Chapter 84 (Final Chapter, Part 2) In this vast land, there are...

Ji Yujing didn't know how to comfort Song Yunyan, because he knew how much he valued his mother. Back in Lingdong, they had talked about the future, and he didn't mention himself, only saying that he would try to forgive his mother if possible in the future.

He loved her more than his own life.

In the face of such a situation, offering comfort has become the most useless thing to do.

"Search the palace and find Song Yunmian."

Ji Yujing immediately gave the order.

Xu Xian, Qin Yining, and the others split up, while he followed Song Yunyan, keeping him company silently.

Song Yunyan wandered around like a headless fly, going into every palace he passed by.

Emperor Taining was perhaps annoyed by the Empress, as he rarely visited the harem in recent years and never selected any new women to enter. As the old concubines passed away, the harem grew increasingly empty. It was spacious and gloomy, truly resembling a cage.

However, after going in and out several times, Song Yunyan still couldn't see his mother, and his heart gradually grew cold.

Just as he was about to kick open another palace, a Silver Shield soldier flew up behind him and Ji Yujing.

"General, Your Highness."

Only Ji and Jing turned around and said, "Speak."

Silver Shield Army: "Your Highness, don't panic, the Imperial Concubine is alright."

"Before the Crown Prince arrived, Lord Xin had someone take the Imperial Concubine away."

These words relieved Ji Yujing.

Thank goodness.

Dai Dai loved the Imperial Concubine so much; if something were to happen to her, she would probably be sad for a long time.

"Then they..."

Before he could finish speaking, Ji Yujing watched as Song Yunyan charged toward the silver-shield soldier; he had never seen him move so fast.

"Where? Where is my mother?"

Silver Shield Army: "On the top floor of the library."

Ever since Song Yunmian stopped in front of the library and said those words, Xin Huai knew that this library was a pure place in his heart, and perhaps the last one. He wouldn't easily defile it.

Xin Huai had been lurking in the palace for many years, so he naturally knew what the Imperial Concubine meant to the Lady.

He unusually offered his help.

Of course, they also considered that Ji and Jing were about to arrive at the palace, and the overall situation was already settled. At this point, even if their identities were exposed, it wouldn't matter much.

"Master Xin?"

Ji Yujing spoke softly and smiled.

He knows how to get things done.

Song Yunyan finally felt at ease.

Unexpectedly, upon hearing the news, the first thing he did was not rush to the library, but instead plopped down on the ground, completely disregarding his princely image.

Silver Shield Army: "..." The Fourth Prince has become increasingly unrefined after spending some time outside the palace.

Ji Yujing walked up to him, looking down at him. "What's wrong? Are you too scared to walk? Shall I get someone to carry you?"

Song Yunyan looked at him in the direction of the voice, but seemed not to have heard Ji Yujing's words, and continued to say his own thing, "Brother-in-law, you are a pretty good person."

"Dai Dai married the right person."

Ji Yujing: "..."

You're just giving random replies, aren't you?

However, what he said was indeed very pleasing to the ear, especially the last sentence.

"Then you rest and go by yourself. I'll go find Song Yunmian."

Song Yunyan: "Okay, I'll meet up with you after I see my mother."

Song Yunmian wanted him dead several times; how could he not avenge this?

Ji Yujing responded and left.

Song Yunyan was still shaken, so he sat for a while longer before getting up to go to the library. After wandering around for a while, he arrived.

To avoid arousing Song Yunmian's suspicion, no guards were set up near the library, even though someone was hidden there. Song Yunyan went straight to the top floor. He was very quiet, but the noise he made was still heard by Qin, the old nanny who served the Imperial Concubine.

"who."

Granny Qin was no ordinary old nanny; she and Mingyue and Mingqian were skilled in martial arts. They usually kept a low profile, but in crucial moments, they could protect their young mistresses.

"Granny, it's me."

This sound stunned Qin Mama and the Imperial Concubine, who were unable to respond immediately.

As if noticing their astonished expressions, Song Yunyan's lips curled up slightly.

"Mother, Yunyan is back."

As Song Yunyan walked towards the deepest part of the top floor of the library, the Imperial Concubine and Granny Qin were already sobbing uncontrollably.

The farce is finally coming to an end.

*

Song Yunmian was found and brought before the imperial palace.

His expression was cold and wooden, without a trace of fear.

In fact, he knew this day would come as soon as the news of Zhang Qiyuan's execution by Ji Yujing reached him.

He had the opportunity to leave, silently.

But he didn't.

Perhaps subconsciously, he had had enough of life and wanted to escape this morbid world. But he seemed afraid to end his own life. So, someone else had to do it.

He felt that dying at Ji Yujing's hands was a kind of honor. After all, this empire would soon belong to the Ji family. How could dying at the hands of the future emperor not be considered an honor?

Zhao Xinkuo led a group of people deep into the imperial palace and met Song Qingwu, whom he hadn't seen in a long time.

He used to be such a vibrant person, but now he's lying there.

Xiao Qi sat beside him, looking listless and lifeless.

A group of people came in, making quite a commotion, but he still couldn't react immediately.

Why.

This imperial city is now practically a prison. Hopefully, the new emperor's ascension will sweep away this gloom.

Zhao Xinkuo sighed inwardly, but deliberately raised his voice to call out to Xiao Qi.

"Manager Xiao."

Xiao Qi then slowly looked at him, "General Zhao...?"

A light shone in his dark eyes, born of surprise.

How did you get in?

Seeing him like this, Zhao Xinkuo couldn't help but feel sad.

He strode over to him and placed a large hand on his shoulder. "The nightmare is over."

"I've come to take you and His Majesty to the palace."

Where to?

"Go to Lord Lin's large villa in the suburbs. It's beautiful with clear waters and cool, making it perfect for His Majesty to recuperate."

After listening, Xiao Qi remained silent for a moment, then asked, "Who is the new emperor?"

Zhao Xinkuo bent down and brought his face close to Xiao Qi's ear, "Dai Dai's husband."

Dai Dai's husband?

Xiao Qi's stiff thoughts began to flow, and after a moment, he finally smiled.

Zhao Xinkuo knew what he was laughing at.

Miss Lin is about to return to the capital. As long as she is there, she will protect all those who have treated her well, as long as they do not make any mistakes.

I've always been soft-hearted and prone to worrying since I was little.

"Then let's go."

Zhao Xinkuo personally carried the emperor, who was currently in a deep sleep and unaffected by any disturbances. He went straight out of the palace. Ji Yujing saw Zhao Xinkuo and Emperor Taining, glanced at them briefly, and then looked away.

Zhao Xinkuo understood what it meant.

Ji Yujing tacitly allowed him to take the emperor out of the palace, but if any trouble arises because Emperor Taining is not dead, he will not be so lenient.

Xiao Qi followed behind Zhao Xinkuo, his presence extremely low-key. It wasn't intentional; having lived at the heart of imperial power for so long, he was already intimately familiar with how to handle every situation, as natural as breathing.

The unusual action occurred just as he was about to pass by Song Yunmian; he suddenly turned to the side and spat on Song Yunmian.

"brute."

This was extremely disrespectful, but apart from Song Yunmian, there were many people in the large square in front of the imperial palace, and no one reacted.

Everyone was in complete agreement that Song Yunmian was a beast.

Song Yunmian glanced at Xiao Qi, his eyes filled with a cold smile. He didn't speak, but Xiao Qi could guess what he was thinking from his gaze.

It's just a castrated dog; what good is its loyalty?

Who cares?

"Let's go, let's go."

Zhao Xinkuo turned to look at Xiao Qi and urged him on.

None of them are easy to deal with.

Ji Yujing, the future new emperor, didn't like many people in the palace. He had been through many fierce battles on his way to the capital. Now he was a killing machine and couldn't withstand any provocation.

Getting into his eyes is never a good thing.

But since we'd already made a scene, we had no choice but to run away quickly.

Xiao Qi knew his limits; after venting his frustrations, he stopped making a scene and silently left with Zhao Xinkuo.

The imperial palace is now without an emperor, but the standoff in front of it continues.

Song Yunmian disgustedly wiped away the saliva Xiao Qi had spat on his shoulder, his furrowed brows remaining furrowed for a long time.

Xu Xian, Qin Yining, and the others observed his actions and realized that his thinking was quite different from that of ordinary people. Few ordinary people remain calm when they know they are about to die.

The Crown Prince before them was strangely calm.

With his handsome face, if one didn't know his character, one would definitely think he was an innocent and noble person. Even in adverse circumstances, he would not bow down to anyone.

This madman has been constantly subverting the understanding of normal people.

Ji Yujing was also amused by this absurd scene.

Song Yunmian paused upon hearing the laughter, then looked intently at Ji Yujing, "What are you laughing at?"

Ji Yujing: "It's a pity that the dead were innocent, having met a madman like you."

Song Yunmian curled the corners of her lips. "Madman? I'm not crazy. I've always known what I'm doing."

Ji Yujing: "No, you don't know."

Ji Yujing's answer left Song Yunmian speechless with astonishment.

Ji Yujing saw his reaction and continued, "You have always used the excuse of your mother seeking revenge to justify your evil deeds."

"That's not the case. You just hate that your mother is gone and there's no one left to help you ascend to the throne."

Given how favored Lady Yan was back then, her child could indeed rightfully ascend to the position of Crown Prince.

After Yan died, he became a motherless child, and for a long time the emperor did not want to see him.

“You’re not trapped by your mother’s death; you’re trapped by a future you’ve idealized.”

The eldest son of the emperor, a noble and refined crown prince, and a wise ruler.

This is the life Song Yunmian wanted.

He failed to obtain it, and resentment and hatred began to torment him day by day, eventually turning him into the person he is today.

"No, I'm not!"

These words seemed to strike a nerve with Song Yunmian, and he began to shout wildly.

"I miss my mother, and I want to avenge her."

"Revenge? If you want revenge, just kill the Empress. Why kill so many innocent people? Why don't you kill Song Qingwu even though you hate him so much? You killed the Empress and the Second Prince so easily."

He dared not; how could such a heinous stain as patricide taint the noble and virtuous Crown Prince?

"No, I didn't think that much about it."

Song Yunmian denied it repeatedly, her voice hurried, and her face gradually turned red.

It seemed as if they had truly been wronged.

Ji Yujing was too lazy to talk to him anymore. Song Yunmian deserved to end up like this.

Today, he too must die.

While his thoughts were wavering, Ji Yujing had already drawn his sword and walked straight toward Song Yunmian.

"General Ji, can I leave this man to be killed?"

Just as the sword was about to fall on Song Yunmian's neck, a familiar male voice came from behind. It was Song Yunyan who had rushed over, still holding the same sword from before.

Ji Yujing stopped in his tracks, and Song Yunyan quickly came to his side.

“The new emperor’s reputation for benevolence is very important. I’ll kill this man for you, since I happen to have a grudge against him.”

Releasing the old emperor and being able to tolerate the old princes would solidify the new emperor's reputation for benevolence. There's really no need for him to be tainted by that filthy Song Yunmian.

After saying that, he didn't wait for Ji Yujing to respond and went straight to Song Yunmian's side.

He looked down at Song Yunmian and said, "You really are the most vicious person I've ever met."

Although Emperor Taining was obsessed with power struggles, he still retained some humanity, and he always protected those he trusted.

Song Yunmian was different; he killed indiscriminately and was extremely vicious.

Song Yunmian laughed, "Kill me for him? You're so concerned for him, yet your fate might not be any better than mine."

This sentence made Ji Yujing and Song Yunyan realize that Song Yunmian's world consisted only of himself. He didn't love anyone, not even his mother. He only trusted himself.

Song Yunyan laughed, "Don't worry, my fate will be a million times worse than yours."

Before he could finish speaking, the tip of the sword pierced Song Yunmian's chest.

His clothes were ripped, his body was pierced, and Song Yunyan's hatred was clearly visible.

It is never easy to lay a hand on a blood brother, but Song Yunmian's despicable and insane actions shattered all his hesitation.

Even after confirming that his mother was safe, Song Yunyan couldn't help but think that if no one had rescued his mother, he would never see her again, even if he returned to the capital.

"Every wrong has its perpetrator, and every debt its debtor. Why drag so many innocent people into this?"

He pulled the sword out and thrust it in again.

“There are hundreds of civilians from the southeast and hundreds more from Lingdong. Song Yunmian, your sins are so grave that even the King of Hell might not be able to take you.”

"Heh...heh...so what? If it's going to be tragic...it's going to be tragic..."

"Song Yun...Yan, this is your fate..."

He couldn't utter the harsh words because Xu Xian was so filled with hatred that he stabbed him in the back.

Song Yunmian lost his speech, and his life began to fade. When the two swords were drawn, he collapsed to the ground, like a withered flower, falling broken and broken into the mud.

That evening, Song Yunmian's body was hung at the entrance of Baoshan Street.

As it sways in the wind, it seems as if the spirits of the dead are softly whispering, a sound of release.

Finally, someone avenged them.

The cycle of karma will bring about its own retribution; evil will be punished.

With the Silver Shield Army and Consort Cen in charge, the imperial palace was quickly restored to peace and tranquility.

The army was divided into three groups.

One group went to the Lin family's ranch in Qianning Prefecture to stay. It was not far from the capital, so they had no worries about food and drink and could take a rest.

With Xin Huai in charge, it wasn't difficult for a coalition of Silver Shield Army members to cleanse the Imperial Palace and expose all the various factions.

One group remained in the capital; in the early stages of a regime change, there would inevitably be unrest, which must be guarded against.

Ji and Jing returned to the Lin residence with Lin Yansen.

Despite the turmoil that shook the land, the plaque above the Lin family mansion still hung high, silently radiating light. This once-prosperous family, which had flourished for a century, had once again weathered the upheaval and protected those it wished to safeguard.

As Ji Yujing looked at the plaque, a thought flashed through his mind.

It turns out that grandeur and magnificence can arise from "goodness".

Seeing his son-in-law staring blankly at the door plaque, Lin Yansen couldn't help but ask, "What are you looking at? Is the door plaque dirty?"

After asking the question, he immediately turned his gaze away and stared intently at his own door plaque.

Make sure it doesn't get dirty, or the old man will scold him again when he gets back.

A good-for-nothing whose home can't even take care of him.

Ji Yujing was amused by this unexpected reaction. "No, it's just that I feel the Lin family's plaque has a kind of understated grandeur."

Lin Yansen then looked at Ji Yujing and said, "You have a good eye, kid. Don't you even know whose door plaque this is?"

The Lin family, renowned as the foremost family in Xun Kingdom, can maintain its status for another hundred years.

Ji Yujing nodded repeatedly, "Father-in-law is mighty."

"Flattery?"

"No, I really mean it."

"Yes, Dai Dai has good taste."

"Yes, it's my luck to be chosen by Dai Dai."

After the war, Ji and Jing were visibly relieved.

Lord Lin was so charmed by his son-in-law that he almost lost his bearings.

Amidst laughter and conversation, Lin Yansen led Ji Yujing to Dai Dai's boudoir.

It's also a separate courtyard, much larger than Lingdong.

The flowers, trees, and various antique furnishings inside are all elegant and refined, clearly reflecting Lin Qingdai's taste.

"You'll stay in Dai Dai's room tonight. You can rest for a while. I'll call you when dinner is ready, and we'll eat together."

"Um."

After settling Ji Yujing in, Lin Yansen left, leaving Ji Yujing alone in the large courtyard.

He delved into Lin Qingdai's world. She had left this courtyard more than a year ago, yet it remained tidy and almost spotless.

Lord Lin awaits the return of his pearl.

His Dai Dai was loved by her family from a young age.

Therefore, she knows better than anyone what love is, and dares to bravely pursue love.

“Dai Dai”.

Standing in the empty flower hall, the post-war sense of emptiness overwhelmed Ji Yujing, and his longing for Lin Qingdai became overwhelming.

He hadn't held her in a long time.

After standing quietly for almost half a cup of tea's time, Ji Yujing strode out of the courtyard.

As he headed towards the main gate, his voice echoed throughout the Lin residence, "Father-in-law, I won't be having dinner with you tonight."

Lord Lin, who was talking to Chen Bo in the front yard: "..."

Ji Yujing was too fast; he appeared in the front yard in no time and bumped right into Lord Lin.

Lord Lin faced him and asked, "Where are you going?"

Ji Yujing smiled at him, his smile brighter than the spring sun, "Let's go back to Lingdong to pick up Daidai."

It would be even better if my mother and father were willing to come.

Lord Lin: "..."

Why are kids these days so immature?

I held back for a moment, but then I couldn't help it: "A country cannot be without a ruler for a day. Don't you understand this principle after reading so many books?"

“I’ll have Chen Bo pick up Dai Dai.”

Chen Bo nodded repeatedly.

Ji Yujing: "No need, I promised Dai Dai that I would pick her up in person after everything is over."

"Don't worry, Father-in-law, I will be back as soon as possible."

"They're gone."

With those words spoken, he resolutely moved forward.

Whether or not he has officially ascended the throne, he is already the new ruler of this vast country.

No one can change his decision.

Lord Lin was extremely worried and could only call out to his retreating figure.

"Such willfulness, just wait until Dai Dai comes back and gets scolded for it."

Ji Yujing, out of his blind spot, slightly curled her lips into a smile.

Let him scold me; he likes it when Dai Dai scolds him.

He should be worried when he stops scolding people.

The new emperor rode out of the city, still wearing the same clothes he had worn when he entered the capital, gleaming with eagerness. The city's garrison had been entirely replaced by the Ningdong Army, and Xu Xian was still there.

"Boss, what are you doing out of the city?" he shouted at the city gate, showing no sense of responsibility as a general.

Ji Yujing: "Return to Lingdong to pick up Daidai."

Xu Xian: "..." As expected of the boss, even the highest throne is not as important as his wife.

On the surface, he loudly ordered, "Let them pass."

Ji Yujing gave no instructions and rode his horse out of the city. Unexpectedly, he had not gone far when he saw a familiar carriage approaching him in the distance.

He immediately spurred the horse to a stop.

Dai Dai is back?

On a night when he could not suppress his longing.

Shock overwhelmed Ji Yujing, preventing him from continuing forward.

The carriage continued its journey, drawing ever closer, and the bright moon lifted the curtain. Originally, she had come to see how far they were from the city gate, but unexpectedly, she spotted Ji Yujing. He was perched high on his horse, staring blankly at the carriage.

"Miss, the young master is outside."

Upon hearing this, a flash of surprise crossed Lin Qingdai and Cheng Zhi's eyes.

"Stop the car! Stop the car!"

The carriage stopped, Lin Qingdai got out, but Cheng Zhi did not follow.

She even instructed the coachman to proceed towards the city.

The young couple has been apart for so long, it's time for them to get together.

They were all bright and sensible children, destined to bear more than others. Fortunately, the outcome was good; after a long separation, they were finally reunited.

In the thin twilight, Lin Qingdai stood still, unwilling to take another step forward.

I'm so tired from the long journey.

If it weren't for Ji Ci being in front of her, she wouldn't have been willing to move.

Ji Yujing didn't need her to go any further. He rode up to her and then extended his hand to her, "May I invite Miss Lin to join me?"

Lin Qingdai met his gaze without flinching or avoiding it. "If General Ji is willing to admit that you left the city to pick me up in Lingdong, I will accept your invitation."

It's still that same Lin Er-guniang, but sadly, she refuses to eat a single bite.

"I admit it."

"Admit what?"

“I admit that I left the city because I could not suppress my longing and wanted to go to Lingdong to pick up Lin Qingdai.”

"Lin Qingdai, I miss you so much."

The girl was pleased and finally agreed to grant his wish.

She was just like before, arms outstretched, her light veil swaying, the ripples it created stunningly beautiful in the night.

It also easily erased the sense of emptiness that Ji and Jing had felt after the war.

Dai Dai was able to catch him, time and time again.

"I want you to hold me."

Ji Yujing immediately bent down and held her slender waist.

Lin Qingdai was already in his arms, her skirt swaying. As her familiar fragrance filled his nostrils, he felt a sense of peace, as if the dust had settled.

He couldn't help but bury his head in her shoulder blade, greedily inhaling her breath.

Lin Qingdai stopped bothering him and after a long while said, "Thank you for your hard work, General Ji."

"Let's...go home."

"Okay, let's go home. If my father-in-law scolds me, my wife must speak up for me."

What did you do to Lord Lin?

Ji Yujing explained in detail, during which time he rode back to the city. He went very slowly on this journey, afraid that going too fast would disturb Lin Qingdai, and also reluctant to let her leave his embrace too soon.

On the city wall, Xu Xian saw his eldest brother holding his wife and felt a pang of sadness. "Ah, when will I ever have a wife?"

"I'm so handsome, a good fighter, and I even have a general's rank, so why doesn't any girl want me?"

"Maybe you eat too much?"

"Don't worry. The boss said that after the war, his wife will personally arrange marriages for us. Just don't be too scared to go."

Qin Yining and Cong Xin had somehow gotten onto the city wall. They looked respectable, but their mouths were always so sharp.

No wonder he can't find a wife.

...

Time flies silently, and July arrives.

The new emperor's enthronement ceremony was scheduled for July 16th, an auspicious day suitable for all activities.

The guardian deity of Lingdong eventually became the guardian deity of this vast country.

The people had never seen him, but everyone knew him.

They were certain that he could take good care of them. Just like in the old days, Lingdong may have been poor, but families were united.

Amidst the jubilation, some quietly left home to become monks, heading towards the capital. These included Liu Tong'an, Wu Tingshan, Lin Qingyu, Mu Qinghuai, and Leng Jialan, as well as other powerful figures from various fields who had long since retired but were invited out of seclusion by the Second Miss Lin…

In this vast country, with all its people united, we embark on a glorious era.