Chapter 75

Yuan Qiong hadn't touched the zither in a long time.

She learned the Six Arts and poetry from a young age, but she would only pluck the strings a couple of times when she was in a bad mood, without any melody or tune.

"Zheng—"

Yuan Qiong, dressed in a men's long robe with her long hair tied up high, sat on a rock holding a zither. Her slender neck, with its owner's unique coolness, was like fine white jade, gleaming with a shimmering luster, beckoning one to touch it.

Lin Qiang placed his large hand on hers, using his burning palm to feel the temperature of her skin: "What's troubling you? Can you tell me?"

Yuan Qiong lowered her head and traced her fingers from the head to the tail of the zither, her slender, white fingers were truly beautiful: "Do you know that old man?"

"Not really familiar with them."

Do you know what makes Yuan Liu Niang so special?

After that day, Tan Xiaoque never appeared again; only the old man came once. In just two days, the old man looked more than ten years older.

"Even with all my might, I can only hold her captive for a month. During this month, you must conquer the capital of Yan and occupy the palace to suppress her. Remember, you must protect Yuan Liu Niang, or the consequences will be unimaginable. Remember, remember."

This "she" is naturally Tan Xiaoque. However, Yuan Qiong doesn't quite understand what this has to do with Yuan Liuniang.

But before she could ask, the old man disappeared into the night.

“Yuan Liu Niang…” Lin Qiang vaguely guessed something. After all, Yuan Liu Niang was the female lead, so she was naturally somewhat different, but he couldn't say anything about it. “Anyway, we still have a month, don't we?”

Lin Qiang frowned inwardly after speaking. This matter was a bit difficult. They had been locked in a stalemate for three months. How could they possibly take Yandu in a month?

Yuan Qiong didn't answer, but plucked the strings again, producing a slightly jarring "Zheng—": "Tell me, is this sound coming from the instrument itself, or from my hands?"

His hands were immediately held down.

Su Shi once said: "If you say the sound of the zither is on the zither, why doesn't it play when it's in its case? If you say the sound is on the fingertips, why don't I let you hear it on your fingertips?"

Therefore, the answer to this matter has already been found.

Yuan Qiong chuckled softly, "Yes, a month is enough."

Isn't Yuan Liuniang the key point? Then let's start with Yuan Liuniang.

**

Have you heard?

You mean that matter?

"Really?"

"Who knows!"

Before the morning court session, the ministers whispered among themselves in twos and threes, exchanging knowing glances.

In this life, with Crown Prince Jue still alive, Yuwen Zhe was never the rightful heir. Furthermore, after ascending the throne, in order to supply military needs, he investigated and confiscated the property of many corrupt officials, cutting off many people's sources of income. Many officials had some grievances against him, but since they couldn't find Crown Prince Jue, they had no reason to cause trouble.

Now, it is said that the Empress Yuan, who had already passed away, suddenly appeared on the front line, and she was with Crown Prince Jue. This caused an uproar in the court, and the news caused a great stir.

It's true that they hated the Yuan family before, but no matter what, Yuan Qiong was Yuwen Jing's first wife, the former queen of their Great Yan, and she was with Yuwen Jue. This stirred up many people's hearts, and they were waiting to see the new emperor's attitude.

"According to Empress Yuan's words, the fire at Zhaoyang Palace back then wasn't an accident, but rather... Think about it, how could Zhaoyang Palace suddenly catch fire out of nowhere? And the Crown Prince, how could he just disappear without a trace..."

"Shh!"

Be careful what you say!

The official realized he had spoken out of turn and immediately shut his mouth.

Another person said, "We can't completely trust what the Empress says either; let's wait and see."

The court officials all knew about it, and Yuwen Zhe naturally knew as well. Although he was somewhat annoyed, he didn't lose his composure and directly stated in court that he had sent someone to verify the matter. If it really was the Empress Dowager and the former Crown Prince, he would definitely bring them back and settle them properly, taking good care of the mother and child for his elder brother.

Regardless of what the ministers were thinking, on the surface they all praised Yuwen Zhe for his benevolence and virtue.

As a result, before Yuwen Zhe's men could arrive, Yuan Qiong, in her capacity as Empress Dowager, issued an imperial edict to punish Yuwen Zhe, and personally led the charge in a palanquin carrying Yuwen Jue.

Lin Qiang and Yuan Liu Niang, on horseback, stood guard on either side of the palanquin to prevent them from being accidentally injured.

"Today, I am personally leading the young emperor to punish the treacherous minister Yuwen Zhe who usurped the throne. Do you all intend to turn your weapons against the young emperor? Do you still consider yourselves people of the Great Yan?"

The opposing general was in dire straits.

He was a little puzzled when Guan Shengran suddenly resigned from his position as marshal. Now it seems that the guy did it on purpose! Leaving him with such a mess!

The opposing side has an Empress Dowager and a Crown Prince. How can they possibly fight this battle?! Someone tell him, how can they possibly fight this battle?!

"retreat!"

He retreated, but Yuan Qiong was unwilling to. Under her leadership, Black Cloud Stronghold and the Hongmen Army captured several cities in quick succession.

Since Yuan Qiong had a legitimate reason for her campaign, Yuwen Zhe couldn't directly confront her by personally leading the army, otherwise he would truly become the traitor she described. Nor could he directly accuse her of being a fake empress and a fake crown prince, since many officials were familiar with her and could easily discern the truth.

Therefore, he ultimately chose to sue for peace, issuing an edict inviting Yuan Qiong and Yuwen Jue back to the palace. He also defended himself, stating that he was by no means a traitor! If his sister-in-law wanted Crown Prince Jue to ascend the throne, he would certainly relinquish the throne, but the specifics needed to be discussed in person.

Without a doubt, this was a trap.

However, this is also the fastest opportunity to seize the palace.

Yuan Qiong is least afraid of taking risks, especially when she has Yuan Liu Niang as a bargaining chip.

"Boss...please...let me go to Kyoto with you!"

"No, it's too dangerous. It's safest for you to stay here."

Lin Qiang knew Yuan Qiong's plan but didn't want Yuan Liu Niang to take the risk, so he insisted that she not go. However, for Yuan Liu Niang, Yuwen Jue was now her lifeline; how could she possibly abandon him?

"I'm afraid I'd like to stay with Jue'er, so let me go."

Yuan Qiong sat to the side, picked up her teacup, and looked the two of them over, feeling displeased. Lin Qiang rarely went against her wishes so blatantly and ruined her plans, which forced her to re-evaluate the relationship between Yuan Liu Niang and Lin Qiang.

"Since Sixth Sister wants to go, then let her go."

Setting down her teacup, Yuan Qiong walked forward with a smile on her face, but her eyes were like sharp blades, fixed on Lin Qiang.

"Sixth Sister is crucial to this trip to the capital; how can she be absent?"

Yuan Qiong would absolutely not allow Lin Qiang to soften his heart at this moment. After all, Yuan Liu Niang had been entangled with Yuwen Zhe for so long and had even successfully brought Yuwen Jue back, which showed that she held a special place in Yuwen Zhe's heart.

If she didn't have such a useful pawn in her hand, why would she even bother going to the capital? Would she be courting death?

“No…” Lin Qiang still didn’t want Yuan Liu Niang to take the risk, but Yuan Qiong interrupted him without any room for argument: “Trust me.”

She took his hand, smiled gently, and looked up, seemingly very affectionate, but a chill was slowly creeping into her eyes: "Trust me, okay?"

Her gentle tone sounded like a question or a request, but Lin Qiang knew clearly that she was angry.

It wasn't that he didn't believe her, but the power of the plot was too strong; perhaps the day Yuan Liuniang returned to the palace would be the day she died.

"Girl..." Before Lin Qiang could finish his refusal, Yuan Liuniang knelt down, her voice choked with sobs, "Boss, I know you mean well. If I could, I would never set foot in Yandu again! But as long as Yuwen Zhe lives, Jue'er will never be safe. Miss Qiong has told me all her plans, and I am willing to be a pawn, to personally kill Yuwen Zhe! To avenge Little Tiger! To avenge Brother Quan! Please, Boss, do not stop me..."

"You..." Lin Qiang sighed, "Alright, since it's your own choice, I won't stop you anymore. Don't worry, I will definitely not let anything happen to you and Yuwen Jue."

"Thank you, Chief Xie. Miss Xie Qiong."

Yuan Qiong stood to the side with a faint smile, and the curve of her lips did not change even when Yuan Liu Niang got up.

"Go back and prepare; we'll set off tomorrow."

"promise."

As Yuan Liuniang turned to leave, she inexplicably glanced back. She saw Yuan Qiong coldly pull away from their hands, while Lin Qiang forced a smile and tried to coax her.

In the past, seeing the two so intimate would have made Yuan Liu Niang feel extremely distressed. Now, for some reason, that bittersweet feeling has slowly faded, replaced by relief and blessings.

When lovers finally get married, even just watching it brings joy.

After all, it made her believe that love still exists in the world.

**

As people often say, everything in the world is interconnected and mutually restraining; one thing can subdue another.

It's true that Yuwen Zhe is Yuan Liuniang's nemesis, and at the same time, Yuan Liuniang is also Yuwen Zhe's nemesis.

Or rather, the fact that Yuan Liu Niang committed suicide in her previous life, coupled with the fact that he could not obtain what he desired in this life, has become an obsession in his heart.

So, when Yuan Liuniang entered his bedchamber with a long sword in the dead of night, Yuwen Zhe's first reaction was actually joy.

“A-Luo.......”

Then it dawned on him: "Why are you here?"

"I've come to kill you." She stared at the handsome man opposite her, her hatred no longer concealed: "You killed Little Tiger, I've come to make you pay with your life."

Yuwen Zhe remained calm. He even stepped forward and said, "A'Luo, all of this is wrong. You shouldn't be like this. It was all because of the black-bearded man who misled you. In fact, the person you love most should be me."

"You should marry me, become my queen, my empress, and rule this vast land with me. Instead of hating me to the core like this."

It was all the fault of the bearded man with the black beard! It was his fault!

Yuan Liu Niang stared intently at him, but did not act rashly. She knew he must have a trump card; she was stalling, waiting for the right opportunity.

"If by 'should' you mean the previous life, then let me tell you, I have never truly loved you!"

"!!!" Yuwen Zhe was stunned for a moment, then overjoyed: "You remember? You remember, don't you?! A-Luo! You are my A-Luo!"

He immediately stepped forward, but Yuan Liu Niang swiftly blocked his path with the tip of her sword.

"Ah Luo, what's wrong with you...?"

“I feel nauseous when I hear you call my name.” The hatred in Yuan Liuniang’s eyes was so real that Yuwen Zhe couldn’t believe it.

Now that she's remembered, why bother with this?

"A'Luo, listen to my explanation. I only wanted a child to inherit the throne, not Liu Shi. You are the only one I love! If you are truly unhappy, you can tell me. Why do you have to seek death?! Do you know how much torment I have suffered since you left? I can't sleep at night, my mind is filled with your voice and smile..."

"Shut up!"

Yuan Liu Niang didn't want to hear a single word he said.

Seeing that the time was almost up, Yuan Liuniang raised her sword and slashed at Yuwen Zhe. He barely dodged by sidestepping, but his arm was cut and blood seeped out. Only then did he realize that his movements had become much slower.

"You drugged me?" His eyes were dark and menacing. "You actually wanted to kill me? Why?"

"For the little tiger."

"A bandit?"

"In my heart, he was my brother! My only family! And you killed him, you deserve to die!"

With tears welling in her eyes, Yuan Liuniang attacked again. This time, Yuwen Zhe sensed the danger and immediately shouted, "Guards!"

"A1! A2!"

There was no movement.

Before he could finish the sentence, "What did you do...", a sharp sword pierced his chest with a "thud," and blood gushed uncontrollably from his mouth.

At this moment, Yuan Qiong, dressed in a men's robe and with her hair tied up in a high bun, walked out from the side door.

She smiled faintly: "Royal brother, it's been a long time."

"You...you're not...it'll be two more days...before...before..."

"So only then can one enter the capital?"

Yuan Qiong squatted down in front of him, tilted her head and chuckled softly, watching as more and more blood stained his bright yellow bathrobe.

"Have you forgotten who informed you?"

It's...it's Guan Shengran!!! Yuwen Zhe's eyes widened instantly. He shifted his gaze to Yuan Liuniang, and with a soft "Ugh...", Yuan Liuniang fiercely pulled out her sword.

“A-Luo…” He reached out, wanting to tug at her hem, but Yuan Liu Niang dodged him.

Gradually, the outstretched hand slowly descended, and the light in Yuwen Zhe's eyes dimmed until it disappeared...

Gazing at Yuwen Zhe lying in a pool of blood, his exquisite features still looked as beautiful as a tragic and breathtaking painting, and Yuan Liu Niang felt a rare sense of peace.

Having been entangled for two lifetimes, she thought that if he died, she would be happy, or perhaps a little sad.

In fact, no, she was so calm that even she found it unbelievable, as if an insignificant person had died, leaving only the memory of the Smiling Tiger.

Little tiger, I've avenged you. Rest in peace...

Yuan Qiong stood up, opened the gates of Weiyang Palace that she had personally opened, and walked out. Yuan Liuniang followed behind her, carrying a blood-stained sword.

Under the full moon, with a gentle breeze blowing, on the magnificent Weiyang Palace platform, Yuan Qiong and Yuan Luo waited silently.

When the eunuchs and palace servants who arrived late saw the two familiar women on the white jade steps of Weiyang Palace, they were all astonished and opened their mouths wide.

"The usurper Yuwen Zhe has been executed. I, Yuwen Yuanshi, in my capacity as Empress Dowager, hereby issue an edict honoring Crown Prince Jue as the Prince of Yan, thus proclaiming the Mandate of Heaven and unifying the four seas. May the world know this."

The path she took was different from what she had initially envisioned, but the outcome was almost identical.

"Qiong... Empress Dowager, when do you plan to let Jue'er go?" Yuan Liu Niang asked this question with great trepidation. She did not want to stay in this palace, and she did not want Jue'er to become a puppet in Yuan Qiong's hands.

Yuan Qiong chuckled softly, a sense of satisfaction at having finally achieved her long-cherished wish: "Soon."

An uncrowned queen? Ruling from behind the curtain? Sorry, she doesn't need any of that.

What she wanted was that supreme position, belonging exclusively to her.

Through the layers of palace walls and courtyards, Yuan Qiong seemed to be able to see Lin Qiang, who was escorting Yuwen Jue outside the capital, and Hong Xin, who had ulterior motives, restraining and competing with each other.

Yuwen Zhe's death was not an end, but another beginning.

"Lin Qiang, are you ready to marry me now?"

...

---End of text

Author's Note: Alright, the main story is officially finished. Thank you to all the little angels who have followed along the way, love you all~ *heart emoji*

There will be random updates of side stories after the story is completed~ Mwah~

Thank you to all the little angels who voted for me or watered my plants with nutrient solution!

Thank you to the little angel who threw the [landmine]: Sherry (1 landmine);

Thank you to the little angel who watered the [nutrient solution]:

14 bottles of sherry;

Thank you so much for your support! I will continue to work hard!