Chapter 87 A New Beginning (The End) In able to…

After the envoy returned with Princess Zhaoxin's reply, the capital remained silent for a night.

In a secluded room, the candlelight burned all night.

Someone whispered, "Is she crazy?! Who does she think she is? Does she really dare to covet that position?"

Those present were all staunch supporters of the eldest prince, who, under the banner of "eldest son born of the legitimate wife," believed themselves to have the rightful claim.

They originally thought that Princess Zhaoxin was isolated and helpless in the northern border, and that she would eventually choose to compromise with the seemingly powerful eldest prince in the face of the joint pressure from her two brothers.

Who would have thought that she would be so resolute, even turning the tables on them.

“Fortunately, we were prepared.” Another person frowned and tapped the table with his fingertips. “Last time we procured provisions for the Northern Army, there were quite a few losses during the process. The moldy and stale grain mixed in was enough to make them suffer for a while. The princess’s army has already suffered a lot in the Northern Frontier. This time, she will not be able to carry enough provisions back to the capital. Otherwise, if she emptied the Northern Frontier’s granaries, the border defenses would be compromised, and she would not be able to bear the blame.”

He then released another secret report: "The scouts report that the princess only brought half of her elite troops back to the capital, while the other half remained to guard the northern border. This is partly to prevent any unrest on the border, and partly... probably because there is not enough food to support the entire army's long march. Her rapid march suggests that she wants a quick victory and dares not delay."

"His Highness has contacted the surrounding areas of the capital and several key garrisons. Reinforcements will surely arrive around the capital within ten days." Another person chimed in, his tone slightly calmer. "As long as we can hold out for ten days, once the reinforcements are in place, the princess will be trapped like a turtle in a jar. At that time, she will have no food supplies and no reinforcements, and the morale of her army will surely collapse."

“Yes, just ten days,” the man repeated. “Ten days is enough for her army to begin to collapse from within.”

Their only problem was that Princess Zhaoxin was extremely ruthless in her military discipline crackdown in the north, almost completely removing the spies they had planted.

Nowadays, it is extremely difficult to incite rebellion or pass on information from within.

After a while, someone suddenly said something.

"What if... the princess doesn't wait these ten days at all and launches a forced attack on the city tomorrow?"

This statement touched upon some people's deep-seated anxieties.

None of the people sitting here are fools; they naturally understand the principles of "a cornered beast will fight" and "a cornered dog will jump over the wall."

Zhao Xin has always been decisive and ruthless in her military campaigns. If she were to launch a fierce attack at any cost, the outcome would be uncertain given the existing garrison in the capital.

If the fight ends in mutual destruction, allowing the Second Prince's faction, who have been hiding in the shadows, to reap the benefits, then it would be a complete loss.

"Enough," the old man who had been sitting at the head of the table with his eyes closed suddenly spoke.

He slowly opened his eyes, his gaze sweeping over the crowd with a hint of mockery. "The princess is nothing but a woman, yet you all truly regard her as a major threat, boosting the morale of others?"

He paused for a moment: "Since ancient times, destiny has always been assigned to a specific person. It has never fallen on the shoulders of a woman. It's nothing but a dying struggle and a bluff."

Instead of worrying unnecessarily, we should think more about how to build momentum for His Highness and let the world know who the rightful heir is.

The candlelight flickered, illuminating the various expressions on everyone's faces.

After a moment, voices of agreement rang out one after another: "Yes, what you say is absolutely right, sir."

"We were overthinking it."

----

Luxi Village.

When the constables dispatched by Prefect Luo arrived on horseback, they found the gates of Luxi Academy tightly closed, and the plaque under the eaves nowhere to be seen.

"The academy? It closed down a long time ago!" An old woman with missing teeth waved her hand. "The teachers all left, and the children scattered. They said it was due to poor management!"

The constables pushed open the courtyard gate with suspicion and barged into the classroom.

The tables and chairs were piled haphazardly in the corner, covered with a thin layer of dust.

The library was completely empty; not even a scrap of paper remained.

Undeterred, they broke into the backyard schoolhouse, only to find it deserted, with only the mournful sound of the wind whistling through the tattered window paper.

Faced with the bewildered and innocent gazes of the village's elderly, weak, women, and children, the leading constable waved his hand impatiently.

It seems that there's really nothing to be gained from this remote and impoverished place.

Perhaps that so-called "female leader" academy was just a flash in the pan and has long since disappeared on its own.

The sound of horses' hooves faded into the distance, raising a trail of dust.

Danzhu quietly stepped out only after they had completely disappeared at the end of the path at the village entrance.

She gazed in the direction the constables had gone, then looked back at the quiet village, letting out a soft sigh, though she felt little relief.

Indeed, the Li village is the only safe haven right now.

If Wen Yu and the others hadn't acted decisively and evacuated the teachers and students in time, the situation today would probably be very different.

Her gaze involuntarily drifted to the distant, mist-shrouded mountains, where secluded Li villages lay hidden, and where their last hope resided.

Wen Yu... he should have arrived by now, right?

Traveling alone into a dangerous and dangerous place, even knowing that she had some extraordinary methods, Danzhu still couldn't help but feel a little worried.

This woman always manages to find a way out of desperate situations. Her accidental entry into the Li village was a stroke of luck, her courage in resolving Li Shan's crisis was admirable, and now she has left this escape route in the deep mountains for everyone. Her foresight is truly profound.

Danzhu had lost count of how many years it had been since he last set foot in the capital.

Her home once stood there, and she lived a vibrant and youthful life there, but everything has long since faded and turned yellow, never to return to its former glory.

Today, these simple houses in Luxi Village have become the only place she is willing to call "home" after a life of wandering.

She didn't believe in ethereal gods or Buddhas, but at this moment she couldn't help but whisper to the vast sky.

"If there are truly gods above, please bless her with a safe journey and a peaceful return."

"May this land and its people be blessed, and may it find peace amidst the turmoil and storms."

----

Northern military camp, commander's tent.

When Wen Yu appeared alone outside the gate, even the guards were taken aback.

Not long after she was announced inside, Su Lin personally came out to greet her and led her into the tent.

Princess Zhaoxin looked at the travel-worn Wen Yu, her eyes filled with undisguised surprise.

Especially after Wen Yu suggested going to check the granary.

In the empty temporary granary, Wen Yu quietly walked in, with Zhao Xin and Su Lin following behind.

At first they didn't understand, but then they witnessed a scene that was almost miraculous.

The neatly stacked sacks seemed to grow out of thin air, quickly filling the empty granary.

Zhao Xin, his hands trembling, untied the rope, revealing plump, golden-yellow new grains inside.

She was stunned.

"Miss Wen... she actually has such..." She didn't know how to describe it for a moment, "It's divine skill."

With such abilities, why should one live in the countryside?

Conquering the world and ruling the nine provinces does not seem so difficult.

Wen Yu noticed her shock, but simply smiled faintly, her smile indifferent: "Your Highness, my ambitions lie elsewhere."

She walked to the warehouse gate, looked at the endless camp tents, and said calmly, "What Wen Yu sought in his life was actually very simple."

"Protect those you care about, and watch them eat their fill, dress warmly, and live in peace and contentment. Watch the crops in the fields grow according to the seasons, and the granaries overflow with harvest. Watch the children who want to study sit upright in the school, learning to read and understand principles. In the small world that I care about, no one will dare to bully the weak, and everyone will live with dignity and hope."

She withdrew her gaze and looked at Zhao Xin, her eyes clear: "But the world is too big, and my strength alone is ultimately insignificant. All I can do is protect my Luxi Village."

"But Your Highness is different. Your Highness has a broad vision and ambitions for the world."

"I am bringing these provisions today not to seek credit for my service to the emperor, nor to covet any future rewards."

"But I believe that if Your Highness were to rule this country, perhaps one day I would be able to witness peace and prosperity throughout the land. That would be my heart's desire."

Zhao Xin listened quietly.

After a long silence, she slowly nodded and said, word by word, "Miss Wen, I understand."

Isn't this also Zhao Xin's wish?

----

Deep within the palace, on the dragon bed.

The emperor had been lost in a dream for a very, very long time, so long that he had forgotten when he had fallen asleep.

In his dreams, he was always anxious and worried about his two good-for-nothing sons.

He had few children; only two sons and one daughter survived to adulthood.

However, her two sons were unruly and averse to studying, far less diligent and intelligent than their sister.

But the emperor had an even bigger headache.

Is this God's punishment for him?

The sons who were able to pass on the throne were all mediocre, while the daughter who could not inherit the throne was surprisingly outstanding.

He even considered that whichever son succeeded to the throne, the princess must serve as regent and oversee the country!

He acted immediately and began drafting such an edict.

The ministers, having heard the news, rushed over, knelt on the ground, and pleaded earnestly and vehemently: "Your Majesty! Absolutely not! How can a princess participate in politics?"

"This is like a hen crowing at dawn, disrupting the ancestral order!"

"A princess should choose a good husband, be content with her lot, and raise children well. How can she meddle in the affairs of the court?"

His head was throbbing from the noise, and he slammed his fist on the table, shouting, "My daughter is not such an ignorant woman! She has always been reasonable and has promised me that she will never favor any of her brothers and that everything will be done according to my will!"

"What a formidable force the Northern Army was in her hands! Could any of the princes you admire achieve even a tenth of her prowess?!"

The ministers were speechless.

He suddenly felt bored and kicked them all out.

The hall fell silent again. He sat wearily, suddenly longing to see his daughter, whom he was both proud of and deeply conflicted about.

The thought had barely formed when the beaded curtain rustled softly, and Zhao Xin actually walked in, smiling sweetly, and bowed gracefully to him: "Father Emperor!"

The emperor was always delighted to see his most beloved daughter.

He made her sit closer and couldn't help but let out a long sigh.

"Why did Father sigh?" Zhao Xin asked with concern.

Looking at her radiant face, the emperor said regretfully, "Xin'er, what a pity... what a pity you are not a man. If you were a man, I would surely pass this empire to you."

"Your abilities, ambition, and vision are in no way inferior to your two younger brothers. If you were to become emperor, you would surely be a wise and benevolent ruler."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Xin tilted her head slightly, causing the tassels on her hair to sway gently, making a soft tinkling sound.

A look of almost naive confusion appeared on her face: "If I'm not a man, can't Father give the throne to Xin'er?"

Under normal circumstances, the emperor would have reprimanded her for overstepping her bounds.

But in his dream, he only felt tired, and since his daughter was always straightforward, he patiently explained, "Xin'er, this is the way of the world. Men are in charge of external affairs, governing the country and bringing peace to the world; women are in charge of internal affairs, supporting their husbands, raising children, and managing the harem. Each should be content with their own role, and this is the proper way."

“But Father,” Zhao Xin blinked and pressed, “in what way has Xin’er done worse than my brothers?”

"Is it because Xin'er can't ride a horse? Can't shoot an arrow? Or doesn't she know how to review memorials and handle government affairs?"

As the emperor looked at her in the light red palace dress, he seemed to see her deceased mother in a daze.

He shook his head, his eyes full of helplessness: "You are no worse than them in any way. You just... lost because you were born a girl."

“Xin’er understands.” Zhao Xin nodded, but her gaze fell on the edict in his hand. Her tone was light and airy. “But Father, my brothers say that once one of them ascends the throne, they will send Xin’er to the north for a political marriage. I’m afraid this edict of yours is of no use.”

"A marriage alliance?!" The emperor was startled, his anger flaring. "Which rebellious son dares to utter such outrageous words!"

Sending a daughter as capable as Zhao Xin to an enemy country would be aiding the enemy.

What enraged him even more was: "I'm still alive! How dare they discuss the matter of succession?!"

Just as he was about to sternly order his two rebellious sons to be brought over, Zhao Xin suddenly stood up.

Sometime later, her delicate palace dress disappeared, replaced by a suit of armor with a sword at her waist, exuding a heroic aura.

Sunlight streamed in through the window behind her, bathing her in a dazzling glow.

That red dress was no longer the delicate beauty of a young girl, but a fiery intensity.

She looked down at the emperor, her voice soft: "Father, deep down, aren't you thinking about the same things as them?"

“You need women’s abilities to maintain dignity and solve problems, yet you are afraid that they will actually stand up, step into the sunlight, and take away what is rightfully theirs.”

“You and your brothers are all the same at heart.”

The emperor stared wide-eyed in horror.

He tried to stand up and reprimand them, and to call for the guards, but found himself unable to move. His throat felt like it was being choked, and he could only make a "hoarse" sound.

He watched as Zhao Xin slowly drew his sword, its blade reflecting the sunlight.

"What are you going to do?!" he finally managed to squeeze out a hoarse voice.

Zhao Xin gripped the hilt of his sword tightly.

"Take back everything I deserve."

The emperor awoke with a start, drenched in cold sweat, his heart pounding wildly.

Beside the dragon bed, there actually sat a red figure, faintly overlapping with the one in my dream.

He was already in shock, and now he was so frightened that he coughed violently and could barely breathe.

The figure turned around at the sound, revealing a smiling face.

It was Zhao Xin.

"Ah, Father has woken up?" Her voice was as gentle as ever.

The emperor couldn't tell if he was dreaming or awake, but fear and rage intertwined, causing him to scream desperately, "Guards! Protect me! Protect me!"

Outside the hall, all was deathly silent; no one answered.

"Zhao Xin...you dare to rebel!" The emperor pointed at her, his hand trembling, his eyes bloodshot. "I misjudged you! I raised a tiger to cause my own harm! How dare you become a traitor who steals the country!"

"How did you, a mere woman, end up like this?!"

However, no matter how he recalls it, he has to admit one fact.

Zhao Xin's current success seems to be inseparable from his tacit approval at every step.

He gave her the opportunity to showcase her talents, and he personally handed power to her.

In the end, all the emperor could do was utter a furious, exasperated remark: "If I had known this would happen... I should have sent you away to a distant land for a political marriage! That would have solved everything and saved me from all this trouble!"

Zhao Xin looked at his face, which was contorted with shock and anger, and the smile on his lips deepened, but his eyes were icy cold.

She slowly stood up, and shadows fell over her.

"Father, it's all time to end this."

She picked up a teacup that had long since gone cold from the table beside her, walked to the couch, leaned down, and said softly, "You've said so much, you must be thirsty."

The emperor struggled weakly, but ultimately could not overcome her strength.

The lukewarm tea poured down his throat, taking away his last voice.

Seeing that the person on the bed had finally fallen completely silent, Zhao Xin straightened up and put down the teacup without expression.

She turned and walked toward the tightly closed palace doors.

Sunlight streamed into the dimly lit hall, and outside the door, Su Lin and his trusted generals stood solemnly.

The dust has settled.

Zhao Xin's gaze swept calmly over the crowd.

"When Father heard of my return, he was overjoyed and his old illness relapsed, and he has passed away."

----

Later historical records state that Princess Zhaoxin led the loyalist army to defeat the capital's garrison and entered the palace to pay homage to the emperor.

His Majesty summoned him to his bedside, which greatly comforted him. Soon after, he passed away. It seems that he left a will before his death, appointing the princess as the new ruler.

However, the princess, a woman, suddenly ascended the throne, causing an uproar in the court and among the public, with a surge of doubts.

At this critical moment, Su Lin, who had always followed the princess, openly revealed her true identity as a woman, shocking the entire court once again.

Before the initial shock subsided, even more astonishing events unfolded: many mid-level generals and elite soldiers in the princess's northern army shed their disguises and openly appeared as women.

They are not isolated cases, but a group that has fought bravely and anonymously for many years. Now they reveal their true colors and support the princess in unison.

Thanks to the subtle enlightenment provided by literacy books, and also thanks to the widespread dissemination of the stories of female physicians saving lives, countless people in the countryside gained a new understanding of the potential of women.

Petitions from all over the country poured into the capital like snowflakes, their words simple yet their reasoning straightforward: "If women can heal the sick, farm and weave, and fight on the battlefield to protect their country, why can't they govern the world?"

"A ruler should be judged by virtue and ability, regardless of gender."

Despite numerous obstacles and strong opposition, Zhao Xin ultimately overcame all opposition and ascended the throne.

Those who disagreed with her were either demoted or dismissed, and key positions in the central government were gradually filled by capable officials, regardless of gender, based solely on merit.

After the new emperor ascended the throne, Su Lin was ordered to lead the Northern Army on another attack. The army swept through the enemy territory with unstoppable momentum, not only consolidating its gains but also expanding its territory by hundreds of miles, making the enemy country tremble with fear and never daring to invade its borders again.

Su Lin was thus appointed prime minister to assist the new emperor.

A month after ascending the throne, the eldest prince's faction, who were under house arrest, fought desperately and plotted rebellion. Zhao Xin ruthlessly purged them, executing the ringleaders and exiling the remaining members.

Upon hearing the news, the second prince was filled with fear and anxiety, fell ill, and after recovering, he became mentally unstable, unable to speak, and acted like a fool.

Zhao Xin then found the "New Agricultural Methods Compilation" in the pile of old papers, which Lu Hongguang had once kept hidden and tried to steal as his own work. He personally changed the compiler's name to "Wen Yu" and promulgated it to the world.

From then on, the superior planting methods were widely disseminated, and agriculture gradually flourished in various regions.

The imperial court issued a decree to the whole country: From now on, the selection of officials through the imperial examination and the teaching in schools will be based solely on talent and learning, regardless of gender.

----

As everything was renewed, Wen Yu did not stay in the capital to await his reward, but had already quietly returned to Luxi Village.

What she sought was never the glory and wealth of this era.

The system's voice rang in my ears: [Congratulations, host. The final mission has been accomplished. The live stream is about to end. Thank you for your hard work and dedication.]

It seems that the number of online users and reputation have both exceeded the system's final requirements.

Wen Yu breathed a sigh of relief, feeling that everything that had been weighing on her heart for so long had finally come to an end.

But then a feeling of reluctance suddenly arose.

These chattering comments in front of me will never be again.

[I never expected Su Lin to be a woman. Thinking about it, it makes sense. If she weren't a woman, how could she have done so many things to benefit them, and why would she support the princess so much?]

[Long live Her Majesty the Princess! This is the true story of a female lead!]

What about Wen Yu? What will happen to Wen Yu now?

[She's been streaming for almost two years now, it's time to end it and go back to her normal life. Even I, Wen Yu, couldn't handle it anymore, let her take a break.]

Ah, is it over already? Goodbye, Wen Yu, I'll miss you.

[The story is complete! Hooray!]

She, who had never greeted the camera before, finally couldn't help herself. Facing the empty space ahead, she waved earnestly and said softly, "Thank you all for your support along the way. Goodbye."

She thought to herself, "System, shut down the live stream."

[Live stream connection terminated.]

The system cut off the live stream, and the virtual interface in front of me disappeared like ripples on water, returning to tranquility.

[According to the contract, the host can redeem the final reward. You can use the fame and influence you've accumulated here to return to the pinnacle of the entertainment industry in the other world; or you can choose inexhaustible wealth to enjoy ultimate luxury in this world or the other. Please make your wish, and within reasonable limits, the system will grant it for you.]

“No.” Wen Yu shook her head. “I don’t want to go back to the entertainment industry, nor do I want endless wealth.”

"Please give me a 'door' that allows me to travel freely between two worlds."

The system remained silent for a moment.

[Host, are you sure? This request... is beyond the norm of reward models; no host has ever made a similar request before.]

"I'm sure," Wen Yu said firmly.

She wanted to give people of this era the opportunity to see that completely different future.

She also hopes that when she misses this land and these people, she can come back and visit again.

[Energy restructuring in progress...]

A moment later, a ball of light condensed in Wen Yu's palm, gradually transforming into a warm and smooth jade ring.

[A portal to another dimension has been created. Its energy is limited, and the number of times it can be opened each month and the duration of its operation are strictly restricted. It requires time to naturally recover; please use it with caution.]

[System unbind. Goodbye, host.]

After saying that, the system's voice disappeared completely.

Wen Yu held the jade ring and pushed open the door. The afternoon sun was bright and warm, shining into the courtyard.

She looked up and paused slightly in surprise.

The courtyard was filled with people standing neatly in rows.

Chen Miaozhi, Danzhu, Wen Qingshi, Fan Yizhen, Li Yan, Wang Xiufen... almost all the familiar faces from Luxi Village were there.

They stood there quietly, their eyes all fixed on her, their expressions a mixture of reluctance, worry, and blessings.

For a moment, no one spoke first.

In the end, Wen Qingshi took a step forward, her eyes slightly red: "Sister... are you leaving?"

Wen Yu was taken aback: "How...how did you know?"

“It’s Doctor Liang,” Fan Yizhen sniffed and continued, “She came to say goodbye, saying that you and she are both from another world, and that you should go back after everything is over…”

Wen Yu looked at Liang Shuyan in the crowd, and Liang Shuyan smiled at her shyly.

Wen Yu held his forehead.

I was betrayed by my teammate!

Fan Yizhen stepped forward, grabbed Wen Yu's sleeve, and tears finally fell: "We just wanted to see you off and say goodbye properly. Thank you for everything you've done for us..."

"Sister Wen, we can't bear to part with you..."

"Wen girl, please take care of yourself..."

A cacophony of voices arose, some choked with sobs.

Looking at these sincere faces, Wen Yu couldn't help but feel a lump in her throat.

She took a deep breath, dispelling her sadness, and raised her voice, "Alright, alright, stop crying. Who said I wouldn't come back after I left?"

"Really?!" Everyone looked up immediately, their eyes shining with surprise.

"When have I ever lied to you?" Wen Yu was surrounded by them, and although she was smiling, her eyes were also a little hot.

She raised her head and looked up at the vast, azure sky.

Birds flew by, heading towards the boundless distance.

"Everything in the world comes together and goes, just like the rising and setting of the sun and moon, the withering and flourishing of plants," she said gently. "We may be separated for a while, but since fate has brought us together, there will always be a day when we meet again."

"It is my greatest fortune to meet you all here and go through all this with you."

She gripped the jade ring tightly in her hand, glad she had made the choice.

They won't be separated forever.

Even if we are separated in two different worlds, our hearts will always be together.

Wen Yu looked at everyone in front of her again: "Don't be sad, our story is still long."

"We will have many, many better tomorrows."

[End of article]

-----------------------

Author's note: I've finally finished writing all the plot outline!

The original target was 200,000 words, but it unexpectedly exceeded the word count, and I wrote many unexpected side stories.

The outline is actually very simple, but I keep thinking of so many vivid "them" and I can't help but write more and more.

Finally, I can wrap things up before the new year; I almost cried! [bursting into tears]

I want to thank everyone who read this to the end. This is an imperfect and immature novel, and it's also the first novel I've ever written. Thank you all for your understanding and unwavering support. I feel incredibly lucky to have met you all.

The story will be gradually updated in the side stories, giving everyone a happy ending, and there will also be some modern vignettes~

Update schedule is uncertain; I'll update whenever inspiration strikes. [Applause]