[Bonus Chapter 1: The Person Before My Eyes Is No Longer Before My Eyes]

As night deepens, one knows the snow is heavy, for the sound of breaking bamboo can be heard from time to time.

Feng Yaoling, dressed in a light and thin dress, walked into a corner of the palace.

Under the moonlight, deep footprints were left in the snow, and green bamboo swayed in the wind, with snow falling all over the ground.

Although the beautiful woman is over forty, she still has bright and lovely eyes.

"Qingxin, why won't you even look at me? Didn't you used to love drawing me the most?"

Feng Yaoling hugged the monk who was kneeling in front of the Buddha statue from behind, without even glancing at her.

Qingxin remained motionless, continuing to chant scriptures with her eyes closed.

Seeing her like this, Feng Yaoling's tears fell onto his neck: "You are so cruel. I've been pretending with that cold-hearted man for so many years to wait until today. There are no more obstacles between us, and we can be together in peace. But you have changed."

Whether it was Feng Yaoling's words or her tears, the monk, who hadn't reacted before, opened his eyes and sighed.

Her once clear and melodious voice is now slightly hoarse, and although her face is still young, fine lines have appeared at the corners of her eyes.

"This humble monk has never changed; it is the Empress Dowager who has misunderstood."

Feng Yaoling couldn't believe it and kept shaking her head: "No, I didn't misunderstand. If you didn't love me, why did you help me so many times at Wangshan Temple? If you didn't love me, why did you always paint for me in front of the Three Lives Stone on the cliff? If you didn't love me, why did you help me return to the palace and even let my son sit on the throne?"

Why?

Qingxin smiled bitterly, for if one person had not come to Jingyang Temple, they might have had such a tumultuous life.

He always thought that if she were in such a sorry state, he would definitely feel sorry for her.

So he helped Feng Yaoling time and time again, hoping in his heart that if someone could meet his junior brother in the next life, he could also lend a helping hand.

He hoped that in her next life, she would be cherished, properly placed, and carefully preserved. To spare her from fear, suffering, wandering aimlessly, and having no one to rely on [Note 2].

Even if that person isn't him.

The reason I painted her was because Feng Yaoling and that person had the exact same appearance.

The character he created is less Feng Yaoling and more his imagined version of her.

As for allowing Feng Yaoling's son to succeed her, the reason is even simpler: he is the most suitable.

That's all.

"Your Majesty, it is late. Let's return to the palace."

Outside the palace.

The snow fell even heavier.

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[Bonus Chapter 2: This Way I Won't Hate You]

"Master, I have something to say, but I'm unsure whether I should."

Hua Rong sat in the chair with his back straight, looking like a highly accomplished monk.

She didn't look at Chen Xu'an, but only at the sandalwood incense burning on the platform of the Imperial Study, the swirling smoke making her feel a little dizzy.

"Since you don't know, Your Majesty, please don't say anything."

Shen Xu'an: "..."

Shen Xu'an coughed lightly and continued, "I still have to tell you. The master saved millions of Qin people and brought peace to Qin. His merit is so great that the people of Qin will never forget it."

"I am also grateful, so I wish to reward the master to express my gratitude."

Hua Rong looked up at him and said seriously, "This humble monk did nothing wrong. Besides, this humble monk is also a citizen of Qin. This is all what this humble monk should do."

"Not to mention, I am a healer. It is only natural for healers to save lives. His Majesty also said that the people of Qin will never forget me. That is enough."

Shen Xu'an shook his head: "Yes, I want it!"

His eyes darkened slightly as he looked at Hua Rong's face: "I wish to appoint the Grand Master as the Imperial Preceptor, so that he may enjoy the same worship as me, as the people do."

Hua Rong had no smile on his face, and his gaze seemed to pierce through people's hearts as he looked at Shen Xu'an.

Shen Xu'an was nervous, his hands clenched tightly, but he still stared intently at Hua Rong.

Hua Rong asked, "If this humble monk agrees, what are some things he must abide by?"

Shen Xu'an's voice was hoarse and low: "To live in the palace forever..."

He paused, then added, "Stay with me!"

Hua Rong stood up: "In that case, I can only decline Your Majesty's offer. After all, I cherish freedom and do not wish to be constrained. The Medical Classic still requires further refinement by me."

She looked up at Shen Xu'an, her gaze gentle: "Your Majesty is in the palace, accompanied by the ladies of the harem, so there is no need for this humble monk."

"No, I... love you!"

Shen Xu'an stopped himself before he could finish speaking.

He covered his eyes with his hands, as if tears were falling.

Finally, he childishly slumped onto the desk and said, "Master, you may leave now. I want to be alone for a while."

After not hearing a reply for a long time, he looked up and froze.

He smelled the medicinal scent on her; it was light, faint, and very pleasant.

She stood beside him!

He vaguely recalled that this was the first time in over a year that she had taken the initiative to get so close to him.

Before he could turn his head, a hand covered his eyes, and a burning breath filled his ear. "Your Majesty, be a good emperor, like... Emperor Gaozu."

Feeling a little dizzy, he blurted out, "Would that make you like me?"

She seemed stumped by his question and remained silent for a long time.

Just as he was feeling somewhat disappointed, her voice rang out again: "Of course, this humble monk hopes for peace and prosperity throughout the land. If Your Majesty can achieve this, this humble monk will naturally not dislike Your Majesty."

She played word games with him; not disliking him never meant liking him.

But at that time, he believed it.

"Very well, I will be a good emperor!"

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[Bonus Chapter 3: I Will Listen to Her]

"Cough cough"

In the Prime Minister's study, Tu Zijun was reading late into the night.

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