The Road to Glory

Chapter 260 Final Chapter

At the end of March, Wen Yu returned to Liang territory.

Grand Tutor Yu led the officials to welcome her outside the gates of Hundred Blades Pass. The common people who had spontaneously gone to greet Wen Yu’s return to Liang filled both sides of the official road, even spilling over onto the hillsides flanking it.

When Wen Yu’s carriage entered the pass, the tearful, earnest cries of “Princess” came from all directions, rising like roaring mountains and surging seas.

Wen Yu lifted the carriage curtain to look outside as the vehicle moved forward, and her eyes instantly reddened.

Zhao Bai and the Azure Guard rode on horseback alongside the carriage. Seeing this scene, they recalled how, years ago when Wen Yu had left for a political marriage in Southern Chen, the people within the pass had similarly lined both sides of the official road, following her carriage for dozens of miles to bid her farewell. Their eyes also grew moist with emotion.

Zheng Hu rode ahead of the carriage alongside Xiao Li. Hearing the cheers of the Liang people and knowing the hardships Wen Yu had endured when forced by circumstances to travel to Southern Chen for the political marriage, his heart swelled with complex emotions, yet he also felt a sense of shared pride. He said to Xiao Li, “The people of Great Liang have never forgotten Sister-in-Law!”

After recuperating from his injuries for two months at Tiger Gorge Pass, he had set out for Chen Kingdom as soon as he was somewhat better, only returning to Liang with them this time.

Xiao Li did not respond.

He gazed silently ahead, his jet-black warhorse pacing steadily along the official road crowded with people on both sides. The clip-clop of hooves blended with the rolling sound of the carriage wheels behind them into a single rhythm.

The people of Great Liang would naturally never forget Wen Yu.

When the dynasty crumbled, it was she who single-handedly shouldered the burden of this ailing and broken land.

When foreign invaders came, it was she who willingly entered a deadly situation to secure a sliver of hope for the people of both regions.

Moreover, with achievements such as pacifying Western Mausoleum, subduing the tribal peoples, and annexing Southern Chen—deeds recorded in imperial annals—even Wen Shi’an, the founding emperor of Great Liang, would bow to her superiority.

Flags fluttered in the wind, and past events surfaced one after another before Xiao Li’s eyes amid the mountain-echoing, ocean-roaring cheers of the people.

There was their first meeting in Yongzhou City after the snow had just cleared; the mutual trust in a life-and-death situation on New Year’s Eve when they each carried half of the account books and rode back-to-back into the blizzard; the shared trials of life and death during the six-hundred-li journey to Pingzhou; the rupture after she revealed everything to him in her wedding dress on a stormy night; the reunion in the northern border’s snowstorm; the half-sincere confession forced out in the mountain nunnery; and the pursuit across thousands of miles and countless passes thereafter…

Three years ago, when Wen Yu left the pass, he was not in Pingzhou.

But fortunately, three years later, he personally brought her back.

Henceforth, whether in historical records or on the tombstone inscriptions a century later, his name would forever be written alongside hers.

After entering the pass, Xiao Li led the northern border troops to set up camp at a temporary garrison, while Wen Yu’s carriage proceeded directly to Pingzhou Prefecture.

Madam Chen and Madam Yang, along with their daughters and other official families who had received the news early, waited outside the prefectural residence. Tong Que stood among them, holding A Li in her arms.

A Li was extremely restless, unable to understand why the adults were holding her and standing outside. She turned her head to look around but found nothing interesting. Clasping her chubby hands, she turned to Tong Que and babbled, as if asking why they were just standing there.

Tong Que held A Li more securely and asked with a smile, “We’ll see the Princess soon. Is the little princess excited too?”A Li was still too young to understand long sentences. Usually coaxed and taught by others, she could vaguely mimic simple words, but most of the time, she expressed her needs with babbling sounds.

As soon as Tong Que finished speaking, Wen Yu's carriage procession entering the city appeared on the street ahead. All the officials' families straightened their expressions, and Tong Que, holding A Li, quickly descended the steps with them.

The road to the government office had been sealed off by soldiers early on, and there were no commoners lining the streets to welcome Wen Yu back to Liang.

Once the carriage came to a stop, the Azure Guard lifted the curtain for Wen Yu. Leaning on Zhao Bai's hand, she bent slightly and stepped out of the carriage, her eyes immediately falling upon A Li, who was being held by Tong Que.

She could hardly hold back the stinging sensation in her eyes.

It had been half a year since they last saw each other. A Li had grown a bit taller but still appeared small and round. Her chubby hands clung to Tong Que's shoulders as she stared at Wen Yu with large, grape-like eyes, as if trying to recognize who she was.

"A Li?" Wen Yu stepped down from the carriage, her eyes slightly reddened as she called out with a smile.

Hearing her voice, A Li visibly froze for a moment. Soon, her little mouth puckered, and she burst into deafening sobs. Tears fell like broken strings of pearls, pattering down as she struggled with all her might, stretching her arms and legs toward Wen Yu, begging to be held.

Wen Yu took her daughter from Tong Que's arms, feeling the solid weight in her embrace and the strength with which A Li clung to her shoulders. Pressing her cheek against the soft hair on her daughter's head, the stinging in her eyes intensified. She whispered soothingly, "A Li, don't cry. Mother is back…"

The officials' families were well aware of the peril Wen Yu had faced while defending Gole City. Sending A Li back to Liang had clearly been a preparation for the worst.

Witnessing the reunion of mother and daughter, they couldn't help but feel their own eyes redden.

Madam Chen dabbed her eyes with a handkerchief and stepped forward, saying, "Your Highness must be exhausted from the long journey. Please, let us enter the residence first."

A Li had already stopped crying, though she was still hiccupping from her sobs. Her strong, chubby hands clung tightly to Wen Yu's neck, as if afraid she might be handed over to someone else.

Holding her daughter, Wen Yu nodded slightly to the officials' families waiting nearby and addressed Madam Chen and Madam Yang: "These past few days, I have troubled Madam Chen and my aunt."

Madam Chen hurriedly replied, "I am ashamed. Your Highness went to the front lines for the people of both regions, while I remained in the inner quarters, merely fulfilling my duties. How could I possibly deserve your gratitude?"

Madam Yang, supported by Yang Baolin, continuously wiped her tears with a handkerchief: "It is enough that Your Highness has returned safely…"

Seeing that the officials' families were on the verge of tears again, Yang Baolin quickly interjected, "Let's continue inside!"

Only then did the crowd escort Wen Yu into the residence.

Madam Chen had already prepared accommodations for Wen Yu. After staying in the main hall for a while to speak with the officials' families, Wen Yu dismissed everyone and returned to her quarters.

Madam Yang had intended to follow and help with the arrangements, but from the moment she saw Wen Yu, her tears had not ceased. Worried that she might exhaust herself from crying, Wen Yu had her escorted back to rest.

Yang Baolin accompanied Wen Yu to her quarters to help her settle in. As Wen Yu laid A Li, who had cried herself to sleep, back into the cradle, she suddenly remembered that A Yin was also in Pingzhou and asked Yang Baolin, "Why haven't I seen A Yin?"

Just as Yang Baolin was about to speak, an Azure Guard carrying porcelain vases and other items entered from outside and suddenly exclaimed, "Whose child is this? Why is she here?"Wen Yu followed the sound and looked outside, catching only a glimpse of the little girl's head peeking around the doorframe before the child, startled like a frightened fawn, turned and fled without looking back.

"A Yin!" Yang Baolin had barely called out when Zhao Bai immediately gave chase.

As Tong Que helped Wen Yu outside, Yang Baolin explained: "In the six months since we returned to Pingzhou, A Yin has been like this - running at the sight of strangers. Madam Chen and the maids caring for A Yin say that when the Azure Guard first brought her back from Luodu, she would even hide in cabinets. Once, when the maids couldn't find her, they were so frightened they reported to Madam Chen. Madam Chen led all the servants in searching the entire residence without success, and was also badly frightened."

Wen Yu frowned as they hurried along: "Has a physician been consulted?"

"Physicians come monthly to examine A Yin," Yang Baolin said, "but there's been little improvement. The physicians say... A Yin likely suffered prolonged terror in the past, causing her current behavior of hiding from people and refusing to speak."

Wen Yu thought of the two years A Yin and her sister-in-law had been imprisoned by Pei Song, feeling a sharp pang in her heart.

Noticing Wen Yu's distress, Yang Baolin continued: "But A Yin adores A Li. Once when Mother took A Li to visit A Yin in her courtyard, A Yin was hiding in a cabinet but emerged upon hearing A Li's voice - something unprecedented. Though still terrified of strangers, she stayed close to A Li. When Mother later carried A Li away, A Yin became quite agitated.

"Mother and I thought perhaps A Li could help A Yin recover gradually. Since then, we often bring A Li to visit A Yin. Over time, A Yin began slipping away to see A Li herself. Today, she likely came for that purpose."

As they spoke, the group reached the rock garden with its artificial hills. Zhao Bai and several Azure Guard members were crouched at a cave entrance, coaxing: "Your Highness, it's dark inside. Please come out..."

Seeing Wen Yu approach, Zhao Bai stood and said, "Princess, the young mistress..." His expression was filled with sorrow.

"I know everything," Wen Yu said.

She knelt, her soft rosy dress trailing on the green grass, and called gently into the cave: "A Yin, it's your aunt. Do you remember me?" Her eyes reddened as she spoke.

There was no response from within.

Wen Yu continued: "You used to love when I held you. Back then, you were only this tall..." She gestured to indicate A Yin's former height, her voice warm and smiling though sorrow flowed from her eyes.

Three years ago when she left Luodu for Chen Kingdom seeking aid, A Yin had been merely three years old.

That day, her brother had carried her out the gate while her mother and sister-in-law stood weeping under the eaves. A Yin, held in her sister-in-law's arms, seemed to understand from the adults' reactions that she was going far away, crying until her face turned red, calling "Auntie" in hoarse, childish cries again and again.

Fearing she'd worsen her mother and sister-in-law's grief, she hadn't even dared shed tears audibly, never looking back.

Little did she know that when aunt and niece met again, three years would have passed with everything changed.

Still no response came from the cave.

The ache in Wen Yu's eyes intensified as warm tears fell onto the grass. In a choked voice, she asked: "A Yin, don't you want your aunt anymore?"Yang Baolin couldn't bear to watch and wanted to advise Wen Yu to rise first, when a pale, slender little hand slowly extended from inside the rockery cave. Hesitantly, it grasped the hem of her garment that had fallen near the cave entrance, stumbling over the words: "A... Aunt... don't... cry..."

Everyone was stunned.

Wen Yu looked at her little niece, who was clearly terrified yet tremblingly reached out to grasp her clothes to comfort her. Her heart twisted into knots, and her eyes stung fiercely.

She reached out to A Yin and said, "A Yin, come, let Aunt hold you."

Though fear still lingered in A Yin's eyes, she slowly crawled out of the cave and allowed Wen Yu to embrace her.

Wen Yu paid no mind to the grass and dirt on the child's clothes, holding her niece tightly in her arms. With red-rimmed eyes, she said, "A Yin, don't be afraid. From now on, Aunt is here. Aunt won't let anyone hurt A Yin ever again."

A Yin's lips parted slightly, tears falling in large drops, yet no sound emerged from her throat.

She had always cried like this for a long time.

In her memory, there seemed to be a terrifying shadow that coldly warned her: if she ever cried aloud, she would never see her mother again.

This embrace filled her with a sense of security she had long missed. Finally, a hoarse, choked sob escaped A Yin's throat as she stammered word by word: "A... Aunt... I... miss... Mother..."

These words pierced Wen Yu's heart again. Gently patting A Yin's back to hide her own tears, she said, "Aunt has always sent people to search for your mother. A Yin must be good, eat well, and sleep well. That way, when your mother returns, she won't be sad to see you."

A Yin continued through her sobs: "My... younger... brother..."

Wen Yu asked, "What?"

Having not spoken for so long, A Yin struggled to form proper sentences. She pointed in the direction Wen Yu had come from, her tear-filled eyes anxious as she said, "In... the room... younger brother... I... found..."

Wen Yu suddenly understood. A Yin had memories from when she was three years old—she remembered having a one-year-old brother. Was she mistaking A Li for Jun'er, who had been killed by Pei Song's men?

Wen Yu felt her heart constrict even more painfully. In a choked voice, she said, "That's not Jun'er. That's your younger sister, A Li. From now on, A Li will grow up with you."

A Yin still couldn't quite understand why her brother had become a sister. She only remembered her brother being about that size before.

After her brother disappeared, her mother cried every day. Now that she had found her brother, would her mother stop crying when she returned?

But Wen Yu said it was a sister. She didn't understand the difference between "brother" and "sister," only awkwardly correcting herself: "Younger... sister?"

Wen Yu used a handkerchief to gently wipe the grime from A Yin's face, tears glistening in her eyes as she softly affirmed, "Yes, your younger sister A Li."

Wen Yu brought A Yin back to her residence. After personally bathing and grooming the child, she had A Yin rest in the room next to A Li's.

Later, when Xiao Li returned and saw Wen Yu handling documents at her desk with red-rimmed eyes, he frowned slightly and approached to ask, "What happened?"

Wen Yu massaged her temples and briefly recounted the day's events, her expression sorrowful as she said, "The Azure Guard has been searching for my sister-in-law all along, but so far, no news has come back."Xiao Li said, "No news is the best news."

Noticing the tall stack of memorials Wen Yu had already reviewed piled high on the desk, he kissed the top of her head and said, "It's very late. Continue with these tomorrow."

Having dealt with numerous affairs since returning to Liang today, Wen Yu was indeed somewhat weary. She compliantly set down her brush, but as her wide sleeve swept past the pile of unread memorials beside her, she accidentally knocked one to the ground, where it unfolded.

When Wen Yu picked it up, she initially glanced casually at its contents, but her gaze suddenly froze.

Xiao Li noticed this and looked over as well, his brow furrowing: "Grand Tutor Yu is requesting to retire?"

The next day, when Wen Yu's carriage arrived at Grand Tutor Yu's residence, the steward was extremely flustered, hastily welcoming Wen Yu into the mansion while sending someone to inform Grand Tutor Yu.

Passing through the central courtyard, a servant carrying medicinal soup hurriedly stepped aside and bowed in salute.

Wen Yu noticed the medicinal soup on the maid's tray and asked, "How long has the Grand Tutor been taking medicine?"

The steward replied with trepidation: "The Grand Tutor has been in poor health since before the New Year, taking medicine continuously. Recently, he may have caught a chill, and his condition has worsened..."

Wen Yu's brow furrowed slightly.

When they reached the courtyard where Grand Tutor Yu resided, he had just finished changing clothes while dragging his ailing body. His entire face, including his lips, was ashen. Upon seeing Wen Yu arrive, he hurriedly tried to get up and bow: "This old minister... pays respects to Your Highness..."

"The Grand Tutor is unwell; there's no need for formalities." Wen Yu signaled her attendants to support Grand Tutor Yu, allowing him to recline halfway on the bed to rest. "I merely heard that the Grand Tutor was unwell and came to visit."

She observed Grand Tutor Yu's white-haired, emaciated appearance, lowered her eyes to conceal the faint redness welling up, and said, "These past two years have been hard on you, Grand Tutor."

Grand Tutor Yu, leaning against the headboard, coughed and wheezed uncontrollably from the draft. Once he finally caught his breath, his throat choked with emotion several times: "It is... this old minister... who is useless, unable to help Your Highness keep watch on the path ahead any longer..."

Wen Yu, who had been about to take the medicinal soup from the maid's hands, paused, a wave of sorrow surging in her eyes.

In the past, when sovereign and minister had ascended the tower of Purple Sun Pass together, she had said: "I would prefer the Grand Tutor to enjoy long life and good health. With an experienced minister like you keeping watch for me, I would not fear stumbling on the path ahead."

At that time, Grand Tutor Yu had replied: "Your Highness need only forge ahead with confidence. This old minister... will keep watch for you!"

Now, Grand Tutor Yu's words left little doubt about their meaning.

Suppressing the bitter sorrow rising in her heart, Wen Yu took the medicinal soup offered by the maid, stirred it with a spoon, and said: "It's merely a minor illness. The Grand Tutor should rest assured and recuperate. I have already ordered renowned physicians from Luodu to come and examine you. Luodu is still under reconstruction; when the Grand Tutor recovers, it will be the perfect time to return..."

Upon hearing this, tears streamed from the corners of Grand Tutor Yu's aged eyes as he struggled to say: "This old minister's fate... this old minister... knows in his heart..."

His eyes filled with profound grief, he smiled and said: "In the past... this old minister said... that if I failed to properly assist Your Highness in securing the empire, I would fear being mocked by Lord Li in the afterlife. But now, Your Highness has eliminated traitors, pacified... Western Mausoleum, and achieved... the feats of uniting the tribal peoples and annexing Southern Chen. Even among emperors throughout history, you could hold your own. Though this old minister's contribution was meager, when I go below, I can still congratulate His Majesty, the Crown Prince, and Lord Li..."

"Grand Tutor..."Wen Yu could no longer conceal the sorrow in her eyes. Her fingers gripping the medicine bowl were clenched so tightly that her knuckles turned white. Countless words choked in her throat, yet all she uttered was: "The land has just been stabilized, with countless tasks awaiting revival. I still have many matters requiring the Grand Tutor's assistance."

She resembled the student in the academy least skilled at making excuses, believing that as long as she claimed not to understand her studies, the teacher would continue instructing her indefinitely.

Grand Tutor Yu looked at Wen Yu, the sorrow in his aged eyes deepening layer by layer. He spoke slowly: "Before news of victory arrives from Gole City, this old minister fears his aged bones may not endure... failing in the princess's heavy trust, unable to assist the young duchess in properly managing the realm. Fortunately, I have identified someone of great capability for Your Highness..."

Several days later, Zhang Huai was quite surprised when invited by Grand Tutor Yu to accompany him to the outskirts to observe the commoners' spring ploughing.

Not long before, a heavy rain had fallen, leaving the road still damp with mud. The carriage jolted slightly as it passed over the uneven path. Fresh green grass lined the roadside, and the fields were filled with farmers busily engaged in spring cultivation.

When the carriage stopped, attendants lifted the curtain. Zhang Huai was the first to step down, then turned to assist the Grand Tutor inside.

Leaning on his cane with one hand and supported by Zhang Huai with the other, Grand Tutor Yu's feet still trembled slightly as he stepped onto the footstool.

Zhang Huai noticed everything but made no mention of the Grand Tutor's critical illness. After the Grand Tutor steadied himself with his cane, Zhang Huai remarked: "After last night's spring rain, the weather today is perfect. It's rare for the Grand Tutor to have such refined interest in coming out to observe the spring ploughing."

Grand Tutor Yu squinted at the fresh green spreading across the fields and began walking slowly forward with his cane, murmuring: "This year the liquid waters flood western fields, elders all predict autumn's yields..."

Zhang Huai, following behind the Grand Tutor, completed the verse: "Only need ploughing in timely season, wrapping tea to buy cakes while renting oxen."

Grand Tutor Yu nodded with a smile, appearing quite pleased.

He continued trembling forward with his cane, Zhang Huai following half a step behind, while several attendants trailed at a greater distance.

The two descended along a small path to the field ridges.

Spring came early in Pingzhou. The early rice planted in early March was already growing quite promisingly.

Grand Tutor Yu's eyes warmed at the sight. "When the late emperor was still in Fengyang, he placed great importance on spring ploughing. Every year at this season, he would take the crown prince and princess to plant rice seedlings in the manors. The diligence of ploughing and weeding is crucial to the state and people's livelihood..."

Zhang Huai listened without comment.

In the distant seedling fields, bare-chested men transplanted rice shoots, women worked with infants strapped to their backs, and even half-grown children helped in the fields.

A certain bitterness seemed to gather in Grand Tutor Yu's eyes. "During the wars of the past two years, commoners fled everywhere to escape disaster. Fertile fields lay abandoned, yielding not a single grain come autumn. Rebel armies passing through would plunder whatever remained, leaving corpses of the starved strewn along southern escape routes..."

"Those who managed to flee alive to other prefectures were often turned away at city gates. For no other reason than that the granaries stood empty, unable to feed so many refugees... Thus some became bandits, others raised rebellion banners. Commoners once plundered by rebel armies themselves became bandit soldiers who murdered and pillaged the people within the prefectures..."

As he reached this point, Grand Tutor Yu sighed heavily, tears glistening in his eyes: "Three years of warfare left nine of ten houses empty across the land. Countless strong men perished. This time last year, those laboring in the fields were mostly women and children..."

He gazed long at the busy figures working in the fields, then sighed deeply: "Worthy nephew, this peace we have now... it did not come easily."Zhang Huai said, "I understand."

Grand Tutor Yu turned his gaze to the refined and elegant young man before him.

A breeze swept across the fields, causing waves of grain to ripple like water, blending seamlessly with the azure hues of his wide-sleeved robe.

Gazing into the distance, Zhang Huai said, "To be frank, Grand Tutor, on my way here, I was still thinking that if Your Excellency had come as the princess’s advocate, I had a cartload of arguments ready to debate with you. But the one for whom you plead is not the princess—it is the common people of the realm. Before I could utter a single word, I was already utterly defeated."

Grand Tutor Yu's eyes held a depth of vicissitudes and sorrow: "Great Liang... has endured immense hardships for its people. First, the imperial in-laws of the Party of Ao disrupted governance, then the traitor Pei Song committed treason. For years, our nation lay fractured, ultimately inviting foreign invaders to press upon our borders. Under the onslaught of a hundred and fifty thousand troops, the Princess and Xiao Jun, for the sake of the common people, willingly chose the path of self-sacrifice to resist the external enemy. To have such rulers is a blessing for us officials and for all under heaven!

"Now is precisely the time to establish peace for generations to come. Though our acquaintance is brief, Nephew, I shall speak frankly today.

"Though you are young in years, your actions have already shown decisiveness and maturity. When you urgently repaired the Great Wall as a final defense strategy, the Princess praised you highly upon learning of it. I... am aware my days are numbered and can no longer assist the new court. After I pass, would you be willing to shoulder the burden of the court?"

Zhang Huai fell silent. Though he prided himself on clarity and having witnessed the world's fickleness, an indescribable emotion now stirred within him.

Chen State had agreed to unite with Great Liang and move back within the passes. To demonstrate fairness, one of the two chancellor positions must be held by someone from Chen State.

The other chancellor candidate should naturally be assumed by an old official of Great Liang.

But by recommending him now, Grand Tutor Yu intended to grant the other measure of fairness to the Northern region.

His underlying intention was none other than to thoroughly facilitate the unification of North and South.

He suddenly recalled how Song Qin had led elite cavalry to Gole City. Though the Liang Army's campaign against Western Mausoleum was nearing its end, Wen Yu still sent Song Qin with troops to assist.

Though the Northern troops had marched tirelessly, they ultimately missed the battle and thus gained no military merits—simply no merits.

Zhang Huai thought that if the Xiao Army had controlled the situation, he would never have allowed the Liang Camp to share any spoils.

What immense achievement was pacifying Western Mausoleum?

If one could claim it entirely, they would hold overwhelming advantage in any future North-South confrontation.

But Wen Yu did not.

She saw only that the Northern troops, knowing full well they were heading to certain doom, had still traveled thousands of li to provide aid, and thus she did not hesitate to give them opportunity to earn merits.

Zhang Huai had once speculated that perhaps Wen Yu was making a grand gamble for North-South unification, but such a move was absolutely foolish.

To gamble human hearts with an achievement that could enable North-South rivalry—how could it not be foolish?

Yet subsequent events proved to him that such benevolent actions could indeed win people's hearts.

Now rumors of unification were circulating in the military, and the soldiers showed no resistance, merely quietly awaiting Xiao Li's final decision.

The reason was simple: even when North-South unification was merely a distant notion, Wen Yu had treated them with complete fairness and impartiality, without any North-South distinction.

The remaining troops in the Northern Border were built from scratch by Xiao Li. Besides seeking wealth and honor, what these soldiers desired from this world was fairness.

Though Zhang Huai held important position in the Xiao Army, the troops ultimately placed their trust solely in Xiao Li.

When aristocratic families engaged in their self-serving schemes, Xiao Li was the first to grant absolute fairness to those soldiers of humble origins.

Now Wen Yu had achieved the same.

Therefore, Xiao Li's final decision would be their decision as well.

By now, Zhang Huai could no longer distinguish whether allowing the Northern Border troops to share the merit of pacifying Western Mausoleum was Wen Yu's benevolence or Wen Yu's strategy.

But whether the former or the latter, it no longer mattered.

Be it benevolence or strategy, when imperial statecraft possesses either, it suffices to establish a prosperous era.What he hadn't expected was that despite the Liang Camp having absorbed Southern Chen and gained overwhelming advantage over the Xiao Army—making northern-southern unification an inevitable trend—Grand Tutor Yu, this key minister of Liang Camp, still earnestly urged him to ascend the highest court positions.

He wondered: if this were an act, wasn't the Liang Camp overdoing it?

Seeing his prolonged silence, Grand Tutor Yu called out sorrowfully: "Nephew?"

Zhang Huai habitually wanted to curl a faintly mocking smile: "Would Princess Han Yang agree to such entrustment from Your Excellency?"

Yet Grand Tutor Yu's next words completely wiped away the curve forming on Zhang Huai's lips.

"Before my visit, I already sought Princess's approval. This is precisely her intention."

Zhang Huai felt as if his consciousness had been struck by a whip—his mind remained clear, yet he was suddenly overwhelmed by stunned bewilderment.

Did this Wen imperial princess truly dare entrust both left and right ministerial positions to those outside her inner circle?

"Will you shoulder this responsibility, Nephew?" Grand Tutor Yu pressed again.

Zhang Huai replied: "Aren't Your Excellency and the Princess afraid of entrusting this to the wrong person?"

Grand Tutor Yu gazed deeply at him: "The Princess trusts Xiao Jun, and I trust you, Nephew."

That phrase "trust you" suddenly brought a stinging moisture to Zhang Huai's eyes.

How weighty were these three words?

Finally, he bowed solemnly to Grand Tutor Yu: "I... shall devote myself entirely until my last breath, never betraying the heavy trust of Your Excellency and the Princess."

Grand Tutor Yu helped Zhang Huai rise, smiling with relief as if fulfilling a long-cherished wish.

Wind rustled through rice fields, stirring waves of emerald green.

Gazing at the distant farmland, he said: "May this year bring abundant harvest."

When Wen Yu received Grand Tutor Yu's memorial again, she momentarily froze before a slow ache welled up in her eyes.

Xiao Li noticed her sorrow while delivering medicine and deliberately changed the subject: "With Chen lands entrusted to Chen Wei and Mu Youliang, and candidates for both ministerial positions confirmed, have you identified generals to guard Tiger Gorge Pass and Hundred Blades Pass?"

Wen Yu said: "Though Yang Shuo previously allowed Pei Song to escape the pass, nearly causing catastrophe, he ultimately sacrificed his entire household to stop Western Mausoleum's invasion. Considering his years guarding the frontier, repeatedly repelling powerful enemies, and maintaining Western Border stability during Luodu's fall, his merits ultimately outweigh his faults. He deserves posthumous honors. His wife, sharp and loyal, shall receive separate posthumous recognition with rewards extended to their clan. Their young son may be brought to Luodu to study at the Imperial Academy."

"As for the new garrison general at Tiger Gorge Pass, I intend to appoint General Fan. What do you think?"

Xiao Li pondered briefly before nodding: "General Fan contributed to repelling Western Mausoleum's forces at Tiger Gorge Pass. No one is more suitable."

"Regarding Hundred Blades Pass..." Wen Yu selected a memorial from the piled documents: "Shall we have General Tan Yi and your sworn brother Song Qin guard it together?"

Xiao Li replied: "Elder Brother only wishes to live as carefree as wild clouds and cranes. He has already requested to return to Mudan Slope."

A trace of loneliness crept between Wen Yu's brows as she murmured: "I had hoped to keep Xi Yun in Luodu, but it seems this cannot be."

From Li Yao's death at Wa Yao Fort to Jiang Yichu's disappearance after falling from a cliff, and now Grand Tutor Yu's retirement due to severe illness—as those close to her departed one by one, she often felt profoundly alone.Xiao Li noticed Wen Yu's furrowed brow as she continued discussing the rewards for other officials. He gently turned her face toward him, his striking and profound eyes both handsome and intense, and half-jokingly said, "You've listed everyone with or without merits. Shouldn't you consider bestowing some title upon me as well?"

The worry between Wen Yu's brows dissipated slightly at his interruption, and she slowly revealed a rare smile these past few days, saying, "How about inviting Xiao Jun to join me in ruling Luodu and sharing governance over this realm?"

Xiao Li leaned in and kissed the corner of her lips, replying, "I would be honored to accept."

News of the northern and southern realms intending to unite through marriage and restore unity spread, bringing joy and celebration among the common people.

The only ones with slight objections were the officials of Chen Kingdom, but they had already received word earlier that Wen Yu would designate A Li as the crown prince. With the unification of north and south being an unstoppable trend, they eventually fell silent.

After discussions with her officials, Wen Yu established the nation's name as "Qian."

Matters of rewarding merits and posthumous honors were also drafted, awaiting public proclamation after the enthronement ceremony upon their return to Luodu.

It was at this time that the Azure Guard brought back news that Jiang Yichu was still alive. However, it seemed she no longer remembered her past, having shaved her head and become a nun at a mountain convent in Luzhou County downstream from Luodu, devoting herself to Buddhism.

Wen Yu could no longer sit still. That very day, she set off for Luzhou with Xiao Li. When Madam Yang learned that Jiang Yichu was alive, she wept tears of joy and insisted on joining them. Thus, Madam Yang and her daughter accompanied the group.

Over the years, Luodu had been plagued by continuous warfare, affecting the surrounding counties and forcing many families to migrate south. As a result, the convents and temples in the region saw little incense offerings.

It was only after the northern and southern forces jointly campaigned against Pei Song last year and recaptured Luodu that peace began to return. People started returning to their hometowns or rebuilding their lives, and temples gradually welcomed back devotees.

Back when Wen Yu was searching for Jiang Yichu, she had ordered the Azure Guard to post portraits of Jiang Yichu at city gates across various prefectures. Yet, a year passed without any leads.

Recently, a merchant's wife, while visiting her hometown, decided on a whim to offer incense at an obscure mountain convent. There, she noticed a nun who was interpreting divination slips for devotees and found her face strikingly familiar, prompting her to take a second look.

A few days later, upon returning to the city, the merchant's wife saw the government's posted portrait of Jiang Yichu at the city gate and realized with a start that the nun at the convent was none other than the crown princess the authorities were searching for. She promptly reported this to the local officials.

On the day Wen Yu and her party arrived at Tuyun Convent, the continuous spring rains finally ceased.

The abbess of the convent, alarmed by the arrival of a large contingent of soldiers, hurried to the mountain gate with all the bhikkhunis and novice nuns to welcome the guests.

"This humble nun was unaware of the esteemed visitors' arrival and failed to greet you properly," she said.

The mountain path was steep and unsuitable for carriages, so when the mountain sedan chair was set down, the abbess quickly led the nuns in a palms-together salute.

A young novice nun, who had never witnessed such a grand spectacle on the mountain, secretly glanced at the noble guests alighting from the sedan chair.

She saw a female guard in practical attire step forward as if to assist, but a tall, handsome man was quicker, supporting the woman from the sedan. His hand held her jade-like fingers without the slightest hesitation, while his other arm almost encircled her waist, supporting her at the elbow.

It was an intimate and commanding posture, leaving no room for anyone else to approach.The young novice nun marveled inwardly, but her view was blocked by the tall figure before her. She could only glimpse the hem of the woman’s robe, which trailed long and elegant over the bluestone pavement as she stepped down from the mountain sedan. The intricate and exquisite brocade embroidery on the robe seemed to shimmer with a flowing light under the early morning sun after the rain.

“Reverend Abbess, there is no need for formalities. My unannounced visit is to seek someone in this nunnery.”

The woman spoke softly, and the young novice nun found the noble guest’s voice exceptionally pleasing to the ear. Her curiosity piqued, she leaned forward to get a better look. The morning sunlight filtered through the trees, casting dappled patterns on the woman’s face—a countenance so divine it seemed to belong to a celestial being. Her expression was as gentle as the spring morning sun, yet her eyes held a trace of compassion.

The young novice nun stared, mesmerized. The word “Bodhisattva” nearly escaped her lips, but her gaze must have been too bold, for the man beside the woman suddenly cast a cold glance backward. Startled, the novice nun froze, the words catching in her throat.

Meanwhile, the abbess was speaking to Wen Yu: “At this time last year, our disciples went down the mountain to offer alms and rescued a woman by the river. That woman has since taken refuge in the Buddha’s teachings and received the Dharma name Jingchen. Is the benefactor here for her?”

Wen Yu nodded.

The abbess chanted a Buddhist invocation and said, “After all, there remains an unresolved worldly bond. Benefactor, please follow me.”

Only after the entire group had entered the mountain gate did the young novice nun heave a sigh of relief, her heart still trembling with fear.

Another novice nun nearby scolded her in a low voice, “How could you be so dazed while receiving such esteemed guests? What if you offended them? How could we bear the consequences?”

But the young novice nun murmured to herself, “…Bodhisattva…”

“What?”

The young novice nun chanted a Buddhist invocation, pressed her palms together devoutly, and smiled joyfully. “I have glimpsed the Buddha’s will—a Bodhisattva has descended to the mortal realm, with a Dharmapala guarding her…”

The abbess led Wen Yu and her party toward the scripture hall, where the sound of chanting could be heard from afar.

The abbess explained, “Recently, our nunnery is holding the Triple Platform Ordination Ceremony. All disciples who have entered the Buddhist order in the past two years are here to receive the precepts.”

As they spoke, they arrived outside the scripture hall. The novice nun guarding the entrance saw the abbess leading a group of dignified visitors and hurriedly pressed her palms together in a Buddhist greeting.

After the abbess gave a few instructions, the novice nun hurried into the hall and whispered something to the precept-transmitting nun who was lecturing inside.

Soon, the chanting in the hall ceased, and the disciples receiving the precepts began filing out one after another.

Wen Yu scanned the dozens of nuns in monastic robes and caps, and within moments, her eyes found Jiang Yichu. Instantly, tears welled up uncontrollably in her eyes.

Jiang Yichu had grown much thinner than Wen Yu remembered. As she walked out with the other novice nuns, her expression was serene and tranquil, as if she had truly forgotten the past.

When the abbess called out to her, Jiang Yichu turned in surprise. Her gaze did not linger on Wen Yu or the others, clearly regarding them as nothing more than pilgrims visiting the mountain. Only when she approached did she press her palms together and address the abbess: “Reverend Abbess, you called for me?”

Madam Yang had not stopped weeping since ascending the mountain. Now, seeing that Jiang Yichu truly no longer remembered them, she covered her face with a handkerchief, choked with sobs and unable to speak, relying entirely on Yang Baolin’s support to remain standing.Jiang Yichu noticed Madam Yang's unusual demeanor and also sensed the gaze of the strikingly beautiful woman—whose looks rivaled those of a celestial maiden—bearing a heavy crimson intensity toward her, as if laden with heart-wrenching pain. She avoided meeting the other's eyes and hesitantly turned to the abbess. "What is this?"

The abbess said, "Your worldly relatives have come to find you. Whether to leave or stay, the choice is yours to make."

With that, she pressed her palms together and chanted a Buddhist invocation.

A flicker of confusion crossed Jiang Yichu's face.

"Sister-in-law," Wen Yu spoke with difficulty.

Madam Yang, tears streaming down her face, choked out, "Yichu." Jiang Yichu took two steps back as if startled, then her gaze grew calm and resolute once more. She pressed her palms together and chanted a Buddhist invocation, saying:

"The rise and fall of karmic ties are all predestined. I have forgotten all past worldly affairs, likely due to the compassion of the Buddha, who has helped me sever my earthly bonds. My Buddhist name is Jingchen. I am no longer the person you seek, and I pray that all benefactors may soon attain enlightenment and cease your attachments."

After speaking, she bowed to the abbess and rejoined the procession of nuns who had completed their ordination and were departing.

Overwhelmed by grief, Wen Yu stepped forward to pursue her but was stopped by the abbess.

The abbess sighed. "Benefactor, given your noble status, if you insist on taking Jingchen away today, this humble nun cannot stop you. However, there are some matters concerning Jingchen before she took her vows that I believe you should know."

Madam Yang had cried herself nearly to the point of fainting. Wen Yu asked Yang Baolin to take Madam Yang to a meditation room to rest, while she accompanied the abbess to a side hall of the scripture chanting hall.

It was the transition between spring and summer. Ancient trees outside the hall towered to the sky, casting deep shadows that enveloped the building.

The abbess personally poured Wen Yu a cup of light tea and began slowly amidst the rising steam. "When Jingchen was rescued and brought to the nunnery, it was shortly after the war. The commoners below the mountain had fled with their families, and for a hundred li around Tuyun Nunnery, not a single physician could be found. Her injuries were severe, and at that time, we all thought she wouldn't survive..."

The abbess seemed to sigh. "Yet, sustained only by a few doses of nourishing herbal decoctions, she miraculously lived. Though she remained unconscious for half a year, she eventually woke. At that time, she was still bedridden, but when the nuns brought her food and medicine, she refused even a drop of water. When I went to see her, her eyes were devoid of life. She said she was a person who deserved death and should not remain in this world."

By this point, hot tears had already welled in the corners of Wen Yu's eyes, hidden by the tea steam.

A yellow sparrow alighted on an ancient branch outside the hall, chirping mournfully.

The abbess glanced outside and sighed again. "I counseled her extensively, but the will to live within her had perished; all external efforts were ultimately futile. It happened during a heavy rain—a bird's nest in the tree outside was blown down by the wind, and a brood of hatchlings was cast into the rain-soaked ground. By the time they were found, only one unopened-eyed chick remained alive, stretching its neck and crying weakly in the downpour. The parent birds, seeing their nest destroyed, had long abandoned the tree.

"I told her, if life, death, and sin are to be judged by oneself, then why should that hatchling beneath the tree deserve death? From the moment it broke its shell, it had not stolen a single grain of rice nor hunted a single mayfly.

"Jingchen took the chick back to her room. Though she still refused to eat, she devotedly cared for the little bird. Days later, the chick—whose down had been soaked through in the rain and should have perished—miraculously survived.""Jingchen gazed at the fledgling bird, laughing through tears, then weeping through laughter, until finally, with disheveled hair and bare feet, she kowtowed with every step all the way to the main hall. She claimed to have forgotten her past and begged this humble nun to shave her head for ordination."

After hearing this, Wen Yu stood utterly dazed. Only when another tear splashed onto the tea table did she speak hoarsely: "This humble one understands everything the Abbess has said."

When she pushed herself up from the table, she staggered slightly, but Zhao Bai—whose own eyes were red-rimmed—caught her in time.

The Abbess watched her lonely figure, draped in a shawl, walk from the temple entrance toward the ancient shaded woods, then pressed her palms together, lowered her gaze, and chanted: "Amitabha."

Meanwhile, Yang Baolin accompanied Madam Yang to the meditation room for rest. Halfway there, Madam Yang grew increasingly distressed at the thought that Jiang Yichu no longer remembered them and that A Yin was still so young. She wept so violently she could barely breathe.

The novice nun guiding them, concerned for the elderly woman's wellbeing, led them to the nearby sutra repository for a temporary rest.

Inside the repository, Madam Yang listened to the chanting of the nuns guarding the pagoda and dissolved into tears once more. Seeing countless Eternal Lamps enshrined on the stone walls, and learning they could offer prayers for the deceased, she decided to have lamps lit for everyone from the Changlian Wang residence.

After providing the birth dates and names, the young novice nun lit the lamps and went to place the memorial tablets deep inside the pagoda, when she suddenly exclaimed in surprise: "But Eternal Lamps for these donors have already been offered!"

Madam Yang and Yang Baolin were both startled. They followed and saw the memorial tablets behind several Eternal Lamps enshrined high on the stone wall—each bearing names from the Changlian Wang household. Even the name of the little heir, Wen Shi, who had been dashed to death before reaching his first birthday—unknown to outsiders—was clearly listed among them.

Madam Yang stared blankly, tears streaming down her face.

Who in this convent could have lit Eternal Lamps for the deceased of Changlian Wang's household other than her?

Yang Baolin's eyes also welled up as she said: "I'll go find the Princess."

She turned to leave, but Madam Yang stopped her sharply: "Come back."

Yang Baolin looked at her mother in confusion.

Madam Yang kept her gaze fixed on the tablets inscribed with the Changlian Wang household names. Tears had already reached the corners of her lips when she finally spoke, red-eyed: "If this is the Crown Princess's choice, then we should respect her wishes. Don't let the Princess know and add to her sorrow..."

Xiao Li waited outside the hall. When Wen Yu emerged, her eyes were redder than before, her face weary with a fragile exhaustion. Frowning, he approached and asked: "What did the Abbess say?"

Wen Yu only shook her head gently and said: "Let's go."

If her sister-in-law had truly forgotten her past and taken vows, she could still persuade her to return.

But this was a decision made with full awareness of everything that had happened—what could she possibly say?

Wen Yu gazed at the solemn temple veiled by shaded woods, listening to the rustle of wind through the treetops, feeling an indescribable sorrow and loneliness rise in her heart.

Seeing her like this, Xiao Li's frown deepened. He glanced back at the main hall but ultimately refrained from pressing further.

They hadn't walked far when they encountered Madam Yang and her daughter, who had originally intended to rest in the meditation quarters. Both now had severely swollen red eyes and behaved strangely upon seeing Wen Yu.

"Wasn't Madam feeling unwell and going to the meditation room to rest?" Zhao Bai asked, hoping to steer the conversation away from Jiang Yichu and spare Wen Yu further grief upon seeing the mother and daughter's distraught state.

"Mother... tripped and fell earlier...""My head hurts..."

Madam Yang and her daughter spoke simultaneously. After a moment of stunned silence, Yang Baolin quickly added: "I hit my head too."

"Ah... that's right..." Madam Yang supported her head with her hand, though the genuine redness around her eyes couldn't be feigned. As she spoke, she nearly burst into tears again: "A Yu, I think... I want to go down the mountain first..."

Unexpectedly, Wen Yu responded gloomily: "Then let's all go down together."

Mother and daughter were stunned once more. They looked toward Zhao Bai, and from his silent, downcast eyes with their faint red rims, they understood everything. Instantly, they could no longer hold back their tears.

Jiang Yichu didn't want to see them anymore.

The group had ascended the mountain in haste, and now they were descending with equal urgency.

When the news reached the scripture hall where the novice nuns were receiving their afternoon ordination, Jiang Yichu’s rhythm of chanting scriptures while striking the wooden fish faltered for a moment. In a daze, she seemed to tilt her head slightly, her eyes reddening as she cast a fleeting glance toward the hall’s entrance.

Yet that trace of worldly sorrow was swiftly drowned out by the solemn and resonant chorus of chanting.

—

The return journey by waterway led directly to Luodu. The local authorities had arranged for a fu ship to await them in advance.

Before boarding, Wen Yu instructed the local magistrate: “The court will soon allocate funds. Ensure Tuyun Nunnery is properly restored, deploy additional troops to guard the mountain, and prioritize the safety of the nuns. In the future, if the nunnery faces any difficulties, extend your support. If you are uncertain, report directly to Luodu.”

The magistrate, fully aware of Wen Yu’s motivations, dared not be negligent. Bowing repeatedly, he assured her of his compliance.

As the fu ship set sail, navigating upstream against the current, it rounded a mountain bend, revealing a stone-carved Buddha on the opposite slope, nearly as tall as the mountain itself. Clearly carved in ancient times, the statue stood beside the water, now covered in moss and bearing the marks of centuries of erosion by wind and weather.

Officials on the deck marveled at the sight. One who knew the statue’s history sighed and explained: “This was commissioned during the Jiayong era of the former Chen dynasty by Prince Yu to pray for his deceased mother. It was abandoned during the seventy-odd years of internal strife that followed. After the former Jin replaced Chen, Duke Wen of Jin visited this place and, seeing the half-finished Buddha, deemed it an offense to divine virtue. He ordered the carving to resume. It took another fifty years to complete the statue. But before a hall could be built to shelter it, the former Jin plunged into another century of turmoil…”

Hearing this account, the other officials on deck sighed in shared lament. Noticing Wen Yu’s silence, they feared they had overstepped by openly discussing the previous dynasty and quickly dispersed, finding excuses to retreat below deck.

Soon, only Wen Yu and Xiao Li remained on the deck.

Wen Yu stood at the bow for a long time, gazing into the distance. The shawl draped over her arms billowed backward in the river wind, evoking the celestial grace of a goddess ascending to heaven in a mural.

Xiao Li approached and asked, “What are you looking at?”

Her eyes tinged with redness, Wen Yu replied, “At these mountains, these waters, this great Buddha.”

The wind tousled the loose strands of hair at her temples, and her expression carried a weight of timeless sorrow. “Wars ignite and fade in the mortal realm, dynasties rise and fall. To these eternal mountains, rivers, and stones, it is but the blink of an eye. In the annals of history passed down to posterity, it is merely the turning of a page.

“If even dynasties are so transient, how much more so are people? Coming and going, we are like the ceaseless eastward flow of the river, rushing to the sea with no return…”

As she spoke these last words, the grief in her eyes deepened.

The wind on the deck was strong. Xiao Li unfurled his cloak to shield her slightly from the gusts. Standing beside her, he watched the relentless flow of the river between the green mountains and said, “The river may flow away, but I will not.”

Amid the boundless sorrow and solitude, Wen Yu suddenly felt a profound sense of peace—so poignant it brought tears to her eyes.

She was like a lone egret, having flown too long and grown weary, fearing she would plunge into an endless abyss. Yet beneath her feet, there had always been a shore waiting to receive her.

Wen Yu rested her head on Xiao Li’s shoulder. In her eyes, still tinged with redness, the distant river and sky were reflected.

In this hurried half-life, they had lost much. But they had become inseparable threads in the tapestry of each other’s destinies, never to be parted again.The great vessel parted layer upon layer of clear waves, forging ahead through the layered spring mountains.

Carrying homebound souls.

Author's Note: ① From Lu You's "Spring Plowing";

② "The surging eastern-flowing water rushes to the sea with no return" is from Li Tao's "Four Miscellaneous Poems, No. 1"

The story of "Returning Phoenix" concludes here. I've expressed my gratitude many times, but I still wish to say once more: "Thank you to all dear readers who have supported 'Returning Phoenix.' Thank you for witnessing Yu Huan's journey, and for accompanying this story until its curtain call."

I will subsequently revise some imperfections in earlier chapters, and extra chapters will be coming (heart gesture)~

This chapter includes completion red packets for everyone, along with 200,000 Jinjiang Coins prepared for a lottery draw. Check the synopsis page for lottery details and participate!