Chapter 7 (Extra Chapter) (End) The story is completely finished...
Chapter 88
"Move this box to the front yard." Liao Changying directed the maids and servants to bustle about. "Don't touch these. We'll need them for a while, so leave them for now."
"No, we don't need these anymore. Let's distribute them to the people of Nandu..."
Liao Changying's voice rang out from outside, intermittently.
Ye Xiren sat by the window, idly, one hand supporting her chin and the other holding a book. Yan Danqing's Liang army had completely recovered the lost territory and had even reached the territory of Northern Yan. The situation in the world was largely settled, and Liang was gradually recovering its vitality and regaining its glory.
Then some people in the court suggested moving back to the northern capital.
Both geographically and in terms of centuries of history, the Northern Capital is more suitable for the Great Liang than the Southern Capital. However, some people, speculating on the Emperor's thoughts, insist on staying in the Southern Capital. They believe that Liang Yue's fiefdom is in the Southern Capital, and they probably don't want to return to the Northern Capital...
However, they were wrong.
At court, Liang Yue's attitude was firm: "Go back to Beidu."
The single word "return" brought tears to the eyes of many officials, igniting an overwhelming longing and passion for their homeland. The northern capital, which they had lost, was finally going back, and they could face their ancestors with dignity after death.
While the imperial court was implementing reforms and restoring order in various regions, it was also making vigorous preparations for relocating the capital. Two years later, the capital was moved again, but this time, unlike the previous hasty southward migration of the Liang people, they were full of expectations.
Because they were finally going home.
Ye Xiren was curious as to why Liang Yue wanted to go to Beidu, where he had some unpleasant memories. Liang Yue just twitched the corner of his mouth and gazed into the distance, saying, "That's her home. She dreams of going back there."
It wasn't that Liang Yue wanted to return to Beidu, but that he wanted to take Yan Wan back to Beidu. As he said this, he touched the note in his sleeve.
Ye Xiren felt a pang of sadness. Liang Yue was clearly still alive and sitting on the dragon throne, yet he seemed to be nothing more than an empty shell, mechanically fulfilling his responsibilities and bearing everything.
His soul has already left with Yan Wan, going to the dream where they stayed together.
Ye Xiren shook her head, then thought of Yan Danqing again.
When she returned to Nandu, Yan Danqing on the front line, with the help of the head of the Red-Clad Brown Slave, won another important victory. After that, he chased after the Northern Yan army and defeated them.
Yan Danqing would steal moments of free time from his busy schedule to write her letters, asking her questions again and again—
"Is Xixi alright?"
The good news sent to the Southern Capital ended with the question: "Is Miss Ye well?"
The secret letter sent to Liang Yue ended with the question: "Is Xixi well?"
So much so that when the imperial court replied to Yan Danqing, they always added a report at the end: "Second Miss Ye, all is well!"
It wasn't that no officials questioned Yan Danqing's "romantic affections," but an imperial edict granted him a marriage, making Ye Xiren his nominal wife. He was away on campaign, serving the country, so what was wrong with him caring about his only family member?
Some people even whispered among themselves:
"That's good. Yan Chunzhou is not alone. With something to be wary of, he won't become arrogant and self-important. The Ye family is loyal to the emperor, and Miss Ye will definitely keep an eye on Marquis Zhongyong."
Therefore, people from the palace would come to see Ye Xiren every day to make sure she was safe and sound. Whenever Yan Danqing made a meritorious contribution at the front line, all kinds of rewards from the court would come to her.
She was happy after returning to Nandu, but she missed Chunzhou very much...
Everyone says Yan Danqing is "deeply attached to his children," but Ye Xiren understands that he is repeatedly confirming whether she has really returned. Whenever he thinks of Liang Yue and Yan Wan, Yan Danqing feels panic.
He can't come back, so all I can do is ask again and again.
Ye Xiren replied to each letter, talking about the people of Nandu, the lotus roots by the water protection river, the autumn harvest outside the city, the winter snow that brought good omens, the grain, the weather, and the changing seasons...
The words, imbued with the essence of everyday life, tell spring daytime—I'm back, I'm waiting for you in Nandu.
Yan Danqing also recounted what he had seen and heard along the way. She couldn't wait to open the letter, quickly skimming through it before bursting into laughter.
After laughing, she ate the pastries Xuechan brought her, and then carefully read the contents word by word... Her consciousness seemed to be with Yan Danqing, experiencing the battles and killings along the way.
Though separated by distance, their hearts were one, accompanying each other through the changing seasons.
[As expected, many in the Northern Yan army received the message from the royal tent, and once again they avoided battle. I ordered men to hold aloft the heads of the red-lacquered, brown-skinned slaves and shout this at the front of the battle lines.]
Later, news of the Northern Yan invasion could no longer be suppressed. Chi Zhan Chengye wanted revenge, but his subordinates wanted him to return and vie for the throne. The Northern Yan army fell into chaos, and the remaining power of Chi Zhan Lan Ce completely crumbled. Our army achieved a great victory, with no further obstacles in sight!
"...Well, the head you painstakingly delivered has completely decomposed. After the Northern Yan army's crushing defeat, I returned it, tied it with a red ribbon, and presented it to Chizhan Chengye as a gift. I hope you won't be angry."
Ye Xiren: "Huh?!"
Gift?
A red knot?
—I'm not angry, but are you sure Chizhan Chengye won't go crazy?!
Amidst the cicadas' chirping, while eating lotus root, she received a new letter. Eagerly opening it, she read the follow-up—
Chi Zhan Cheng Ye is mentally ill. Even though he can't win, he still leads the Northern Yan people to charge up and seek death. There's nothing we can do but kill the strategists that Chi Zhan Lan Ce left for him and let him go back.
That kid was so stupid. If we hadn't gone easy on him, he would have been dead a hundred times over. We finally managed to escort him safely back to Northern Yan. I'm exhausted. I'm such a good person.
Ye Xiren: "..."
Chi Zhan Chengye is incompetent, and the strategist left behind by his subordinate Chi Zhan Lan Ce was all killed by Yan Danqing. Why would they "escort" such a good-for-nothing heir to the throne back to the chaotic Northern Yan? Are they afraid that the situation isn't chaotic enough?
—You're such a good person.
Ye Xiren's lips curled up.
As the world situation becomes more and more stable, the burden on our shoulders lightens, Ye Xiren breaks free from the cycle and returns, and Yan Danqing's youthful mischief reappears, making everyone smile with every letter.
[We've finally arrived in Northern Yan. From now on, we'll fight on Northern Yan's territory, so there's no rush. Let the soldiers feast for a while first. I'm grateful for the beef and mutton from Northern Yan; they taste excellent. I've had a cartload sent to you. Enjoy them.]
In Daliang, cattle were extremely important tools, and the emperor set an example by not eating beef.
Of course, it's fine to eat the beef of the Northern Yan people.
Ye Xiren ate the rare beef while smiling as she read the letter—
[Huh? We were just hunting and eating, we didn't attack them, so why is the Northern Yan royal camp suddenly in such chaos? So many tribes have surrendered?]
Chi Zhan Chengye was actually killed by the Northern Yan people!
[Dong'e and Hu'er have actually started fighting...]
Ye Xiren laughed out loud.
Yan Danqing is really... cheeky. The reason the Northern Yan people are fighting like this is because he sent Chizhan Chengye back.
The Liang army stopped fighting and focused on eating their fill. Since none of the tribes in Northern Yan had a leader and the only heir, Chizhan Chengye, had been killed, the priority was to "pacify the internal affairs."
At any time, in any country, even when facing a formidable enemy or in extremely turbulent times, those in power will always think about how to amass enough benefits for themselves, rather than bowing their heads and first blocking the external enemy.
In their view, external enemies are enemies, and internal enemies are also enemies.
Once these people start fighting, they will find that Yan Danqing's Liang army is standing on the side of the grassland... The horses are well-fed and strong, and everyone's eyes are like those of wolves.
Several Northern Yan tribes were being unreasonable, so I gave them a beating. The Northern Yan immediately calmed down and elected a new king—a puppet put forward by Dong'e and Hu'er. It's foreseeable that after we make peace, they will definitely start fighting again...
Xixi, I've been thinking about this for the past few days. What is the origin of everything you and your sister went through? The Northern Yan country has vast grasslands. They live a nomadic life, so it's difficult to completely destroy the country. I scared them so much that I accepted their surrender.
Once your elder brother and Councilor Liu arrive, perhaps we can weaken this nation over the next century without causing countless bloodshed, rendering it incapable of further conquest.
In the autumn harvest season, when the new grain was stored away, Liu Duoxi and Yu Zhize, along with Ye Changming and several other young people, set off for Beiyan.
At that time, they will return with the letter of surrender and the new king of Northern Yan to pay homage to the emperor, present the compensation they must pay after their defeat, and finally end this war between the two countries.
Ye Pei did not stop Ye Changming. He believed that while they were young and before they had taken the imperial examinations, traveling far and wide would be of great benefit to their future.
Ye Changming learned a lot about the situation in Northern Yan from Ye Xiren, and then set off excitedly.
Ye Xiren received a new letter from Yan Danqing—
[They've already surrendered, but the new Grand Preceptor of Northern Yan is still spouting about the Holy Son, talking about Chi Zhan Lan Ce and such. I could tell he really misses the Holy Son, so I sent him to pay his respects to Chi Zhan Lan Ce. I've done a good deed; he doesn't need to thank me!]
How should I pay my respects?
She read it several times before confirming that Yan Danqing had killed the Imperial Advisor on the territory of Northern Yan.
Ye Xiren: "..."
【Xixi, your idea is excellent. Those Northern Yan herdsmen didn't participate in the war, so they really shouldn't have been killed. I had the Northern Yan royal court ransom them back. I'm not picky about cattle, sheep, silver, or treasures. They're all welcome.】
Yan Danqing wrote back earlier, saying that he had captured a lot of Northern Yan herdsmen. These people had not participated in the war, so killing them would be quite innocent, but it would also be strange to let them go without killing them. He was thinking about how to deal with it.
Ye Xiren, thinking of the cycle between the Northern Capital and the Southern Capital, suggested that he not kill them, but let the Northern Yan ransom them...
Unexpectedly, Yan Danqing ripped off Bei Yan, collecting a hefty headhunting fee. Moreover, Bei Yan had no choice but to buy, because Yan Danqing disagreed.
Ye Xiren stared at the number, speechless.
"Does the Northern Yan treasury still have any money?" Ye Xiren murmured, continuing to read.
Their national treasury is empty, and each tribe has emptied their coffers to barely cover the deficit. However, the only way to make restitution later will probably be through IOUs...
Looking at the contents of the letter, and thinking of Liu Duoxi and Ye Changming who had already gone to Northern Yan, and Yan Danqing who was holding down the fort on Northern Yan territory, it was clear they weren't there for peace talks, but rather—
Let's rob them!
They didn't want to wipe out the entire Northern Yan, but that didn't mean they would do nothing. After this, Northern Yan would have no chance of rising again. As for the timeframe, that would depend on how well Liu Duoxi and Ye Changming performed...
On a snowy New Year, Yan Danqing sent things back again. This time, the "specialty" was a live animal, which took some effort to transport back and deliver to Ye Xiren.
Even Liang Yue was curious and came to see.
"What's this?"
"It's kind of cute, all soft and fluffy."
"Ah! It's so fierce!"
...
Ye Xiren listened to Liang Yue and the others' voices, smiled slightly, her eyes dangerous, and gripped the letter tightly with all her might, as if she were pinching Yan Danqing's head, but she couldn't bear to crumple it into a ball.
【Xixi! I found an animal on the grassland, very cute, and it even looks a bit like you. I brought it back for a look, but it scratched my hand fiercely when I caught it, and it was unusually aggressive. You keep it at the estate, but only observe it from a distance and do not approach it. This creature is called a lynx.】
Like me?
This lynx doesn't look like me at all!
Ye Xiren was in a huff.
Liang Yue looked at the lynx, then at Ye Xiren whose eyes were blazing with fury, and suddenly realized something, bursting into laughter.
Ye Xiren looked at him with a resentful expression: "Your Majesty..."
"Just call me brother-in-law." Liang Yue suppressed a laugh and changed the subject. "Liu Duoxi and Ye Changming have reached an agreement with Bei Yan. The Xingtai will be moving north this year, and Chunzhou will be back soon. The imperial edict will be sent to the court tomorrow. Do you have any letters to give him?"
Ye Xiren was taken aback.
Are they finally coming back?
She nodded emphatically, then ran into the study, dipped her brush in ink, and picked up her pen. She had a thousand words to say, but with his return date fast approaching, she didn't know what to write...
After a long pause, she uttered five words:
The flowers along the path are in bloom.
The paper was rolled up and handed to the Emperor. Liang Yue accepted it with a smile. The wild geese flying north and south reminded him of some memories, very beautiful and warm memories...
He hasn't fully remembered yet, but he's not in a hurry; he has a lifetime to recall.
Liang Yue's protection of Yan Danqing and Ye Xiren was like protecting another possibility for him and Awan.
Between joy and sorrow, the myriad aspects of life unfold.
The reply came several months later.
Ye Changming and Liu Duoxi went home first. Ye Changming, who was laughing and crying with his big teeth showing, hadn't even received any concern from his sister when she asked, "Where's Chunzhou?"
Ye Changming: "..."
So annoying!
But thinking of how the two of them were always parting, he couldn't help but take out a letter from his sleeve and hand it to her: "Your Chunzhou asked me to give this to you. He is a general and has to stay behind to oversee the troops before entering the city."
Ye Xiren opened the letter, her cheeks instantly flushed, and her eyes welled up with tears.
"—I've come to marry you."
Liao Changying rubbed his eyes and smiled, "The people in the city have already spontaneously gone to welcome the army. His Majesty and all the officials are going. Xixi, if you want to see him sooner, go and take a look."
Ye Xiren nodded emphatically with the letter in her hand, then strode away from the Ye family and headed towards the city gate.
Ye Changming muttered, "Really!"
He couldn't help but look around again, and awkwardly asked, "Where's Yan Shuang?"
Liao Changying: "..."
—They're all the same!
-
outside the city
Yan Danqing tidied himself up, mounted his horse, and only had time to leave behind the words: "You go see the Emperor first, I have urgent business to attend to, I will be there shortly!"
The words had barely left his lips when he vanished.
Zhao Wu looked bewildered: "What's so important?"
What could be more important than being welcomed by officials and common people alike? General Yan is really strange. He rushed along the way, almost exhausting Liu, the old councilor, but when they reached the moat, he stopped to bathe, change clothes, shave, and comb his hair...
When they were fighting abroad, they were all disheveled and extremely unkempt. Why didn't they show the court how hard they worked? Instead, they had to clean themselves up first.
Zhao Wu expressed his incomprehension.
Ma Shan smiled, shook his head, and said a name: "Second Miss Ye".
Zhao Wu suddenly realized.
Okay.
Every time the army received a letter from Miss Ye, their general's ears would turn red and his eyes would soften with tenderness. Whenever he had free time, he would gaze southward, becoming a veritable "waiting-for-wife stone" in the army, a true role model.
He hadn't expected to be so impatient even though he was already at his doorstep, but when he thought about all the partings he had experienced, he felt it was only natural.
"Finally, we're reunited," Zhao Wu murmured.
Yan Danqing rode a fast horse to the city gate, and from then on, wherever Xixi was, he was there too.
The southern capital was in an uproar, with gongs and drums being beaten.
"We've won!"
"They're back!"
"Hahaha, our Great Liang has won completely, and the war is finally over."
"Waaah, Tiezhu, why didn't you live a couple more years?"
...
Laughter and tears mingled together. This land, which had suffered so much damage, had experienced too many joys and sorrows. Now, in the midst of joy, thinking of the past and those who had passed away, tears could not be held back.
Amidst the noise and commotion, Ye Xiren, lifting her skirt, ran towards the city gate. She stumbled along, listening to the cheers and cries around her, her eyes gradually welling up with tears. Through her tears, the distant mountains seemed to be shrouded in mist, and the evening glow filled the sky.
She burst into uncontrollable laughter.
But what did it matter? The whole city was as wildly ecstatic as she was.
She was going to pick up her young general, just as she had done countless times in the cycle of life and death, heading towards him.
The mountains and rivers remain, the more than three million miles of land are safe and sound, and the millions of people are at peace. The guillotine above their heads has disappeared along with the mountains. From now on, they are just themselves.
Ye Xiren quickened her pace, and from then on, wherever Chunzhou went, she went too.
The clatter of hooves sounded, and the city gates swung open.
—The Great Liang Army has returned in triumph!
The person on horseback was replaced by Yan Danqing, while Ye Xiren ran on the ground. As they passed through the wide-open city gate, they seemed to sense each other and spotted each other at a glance, getting closer and closer.
"Xixi—"
(over)
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Author's Note: It's completely finished! There might be some minor revisions to the earlier parts, so no need to reread! Haha! Thank you again for your support, and I'll still be giving out red envelopes for comments!
Thank you!
Thank you so much for accompanying my little bunny on this journey!
Goodbye.
P.S.: If possible, could you please give me a five-star review? (starry-eyed)
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