Chapter 163 A Confidant for a Thousand Years, A Song of Plum Blossoms.

As the palanquin passed through palace gates, the eunuchs and maids along the way knelt in silent obeisance, and a sense of impending doom hung in the air.

Outside the Imperial Study, the eunuch on duty, upon seeing the Princess arrive, showed a fleeting surprise, which was quickly replaced by respect. He whispered his permission, and after receiving it, he opened the heavy palace door for Wei Yihua.

The ambergris was more intense than in any other palace. Emperor Wei Tianxuan was not bent over reviewing memorials, but stood with his hands behind his back before a huge map of the territory. His bright yellow robes supported his aging frame, and amidst the vast landscape, he was as insignificant as a grain of sand in the ocean.

"Your subject pays respects to Your Majesty." Wei Yihua curtsied.

The emperor slowly turned around and looked at her, making Wei Yihua's heart tighten.

In those eyes, there was scrutiny, a barely perceptible tenderness, but more than anything, there was an obscure and unfathomable quality that she couldn't understand.

"Rise," the emperor said, his voice devoid of emotion. "What urgent matter is it?"

Wei Yihua straightened up, meeting the emperor's gaze without flinching. She knew that in front of her father, any attempt at evasion would be futile; only speaking frankly would suffice.

She said, "Father, I have heard the imperial edict for war. I request to accompany General Gu on the expedition to the border to defend against the enemy."

The study fell into an eerie silence; even the air seemed to have stopped moving.

"Absurd." The emperor's face darkened, exuding an undeniable imperial aura, just like Gu Baifeng's, but with an added touch of icy anger. "Border warfare is not a game. You are a princess of the country, personally venturing into the dangerous borderlands. What kind of behavior is this? Don't mention this matter again. I will pretend I never heard of it."

"Father!" Wei Yihua stepped forward, his voice urgent yet striving to remain calm. "Your Majesty, I am not acting on impulse. There are no capable generals in the court, and General Gu is advanced in years. Even with his prestige, he needs strong support to lead the army alone. Your Majesty..."

"I know what you're trying to say," the emperor interrupted her, his tone cold and hard. "You've trained a few men, are somewhat skilled in martial arts, and have read a few military books. But that's worlds apart from the real battlefield! Swords have no eyes, and war is merciless; that's not a place for you!"

"Your subject understands the dangers of the battlefield!" Wei Yihua argued, clearly stating the reasons he had previously given in front of Gu Baifeng, "That is precisely why your subject should go! General Gu has donned his armor again, but his troops are not the same as before. Although the soldiers are brave, they need time to gel, and opportunities in battle are fleeting!"

"The key to a swift victory in this battle lies in the unimpeded flow of military orders and the unwavering loyalty of the soldiers. My martial arts skills were all personally cultivated by General Gu, and I also have a blood-related trust with my maternal grandfather. If I go with him, I can bridge the gap between the old and new generations, eliminate any suspicions, and ensure that wherever my grandfather's orders are given, the army will be invincible. Only in this way can we seize the initiative, crush the enemy with lightning speed, and prevent the war from being prolonged and wasting the nation's resources."

Not to mention, she also commands an elite force of a thousand men, along with several generals of equal talent to herself, capable of leading troops in battle and absolutely loyal. The Embroidered Vermilion Guard is a highly trained force that can only be fully utilized under her command.

There may be generals in the court who are just as capable as her, but no one has all the advantages and conditions she possesses.

Wei Yihua is the most suitable candidate for deputy general.

Wei Yihua thought that Wei Tianxuan would at least hesitate, weigh the pros and cons, and consider the advantages and disadvantages.

However, the emperor did not show the thoughtful expression she had expected.

He simply looked at her, his eyes churning with a complex mix of pain and fear.

"No." The emperor's voice deepened, yet carried an almost obsessive resolve. He didn't even question the veracity of Wei Yihua's account, as if it were utterly irrelevant. "I said no, and that's final. You are a princess; your duties lie within the palace and in the court, not on the battlefield! I will never allow you to take such a risk!"

"Why?" Wei Yihua raised her voice unconsciously. She couldn't understand her father's coldness and stubbornness. Every word landed clearly. "You rejected my request not because what I said was untrue, nor because you think I am incompetent, but you still rejected it. Why?"

Wei Tianxuan looked at Wei Yihua. Those eyes, so similar to his mother's, held only a burning light, like the sharp edge of a drawn sword.

"The nation nurtures its talents every hundred years, so that in times of crisis, there will be those who can serve. Now, with the nation in peril, good generals are hard to find. I happen to have soldiers under my command who are capable of fighting, and I myself am knowledgeable in military affairs and can communicate with the commander-in-chief. This is not my personal wish, so why do you refuse to make a move?"

Her tone contained no accusation, only calm inquiry, yet it was sharper than any impassioned rebuttal.

"As a princess, I am of noble birth, born of the emperor, and should cherish my life. However, the fate of the nation is more important than my precious body. If I cling to my status and disregard the greater good, causing the dynasty to teeter on the brink of war, what is the point of worrying about safety then? My honor and prestige have become a shackle that will harm the country."

"It is not that I am not afraid of death, but that I fear a useless life even more. I plead for my life not for empty fame, nor to show off my strength, but only to do my utmost to save the nation from its perilous state. I beg Your Majesty to consider the well-being of the nation and grant my request!"

"You are not afraid, but I am!"

The emperor suddenly roared. His chest heaved violently as he met Wei Yihua's astonished gaze, which was filled with a naked, almost consuming fear.

"I..." His voice stopped abruptly, the rest of the words stuck in his throat.

After a few heavy breaths, he turned his back to her, no longer looking at her, his voice filled with exhaustion and leaving no room for argument, "...Hua'er, go back. This is absolutely impossible. I will choose other generals to assist General Gu. You don't need to worry about it."

Wei Yihua looked at her father's back, which was as majestic as a mountain, yet gave her a feeling of being on the verge of collapse.

Her clenched fist trembled slightly. Wei Yihua suddenly understood everything. What was hindering her was not the so-called lack of ability or poor planning, but the deep, unhealed scar in her father's heart.

A wave of bitterness and pain washed over her, and tears blurred her vision, but she stubbornly refused to let them fall.

She knelt down, her knees touching the cold gold bricks.

"Father..." The eldest princess, dressed in a rosy robe and wearing a golden hairpin, lowered her proud head, her voice filled with pleading and unwavering stubbornness, "Your subject begs you."

The emperor's shoulders seemed to stiffen slightly, but he neither turned around nor spoke, remaining silent.

The prolonged stalemate between father and daughter was suffocating. Just then, a slight commotion came from outside the study, followed by the eunuch's panicked, hushed voice: "...Your Majesty, the Grand Secretary of the Ministry of Personnel, Lord Yue, requests an audience, saying he has urgent matters to report."

The emperor turned around abruptly, his brows furrowed, his anger intensifying: "What is she doing here? What trouble is she causing! I won't see her!" He was so preoccupied with his own troubles that he had no interest in a female official.

There was a moment of silence outside the door, then a clear, melodious female voice pierced through the doorway. It was not loud, but strangely suppressed all the noise: "Your Majesty, I, Yue Yining, observed the celestial phenomena last night and divined the fate of the nation. I obtained a crucial revelation concerning this border battle, and I dare not fail to report it."

Wei Yihua, kneeling on the ground, felt her heart leap into her throat.

Why would Yue Yining come?

A fierce glint flashed in the emperor's eyes, but given the importance of the border war, he couldn't completely ignore it. Wei Tianxuan took a deep breath, seemingly trying to suppress his anger, and finally said coldly, "Let her in!"

The door to the Imperial Study was pushed open, and a figure dressed in a light blue official robe walked in steadily.

Her eyes were fixed straight ahead, calm and undisturbed. She didn't even glance at Wei Yihua kneeling on the ground, and directly bowed to the emperor: "Your subject Yue Yining greets Your Majesty."

"What urgent revelation is there?" The emperor's voice contained a hint of anxiety, and his tone became sharp. His eyes were fixed on Yue Yining, and he said coldly, "If you have come to plead for the princess and intend to use sophistry, I advise you to be careful with your words."

Yue Yining raised her head, her gaze meeting the emperor's scrutiny with composure: "What I have said is indeed related to Her Highness the Eldest Princess, but it is by no means sophistry."

"Last night, I observed the Purple Palace constellation and saw a general star shining brightly, with a phoenix shadow protecting it, its radiance pointing directly to the northwest, the land of the Wolf Demon. This is an auspicious omen, indicating that if a member of the royal family or a nobleman with a destiny of the phoenix personally leads the expedition, not only will there be no danger, but the nation's fortune will be consolidated, the Eastern Heaven will be protected, and the three armies will fight bravely and be invincible."

At this moment, what the emperor could least tolerate was any mention of linking Wei Yihua to the border battlefield.

Even if it's a so-called auspicious sign.

The emperor was furious.

His eyes were deep black, his chest heaving, and finally he slammed his hand on the table, making the brush, ink, paper and inkstone jump.

The enraged emperor, like a dragon whose scales have been touched, instantly filled the entire study with murderous intent. He stood up, abruptly drew the evil-suppressing sword hanging beside him, its blade flashing coldly.

With a twist of his wrist, the tip of his sword pierced through the thick incense smoke in the hall, pointing directly at Yue Yining's throat!

"Father!" Wei Yihua was so shocked that she cried out in alarm and tried to get up to stop him.

Yue Yining remained completely still. She didn't even look at the trembling sword tip that was only inches from her throat; her gaze remained calm as she looked at the emperor.

Emperor Wei Tianxuan said, enunciating each word clearly, "You dare to say it again and see what happens."

“Your Majesty, please calm down,” Yue Yining said slowly, his voice not trembling even before the cold blade of the sword. “I know Your Majesty loves your daughter dearly and is also deeply afraid that Your Highness might suffer any mishap. However, Your Majesty’s worries lie in the unknown and in your concern for Your Highness’s safety.”

“Besides observing the celestial phenomena, I have also performed divination many times, and the results of the divination have always been consistent. I dare to guarantee with my life that Your Highness’s journey will not only be free of misfortune, but will also be the key to breaking the current predicament and ensuring the peace and prosperity of our Eastern Xi Kingdom.”

The emperor's hand gripped the sword steadily, but his eyes struggled violently. He stared intently at Yue Yining, trying to find even the slightest hint of deception or fear on her face, but all he saw was a chilling certainty.

"A life as collateral?" The emperor's voice was forced out through clenched teeth, laced with icy mockery. "What is your life worth? Can it compare to the priceless life of my princess?"

"My life is as light as dust," Yue Yining said frankly. "But the way of Heaven is clear and has its own reason."

“Her Highness the Princess is not a weak and incompetent young lady. She possesses martial arts skills and military talent, and also has the desire to join the army. General Gu is a pillar of the country, a master strategist. With him around, the army is as stable as Mount Tai. Her Highness’s elite troops are a surprise force that can make up for the lack of generals in the court and increase the chance of victory. They are the best choice. This is the first point, and it makes sense.”

She paused slightly, observing the emperor's expression, her tone becoming even more profound: "Secondly, although I do not know the reason for Your Majesty's deep sorrow, the celestial signs indicate that the phoenix's shadow is accompanying you, signifying not calamity but protection. Perhaps, in the unseen realm, a closest and dearest love is protecting those connected by blood and kindred spirits, guiding them to the place she cherishes, to complete her unfinished work..."

Yue Yining didn't say everything, but these words were enough.

The emperor's body jolted violently, and his hand holding the sword trembled almost imperceptibly.

Wei Yihua knelt on the ground, hearing Yue Yining's words and seeing her father's rapidly changing expression and the slightly trembling sword. She immediately understood Yue Yining's intention and seized this fleeting opportunity.

“Father,” Wei Yihua said softly, “I know that in your eyes I will always be a young girl protected under your wings. I am deeply grateful for your concern for my safety.”

"But it is precisely because I am blessed with the Emperor's grace and enjoy honor that I cannot sit idly by and watch the flames of war ignite on the border. I have practiced martial arts since childhood, not to adorn peace and tranquility. If this martial skill can only be used as a topic of conversation in times of peace and stability, but must be concealed and hidden when the country is in peril, then what is the purpose of my learning? What is the meaning of my existence?"

Her voice carried a deep, almost painful earnestness, trying to penetrate the cold imperial majesty and touch the heart of her father, who might exist behind it: "The world is full of hardships, and someone must bear the burden. Your son is willing to be that person."

"It is not that I am unaware of the danger, but... since I have her blood flowing in my veins and have inherited her will, I cannot stand by and watch the same regret happen again."

She didn't say the name, but every word seemed to be gently knocking on a tightly closed door.

She noticed a change in Wei Tianxuan's expression.

He stared at her in disbelief. "You...."

"Your Majesty, I dare not presume to be your equal. I only ask to do my utmost to live up to this life and this bloodline. If she could know from beyond the grave that Dongxi is in trouble and her daughter stands idly by out of fear of disaster, she would surely be heartbroken." Wei Yihua's voice trembled slightly. "...I have never been able to see her in this life. But I always feel that she has always protected me, and perhaps she is right beside me."

They had never met each other.

Perhaps this is the unbreakable umbilical cord of blood ties. She had never heard of her mother's deeds, nor had she ever met the woman named Gu Danzhu, yet she still grew up to resemble her.

Why can the bright moon shine over a thousand mountains, illuminating our two hearts that are inseparable?

The emperor's sword fell to the ground with a clang, making a crisp yet startling sound.

He seemed to have all his strength drained away, his body swayed slightly, and he needed to support himself on the table to keep his balance, but even that arm was trembling slightly.

He had always known that Yihua resembled her, so much so. Not just in appearance, but also in character and temperament.

He was comforted to see his deceased wife's shadow in his daughter. She was gone, and he was sick with longing for her. Even seeing someone who resembled her was a kind of solace. But he was also afraid, afraid that the complex emotions would grow deeper and deeper, afraid that after the solace was gone, greater loss and pain would follow.

He was afraid he would lose her, as if he had lost Gu Danzhu once again.

He knew perfectly well that he was acting out of selfishness. He said he was afraid she would get hurt and wanted to protect her, but when his daughter first came into contact with weapons as a child and asked to learn martial arts, he readily agreed. Now that she wanted to go to the battlefield to make her mark, he was the one stopping her.

He promised her martial arts training so that he could use her skills to see her again; he refused to let her join the army so that he could bind her and keep her in the palace, within his sight.

He was just using his daughter to remember his deceased wife.

But now, a surge of intense emotion wells up inside me, a feeling that makes me want to cry.

He knew that if Gu Danzhu were still alive, she would definitely support Wei Yihua, just as she had supported herself when she insisted on going to the battlefield. Seeing her daughter looking exactly like her in her youth, she would surely be overjoyed. She would dress her in armor, copy military texts, and stand on the city wall to watch her leave the capital.

If she were still alive, perhaps Wei Tianxuan would agree.

But Gu Danzhu died.

He slowly opened his eyes, his gaze falling once more on Wei Yihua's face. Tears blurred her vision, but she still stubbornly raised her head, her face, which bore a striking resemblance to Gu Danzhu, staring directly at him, filled with defiance, resilience, and resentment.

This is her daughter. Wei Yihua is not only the princess of Dongxi, but also the continuation of Gu Danzhu's life.

She carries Gu Danzhu's blood and inherits Gu Danzhu's will.

A mixture of grief, reluctance, relief, and despair overwhelmed him.

Wei Tianxuan closed his eyes.

"Tianxuan, from this day forward, I am your wife."

“Tianxuan, this is our first child. Look, his features look just like yours. I want to have another daughter later, and she will definitely look like me.”

"Tianxuan! Let's fight our way out!"

"As long as Dongxi needs me, I'm willing to die on the battlefield. Besides, I still have you. You'll be with me, right?"

"It's a promise. In this lifetime, you can only have me as your empress. If you don't agree, I won't enter the palace!"

"Tianxuan... Tianxuan..."

In his memory, the gentle and radiant woman donned a phoenix coronet and embroidered robes, smiling as she took his hand and stepped through the many palace gates. The eagle that once soared through the sky became a caged bird in the deep palace.

He failed to fulfill all the promises he had made. Even as the emperor, he was powerless to do anything, let alone Gu Danzhu, who had long been confined to the palace and unable to use her talents.

He could only watch helplessly as she withered away, burned out bit by bit, and her original brilliance faded into dust.

The last time the emperor and empress met was a nightmare that haunted Wei Tianxuan for many years.

The red curtains swayed, the sound was deafening, and Gu Danzhu lay on the bed on the verge of death, her body covered in blood.

She held his hand, her sharp nails digging deep into his flesh, her eyes filled with tears.

As she lay dying, her voice became barely audible, as faint as a whisper.

But Wei Tianxuan heard it all and would never forget it.

"Wei Tianxuan, I regret it. If I could do it all over again, I would rather... never have met you."

Those memories he didn't want to recall, each word a tear of blood, each stroke etched into his heart, made him unable to forget, unable to forget.

The emperor remained silent for a long, long time, and only Wei Yihua's suppressed sobs could be heard in the study.

Finally, Wei Tianxuan spoke extremely slowly, his voice hoarse, each word sounding as if he had exhausted all his strength:

".......Yihua".

Wei Yihua suddenly looked up, her eyes brimming with tears as she gazed at him.

The emperor's complex gaze fell on her face, and through her, he looked at someone else.

He let out a long, heavy sigh, a sigh filled with exhaustion and a sense of resignation.

"You...you're really not afraid? You really want to go?"

"Your subject is not afraid! Your subject must go!" Wei Yihua answered without hesitation, his voice trembling with excitement, yet utterly resolute.

The emperor remained silent for a moment, as if undergoing a final internal struggle. He finally straightened up slowly, his imperial majesty returning, but tinged with a sense of desolation.

"Very well." He uttered a single word, heavy as a thousand pounds, "I grant you permission to go."

Wei Yihua's eyes widened instantly, almost unable to believe her ears.

The emperor stopped looking at her and turned his gaze to Yue Yining, his eyes sharp and deep: "Yue Yining."

"Your subject is present."

"I have remembered what you said today. Since you have guaranteed the princess's safety with your life, then I will also hold you accountable for the princess's safety. When the army returns in triumph, I will reward you handsomely." His voice suddenly turned cold, "But if anything happens to the princess, I will be the first to not let you off!"

"Your subject obeys the decree." Yue Yining kowtowed deeply.

The emperor waved his hand wearily, as if he didn't even have the strength to say another word: "All of you, step down."

"Thank you, Father! Your son... Your son will certainly not fail you!" Wei Yihua kowtowed heavily, tears finally streaming down his face—tears of joy and excitement.

Wei Yihua had been kneeling for a long time, and her knees ached when she stood up. She stood up unsteadily and exchanged a glance with Yue Yining.

Yue Yining's eyes held a faint smile, just like always.

Wei Yihua wiped away the tears from the corners of her eyes and smiled at her.

The two, relieved, quietly left the study, leaving the emperor alone to face the vast map of the empire. The room was filled with the heavy, oppressive scent of ambergris, permeated with an inescapable loneliness and memories.

The palace doors slowly closed, separating the inside from the outside. The emperor stood there for a long time, the afterglow of the setting sun shining into the palace, casting a long and lonely shadow of him.

After an unknown amount of time, with a creak, the eunuch Luo Hong deftly opened the palace door, slowly walked into the palace, stopped not far from the emperor, and bowed, "Your Majesty."

"This servant has already sent someone to escort Her Highness the Eldest Princess and Lord Yue out of the palace. As for the Eldest Princess's participation in the expedition, this servant has also sent a message to the General's Mansion to inform the Grand General of the State," Luo Hong said, bowing his head. "Afterwards, a copy will be sent to the Secretariat to draft an imperial edict to be issued to the court."

"...I naturally trust you to do things." Wei Tianxuan closed his eyes, as if he had made up his mind, and slowly exhaled a breath of pent-up frustration. "There is one more thing, please convey my oral decree."

Luo Hong immediately held his breath and replied, "Yes."

"Princess Wei Yihua is loyal, brave, and patriotic, and deeply understands righteousness. She is hereby granted the title of military supervisor and shall accompany General Gu Baifeng to the border to oversee the war and gain military experience. All her treatment and ceremonies shall be in accordance with the regulations for princes."

"This intention shall be clearly communicated to the Central Secretariat and disseminated to the Six Ministries."

Luo Hong was deeply shocked.

The title of military supervisor is subtle yet crucial. While not a general directly commanding troops, it represents imperial power, granting the authority to oversee the commander-in-chief and directly consult with the emperor. For a princess to be treated with the same rank as a prince is unprecedented. This move practically elevates Wei Yihua to the same status as other princes, but with even greater real power.

This was no longer just a promise to send the princess into battle; it was practically a declaration to the entire court that Princess Wei Yihua had the qualifications to vie for the throne and had officially entered the consideration of Crown Prince Dongxi.

The Eastern Xi Dynasty has never had a female emperor. If Wei Yihua becomes the crown prince, it will be the first time in history that such a precedent has been set.

Once this edict is issued, the imperial court will inevitably experience a period of great upheaval.

Despite his immense surprise, Luo Hong dared not show it on his face. He simply buried his head even deeper and respectfully replied, "This servant obeys."

"Does Your Majesty have any other instructions?"

He waited a moment, and seeing that the emperor seemed not to have heard, he tactfully bowed and quietly withdrew from the palace.

The setting sun scorched the clouds. The emperor raised his hand and gently stroked the string of red coral beads on his wrist, as vibrant as blood.

His gaze drifted out the window, and he murmured to himself, his voice so soft that only he could hear it:

“Danzhu........”

"If you could know this from beyond the grave, would you hate me a little less?"

The sunset hung low, and no one answered.

As the last rays of light faded from the hall, darkness, like a silent tide, gradually engulfed everything.

Only a solitary figure remains, standing amidst endless memories.

........

As soon as Yue Yining boarded the carriage, Wei Yihua gripped her hands tightly.

She paused for a moment, then turned around following the force. The princess released her and then hurriedly and anxiously cupped her face in her hands.

"Let me see!" Wei Yihua leaned closer, enveloped in the sweet fragrance of the princess. "Don't hide, let me see if you were injured just now."

Yue Yining knew that she was worried about her, so she did not struggle and obediently let her do as she pleased.

After examining her neck, Wei Yihua confirmed that there was only a red mark, no blood or wound, and breathed a sigh of relief.

With lingering worries, Wei Yihua couldn't help but gently reprimand her for her recklessness, "Father's sword is already at your neck, and you still dare to continue talking! That sword tip is so sharp, even if Father doesn't really want you dead, what if his hand trembles? Yue Yining, aren't you afraid of death?"

The female official in blue, who had been sternly reprimanded by her, blinked and smiled, saying, "I am naturally the most cowardly person in the world."

"But for Your Highness, I sometimes disregard my own life and death, and I hope Your Highness will not take offense."

Wei Yihua was speechless again. Her nose stung like a pickled cucumber, and her eyes, which had just been crying in the palace, were red again.

She whispered, "Why?"

"Why go to such lengths? It's just a campaign. Even if Father doesn't agree today, there are still two days left. I've made up my mind, and I can wear him down until he agrees. Why do you have to go this far? Is my wish more important than your own life?"

She didn't understand.

Wei Yihua sniffled, and tears involuntarily streamed down her face.

A pair of warm hands stroked her face, wiping away her tears. Wei Yihua saw Yue Yining clearly again, and saw the tenderness in her eyes.

"Today, I consulted the oracle about the fate of the nation again in the manor," Yue Yining said slowly. "I read the documents and know that war is imminent. Perhaps it's a premonition, but I feel that some kind of change is about to occur, and I am very uneasy."

“I lied to Your Majesty. I did not observe the celestial phenomena at night, but I did indeed cast a divination for you and for Dongxi.”

“They all talk about you, doubt you, and don’t believe you,” she said. “But Yihua, I hope you get what you want.”

Wei Yihua bit her lip, tears streaming down her face.

"...Perhaps it's just my imagination." Yue Yining gently stroked her face, her clear eyes looking at Wei Yihua. "Your Highness, it seems like you're always looking at someone through me."

Yue Yining was perceptive. Although she didn't say it, she noticed the guilt and unease that Wei Yihua often showed when facing her.

At first, she thought it was Wei Yihua's distrust of her abilities and her concern about the possibility of her becoming emperor. But later, she gradually saw through the fog and rejected her conjecture.

Wei Yihua's many worries seem to concern only herself.

As soon as she finished speaking, Wei Yihua gripped her wrist tightly. Those hands were so warm, she craved them so much, and was so unwilling to let go.

“…I’m sorry, I kept it from you,” Wei Yihua said in a hoarse voice. “Actually, I’ve known you for a long time, I’ve known you for a long time.”

The sound of horses' hooves shattered the setting sun. Wei Yihua held her hand, and even though she spoke haltingly, she finally revealed her deeply hidden secret.

Regarding her second life, and her tragic end in her previous life.

After listening, Yue Yining did not show any surprise, as if she had a premonition, or as if she could accept and embrace all the confusion and hardship in her heart.

"I see. That's why Your Highness made an excuse to leave the palace and pretended to go to the Tian Guan Temple in Jinling to pray for blessings, but actually came to find me."

"Um."

What did I do in my previous life?

“You chose the third prince and assisted him in seizing the throne. In the end, he ascended the throne, and you became his imperial advisor.”

What was my fate in my previous life?

"The fourth prince usurped the throne and framed you as a treacherous official. You were punished severely as a criminal and died in prison."

"Where did His Highness go in his previous life?"

"Wei Jing forced me to return to my fiefdom, so I left Yanjing. Before I left, I secretly found a piece of wasteland and erected a monument for you."

A sinner cannot have a grave; she could not collect her remains. Only a cenotaph could be erected for her in the suburbs of the capital.

"I see." No matter what she heard about the past, Yue Yining always smiled gently, her words filled with unchanging tenderness. "What was Your Highness thinking back then?"

Tears blurred Wei Yihua's vision.

What was she thinking at that time?

She thought, if only I could do it all over again.

If there is an afterlife, she will no longer mistake those who care for her for jealousy and resentment, nor will she mistake her for a treacherous minister plotting to usurp the throne. She will definitely find her and get to know her again. From the beginning, they were friends, confidants, like the legendary friendship of Bo Ya and Zi Qi. Facing the hardships and injustices of the world, they had each other's shoulders to lean on, working together to pacify the world and make their names recorded in history.

Her bones turned to dust, and thousands of years later, when people dug up her tomb, they found that her name was also on her tombstone.

May the pepper blossoms sing praises for a thousand years to come.

“No wonder, I always felt that Her Highness was looking at someone through me. Was that person me in my past life?” Yue Yining said with a smile. “Her Highness misses me so much, we must have been close friends in our past lives.”

"It is truly an honor for Yining to be friends with Her Highness the Princess for two lifetimes."

Wei Yihua fought back tears, then smiled through her tears, "...Yes."

“We’ve always been friends. In this life and in the last.”

Always.

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Author's note: I've always loved writing about the friendship between Ningning and Yihua. The mutual appreciation between women may always be complicated, but it also has the most sincere purity, which always moves me.

Citation:

May the pepper blossoms sing praises for a thousand years to come.

—Epitaph for Lady Shangguan, the Former Zhaorong of the Great Tang Dynasty