The Road to Glory

Chapter 175: "Your Highness, Please Proceed with Confidence..."

Since the fall of Fengyang, Grand Tutor Yu had been confined in Hong'en Temple for nearly a year along with many former Liang officials.

The collapse of Great Liang and the deaths of Changlian Wang and his son had aged him ten years in this single year. Following Wen Yu's gaze toward the undulating northern mountains, he said:

"Thirty-five years ago, Emperor Chengzu ended the civil war, unified north and south, and won the hearts of the people. Wei Qishan was detained by barbarians outside the pass at the Northern Border and couldn't send troops south to quell the chaos. When Emperor Chengzu went north to demand his surrender, he eventually yielded reluctantly. The events of the past seem to be repeating themselves now. Therefore, even though the barbarians beyond the pass still threaten the Northern Border, it appears Wei Qishan will risk sending troops south to jointly attack Pei Song. With this pincer attack from north and south, that Pei traitor won't remain rampant for long. Your Highness need not worry."

The wind on the city tower was strong. After standing for just a short while, they already felt stiff and cold. Wen Yu gathered her cape and walked slowly with Grand Tutor Yu along the brick path of the inner Great Wall, saying:

"Since my teacher passed away, morale in Liang Camp has been fluctuating. I too feel as if I've lost my support behind me, lying awake many nights. Now that the Grand Tutor and other ministers have returned to Liang Camp, I can finally breathe easier. But as long as my sister-in-law and A Yin remain in Pei Song's hands, I cannot fully set my mind at rest."

As she spoke these words, her face showed no emotion, as if she had grown accustomed to concealing her feelings before others.

As a princess admired by thousands, with no one left in the world to whom she could show weakness, she had gradually grown accustomed to being strong. But Wen Yu herself didn't realize that her words just now sounded as if she subconsciously felt she had support again.

—When Grand Tutor Yu used to teach Wen Heng, she would often sneak in to listen. Grand Tutor Yu had always turned a blind eye to this, so in a way, he could be considered half a teacher to Wen Yu.

The speaker remained unaware, but the listener was already filled with heartache.

Grand Tutor Yu fell two steps behind Wen Yu, gazing at her elegant back. Against the uniform whiteness of the snowy sky, her azure cape trailing on the brick stones resembled a mountain peak rising abruptly from this cold, desolate landscape.

Clear and elegant, strong and vigorous, and majestic.

In just one year, he could barely recognize in Wen Yu the shadow of the youngest daughter of Changlian Wang's household who used to be protected by her father and brothers.

Now, as the Guardian Princess of Great Liang, her slender yet not frail shoulders already sheltered thousands of Great Liang's subjects.

Besides himself, who else knew that there was a time when she was merely a young girl who would eagerly come to audit his classes, yet would doze off at the corner of the desk because discussions on current policies were too dull...

After walking a few steps, Wen Yu noticed Grand Tutor Yu hadn't followed and turned back somewhat confused: "Grand Tutor?""

Salt-like fine snow landed at Grand Tutor Yu's temples, making it hard to distinguish whether his hair was whiter or the snow was whiter.

He gazed at Wen Yu with weathered eyes, seemingly filled with infinite emotion. Through the fluttering fine snow, he finally said only: "Your Highness has suffered."

Wen Yu was momentarily taken aback. Over this past year, she had forced herself to grow as if undergoing a transformation. Sorrow and weakness seemed like things that had only existed in her previous lifetime.Seeing Grand Tutor Yu so heartbroken over her experiences and growth over the past year, Wen Yu felt momentarily at a loss. After a pause, she said, "The vengeance for my family's massacre and the calamity of our fallen kingdom are responsibilities I ought to bear. It is my fortune to have the assistance of mentors like you, Grand Tutor, Lord Zhou, Lord Chen, Lord Li, General Fan, and other loyal ministers—yet this also weighs heavily on my conscience."

Grand Tutor Yu shook his head. "Back then, the young master severed his own finger to spare this old servant's life. Our successful escape from Fengyang was entirely due to the young mistress using herself as a bargaining chip. I can only repay the profound kindness of the young master and mistress, and fulfill Prince Changlian's final wish, by devoting all I have learned to serving Your Highness."

Before departing for the political marriage in Southern Chen, Wen Yu had posthumously honored Prince Changlian, his consort, and her elder brother. Yet old retainers like Grand Tutor Yu, who had recently escaped Fengyang, still habitually used their former titles.

Wen Yu had never witnessed the deaths of her parents, brother, or nephews with her own eyes. But the circulated accounts had haunted her nightmares countless times with visions of their tragic ends. Now, hearing that her father seemed to have left final words, she felt a long-dormant sorrow stir within.

Over this past year, she had seldom allowed herself to dwell on memories related to her father and mother.

Amid the drizzle mingled with snowflakes, Wen Yu stood silently in the bitter stillness for two breaths before asking, "What did my father... say in his final moments?"

Recalling that day, Grand Tutor Yu sighed bitterly. "Seeing the situation was beyond salvage, the Prince told this old servant that Great Liang's fate was sealed—Emperor Chengzu's folly in his later years, the many errors committed, and the weak governance under the late emperor had allowed maternal relatives to seize control, ultimately leading to the dynasty's collapse. He urged me not to cling to loyalty for Great Liang's sake. Whoever ultimately ruled the land, I should continue serving the people as an official. If possible, I should assist you in any way and ensure your safety..."

A warm tear fell on Wen Yu's hand, its heat swiftly stolen by the cold wind, leaving only a piercing chill.

She turned away in time, gazing toward the distant mountains as the bleak wind stung her eyes. After several breaths, she spoke with subdued heaviness, "Thank you for telling me this, Grand Tutor."

Watching her back, Grand Tutor Yu's eyes reddened slightly from the wind on the city wall. "With Great Liang's collapse, Your Highness single-handedly rallied half the realm. All you have achieved far exceeds what anyone could have imagined. If the Prince and young master know of this in the afterlife, they would only feel profound relief."

Pausing, memories of his old friend deepened the weariness in his eyes. "In earlier years, Lord Li and I served the court together, both assisting the emperor. Later, differences in political views gradually distanced us. But having a student like Your Highness, he would have gone to his grave smiling, even if his sacrifice laid the foundation for your cause."

He added with a wistful smile, "If I fail to assist Your Highness diligently and secure this realm, I fear he would mock me when we meet in the netherworld..."

Wen Yu, however, gently shook her head. "When I first asked my mentor to plan for me, he inquired what I sought to achieve. I answered: for the people. This remains true today."She gazed toward the distant horizon: "If this empire were to fall into the hands of a benevolent ruler with great governing talent, I could lay down arms and relinquish power after avenging my family's destruction by eliminating Pei Song. But from last year to this day, after the great tide has washed away the sand, the largest remaining forces among the rebel officials and bandits who raised their banners are none other than the Liang-Chen allied forces in my hands, the rebel army under Pei Song's control, and the Wei army commanded by Wei Qishan."

"Pei Song is unprincipled, treating the common people as mere straw dogs, and there is no one in the empire today who does not curse him. Although Wei Qishan has long enjoyed a reputation for virtue, during my recent visit to the Northern Border, I witnessed how his son brutally murdered his subordinates. This shattered land and its people, who have struggled to find a glimmer of hope amidst the chaos of war, cannot endure another cruel and incompetent ruler. If they defeat me, as the defeated, I would have nothing more to say. But if they are inferior to me, how could I not contend for this empire!"

Her words were clear and resonant, each syllable falling like pearls on a jade plate, yet striking like heavy drums.

For a moment, Yu Taifu felt that Wen Yu bore some resemblance to Liang Chengzhu Wen Shi'an.

However, Chengzhu's ambition and stubborn hold on power had long extinguished his benevolence.

But in Wen Yu, her compassion far outweighed her ambition.

If previously he had decided to support her merely due to his deep connections with the Changlian Wang residence and because everything she had done after the fall of Great Liang was commendable enough, now, after hearing Wen Yu express her heartfelt intentions, he vaguely understood why Li Yao, who had steadfastly refused to accept Wen Heng as a student, had taken in Wen Yu.

It was not because the empire had collapsed and the Changlian Wang residence was left with only this lone daughter struggling to hold on, leaving him no choice but to help restore Liang and eliminate Pei Song.

Rather, it was because this princess of Great Liang, after enduring so many upheavals and growing through them, made Li Yao feel she was worthy of his choice.

Perhaps due to over a decade of political differences, Yu Taifu's gaze upon Wen Yu was no longer one of satisfaction at how remarkably a princess had achieved so much, but carried a tone of judgment befitting a legitimate heir apparent. He asked, "During the time this old minister was trapped in Fengyang, I also heard of the many slanders against the princess and the Liang Camp among the common people after the Battle of Majia Liang. Were you not angered when you first heard these?"

Wen Yu replied, "I was angered, but only by Pei Song's sinister methods in devising such a vicious scheme to frame our Liang Camp, causing the innocent deaths of countless soldiers. Compared to that, the curses of the people he incited are hardly worth mentioning."

Yu Taifu asked, "Does the princess harbor no resentment at all toward those common people?"

Wen Yu shook her head and said, "Many scholars who have studied diligently by cold windows can still be swayed by such words, so how can we expect ordinary people who have never even set foot in a school and spend their entire lives struggling for basic sustenance to distinguish right from wrong? When their curses grow too loud, to me, it only means some loss of reputation. But if I take it seriously, even a decision as light as tossing a handful of sand might fall upon them like a mountain."

Her gaze was serene: "What I must confront has never been these common people, but the masterminds who exploit them to fan the flames behind the scenes."

Yu Taifu suddenly felt a warmth brimming in his eyes. He bowed to Wen Yu and said, "In the past, the prince entrusted the common people of this empire to this old minister. Today, this old minister can also rest assured in entrusting these millions to the princess."Wen Yu looked back at the white-haired elder and said, "Perhaps I am not fit to be a ruler either, but as long as there is no one in this world who surpasses me, I must do my best. Once this war is over and the envoys sent to Northern Wei bring back Jiang Yu’s remains, I will need to return to Southern Chen once more. At that time, I must trouble the Grand Tutor to manage the various affairs within Liang on my behalf."

Grand Tutor Yu’s voice trembled slightly as he replied, "With such a heavy responsibility entrusted to me by Your Highness, this old servant will dedicate himself entirely, even to the point of death."

Wen Yu helped him up and said, "I would rather the Grand Tutor live a long and healthy life. With an experienced minister like you watching my back, I fear no stumbles on the path ahead."

At this, Grand Tutor Yu was truly moved to tears. With reddened eyes, he gazed steadily at Wen Yu and pledged, "Your Highness, please forge ahead with peace of mind. This old servant… will be watching over you!"

The evening wind on the city wall was fierce, blowing until Wen Yu’s eyes also reddened.

—

As dusk deepened, the lanterns along the corridors and stone platforms in the Wei residence’s garden lit up, casting an indescribably eerie and decaying glow on the red silks hung earlier in the day.

Wei Pingjin, dead drunk, was supported by servants as he staggered back from the banquet. Before reaching his chamber, he leaned against the railing in the corridor and vomited violently.

Whenever the servants tried to assist him again, he kicked and thrashed, shouting at them to get lost, insisting he wanted to keep drinking.

Just then, the kitchen brought sobering soup. With no other choice, the servants forced him to drink it.

After downing the bowl of sobering soup, Wei Pingjin, chilled by the cold breeze, regained some clarity. Seeing no banquet or guests around, he realized he was no longer at the feast. Pressing his throbbing temples, he asked, "Where is this?"

A servant replied, "The bridal chamber is just ahead, Young Master. Have you forgotten? You are married now. The princess is waiting for you inside!"

Something in those words struck a nerve in Wei Pingjin. He suddenly flew into a rage, violently shaking off the two servants supporting him. Clutching the wooden railing, he stumbled to his feet, his face filled with malice and scorn. "Princess? What damned princess!"

Ahead, likely hearing the commotion outside, two young maids emerged from the bridal chamber to help support Wei Pingjin. Startled by his outburst, they exchanged uncertain glances, unsure whether to approach.

Wei Pingjin’s attendants were equally embarrassed and could only explain, "The Young Master… had too much to drink…"

While the two maids hesitated, a gentle voice came from inside the bridal chamber: "Since the Young Master is drunk, why not go and assist him?"

The maids then prepared to step forward again.

But Wei Pingjin, fueled by alcohol, showed no restraint even toward the maids. He kicked and shoved, sending them tumbling to the ground, and made no effort to hide his disgust. "Get away! Don’t touch me!"

One of the maids, kicked squarely in the chest, struggled to get up, while the other, helping her companion, dared not approach Wei Pingjin again.

A seething rage burned within Wei Pingjin, undiminished by a night of drinking at the banquet. He turned to leave.

But once again, that gentle, soft voice spoke from behind: "Tonight is our wedding night. Where are you going, Young Master?"

Wei Pingjin, suppressing his anger, turned around and saw Wang Wanzhen, who had already lifted her own veil. Dressed in her magnificent and dignified wedding attire, she stood at the entrance of the bridal chamber, watching him.At first glance, her overall demeanor and bearing were in no way inferior to those aristocratic young ladies.

Yet Wei Pingjin’s gaze held nothing but disgust and profound humiliation.

As he approached, he pinched Wang Wanzhen’s chin, his alcohol-laden breath spraying across her still-made-up face. Faced with this intimate gesture, laced with humiliation in front of the servants, Wang Wanzhen maintained a gentle and appropriate smile, her gaze tender and affectionate, just as a wife would look at her husband.

Seeing her perpetually acting demeanor, Wei Pingjin’s revulsion deepened. He raised his hand and slapped her cheek heavily, the force unchecked, sneering, “Actors putting on a show on stage is one thing, but putting on airs offstage—who are you trying to disgust?”

With these words, Wei Pingjin turned and strode away.

The cold wind swayed the lanterns under the eaves. In the dim light, Wang Wanzhen’s cheek appeared slightly reddened from the slaps, yet her gentle expression remained unchanged. Before returning to her room, she even thoughtfully instructed Wei Pingjin’s attendants, “It’s dark and snowy, and the young master has had too much to drink. Follow him closely and make sure he doesn’t fall.”

Though Wei Pingjin dared to humiliate Wang Wanzhen so openly, the servants, unaware of the truth, did not dare to overstep. Upon hearing her words, they hastily bowed to her before rushing after Wei Pingjin.

Back in her room, Wang Wanzhen sat before the mirror and began removing her makeup and hair ornaments. The two maids, still unfamiliar with her temperament and unsure how to react to the incident, remained silent.

She broke the silence first, gently inquiring about their injuries before rewarding each with two silver ingots. Delighted, the maids went out to fetch her some food. Only then did Wang Wanzhen turn her reddened cheek toward the bronze mirror and examine it carefully.

—

After leaving the courtyard, Wei Pingjin indeed missed a step on the stairs and tumbled into the snow.

The alcohol had taken effect, warming his entire body, so he felt no cold. He lay sprawled in the snow, even loosening his collar to let the cold wind cool him more comfortably.

Yet no matter how deeply he breathed the frigid air, the fire in his chest continued to burn, suffocating him with pent-up frustration.

That fury reached its peak, slowly transforming into intense resentment and bitterness.

—If his elder brother were still alive, his father would never have allowed him to marry such a lowly actress.

After all, his father’s love for his brother had extended so far that he repeatedly indulged even a Liang Camp spy who bore some resemblance to his brother’s former valor!

Thinking of the guests today—who, though silent openly, had whispered privately about the incident of the miscellaneous troops blocking the city gates—Wei Pingjin felt even more humiliated. He slammed his fist violently into the ground.

A moment later, as if still unsatisfied, he staggered to his feet, light-headed, and headed in a certain direction.

—

The Wei soldier guarding the dungeon had just dozed off against the wall when the iron bars outside suddenly rattled with deafening force.

Startled awake, the soldier recognized the visitor and hurriedly greeted, “Young Master.”

Wei Pingjin’s face was flushed, his eyes bloodshot, reeking of alcohol as he roared harshly, “Open up! I want to see that Liang Camp spy!”