A perfect life
A long wind and heavy rain fell; it was a damp autumn rain. The cold wind blew through her clothes, and a wisp of wind blew her pale purple shawl onto her shoulder. Chun Tao held the umbrella handle over Sui Zhixu's head. She held the person in her arms and walked step by step through the soldiers in the opposite direction, her face devoid of any extra emotion.
The light rain, carried by the wind, bypassed the umbrella and fell on her and Gu Qingyi, turning the dried bloodstains on their skin back into flowing blood.
Dozens of streets stretched out, including Chang'an Avenue, lined with poplar and locust trees, their blossoms falling and leaves turning yellow. Her feet crunched on the yellow leaves as dusk settled. In the dim light of the twilight, Jiang Li caught a glimpse of Sui Zhixu and the person in her arms, and her heart skipped a beat.
"Ah Ling".
She walked up to Sui Zhixu with her umbrella. Sui Zhixu looked up slightly, her red and swollen eyes devoid of any life, desolate and lifeless.
Jiang Li's gaze fell upon the person in her arms. A chilling wound lay across Gu Qingyi's neck, and her lips were pale, clearly indicating that the person in her arms had been dead for some time.
Sui Zhixu's voice was hoarse as she spoke, each word distinct and deliberate, "She's gone..."
"Let's go in first and talk about it later."
Mottled bloodstains left marks on her face, making it impossible to tell whether they were tears or blood.
Upon hearing that Sui Zhixu had returned, Fan Lingzhang rushed out, his expression grave. No one reached out to help Gu Qingyi; they all knew that Sui Zhixu's condition was not right, and they couldn't rashly intervene.
He sent someone to the coffin shop, but Ah Fu wasn't there. Ah Lu then asked him directly what kind of coffin he wanted.
Fan Lingzhang sighed, "The best course of action is to have them settle the accounts at Yunlailou."
With Chang'an recovered, his Yunlai Tower naturally had to reopen.
Alu returned quickly. He then placed Gu Qingyi in the coffin, knelt beside it, his head pressed against the coffin, staring motionlessly at the threshold, his eyes devoid of any light.
Night gradually descended, and the dim yellow light outside the threshold was swallowed by the darkness.
Fan Lingzhang and Jiang Li were talking outside the door. After a while, he came in with a tray in his hand, put the tray on the table next to him, and squatted down in front of her.
"Ah Ling, have something to eat."
Sui Zhixu slowly lifted her eyelids, met his eyes, and gently shook her head.
“You need to eat something. You haven’t eaten a single bite since you entered the palace this morning.”
"I don't want to eat, I have no appetite."
Fan Lingzhang sighed, sat down beside her, and let her lean on him.
"Take a break. The Prime Minister and the Imperial Tutor are in charge of the court, so you don't need to worry about them. Take this opportunity to rest."
Sui Zhixu leaned against him, turned slightly to bury her eyes in his shoulder, and said in a muffled voice, "Yeah, it won't be long before things stabilize again."
After a long silence, she said, "In a few days, I will take her back to Yizhou in Shu and let her stay there for a while."
"good."
Her thoughts were easy to guess. After Gu Qingyi's death, she took her body back to her hometown and also wanted to get away from the court for a while to have some peace and quiet.
"Let's eat, or we'll go bother A-Yuan. She's so noisy at night, she won't sleep no matter what we do." He pulled her finger to his eyes. "Look at all the mess she's made of."
Fan Lingzhang had dark circles under her eyes, but a smile curved her lips.
He said quietly, "Let's eat..."
"Then I'll eat a little." She took the bowl from Fan Lingzhang and casually ate a couple of bites.
Fan Lingzhang kept staring at her. She took a few more bites, and it wasn't until she counted to the seventh bite that he finally smiled.
"You can go out first, I'll tidy her up." She gave him a faint smile, her eyes filled with sadness.
Fan Lingzhang left quietly, and then Xu Zhi brought a basin of water to wipe the blood off her face and body.
"You're clean and don't like others touching you, so I'll do it."
Her clothes were also stained with blood, so Xu changed her into a purple jade robe.
“I think you still prefer the style of Yu Chao.” She brushed the stray hairs from Gu Qingyi’s cheek and stroked her face with her hand.
"Wait a moment, I'll take you home right away."
She looked at Gu Qingyi quietly, her expression tender and affectionate.
The next day, just as dawn was breaking, the prison door quietly opened, letting in a damp, cold wind.
Sui Zhixu was dressed in a plain white long gown, the hem of which swayed in the wind as she walked slowly down the cobblestone path.
The cells on either side were only dimly lit by the small wooden windows at the top. He sat upright in his cell, seemingly unaware of the light, his eyes lowered, his long eyelashes casting faint shadows beneath them.
She walked steadily without a ripple, and stopped in front of the cell where Sima Xian was imprisoned.
The person behind the wooden fence heard the noise and looked up. They saw her standing in the shadows, dressed in white. The hem of her white dress looked as if it had been stained with ink. Their heart skipped a beat, and they felt an ominous premonition.
She exuded an indescribable aloofness, and the rustling sound of the jailer unlocking the chains behind her broke the deathly silence in the cell.
Sima Xian looked at the wine cup in front of him; he knew without a doubt what the clear liquid was.
After the jailer left, Xu whispered, "Gu Qingyi is dead."
She squatted down, holding onto the wooden railing. The change of power had no effect on the people of Chang'an, and both sides avoided the people.
Every household was brightly lit, illuminating the pitch-black night, but for Sui Zhixu, it was just a horrific night filled with unbearable pain.
“She is dead… In two days, after the seventh day after her death, I will set off to send her back to her hometown. She hasn’t been back for a long time. Her whole life has been trapped in Chang’an, which is enough. I have come to ask you about her.”
Sima Xian looked at her. Who would have thought that the "hero" who was the prime minister of the Qi Dynasty, the youngest head of a noble family of the new generation, who quelled the war and had a bright future ahead of her, would find it hard to sleep in the dark of night, filled with regret and self-blame?
“In Ninghai Town, Yizhou, her mother was a local mulberry picker surnamed Zhen, and she had no relatives. Mr. Gu once ran a school in Ninghai Town, and perhaps you can find out more about it and find their former residence.”
"good……"
Her voice was hoarse, and she kept her head down. In the shadows, Sima Xian couldn't see her eyes and couldn't tell if she was crying.
He placed his palm on her head, a habit, just like before, as if nothing had happened, and asked affectionately, "How have you been?"
He had asked her the same question when she returned home for her wedding, and she replied, "No."
"Oh no..." Sui Zhixu didn't think she was a crybaby, so why was she so unable to bear it now?
Yue Ling explained everything about Yue Wuxin to her. He entered the Dao Realm, peered into the heavenly secrets, sensed the system's intrusion, and opened a channel for it.
The system promised him that once it had collected enough luck, it could apply to be taken to the highest level of the world, at which point reviving Gu Songshang would be a piece of cake.
Turbulent times produce heroes, and the luck carried by heroes is most favored by the system. He stirs up the martial arts world and unexpectedly discovers that the key to everything lies with Sima Xian. He sends the system to Sima Xian's side, making their relationship a complex mix of love and hate.
"How can you expect me to accept this ending? I didn't have a father when I was young. In my eyes, your figure was always kind and great. You shouldn't have stopped here. You and she taught me poetry and literature, and passed on your teachings to me. But why am I left all alone as we walk this path?"
Her bright, autumn-like eyes met his, and he simply smiled faintly, his expression gentle and warm.
"You used to want to go to many places, but you didn't dare to go alone. You dragged Jiang Li along to do missions with you, and you dragged Wen Ke, Shisan Niang, and Cao Ning along. The four of you were always laughing and playing together. I watched you practice your swordsmanship from up there. Every move Shisan Niang made had your shadow in it. It was all so ordinary back then. Ah Ling... can you still call me Uncle one more time?"
"On my deathbed." He glanced at the wine on the table out of the corner of his eye, his voice gentle.
"I can't forgive you on her behalf..."
She leaned against the wooden pole, and every word she uttered revealed sorrow, grief, and resentment.
The calm and peaceful undertones were stripped away, revealing all the suffering and sorrow that weighed on her, breaking her heart.
Tears welled in the corners of her eyes; even her breakdown was silent, like a snowflake falling quietly in early winter.
Sima Xian knew who she was referring to, and he just smiled. "There's nothing I can do. Sima Heng is right. I'm cowardly and hesitant, and I'm unlikely to achieve great things. But I can only stubbornly stick to this path no matter what lies ahead."
He remained unrepentant to the end.
His obsession runs deep. Born in this darkness, no matter how much he wants to remain pure, there is always something, someone, that forces him to go in and to the very end.
“Let your aunt and Anniang go. She just listens to everything I say. She is my wife, not my pawn. She knows nothing from beginning to end. All the sins are on my shoulders and have nothing to do with them.”
Sima Xian tore off his clothes, bit his fingertip, and wrote down the divorce agreement.
"Spare their lives."
Sui Zhixu raised his swollen eyes and took the blood-written letter.
I hate you.
"Yes, I know. If there is an afterlife... never mind, never mind." Sima Xian raised the wine cup on the table, tilted his head back and drank it down.
Sui Zhixu rested her head against the wooden railing, her voice lingering in her mouth, "If there is an afterlife, let us... simply be family, clean and pure. You will only be Sima Yunhuai, and I will only be A-Ling, whom you taught."
"My lady, everything is arranged." Danhong walked into the cell and said softly.
"The young master's caravan will take Lady Shen and Lady Sima to Nanzhao."
Sui Zhixu stood up, staggering. She waved to avoid Dan Hong's help and walked out of the cell. The sunlight shone into her eyes. She looked up and shielded her eyes with her hand, then opened them slightly.
"My lady, it is His Majesty."
Lu Huai spoke, "I abdicate in favor of Chaoyang, and from this day forward Chaoyang will be the Emperor of the Great Qi."
"I am just an outsider in this world, living in this vast city of Chang'an is too painful..."
Sui Zhixu, bathed in light, rode straight away, mounted his horse, and Dan Hong bowed to Lu Huai before hurriedly following Sui Zhixu away.
"drive!"
The wind blew through her hair, her eyes, the tears at the corners of her eyes, and the vexation and sorrow in her heart.
Sima An and his daughter were escorted by Liu Lü all the way. When they reached the city gate, Sima An stopped and looked back.
Isn't she coming?
"The head of the family said that we would meet again if fate allowed. The climate in Nanzhao is pleasant. I hope that you will forget the past and live a good life."
"Forget the past..."
She never left Chang'an in her entire life, and her teacher could never leave Chang'an.
Now she's leaving.
Sima An took one last look, then helped the distraught Shen Huaiyu up. "Let's go."
In the thirtieth year of Jianwu, Emperor Wen of Qi abdicated, and Princess Chaoyang ascended the throne, establishing the reign title Taichu, granting a general amnesty, and bestowing titles upon court officials.
When Cheng Zhijie arrived in the capital at the end of the year, he submitted evidence that the Marquis of Wu'an's family had sided with the previous dynasty and accepted bribes from its subordinates. Upon investigation, the evidence was conclusive. Lu Zhuqiao, considering Cheng Zhijie's righteous act of sacrificing his own family, pardoned his crimes, but the rest of the Cheng family members were deemed guilty of unforgivable offenses and were exiled three thousand li away.
He walked out of the Marquis of Wu'an's residence, stood at the door, and looked up to see the plaque that had weighed on his heart for many years finally being lowered.
Puyang Kai held the imperial edict, the official sent to confiscate the property. "Brother, you've come from afar, why not stay a few more days?"
"I heard that His Majesty bestowed this mansion upon my junior brother, which can be considered a matter of fate."
Cheng Zhijie now felt relieved, and the smile on his face was much more genuine.
"That is indeed true. If you miss it, Senior Brother..."
Cheng Zhijie raised his hand: "There's nothing to reminisce about. From now on, I'll be stationed away from home most of the year, and I'll probably only be able to visit my teacher in the capital during holidays. I hope you'll take good care of me during my free time."
"That's natural."
Mingyi impatiently lifted the carriage curtain. "Cheng Hui, what are you dawdling for? I knew I shouldn't have come with you. Ah Xu is already gone. You're my biggest nemesis, always bringing me bad luck!"
How could I possibly be able to predict the future?
"Can't you at least ask around?"
"...My mistake. I heard that my junior sister went to Shu. We will go back after we visit our teacher."
Mingyi glanced at him and lowered the carriage curtain. Cheng Zhijie knew this meant she had agreed. He apologized to Puyang Kai and hurriedly got into the carriage.
Puyang Kai watched their departing figures, a smile appearing at the corners of his eyes. He had never imagined that his senior brother would wait for his beloved.
His sweetheart is far away.
In the first year of the Taichu era, after Xu An buried Gu Qingyi, he stayed in Yizhou for a while, visiting the local customs and traditions, and searching for records of Gu Songshang's family from various households.
When Sui Zhixu returned in the evening, Fan Lingzhang was cooking. He turned to look at Sui Zhixu and said loudly, "You're back?"
A simple, everyday remark stirred something within Sui Zhixu.
"Hmm, where's A-Yuan?"
"Danhong and Jiang Aniang are playing with her. You tidy up, wash your hands, and let's eat."
When Jiang Li saw her return, she asked, "How did your inquiry go today?"
"We've basically finished asking all the questions, so we can start writing now."
She wants to personally write Gu Qingyi into history books, to write her complete life story, so that thousands of years later people will still praise her poetry and understand her helplessness, love and hate.
"Mother~" A Yuan ran towards Sui Zhixu step by step after Dan Hong helped her put on her shoes.
Sui Zhixu hugged her tightly, saying, "Be careful not to fall."
"Dinner's ready! I made your favorite sliced meat today, so make sure you eat plenty."
A-Yuan clung to Sui Zhixu's neck, rubbing her little nose against him and muttering, "Mother, Mother smells good."
Jiang Li pointed at her, "I wonder who you took after, you little brat."
Fan Lingzhang chuckled and sat down next to Sui Zhixu, serving her food.
"The sword competition is also being organized. I've taken advantage of your opportunity to open a new business. This time, I'll be able to earn back the money I gave to Yue."
Speaking of money, Sui Zhixu sighed, "I didn't expect the Sui family to have so little money in their accounts; they're almost running out of money."
"Oh right, that's not all, the Miao region is rich."
Dan Hong argued, "The Xianjia Liao and Sui family, with hundreds of members, are already asking for money and need to contact other aristocratic families to maintain relationships. It's already quite good that we're keeping the status quo."
“I’m like that person who eats the leftovers, taking all of Zi Rong’s money.” Sui Zhixu poked A Yuan’s chubby cheeks, sometimes kissing them, and A Yuan would widen her eyes and burrow into her arms.
"Huh?" Fan Lingzhang pointed to himself while eating, looking puzzled.
Sui Zhixu hugged A Yuan and laughed out loud. A Yuan chuckled along with her, and for some reason, everyone in the room started laughing.
She had seen Chu Yong's figure at Gu Qingyi's grave.
Fan Lingzhang: "Should we arrest him?"
“Aren’t you the Development Chamber of Commerce? Send a few people to check on him regularly. If he and the former subordinates of the Prince of Wei can stay safely in Yizhou, I don’t want to pursue the matter further.”
After all, he is the only remaining bloodline of the Gu family.
Fan Lingzhang took her hand. "Shall we go home?"
"Yes, let's go home."
In the first year of the Tai Chu era, Sui Zhixu reorganized the remaining disciples of Tianque Tower, and most affairs were handled by Wen Ke.
In the martial arts world, Yao Shaozhi and her influence led to the establishment of the Sword Association. The leader of the Donghai Quanyu Hall was the first to support his martial uncle's actions, followed by Miao Jiang and the Western Regions, Qi Kingdom's Yueshan and Yue Kingdom's Yangyue Palace. More and more people followed the Sword Association.
She took the lead in handling the case of Yue Wuxin of Mingjingtai, reviewed the behavior and actions of the disciples of the Yue Kingdom sects, and punished those who deserved punishment.
The disciples of the Xiaoyao Sect were the first to be affected. As the top of the Jianghu rankings, Xu established a rule that people in the Jianghu must not participate in wars between countries without authorization, especially cross-border military service. Jianghu disciples should have a chivalrous spirit in their hearts and dedicate themselves to world peace and well-being.
Sui Zhixu was incredibly busy, while Yao Shaozhi spent all his time brewing wine. He was just a figurehead, someone who didn't do any work.
Only now did she realize that the Ghost Sword Immortal was afraid of seeing people and had hidden himself in the City Lord's Mansion of Man City, like a turtle in its shell, his voice as faint as a mosquito's buzz. If she hadn't had good hearing, she really wouldn't have been able to hear him.
Jiang Yun's mind was filled with thoughts of mountains, moon, and insects; he neglected his children. He was grateful that the affairs of Miao territory would keep him occupied for a long time. He was also incredibly busy with the Zirong Chamber of Commerce and other businesses.
She dragged Wen Ke to work every day and occasionally pressured Yu Hua, the head of Quanyutang, to work as well.
"Why is there so much work?" Sui Zhixu slumped over the desk, his arms hanging limply over the edge, utterly dejected.
When will she be able to return to Chang'an?
"Mingyi is here," Wen Ke said, knocking on the door and leaning against the railing.
"Mingyi?!"
Su Zhixu's eyes lit up instantly. Yes, Mingyi has come at just the right time.
Before Mingyi could even exchange pleasantries with her, Sui Zhixu pinned her to the desk.
Mingyi: "?"
Something seems off.
Xu Zhixu had a headache. "Sword Gathering, Sword Gathering, Yu Hua insists that I dislike this name and wants me to change it. How am I supposed to know what to change it to?"
She's bad at choosing names.
Mingyi rested his chin on his hand, thought for a moment, and said, "Qingping Sword Pavilion?"
"Indeed, the Qingping Sword is a famous sword. It is said that the Qingping Sword can cut through gold and jade and sever hair. It is extremely sharp and invincible. It can also inspire the people of the martial arts world."
As Xu and Mingyi continued to handle their affairs, Cheng Zhijie encountered A Yuan outside, looking utterly helpless.
"Don't pull it..."
Helpless, he could only carry A-Yuan to them, pointing at her and asking, "Why did she pull me?"
Xu Ding glanced over and saw that not only had A Yuan snatched his jade pendant, but she was also pulling on Cheng Zhijie's hair and refusing to let go.
She sighed and added, "I don't know who she took after, but she likes good-looking people and jade objects."
Mingyi: "You're so handsome! Let me give you a hug."
She walked over to Cheng Zhijie and looked at A Yuan. A Yuan stared at Ming Yiwang, giggled, and reached out to Sui Zhixu while letting go of Cheng Zhijie's hair.
"Ling... Ling..."
Sui Zhixu looked up and rubbed his forehead. He had just learned to call her "Mother" when he heard Zi Rong call her "A Ling" for two days, and he learned it himself. Now he calls her name every day, and he can't seem to change it back.
"Let me carry you."
Cheng Zhijie took a deep breath, handed it to her, and then retreated abruptly. It was too terrifying.
Mingyi went to look at Zhixu and said, "She's so beautiful, just like you."
Cheng Zhijie cried out in terror, "We don't want to!"
"What's wrong with you now?" Mingyi rolled her eyes and dragged him out of the house.
"I'll come back later."
Sui Zhixu smiled and said, "No rush. It's almost noon. We can deal with it after lunch."
Mingyi wanted to take the person out, and Cheng Zhijie felt that he needed to give a very clear answer to this question.
"We don't need children."
Mingyi brought up old grievances, saying, "Then why did you want me to have children as soon as possible?"
"The patriarchal system is extremely troublesome. This matter is my fault. As the eldest son of the clan, I am powerless to resist. I have wronged you. The Cheng family bloodline has no good inheritance. Childbirth is dangerous. Your health is not good. Let's not have children, okay?"
"I just think A-Yuan is pretty, that's all. I didn't say we'd have children. Besides, I haven't agreed to marry you yet!"
Cheng Zhijie: "That won't do."
"...I won't listen."
"no."
Mingyi covered her ears and ran away, and Cheng Zhijie could only catch up with her. Danhong watched them cracking melon seeds while chatting with Sui Zhixu.
Sui Zhixu looked at them and poked A Yuan's cheek, "Call her Mother."
"spirit!"
"mother……"
"Ling~ Ah Ling~"
Sui Zhixu: "..."
On the ninth day of the eighth month of the first year of Taichu, Sui Zhixu rushed back to Chang'an before A Yuan's birthday. After more than half a year, Qingping Sword Pavilion has finally gotten on track. It is located in Yizhou, Shu, so that people from all over the country are about the same distance from Sword Pavilion.
Yao Shaozhi was appointed as the head of the pavilion. Yao Shaozhi felt that Sui Zhixu was using his age as an excuse. Sui Zhixu had no choice but to take out magnolia bark, and he happily ran up the tree to drink.
She served as the Second Pavilion Master, and the other sect leaders were treated as honored guests, including the Ghost Sword Immortal. Everyone else responded to her call without objection.
Fan Lingzhang traveled through Sichuan and saw business opportunities everywhere he looked. Sui Zhixu remarked that it was no wonder he was the richest man in the land; his perspective was different from hers.
As soon as Xu got home, she fell into a deep sleep, which frightened Fan Lingzhang so much that he went to find Dan Hong. He was relieved to learn that she was just tired, but he was also filled with heartache.
During this time, Lu Zhuqiao came to visit her twice, but Xu was asleep both times.
It's jokingly said that she's going to have to visit Zhuge Liang three times.
On August 14th, when Xu Ka woke up the day before A Yuan's birthday, Fan Lingzhang heard a noise in the room and rushed in, only to find his wife lying on the bed like a magpie.
"You're finally awake. If you hadn't woken up, the whole mansion would have been scared to death."
Fan Lingzhang sat on the edge of the bed, listening to Xu's whimpering.
"Sleepy……"
She covered her eyes with her hands. "Actually, I wake up in the middle of the night... to go out and find food. You just didn't see me, otherwise I would have starved to death long ago."
Sui Zhixu got up and hugged him, resting her head in the crook of his neck, and yawned.
He gave an "oh" sound, drawing out the last syllable, and joked, "I was wondering why the pastries in the small kitchen always disappeared in the middle of the night. I thought some little cat had eaten them. Turns out it was you, you big glutton."
"snort."
"Hehe, are you hungry?" Fan Lingzhang reached out and touched her stomach. "It's flat. You haven't eaten in a long time. Have some porridge first, then eat a little less tonight, and we'll eat something better tomorrow."
"Um."
While Xu was eating porridge, Fan Lingzhang told her about the events of the past few days.
"His Majesty is going to visit Zhuge Liang three times."
Sui Zhixu, who had just woken up, was still a little dazed. "...Is the Prime Minister's residence really that dilapidated?"
She thought about it carefully, "Compared to the imperial palace, it's still quite simple. But the Prime Minister's residence meets the required standards."
Fan Lingzhang chuckled and ruffled her hair, "You're still half asleep."
"So tired..."
He went to find the Mysterious Sword Immortal, rebuilt the Heavenly Palace, worked with the Moonlit Palace to manage the Mirror Valley, established the Green Lotus Sword Pavilion, and set up regulations and future plans for each department. He received the leaders of various martial arts sects, visited Valley Master Yang at Medicine King Valley, and handled various affairs...
Now the tasks have finally been assigned.
"I don't want to work at all. I think it's an exaggeration for me to inherit Aye's position. Just the Sword Pavilion alone is exhausting me."
Xu Zhi was utterly despondent and collapsed into Fan Lingzhang's arms.
He smiled and put his arm around her. "Things will be much easier once things are on track. His Majesty has just ascended the throne, and there are many affairs in the court. I heard that your father-in-law is also very busy."
“Father is not old enough to retire and return to his hometown. Let him continue in his post, and I will find another one. Currently, apart from the Imperial Tutor, there are no other women in the palace. Most of them are just ladies-in-waiting. Chaoyang… His Majesty is anxious for me to take the lead. Although I have this intention, I also need to take care of both the martial arts world and the court. I am busy with both now, so I need to find a way.”
She lifted her chin, leaned against him, and suddenly said, "The little princess is about to begin her education, so we can take this opportunity. She's still young and can't teach her much, but we can achieve our goals for... His Majesty and me."
He then wrote a letter to the palace and had it delivered.
The following day was A Yuan's birthday. The family held a small banquet, which was also a make-up banquet for A Yuan's first birthday celebration. Last year's celebration was just a formality, so this year it was a make-up.
In addition to preparing gifts for A Yuan, Sui He and Cong Lan also made up for Sui Zhixu's birthday gifts from childhood to adulthood.
“Mother…” Sui Zhixu held the gifts, stunned for a moment: a longevity lock for her first year, a rattle drum for her second, a silver bracelet to ward off evil spirits for her third, books and writing implements that Cong Lan started giving her when she was four… and mechanical parts that Sui He gave her…
Jiang Li was so angry that she scolded Sui He, "What are you doing without saying a word?"
Damn it, she didn't prepare one for Ah Ling.
“I’ve already sent them. I remember everything Ah Niang sent.”
Fan Lingzhang held A Yuan in his arms and waved her little hand to greet Sui Zhixu, clearly indicating that he was aware of the situation.
Sui He and Cong Lan nodded with a smile, "Your father and I owe you too much. The Sui family business originally belonged to you. We have thought about it and haven't been able to make it up to you. We can only do some small things."
"That's already a lot."
Sui Zhixu stepped forward and hugged them. Cong Lan narrowed her eyes, her identical peach blossom eyes curving into crescent moons.
“Father may not have much else, but he has the foundation he built over half his life.”
Cong Lan, a commoner, had built his career on connections in the imperial court. He had already planned that in a few years, when she took over his position, he would retire to his hometown and enjoy a peaceful life with his wife.
Ning Yan, Pei Qinglian, and Cui Wan were amazed by Sui He and Cong Lan's thoughtfulness and each presented their own gifts.
Cui Wan took the lead, showing off her gift, "Watch this, a whole set of silver jewelry, guaranteed to keep Xiao Ayuan safe and sound, and keep all demons and monsters away from her!"
Ning Yan clapped her hands. "Not bad, not bad. I'm far inferior to A-Wan. A-Yuan was born in the Year of the Tiger, and I heard she likes jade. So I had someone make a jade tiger for her to play with."
“What I’m sending is a little different from what you’re sending.” Pei Qinglian piqued everyone’s interest by clapping her hands, and people outside carried in a screen.
She pulled back the cloth and turned the screen around.
Sui Zhixu exclaimed in surprise, "Double-sided embroidery!"
Ning Yan asked in surprise, "How come I'm still up there?"
"One side is an embroidered blessing for A Yuan, wishing her peace, joy, and healthy growth. The other side records A Xu's great achievements this time. Could it be that San Lang started the writing and A Lian embroidered it?"
Hearing Cui Wan's question, she nodded.
"Indeed, Ah Xu's contribution this time is second to none, and His Majesty has also given him a special gift."
As soon as she finished speaking, the female official came forward with the imperial edict in her hands. "His Majesty has issued an edict. I hope you will come with the master to receive it."
"By the mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees:"
I believe that governing the world begins with education, and nurturing talent begins with the teachings of teachers. You possess profound knowledge, understanding both ancient and modern times. In the past, you quelled rebellions and rescued countless people from dire straits. Amidst the turmoil of the world, you restored order and stabilized the situation. Your contributions to the nation are immense, and I am deeply gratified.
My princess is now beginning her education and urgently needs a good teacher to guide her mind and conduct. You are virtuous and learned, and can serve as a role model. Therefore, I hereby appoint you as the Princess's Grand Tutor, in charge of her studies, teaching her poetry, literature, etiquette, classics, history, philosophy, and literature, so that she can distinguish right from wrong, understand the past and present, and become a model for the people of the world in the future.
I hereby bestow upon you one thousand taels of gold, one hundred bolts of brocade, and fifty volumes of rare books from the Imperial Study. You are granted residence near the Grand Tutor's mansion, adjacent to the Eastern Palace, so that you may teach morning and evening. From the date of this appointment, you may enter and leave the palace with the seal of the Grand Tutor, and no official may obstruct you.
You must diligently perform your duties and live up to my trust. If the princess achieves great success in her studies, she will be richly rewarded in the future. If she makes further contributions, I will certainly reward her handsomely, so that her achievements will be recorded in history and her name will be remembered for generations to come.
So be it!
"Your Majesty, I accept your decree and express my gratitude for your great kindness. I will certainly live up to Your Majesty's expectations."
The female official smiled and said, "There is another decree that Young Master Fan will surely be satisfied with."
Fan Lingzhang had just gotten up when he knelt down again, his mind racing with wild guesses.
"By the mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees:"
At a time of diplomatic juncture, you demonstrated foresight and wisdom by providing financial assistance to the Yue Kingdom to construct water conservancy projects, relieving its flood troubles and fostering good neighborly relations. Furthermore, you borrowed Yue Kingdom's troops to aid our dynasty, alleviating the national crisis and stabilizing the state. These achievements have greatly benefited the country and its people, and I have long been aware of them and wholeheartedly commend you.
Moreover, I have heard that you are of upright character, gentle and virtuous, and that you and the Princess's tutor are deeply in love and perfectly matched—truly a match made in heaven. Therefore, to fulfill this beautiful union and to demonstrate our imperial favor, this decree is hereby issued, granting you and the Princess's tutor the privilege of marriage.
In addition, you will be rewarded with one hundred bolts of auspicious dragon and phoenix brocade and fifty bushels each of pearls and agates. The Imperial Astronomical Bureau will be ordered to select an auspicious day for your wedding. After the marriage, you will live a harmonious family life. The Grand Tutor will still need to fulfill his duties, and you will also assist him and work together for the country.
I hope that you two will treat each other with respect and harmony after your marriage, enjoy the happiness of family life forever, and live up to my expectations.
So be it!
"Thank you for your great favor, Your Majesty!" Fan Lingzhang said with a smile. In fact, if the Emperor hadn't mentioned it, they would have almost forgotten about their agreement to get married again after things had settled down.
Ah Yuan babbled, and the female official noticed that she had taken out another imperial edict. "There's another one for a young lady."
"...Having heard that your beloved daughter, Sui Ziyao, is intelligent and virtuous, inheriting the family's virtues and possessing a refined and wise demeanor, I am greatly pleased and thus bestow upon her the title of County Princess..."
Sui Zhixu never expected there to be three imperial edicts. When the retired emperor and the late emperor were in power, imperial edicts were rarely issued. But she, upon taking office, immediately issued three to her family.
She had no choice but to work diligently.
"Congratulations, Patriarch!"
Each time, Sui Zhixu responded with a smile. The hostess of the banquet, A Yuan, didn't know what was happening and called out to Sui Zhixu in a babbling voice. She and Fan Lingzhang quickly covered A Yuan's mouth, stopping her from uttering "A Ling".
Both of them exhaled.
Thank goodness.
The moon is full on the fifteenth of August, the Mid-Autumn Festival. Sui Zhixu was very puzzled as to why he hadn't seen Wen Ke all day.
As the evening drew to a close, the first firework burst into the sky, a golden-red burst that exploded in the clouds, scattering gold across the earth and making the clouds behind it appear even brighter.
Cui Wan pointed to the sky and shouted to them, "What beautiful fireworks! They've lit up the sky!"
As she walked forward, with some guesses in her mind, she patted A Yuan's head, jumped up, and leaped onto the roof. Looking into the distance, she indeed saw a small dark figure.
She leaped onto the roof and soon reached Wen Ke's side.
"Where have you been? Turns out you've been sneaking around here setting off fireworks."
"But didn't you figure it out already?"
Sui Zhixu scoffed, "That's because I'm smart."
Wen Ke rolled her eyes. "Come on, Mingyi asked me to set off the fireworks, it wasn't me."
"Oh." She didn't believe it.
“I recently consulted ancient books and found some methods to nourish your meridians, so it seems that you don’t need them.”
Wen Ke: "..."
She turned her head away coldly, defiantly saying, "Fine, I don't need it then."
"Are you angry? Getting angry will make you look bad."
"Then go find something interesting to play with."
Sui Zhixu chuckled upon hearing this, her awkward manner clearly influenced by someone she had picked up.
"Don't hold a grudge against a child, let's go." Sui Zhixu put his arm around Wen Ke's neck.
She mumbled something unintelligible, and Xu Quan pretended not to hear her.
Wen Ke: "Did you hear me?"
"Ah... I heard that."
What did you hear?
"...Um, that Mingyi..."
"I didn't mention anything at all!"
Sui Zhixu: "...Huh?"
"I'll let you set off fireworks for free!"
Wen Ke shook off her hand, and Sui Zhixu blinked, "Didn't you say it wasn't you?"
"Get out! Get out! Get out!"
Days passed by, and before they knew it, it was the day of Sui Zhixu and Fan Lingzhang's wedding.
Its momentum was so great that it alarmed the entire city of Chang'an.
"Didn't the young lady of the Sui family have her birthday banquet a few days ago? Why are they getting married now?"
"We couldn't do it during the war, so we're making up for it now."
"That makes sense."
The Sui family's house was adorned with red silk hanging high, and guests filled the doorway.
He reached out to lift the veil, but two hands held it down firmly.
"Ah Ling! That's enough, that's enough."
"No, I want to lift it." Sui Zhixu narrowed her peach blossom eyes, smiling brightly.
Fan Lingzhang's ears turned red. He quietly lifted a corner to look and saw that the room was full of people.
"Give me some face, Ah Ling! If it's really too much, let them leave, and you can take it all over by yourself."
Sui Zhixu turned her head to look, her eyes darting around, and said in a high-pitched voice, "It's not impossible, Ah Niang, you go first."
Jiang Li scoffed, "If you're going to marry into a family, you should act like one. What kind of behavior is this, all all coy and hesitant?"
Yueling shoved the person away, saying, "Disciple! A moment of pleasure is worth a thousand pieces of gold, so enjoy it!"
Fan Lingzhang: "..."
The door creaked shut, and Sui Zhixu's smiling voice came from outside the veil, "Should we resume our ceremony now?"
Fan Lingzhang, in despair, said, "Let's just flip it over."
Sui Zhixu lifted the veil, revealing a beautiful face beneath. Her eyes curved into crescents. "So this is how you felt back then."
He reached out and pulled the person into his arms. "Happy now?"
"uh-huh."
Seeing her happy, Fan Lingzhang sighed helplessly, "Oh well, as long as she's happy."
The news will surely spread throughout Chang'an tomorrow. He was stuffed into a sedan chair with a veil covering his head. The only thing to be thankful for is that A-Ling didn't make him wear women's clothing.
“That’s fair.” Sui Zhixu reached out and pinched his face. “If I marry you once, you have to marry me once too.”
"Shouldn't we move on to the next step now?"
"Oh...the nuptial wine, come on."
After finishing his drink, Fan Lingzhang took her hand and said, "The Imperial Advisor is right, a moment of bliss on the night of passion is worth a thousand pieces of gold."
He leaned in and pressed down on her, but Xu dodged backward, saying, "It's still broad daylight."
"in spite of……"
The boudoir was warm, the knotted ropes swaying gently. The candlelight and incense, a blend of jasmine and bamboo fragrance, drifted softly in the air. Light shone through the thin gauze onto the woman's face, her weary expression like that of someone in a dream.
He leaned close to his wife, his voice tender, "I will definitely... serve my wife well."
"you--"
—
In the first year of the Taichu era, the head of the Sui family, Sui Zhixu, was appointed as the Grand Tutor of Princess Xu and concurrently as the historian, and was tasked with drafting the history of Yu.
In the second year of the Tai Chu era, when Xu was in charge of revising the legal code, he recommended Ning Yan, the daughter of Ning Cu, the Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, to assist in the revision of the legal code.
It is said: "The living and the dead are equally important. Those who die unjustly do not know the true meaning of life. Only when the sinners are punished in life can justice be served for the deceased."
With the Emperor's approval, and by gathering talented individuals from across the land, the history of Yu was compiled.
In the fifth year of the Taichu era, Ning Yan proposed to revise the imperial examination system, merge the system of female officials in the palace, and place female officials in the court, which was approved by the emperor.
In the sixth year of the Tai Chu era, Sui Zhixu and others completed the compilation of the historical book. In the same year, Cong Lan retired to his hometown, and Sui Zhixu succeeded him as the new prime minister.
In the seventh year of the Tai Chu era, the Imperial Preceptor Yue Ling bid farewell to Chang'an on the grounds of the prosperity of the world and traveled far away to the mountains and seas.
People continued to gather in front of the Shanhai Academy. Although Xu and Fan Lingzhang were busy with their own affairs, Cong Lan occasionally came to the Shanhai Academy to teach after resigning from his official post, so he brought A Yuan with him. Unexpectedly, she ran around and caused panic among the people in the academy.
Sui Ziyao rushed over after court, "Sui Ziyao! What happened?"
A-Yuan, clutching the small snake Jiang Li had raised coiled around her neck, cried out, "If I hear the Way in the morning, I can die content in the evening. I am willing to die for my teacher!"
Sui Zhixu's heart skipped a beat. She looked at Ni Zuilan lying on the ground. Ni Zuilan's eyes were glazed. She waved her hand at Sui Zhixu and said, "It's nothing, it's nothing. I just accidentally got bitten by a snake."
"I have troubled you, Headmaster. It is my fault for not teaching you well."
Upon hearing this, Jiang Li, who had rushed over, quickened her pace considerably, “…”
“A-niang.”
"Ha!" Jiang Li scratched his head. "It's alright, it's alright, no one will die. Come on, just take this antidote."
"If I hear the Way in the morning, I can die content in the evening. What did you learn today? I heard you were running around with Green Wave and scared quite a few disciples of the academy." Sui Zhixu picked up A Yuan, who swung her legs in his hands, pouted and lowered her eyes.
"Studying Qingyi Niangzi's poems, recalling the long journey of Bashu, I look back at my lonely soul gazing at my old home. How long does spring last? My heart breaks a thousand times, tears streaming down my face. Qingyi Niangzi rarely writes poems that express such deep emotions. I heard that my mother wrote a biography for Qingyi Niangzi, so I came to ask the headmaster out of curiosity. I didn't expect Green Wave to bite people; it's all my fault."
Under Xu's long eyelashes, her dark eyes were vast and unfathomable. Over the course of three years, she had composed a poem in response to Gu Qingyi's.
A clear stream flows long in the night rain over Lishan; autumn winds blow through my old garden, leaving me lost in thought. There should be no lingering resentment; the world speaks of desolation in three simple words.
“Come on, A-Yuan, come home with me. Your grandpa will take care of the rest.” She held out her hand to A-Yuan, who stared at her with wide eyes, but finally placed her hand in her palm.
"I'm coming on horseback, so hold on tight."
A-Yuan nestled in Sui Zhixu's arms and nodded, "Green Bobo is actually very well-behaved; it did this to protect me."
"Hmm, why would I want to know about Lady Qingyi?"
"Because I think my mother likes her."
Indeed, love is a very clear thing.
The west wind of Chang'an brushed against her face, and she suddenly said to A Yuan, "I'll take you to pay respects to her in a few days."
A Yuan looked up from Sui Zhixu's arms, and only when she was actually standing on Gu Qingyi's tombstone did she realize that her mother was serious.
She imitated her mother by sprinkling wine, and Fan Lingzhang silently led her away.
He then tilted his head back and drank the rest of the wine.
Yueling asked her why she didn't want the throne?
Her battle with Chaoyang will inevitably affect innocent people, whether it be the Chu family, the Sui family, or countless peaceful families.
Having assumed the position of family head, she is naturally responsible for the clan members and the four departments.
Since it is said that she bears the mandate of heaven, and the mandate of heaven is supposed to operate for the benefit of all living beings, so is she.
My heart is not a stone, it cannot be turned.
"I offer three toasts, with the first wish that the difference between good and evil in the world is just a thought away, and that I, as a student, may reflect on myself in the mirror and only wish to be myself."
"My second wish is for peace and prosperity throughout the world, and for all people to enjoy happiness together."
"My third wish is that in the next life we can meet again without any burden..."
Intoxicated by the wine, she tilted her head back and drank, as if an old friend were standing before her, drinking with her, and she was drunk for three days straight.
"Let me say, how have you been?"
--over
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