what there was to see in such a document. She opened it and finally saw three words: Qin Zhenzhen.
She had thought she would never reclaim her name in this lifetime, but at this moment, she finally took it back.
“Go on.”
Li Rong reached out and patted her shoulder. “From now on, you are yourself. Live for yourself.”
Xun Chuan thanked Li Rong and said no more, riding her horse away from Huajing.
Li Chuan stood atop the Northern Yan Tower, gazing into the distance, watching as a lone figure on horseback gradually disappeared from Huajing.
Everything seemed to have settled at last.In the winter of the first year of Dexu, Li Rong gave birth to her first child, a princess. Li Chuan was extremely fond of her and specially granted her the surname Li, naming her Li Xi.
On the day of Li Xi's full moon, Pei Wenxuan held a banquet for her. After a lively and grand introduction, that night he held Li Xi in his arms and chatted with Li Rong, who was lying on the couch.
"Qin Lin sent a military report saying the north is fighting again. Fortunately, we seized the Wang and Gu families to hold things together for a while, but this can't go on forever. We need to think of a way."
As Pei Wenxuan spoke, he patted the child. Seeing it was time to feed, Li Rong put down the memorial, cradled the child in her arms, and patted her gently, her voice soft: "You want to reform the system again? Have you thought about how to do it?"
Pei Wenxuan pondered for a moment, thinking aloud: "We need to find a way to make them pay taxes. The imperial examination system isn't something that can be changed overnight. If they don't pay taxes or hand over land, they'll always have money. With money comes more land, and with more land comes more soldiers, wealth, and power. That's no solution in the long run."
"I've had an idea for a long time."
Pei Wenxuan watched Li Xi drinking milk with gusto and couldn't help feeling thirsty himself. He took some tea, drinking it to calm himself: "What idea?"
"The eldest legitimate son inherits the title, but property can be divided equally among legitimate and illegitimate sons. As long as the illegitimate sons request to split the family, after the division, they must pay taxes according to the law."
As soon as the words fell, Pei Wenxuan choked on his water, coughing it into his windpipe.
He coughed violently, but even as he did, he understood Li Rong's meaning.
The foundation of the noble families lay in their land and property. For generations, land and property had always been inherited by the eldest legitimate son. Except in cases like Su Ronghua, who had renounced his inheritance rights, it was generally the eldest legitimate son who inherited all the property, while other family members depended on the inheritor.
This directly led to the long-term preservation of noble family wealth, making each generation more powerful than the last.
However, if property were divided equally among legitimate and illegitimate sons, and the divided property were taxed according to the law, it would invisibly cut and weaken the noble families. Where a hundred acres of land were previously untaxed, after being divided among four brothers, only twenty-five acres would remain untaxed. After a few generations, the power of the noble families could be fundamentally weakened through their property.
Although illegitimate sons held low status within the family, they were still human beings. Over time, bonds formed, and despite their low status, they still held some power. For example, in the Pei family, although Pei Liming was an illegitimate son, with the family's support, he still became the Minister of Justice. Once given a law to rely on, capable illegitimate sons would certainly do everything they could to enforce it.
In the past, suppressing the noble families created conflicts mainly between the royal family and the noble families. This method, however, shifted the conflict to that between legitimate and illegitimate sons. Rather than overthrowing Li Rong and fighting with her, they would be better off fighting among themselves, between legitimate and illegitimate sons.
But whether they fought or not, it would ultimately be an internal matter for the noble families themselves.
Combined with methods like the imperial examination system, within three generations, the noble families would likely no longer enjoy their current glory.
After understanding and recovering, Pei Wenxuan couldn't help but ask: "How did you come up with such an idea?"
"You often told me before that behind power lies human nature," Li Rong said, seeing that Li Xi had finished drinking. She patted Li Xi's back gently and whispered, "When Su Rongqing left, he told me that the greatest weakness of the noble families lies in the distinction between legitimate and illegitimate sons. He came from the most orthodox noble family background, so what he said naturally had its reasons. Thinking more from their perspective, it becomes clear.""That was something I told you," Pei Wenxuan laughed, "and I never realized it myself."
"You're a good person, and the legitimate eldest son," Li Rong looked up and smiled at him, "so it's normal you wouldn't think of these things. I used to not understand others either, ever since..."
Li Rong paused, and Pei Wenxuan understood.
Her life and death in the previous life were her hurdle; after collapsing and rising again, that was her rebirth.
Pei Wenxuan reached out and took Li Rong's hand, saying softly, "I understand."
Li Rong lowered her head with a smile. "Ever since that argument with Chuan'er, I've been able to think more from others' perspectives. If you think this is feasible, then let's decide on it."
Pei Wenxuan naturally had no objections. So the next day, to celebrate Li Xi's birth, Li Rong issued the "Decree of Equal Grace."
When the Decree of Equal Grace was announced, those with insight could clearly see its intent. In the court, debates grew fierce. Pei Wenxuan, as the promoter of this decree, often stepped forward personally, arguing intensely with other ministers.
Li Rong brought the child to court, sitting behind the curtain and listening to their disputes.
Sometimes their arguments grew too loud, startling Li Xi, who would burst into loud cries. Upon hearing the child's wails, Pei Wenxuan would momentarily forget his quarrels, turn, and walk directly behind the curtain to help Li Rong pick up the child.
Strangely, Li Rong couldn't soothe the child, but as soon as Pei Wenxuan held him, he would stop crying.
Pei Wenxuan had no choice but to carry the child out, patting Li Xi's back while continuing his argument with the minister: "What you just said is utterly absurd. This is a blessing for the noble families, who should be grateful. If you don't believe it, why not let everyone express their opinion and see whether the scions of noble families are willing or not."
Although Pei Wenxuan's words were stern, his tone softened considerably, as if afraid of startling Li Xi. Hearing his gentler voice, the minister found it hard to continue arguing.
After several such rounds, no one wanted to argue in court anymore.
After all, everyone understood clearly that the Decree of Equal Grace was an open scheme. Li Rong had seized the noble families' vital point, making it impossible to resist.
In the past, policies suppressing noble families were debated between commoners and nobles. But now, this policy had the noble families arguing among themselves.
From the central government to the local regions, legitimate and illegitimate heirs each displayed their abilities. Within less than five years of the decree's implementation, large and small clans across the country fragmented and divided, and the national treasury grew full.
After this, Li Rong gradually restricted the recommendation system, promoted commoners, and vigorously advanced the imperial examination system.
Managing floods in the south, resisting foreign enemies in the north.
Step by step, healing the wounds of Great Xia.
During these years, Li Chuan often disguised himself as an ordinary citizen and traveled extensively. In the third year of Dexu, Li Chuan announced he was going north.
Upon hearing this, Li Rong argued fiercely with him. Pei Wenxuan, still working in the palace, heard their quarrel and hurried back to mediate. Even outside the palace gate, he could hear the siblings cursing each other.
Li Rong scolded Li Chuan for seeking death, telling him not to give his name if anything happened outside—if a ruler of a nation were kidnapped, she couldn't bear the shame and wouldn't spend money to ransom him.
Li Chuan, while packing his luggage, muttered, "I never asked you to ransom me. If someone kidnaps me, just say you don't know me and let them tear up the ransom note."These words made Li Rong so angry that her blood surged. Pei Wenxuan quickly supported Li Rong and scolded Li Chuan inside on her behalf: "Your Majesty, your words are too willful. How could Her Highness possibly ignore you? If you get kidnapped, remember to tell them that your brother-in-law is a wealthy merchant who can pay a hundred taels of gold to ransom you."
"Brother-in-law is still the best."
Hearing this, Li Chuan immediately cheered up, poking his head out from the doorway with a beaming smile: "I brought you a gift."
"Pei Wenxuan!"
Li Rong roared, and Pei Wenxuan quickly added: "If they ask for too much money, don't bother writing back. Just let them tear up the ransom note."
Li Chuan: "..."
With Pei Wenxuan's teasing, the atmosphere between the siblings eased considerably, but Li Rong still wore a stern expression: "Within the borders of Great Xia, you can go anywhere you want, but you cannot leave."
"Elder Sister," Li Chuan smiled bitterly, "you said I could choose my own life."
"But what you're choosing now is death!"
"Elder Sister," Li Chuan chuckled, "I just want to do what I wish to do. I want to go north, to explore what lies there, to find out where the northern Rong tribes are, and to see if there are any treasures. I've lived in Huajing for over twenty years. I want to step out and see the world."
"What if..."
"If I die," Li Chuan said calmly, "then at least I will have lived a life without regrets."
Li Rong fell silent, staring at Li Chuan. Pei Wenxuan took her hand and gently persuaded her: "Your Highness, His Majesty will be fine. He is no longer a child."
"Get lost!"
Li Rong wiped away a tear, turned, and walked away.
That night, Li Chuan left the palace.
Half a year later, Li Rong received news from Xun Chuan in the northwest, saying she had escorted Li Chuan out of Great Xia and headed north.
After that, there was no further news of either of them.
Li Rong would often sit alone in Li Chuan's palace for a long time before leaving. Sometimes, she would blame Pei Wenxuan for letting Li Chuan leave, but whenever she was about to say something, she would remember her previous life.
She had decided everything for Li Chuan, and in doing so, she had killed the young man named Li Chuan with her own hands.
Everyone can only live their own lives. They cannot decide the choices others make, nor can they understand whether a choice is right or wrong for an individual—only the person themselves knows.
In the fourth year of Dexu, Li Rong gave birth to another boy, named Pei Qingyun.
In the seventh year of Dexu, Li Rong suddenly received news that Qin Zhenzhen had returned to Huajing.
The moment she heard the news, she rushed down from her high seat and ran all the way to the palace gate. There, she saw a young man and woman standing before it.
The young man appeared to be in his mid-twenties, with a hint of stubble on his face, looking travel-worn but with a carefree and unrestrained smile.
Beside him stood a young woman dressed in black, wearing a sword, like a silent guardian quietly standing by his side.
Li Rong dared not approach. After a long while, she heard the young man speak gently: "Elder Sister."
Over four years, Li Chuan had mapped the entire northern territory, identified the locations and relationships of the northern tribes, and brought back new seeds and spices from the north.
In addition, he also brought back a child, named Li Xun.He and Qin Zhenzhen did not stay in Huajing for long. After leaving the map of the northern territories, the two took Li Xun and departed. Before leaving, Li Rong spoke with Li Chuan through the night, hoping to have Li Xun stay behind. Li Chuan only smiled and said, "Elder Sister, I am not staying in Huajing because I fear we might clash. If we leave Xun'er in Huajing, will you and Xun'er not clash either?"
Li Rong was momentarily speechless. Li Chuan sighed and said, "Besides, I don’t belong here, and neither does Xun'er. Let it be."
Shortly after obtaining the map of the northern territories, Shangguan Xu retired to his hometown. Pei Wenxuan became the Left Chancellor, and Shangguan Ya was promoted to Right Chancellor.
As the first female chancellor in Great Xia, on her first day in office, Shangguan Ya submitted a memorial advocating for a northern campaign.
At this time, Great Xia had been recuperating for many years, with a strong military and prosperous nation. After Shangguan Ya proposed the campaign, not a single voice in the court opposed it.
Li Rong decided to lead Shangguan Ya personally on the northern expedition.
On the night she made her decision, Pei Wenxuan paced outside her door for a long time. Seeing someone walking back and forth, Li Rong swung the door open with a bang, startling Pei Wenxuan. She stared at him and said, "If you have something to say, say it."
"I was just thinking," Pei Wenxuan said with a strained expression, "Xi'er and Qingyun are still young. They rely on their mother. Why don't... why don't I go on the northern expedition in your place?"
Li Rong didn't speak. She quietly watched as the two little ones stumbled into the room. Li Xi ran ahead, shouting for Pei Wenxuan, "Daddy, Daddy, come play with us!"
With that, the two children ran up to Pei Wenxuan, each hugging one of his legs and looking up at him.
Pei Wenxuan wore a bitter expression and said with difficulty, "They rely on you more, really."
Li Rong lowered her head and smiled. She reached out and hugged Pei Wenxuan.
"Don't worry, I won't go to the battlefield."
"I just want to see."
"I want to see the mountains and rivers of Great Xia, to see the suffering of the people. I can't stay in Huajing forever, can I?"
Pei Wenxuan didn't speak. With one big and two small figures clinging to him, Li Rong looked up at him and said, "Besides, I rely on you too. I will definitely come back."
Hearing Li Rong speak so coquettishly, Pei Wenxuan felt helpless for a moment. He sighed and could only hold her, whispering, "Alright, go then."
He prepared all the logistics for her, and Li Rong and Shangguan Ya headed north.
With Li Rong's personal presence, morale soared. Li Rong and Shangguan Ya oversaw the front lines, while Qin Lin and Qin Zhenzhen led the troops deep into the northern heartland, determined to capture the northern imperial court and completely pacify the north.
News of the northern expedition spread throughout Great Xia. Su Ronghua sat at home and heard that Right Chancellor Shangguan Ya had personally gone north to oversee the war. He sat in his room for a long time, then stood up, grabbed his outer robe, and quickly instructed others, "Prepare all the grain from the warehouse. I'll take it to the northwest."
The northern expedition lasted a full two years.
In the first half-year, after capturing the imperial court, Li Rong returned early with Shangguan Ya.
Not long after their return, Su Ronghua proposed marriage to the Shangguan Clan.
Although the Su Clan no longer enjoyed its former glory, the wedding still caused a sensation in the court. On the wedding night, Shangguan Ya lifted her fan and looked at the young man before her, saying, "All these years, I thought you would never return."
"I didn't intend to return," Su Ronghua smiled. "But seeing that Miss Shangguan was waiting for me, I dared not disregard the young lady's feelings."
"Nonsense," Shangguan Ya scoffed. "I was too busy with official duties to care about romance. Tell me, why didn't you come before but come now? Is it because you've taken a liking to my status as Chancellor?"
Hearing this, Su Ronghua couldn't help but laugh. He leaned against the bedside and nodded, "Yes, yes, I've taken a liking to your noble status and have come specifically to climb the social ladder."
Shangguan Ya snorted coldly at his sarcasm and turned her head away.
Su Ronghua didn't speak. He quietly watched her for a long time.
"Originally, I thought that Her Highness the Princess was weakening the noble clans. The Su Clan had once defied her, and even if we retreated to one side, I feared it would be hard to ease Her Highness's mind. A marriage between our two families might bring you trouble."Shangguan Ya listened without speaking. Su Ronghua lowered her head. "But when I heard you were going north, I thought that one day you might die somewhere I couldn't see. Suddenly, I felt... let me be selfish and cause you a little trouble."
"Please, my lady," Su Ronghua knelt before Shangguan Ya and looked up, "do not blame me."
"I won't," Shangguan Ya's voice was calm. "You don't know what kind of person Her Highness is."
"What kind of person?"
"She is not like the rulers of the past. What she holds in her heart is the world, not political schemes."
"As long as she is here," Shangguan Ya raised her hand and gently placed it on Su Ronghua's face, "if you love me, we can stay together forever."
Perhaps this was not the best of times.
It still had many flaws that invited criticism.
Yet, it was like a switch—someone had pressed this historical button with blood and a lifetime of effort.
For fate, for freedom, for dignity, pushing history forward against its will.
In the fourteenth year of Dexu, court officials argued endlessly over the issue of the crown prince, demanding that if Li Chuan did not intend to marry, he should adopt a member of the imperial clan as heir.
Li Rong found Li Chuan for a detailed discussion. After talking through the night, they finally reached a decision.
Li Chuan, the Virtuous and Brilliant Emperor, who had been absent from the Morning Court Assembly for fourteen years, abdicated due to illness and passed the throne to the eldest princess, Li Rong.
Li Rong became the first empress in the history of Great Xia, changing the era name to Xinqian and appointing Princess Li Xi as the crown princess.
Li Xi was born into the court. Though only fourteen years old now, she had already spent many years following Li Rong in court affairs.
Court officials were not surprised by this outcome, but privately, they still advised Li Rong: "Your Highness ascending the throne is what everyone hopes for, but appointing the princess as crown princess may be inappropriate."
Upon hearing this, Li Rong lowered her head and said nothing. Two months later, she heard that those officials who had opposed Li Xi becoming crown princess had changed their stance. As for how they changed their minds, she did not ask Li Xi.
When Pei Wenxuan came to discuss this with her, he was still quite worried. "Letting Xi'er become crown princess is too rash."
"That depends on her," Li Rong smiled. "Do you think not letting her become crown princess would be any less rash?"
Hearing this, Pei Wenxuan was momentarily stunned. Over the years, Li Rong's understanding of people's hearts had grown increasingly precise, and for a moment, he felt uncertain.
After Li Xi's appointment as crown princess was settled, Li Rong held an enthronement ceremony for her.
On the day of the ceremony, Li Rong received a gift sent from afar. It was delivered by someone sent by Su Ronghua, with no sender's name, and its contents were unknown.
Li Rong opened the box and saw a book inside, along with a map.
It was a complete map of the southern waterways, notes compiled on river management plans, and a proposal for controlling southern floods, along with engineering construction diagrams.
The content was incredibly detailed, clearly the work of someone who had devoted most of their life and poured their heart into it.
Li Rong looked at the familiar handwriting for a long time before finally smiling softly and closing the map.
That night, as Li Rong and Pei Wenxuan lay in bed, Li Rong asked softly, "Why did you spare him back then?"
"First, I felt it was a pity, and second..." Pei Wenxuan chuckled, resting his hands behind his head. "If he had died then, wouldn't you have remembered him for the rest of your life? I am a very narrow-minded person," Pei Wenxuan turned to look at her, "I don't want to leave even the slightest space for him."Li Rong listened to his words and couldn't help but laugh. "I know your tricks. Did you encourage the Censorate to oppose me today?"
Upon hearing this, Pei Wenxuan stiffened and quickly turned his back to her. "It's late. Don't overthink it. Go to sleep."
"Pei Wenxuan," Li Rong said, suddenly realizing something from his attitude. "Are you taking me for granted now that you have me?"
"Your Majesty," Pei Wenxuan quickly turned back to face her, reminding her, "There's still the Morning Court Assembly tomorrow. I'm exhausted. Let's just sleep."
"No," Li Rong felt she had encountered a serious matter. "Explain this to me clearly. Did you instigate those people from the Censorate today? Why are you opposing me? Pei Wenxuan, do you not want this marriage anymore?"
"Good heavens..." Pei Wenxuan, hearing Li Rong's impulsive accusations, was on the verge of tears. "The Censorate has nothing to do with me. Please, just go to sleep..."
The two of them bickered noisily in the night. Li Xi and Pei Qingyun, who had originally come looking for Li Rong and Pei Wenxuan, stood at the door for a moment before Li Xi decisively turned around with her younger brother. "Let's come another day. They've already gone to bed."
Pei Qingyun frowned at Li Xi's words. "Sister, I heard them arguing inside. Will they divorce?"
"They won't," Li Xi replied calmly. "They're just building their relationship."
Li Xi knew her parents well. They often argued like this, only to embrace afterward. She was used to it.
Pei Qingyun was still uneasy. The next day, after Li Rong returned from court, he went to find them again. As soon as he arrived, he saw a book fly out of the room, with Li Rong shouting inside, "Get out! Get out! You humiliated me like that today. If this is how it's going to be, then let's just end it!"
"Can't we talk without resorting to violence?" Pei Wenxuan shielded his face as he retreated. "What will people think if they see this?"
"Get out!"
Li Rong slammed the door shut with a loud bang. "We agreed to divorce once we each gained power. I'll write the divorce papers right now and grant your wish!"
Pei Wenxuan was about to retort when he suddenly noticed someone standing nearby.
He turned his head and saw Pei Qingyun staring at him blankly.
Pei Wenxuan felt a wave of awkwardness. He straightened his posture and cleared his throat lightly. "Qingyun, you..."
Before he could finish, Pei Qingyun turned and ran.
Pei Wenxuan froze. He looked at Li Rong's door, wanting to say something but finding the words stuck in his throat.
Frustrated and embarrassed.
He endured it for a while before finally flicking his sleeve and turning away, heading to his study.
His study happened to overlook the side window of Li Rong's room. He could see her inside, writing furiously.
Pei Qingyun hurried all the way to Li Xi's room, urgently pulling her along. "Sister, it's bad! Go and see quickly. Father and Mother are going to divorce. They don't want us anymore!"
Li Xi remained very calm but allowed herself to be dragged along by Pei Qingyun. As she walked, she said nonchalantly, "Stay calm. Walk slower. Don't panic."
The two children rushed toward the imperial study. Meanwhile, Pei Wenxuan, unable to sit still in his room, finally stood up and went to Li Rong's door, knocking.
Li Rong didn't respond, so Pei Wenxuan knocked again.
Annoyed by the noise, Li Rong flung the door open. "What else do you want?"
"Well," Pei Wenxuan cleared his throat, turning his head away stiffly. "It's just... I was thinking, the children are already so grown up... Maybe we shouldn't write the divorce papers. Let's just make do?"With that, Pei Wenxuan forced a smile. "Otherwise, how heartbroken would the child be?"
"You're right," Li Rong said with a straight face. "For the child's sake, let's just make do."
Hearing Li Rong's words that didn't match her true feelings, Pei Wenxuan couldn't help but laugh.
He always felt that this girl before him, no matter her age, was like a child.
He lowered his head to look at her and couldn't resist pulling her into his arms. "Then can I sleep in the bed tonight?"
Li Rong turned her head away, ignoring him. Pei Wenxuan couldn't help but lean down and kiss her. Just as he was about to say something, they heard Pei Qingyun shout, "Ah!"
Startled, Pei Wenxuan immediately let go, and the two quickly separated. After pretending to be calm for a moment, they turned to look at the two children standing at the door.
Li Xi respectfully bowed. "Your son and Qingyun happened to wander here and disturbed Father and Mother. We beg your forgiveness. Your son will take Qingyun and leave now."
With that, Li Xi pulled the stunned Pei Qingyun away.
Only after the two children had stepped out of the palace did Pei Qingyun react. "So... are they still getting divorced?"
"Divorced?" Li Xi scoffed. "Since I was born, how many divorce papers have they written? Don't worry, they can't separate."
"With the way they are, even if you gave them two lifetimes, three lifetimes, or countless lifetimes, they'd never be able to part."
Some love crosses mountains and rivers, some love crosses time.
And some love crosses life and faith, tempered through countless trials, never to part.
[The End]
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