Final decision
The room was stuffy and the tightly closed door conveyed a sense of oppression and gloom.
The rich fragrance of night-blooming jasmine wafted from Xi Yushao's body, enveloping Sui Zhixu in his arms. His warm breath brushed against her ear, and his sweet words lingered in her ear.
"Let go of me." Sui Zhixu was weak and powerless. She tried to push Xi Yushao away, but her wrist was grabbed.
Xi Yushao kissed her wrist, his deep voice ringing out, "Ah Xu, you don't want me to use the Miao love potion on you, do you?"
Noticing Sui Zhixu's wary gaze, Xi Yushao chuckled lightly, "Don't worry, I wouldn't go that far."
"But Ah Xu should still listen to me. After all, I still hope our first time will be on our wedding night. What do you think?"
Sui Zhixu stared at him coldly without saying a word. After a while, she turned her head away and closed her eyes.
Xi Yushao's fingertips touched her face, his eyes filled with a smile, and he said slowly, "Ah Xu truly is a wise man who knows when to yield."
"When we get married, your parents will definitely be there, right?"
"You!" Sui Zhixu opened her eyes. "You're threatening me?"
“How can this be called a threat? Getting married is a major life event, and of course I hope our ceremony can go smoothly.” Xi Yushao gently stroked Sui Zhixu’s face, his eyes filled with tenderness. “Ah Xu feels the same way, right?”
A blatant threat.
According to Xi Yushao, Sima Xian, having set out from Miao territory, has already occupied the southern region. Meanwhile, Chang'an has fallen under the leadership of Sima Xian's strategist, Gu Qingyi, and the Emperor and Chaoyang are trapped in the palace.
With my parents trapped in the Sui family home, the entire city of Chang'an is in grave danger.
Sui Zhixu smiled at him, "Of course I'll be a good boy and listen. I'm sleepy, so I won't say anything more."
Sui Zhixu closed his eyes and nestled in Xi Yushao's arms. In his vision, his wife's sleeping face was beautiful, with her squinting peach blossom eyes upturned at the corners, her nose high and straight, and her fair skin seemingly covered with a layer of mist in the night.
Xi Yushao quietly picked up a strand of her hair; his goddess.
Just as Xi Yushao had wished, from then on, Sui Zhixu was very obedient. She would always sit by the window and look out, but she didn't know what she was looking at.
But there was nothing she could do. Xi Yushao wouldn't let anyone near her, and he even personally delivered her meals every day.
Xu knew that there was nothing she could do; she didn't know anyone here except Xi Yushao.
Day after day, Sui Zhixu watched countless sunrises and sunsets.
One day, Sui Zhixu saw another woman outside the window.
Sui Zhixu struggled to hold the window open and peered out. She hadn't seen anyone else in a long time, even though she knew the woman in black probably wasn't from Miao territory.
"Do you have a moment? Could you keep me company for a while?"
"I'm busy."
The woman in black had a calm expression between her brows, revealing neither joy nor anger.
"It'll only be a little while, it won't take up too much of your time." Sui Zhixu was a little exhausted, half of her body slumped by the window, her head hanging in the air, unable to move forward or backward.
"Can...can you help me? I think I'm stuck."
As Xu clearly heard the laughter below, she felt helpless and even felt a faint sense of disgust deep in her heart.
The wind howled, and she lightly stepped forward, easily lifting Sui Zhixu and placing her on the bed.
As Xu Zhixu felt her breathing become easier, she smiled and said, "Thank you."
The woman in black glanced at her and said, "My name is Wen Ke."
Sui Zhixu paused for a moment, "Ke means jade, your name is very beautiful."
Wen Ke gave a faint "hmm," seemingly waiting for her to continue. Sui Zhixu realized something and was about to sit up and speak when she coughed twice.
Wen Ke frowned slightly, hesitated, and finally stepped forward to gently pat her back.
As Sui Zhixu's breathing gradually calmed down, she said softly, "Thank you. My surname is Sui, my given name is Zhixu, and my courtesy name is Ling. You can call me A-Xu or A-Ling."
Wen Ke didn't say anything. After standing a step away and seeing that her breathing had stabilized, she jumped out of the window and left.
"Did they leave again?"
After Xu calmed down, he sighed and rubbed his forehead. "Don't worry," he said, "think about what your mother taught you."
She silently reminded herself that as the child of the head of the Sui family, she had borne the title of young master since childhood and was in charge of family affairs. Her mother's methods were both gentle and firm, and everyone in the clan admired her, even the most respected elders.
She lifted her eyelids to look out the window at the layered mountains. How could she turn the tide in this game? She lowered her eyes in deep thought, her dark eyes beneath her long eyelashes deep and thoughtful.
It's a mountain that's really hard to climb.
After that, Wen Ke would occasionally appear downstairs at Sui Zhixu's place. Her arrivals were always coincidental, occurring when Xi Yushao was not present.
Sui Zhixu peeked out to look at her, but she spoke very little, only occasionally responding.
She could clearly sense that Xi Yushao was getting busier and busier, and he was coming less and less often. When she finally saw Wen Ke, she asked, "Are we leaving soon?"
"Um."
"Chang'an?"
"Well, but in your current state, you can't win. The people in the palace have already given up, so why are you struggling?"
Sui Zhixu clenched her fists, forcing a smile, "Thank you for telling me."
Seeing that she stopped speaking and didn't open her mouth, Wen Ke shrugged. She didn't know why she helped Sui Zhixu. Maybe it was because of a connection, or maybe she just suddenly believed in Cao Ning's good deeds, even though she had been doing good deeds all her life and still hadn't found her home before she died.
"Think about it carefully."
As Xu thought about Chaoyang's choice, she realized that they had known each other since childhood. She didn't believe that Chaoyang, with his pride, would really give up. So there was only one option: to lie low.
Thinking of this, Sui Zhixu calmed down. When Xi Yushao returned late at night, she took his hand and said, "I want to go home."
Xi Yushao clearly saw the tears in the corners of her eyes. In his memory, she was always like a goddess on a high shelf, pure and beautiful.
Possessing all the good things in the world.
Now, her tears have a unique charm. He gently wiped away her tears and said softly, "We can go home tomorrow."
Xi Yushao kept her promise, and that day she boarded the carriage to return to Chang'an.
Along the way, she saw children playing on street corners, vendors hawking their wares, and couples chatting by the roadside... The turmoil in Chang'an could not affect the joy of the common people in the slightest. No matter how high the imperial court was, all ordinary people ever needed was a peaceful life.
"Don't they look very happy?"
Sui Zhixu stared blankly out the car window, ignoring Xi Yushao's hand on her shoulder. Was she happy?
Maybe.
Such is the way of the world; some are happy while others are sad. The people of Jingzhou have no happiness, only a living hell.
As they approached Chang'an, Sui Zhixu became increasingly depressed. Xi Yushao thought she was feeling homesick and asked if she needed Wen Ke to keep her company.
"unnecessary."
As Sui Zhixu sat in his inn room, he closed his eyes to rest. He could still feel the chaos that had just set off downstairs. The innkeeper, who was too cautious to open the door to welcome guests, and the people fleeing from Chang'an in a panic on the official road—all of this was in stark contrast to the outside world.
Xi Yushao's return so readily suggests that Sima Xian must be in complete control. Considering Wen Ke's words, Sima Xian must have already declared himself emperor.
How could he tolerate his parents who had been suppressing them all along, just because of Xi Yushao?
Sui Zhixu clutched the powder in her hand. These past few days, while Xi Yushao was away, she had gone to great lengths to trick Wen Ke into turning off the sleeping potion in the incense for her, and she had taken some of it for herself.
Whether she can run or not depends on it.
When Xi Yushao entered the room at night, she was sitting by the window. She casually poured herself a glass of water, but Xi Yushao did not take it. Instead, he took another glass and poured water. The moment he drank it, Xi Yushao realized something was wrong, but the drug was too strong. Before he could even cry out, he had already fainted on the table.
Sui Zhixu clapped her hands, her expression indifferent. She had smeared the medicine on the cup, and no matter which one he chose, he would be affected.
These days, Xi Yushao has stopped giving her medicine, but her body is still weak. Now she is only able to walk, but she coughs every few steps.
A dark glint flashed in Sui Zhixu's eyes; he would not be a gentleman if he did not avenge this wrong.
The most urgent thing now is to get out of here. She remembers that there is a forest behind the inn, which is secluded enough.
Sui Zhixu took the rope off the bell on the bed early in the morning. She opened the window, checked that no one was around, and then threw the rope down.
The moment he landed, Sui Zhixu's legs went weak, and he collapsed to the ground.
"hiss--"
As Xu cried out, she opened her palm and saw that the sharp stones had cut her palm, leaving streaks of blood. The wounds stung painfully, but she couldn't care less about that now. She grabbed a shawl and wrapped it around her hand, then stumbled away from the place as quickly as possible.
She had witnessed the power of the drug, but she was afraid that someone would suddenly come looking for Xi Yushao. She needed to hurry, even faster. Once she got to Chang'an, Xi Yushao would definitely trap her in the house again.
Who wants to marry him?
Sui Zhixu stumbled and ran into the forest. Next to the inn outside the city should be the estate of the Cheng family, the Marquis of Wu'an.
As soon as she stepped into the property, she saw numerous patrolling people in front of the gate, and she hid in the dense bushes.
Layers of black-clad guards surrounded the manor, maintaining tight security. The manors in this area were all owned by wealthy families, and many came to hunt and ride horses there during the dead of winter; Sima Xian had actually sent men to monitor them.
His forces weren't enough to control Chang'an; there were so many more outside the city. Which minister in the court was he colluding with, working together from within and without?
Sui Zhixu turned and quietly left. She couldn't go; going there now would be tantamount to walking into a trap.
But given the current situation, how can she enter Chang'an?
Two days ago, a heavy snow fell in Chang'an. The world was vast and white. Her frail body walked through the snow-covered forest, feeling lonely and desolate. The whistling cold wind stung Sui Zhixu's face like a knife.
As Xu leaned against the thick tree trunk, the cold wind choked her throat, causing intense itching, and she couldn't help but cough.
"Cough cough—"
"Hurry up and look for her! She must be somewhere nearby!"
Sui Zhixu's eyes widened. How could it be so fast? She looked around and saw a carriage approaching in the distance. She ran towards the carriage and realized it was a caravan returning at the end of the year.
The tall caravan emblem fluttered in the air, and she frowned involuntarily, her hand gripping the dagger tightly in her sleeve. It was actually the caravan of Fan Lingzhang, the owner of Yunlai Tower. She had never had any dealings with him before.
With no other option, Xu Zhixu circulated his internal energy, disregarded the others' attempts to stop him, climbed onto the carriage, and placed the dagger against Fan Lingzhang's neck inside the carriage.
"What are you doing, my lady? We have no grudge against each other, why are you drawing your knife on our first meeting?"
Fan Lingzhang smiled broadly, showing no sign of panic at being held hostage, as Xu pressed the dagger against his neck. "Enough nonsense! Draw away the people outside, or I'll kill you!"
“That…is natural.” Fan Lingzhang narrowed his eyes, making his handsome features appear even more dashing.
Sui Zhixu frowned. He lifted the carriage curtain and gave instructions to the servants. After they left, he asked rather considerately, "Would you like to hide in the space below for a while, Miss Sui?"
Sui Zhixu glanced at him a few times and said, "You'd better keep your word, or you'll lose your life."
"nature."
As Xu lowered himself to hide below, Xi Yushao indeed came to investigate. He lifted the curtain, and Fan Lingzhang's voice rang out the next step.
"Does the playboy even want to check my carriage? This is truly heartbreaking."
"So it's Master Fan. I heard that Master Fan is quite knowledgeable in calligraphy and painting, and has a good relationship with Wang. He even closed a big deal a few days ago. If Wang hadn't been short of a suitable woman, Master Fan might have become the son-in-law of the Sima family."
Fan Lingzhang laughed loudly, "I am not worthy of your name. I am just a businessman, doing some small business. I don't have much foresight, unlike Mr. Xi, who could have foreseen that the Prince of Xuanping would move into the Daming Palace."
Xi Yushao chuckled twice before casually asking Fan Lingzhang if he had met any other people.
"Who is it? If you need help, I would be happy to lend a hand."
Seeing that he didn't seem to be faking it, and considering the relationship between Fan Lingzhang and Sima Xian, Xi Yushao had no choice but to stop.
"Sorry to bother you."
Fan Lingzhang wasn't angry. He waved his hand and said, "What's wrong with that? If you have something to say, please speak up. I know some people in Chang'an."
Xi Yushao's lips twitched slightly, but he didn't answer. He got off the carriage with a smile on his face.
After the person left, Fan Lingzhang knocked on the partition and pulled the person out.
Xu felt dizzy and weak. That damned Xi Yushao must have gotten some weird drug from somewhere; whenever she used her internal energy, she would end up like this.
Fan Lingzhang instinctively helped her up and settled her into a seat.
"Feel sorry."
Sui Zhixu gripped the dagger tightly in her hand. Fan Lingzhang looked at her frail appearance but was surprised to find that she was quite strong. Unable to pull it away, he gave up and covered her with his cloak.
"Don't worry, I won't abandon you halfway."
Although Xu's eyes were glazed over and her body remained wary, Fan Lingzhang knew she wouldn't believe him. He smiled, a smile that was unrestrained and blatant.
"If you don't believe me, then don't believe me." Fan Lingzhang lifted the curtain, and Sui Zhixu, thinking he was about to expose himself, instantly thrust the dagger in his hand towards him.
Fan Lingzhang nimbly dodged it. He said with a hint of helplessness, "I didn't mean to abandon you, I just wanted them to hurry up and catch the carriage."
Sui Zhixu collapsed onto Fan Lingzhang. Fan Lingzhang raised his hand, his ear tips turning red, his eyes darting around, not daring to look at Sui Zhixu at all.
Fan Lingzhang successfully brought Sui Zhixu back to Chang'an and into the Fan family. He then sent a maid to help Sui Zhixu away.
"My lady, you are now staying at my home. I will send someone to inform the young master of Puyang. To be honest, although I am just a merchant, I have great respect for the head of the Sui family and the Prime Minister. I still hope for stability in the court."
Xu felt dizzy and disoriented, as if she was about to explode. She couldn't hear what Fan Lingzhang was saying at all, and she felt like she was going to die.
The next second she fainted.
"Mother! Mother!"
The dream was like the ebb and flow of the tide. In the dream, she saw someone's eyes. The indifferent gaze was like the cold seawater that drowned her. She was drowning in the sea and called out, but there was no response. She could only let the seawater drown her. In the last second before she could breathe, she suddenly realized whose eyes they were. They were Jiang Li's eyes.
Indifference, even a detached silence, seemed to contain a hidden sense of disgust.
Her heart ached terribly, even though she and Jiang Li were complete strangers.
But she wouldn't understand, or rather, she was already drowning in the ocean before she even understood, unable to extricate herself.
"Ah Ling, Ah Ling, wake up."
As soon as Xu opened her eyes a crack, the bright sunlight streamed into them, and she instinctively closed them again.
"Ah Ling, you're awake!"
She seemed a little dazed and asked uncertainly, "Senior brother?"
Sui Zhixu slowly stood up and looked at Puyang Kai in front of her. "Why are you here?"
Puyang Kai recounted what had happened. He had just entered officialdom, and Sima Xian hadn't paid much attention to him.
Meanwhile, Sui He and Cong Lan were imprisoned in an attempt to persuade them to surrender.
Sima Xian seized control of the court; those powerful and influential figures in Chang'an who submitted to him were spared, while those who resisted were killed.
He outwardly pretended to obey the Sima family, but secretly he kept sending messages to the emperor and princess who were heading to Jinling.
"Ah Ling, your body." Pu Yangkai placed his hand on her thin shoulder. "You've suffered these past few days."
"How am I feeling?" Sui Zhixu coughed twice, then his heart skipped a beat. "Tell me the truth."
"I brought Xia Liaozhu here, let her tell you herself."
As soon as Xu Taohua's eyes darkened, she hummed in agreement. Not long after, Puyang Kai invited Xia Wan in.
"Young Master."
"Aunt Xia."
Xia Wan looked heartbroken. She hugged Sui Zhixu, and the usually calm and collected doctor, who was engrossed in her research, burst into tears. "Ah Ling, your body will probably stay like this forever."
She cried out, but couldn't help coughing, "What!"
Over the years, Xu has shed his childishness and spoiled nature, becoming increasingly calm and indifferent, and rarely gets angry like this.
“Your pulse is heavy, indicating severe deficiency. Furthermore, your internal energy has caused your meridians to flow backward, further depleting your foundation. I have temporarily sealed your internal energy, but regarding your body, I have searched through medical books and classics, and not a single prescription records your symptoms from the Miao medicine. There is only one Miao martial arts manual that mentions it, but it has been lost for a long time.”
Sui Zhixu found it hard to believe that this was her current situation. She started learning poetry at the age of three, became a well-known child prodigy in Chang'an at the age of five, and completed her studies at Shanhai Academy at the age of fifteen. In the same year, her flood control strategy was put into practice. She was not only a brilliant writer but also a master of martial arts. Who did not know that she was a genius?
How could she accept that she would have to spend the rest of her life with such a frail body to face everything?
"Ah Ling".
“I’m fine, Aunt Xia.” Sui Zhixu raised her head and said with unwavering determination, “I’m fine, I want to be alone for a while.”
If Xia Wan had stayed just a moment longer, she would have discovered that all of Sui Zhixu's pretense, all her strength, and all her composure would crumble utterly in the next second.
Sui Zhixu gripped the bedsheet tightly. How could she not hate? She hated this fate, hated this world, and hated herself.
Why couldn't she have been more careful? Why did she have to disappear right when Jingzhou was in the midst of this catastrophe? What will happen to the people of Jingzhou? What will happen to her clansmen in Jingzhou?
How should they view her? Do they think their young master has run away, abandoned them, and left them behind, watching helplessly as they sink deeper and deeper into a hellish abyss?
Xia Wan walked out of the room and shook her head at Pu Yangkai.
“Ah Ling, she…”
She wanted to be alone.
Puyang Kai lowered his eyes, his face somber. The inner torment was gradually eroding him; he could no longer pretend, he couldn't maintain a nonchalant demeanor in front of Xi Yushao and the other culprits.
He went mad the day after Ah Ling disappeared.
In her youth, Sui Zhixu was always aloof and arrogant, and she was the best in everything, whether it was playing the zither, chess, calligraphy, painting, poetry, singing, or riding, archery, or martial arts.
Pu Yangkai sometimes wondered if his words had any meaning for her. He wasn't her, so he had no way of knowing, but as he looked back through the river of memories, her vibrancy, her pride, and her brilliance were all etched in his mind.
He had no hometown, but he found his hometown.
She is his hometown.
He was willing to worship her for all eternity, wishing her freedom to roam the world. How dare Xi Yushao destroy her and drag her down to earth? No, he was unworthy.
No one deserves it.
"I wonder if Lady Sui is here?"
Zhou Changyuan sat in a wheelchair, and his wife Chu Zhao pushed him in from behind.
Fan Lingzhang, leaning against the door, looked helpless. His doorstep had suddenly become so sought after.
Sui Zhixu, dressed in plain clothes, pushed open the door and asked in a calm tone, "Is there anything I can do for you, General Weiyuan?"
"I just came to visit you." Zhou Changyuan sighed softly. "There are so many helpless situations in this world, and I can't truly understand what you're going through. Even so, I still think of you and always want to come and see you."
"As far as I know, neither the Sui family nor my father had much interaction with General Weiyuan. I am unworthy of such a deep friendship."
Puyang Kai tried to help her up, but she dodged him.
After hearing his words, Zhou Changyuan was not angry or annoyed. Instead, he looked at her with a gaze that was almost pitying and helpless, kind and gentle, as if they were not meeting for the first time, but rather an elder and a junior who had known each other for many years.
He spoke slowly, "So you had already made your choice."
Zhou Changyuan chuckled self-deprecatingly.
She fell, but she appeared to be unharmed.
He thought, "Isn't this a kind of destiny?"
When the chessboard of destiny is truly in your own hands, every choice of every piece becomes extremely important.
Fate and choices complement each other.
Chu Zhao pushed him out, but Liu Ruofufeng's body didn't look like it could move him at all.
Why did you come looking for this child?
“It’s fate, it’s my intuition.” Zhou Changyuan held her hand. “I really hope you… promise me, at least this time, don’t cry anymore, okay?”
Chu Zhao didn't take it to heart; she pushed her wheelchair along the deserted avenue.
After the person left, Fan Lingzhang spoke up, "I know some people from Medicine King Valley in the martial arts world. I wonder if they can help with your wife's illness."
"Thank you." Sui Zhixu smiled faintly, and Fan Lingzhang's ears turned red as he quietly turned his head away.
"Senior brother, I want to talk to you about something."
...
Puyang Kai revealed the remaining manpower of the Sui family in Chang'an. It was at that moment that Sui Zhixu learned that the crisis in Jingzhou had been resolved thanks to Xi Yushao's efforts.
The culprit turned out to be a hero who saved the world.
Sui Zhixu's lips curled into a mocking smile. "Do as I say, and send a message to Chaoyang. She'll know."
Pu Yangkai silently added one more thing to his plan.
With the Sui family and many other families in Chang'an under lockdown, it will be no easy task for Sui Zhixu to rescue Sui He, Cong Lan, and the others.
"Don't worry, the teacher is not only the head of all officials, but also highly respected by scholars throughout the land. The head of the family is quite famous among the aristocratic families, and Sima Xian will not easily touch them."
"I know." Sui Zhixu waved his hand. "I still need you to contact Uncle Chu, cough cough—"
Pu Yangkai helped her up, saying, "You should rest for a while. I'll go get your medicine."
Sui Zhixu nodded slightly, his eyes unfathomable.
The plan proceeded as scheduled, and Sima Xian ordered the Court of Imperial Sacrifices to offer sacrifices to the former crown prince, his father.
On that day, the Sui family and Pei family, along with other loyal officials, caused a disturbance in the streets of Chang'an. Sui Zhixu dispatched Liu Lü with men to the Ministry of Justice prison to rescue Sui He and Cong Lan.
"Why haven't they arrived yet?" Sui Zhixu, who was hiding in the carriage outside the city gate, kept lifting the curtain. It was already half an hour later than expected, and she couldn't help but feel anxious.
"Senior Brother!" Sui Zhixu's heart sank when he saw Puyang Kai riding towards him, his body stained with blood.
She lifted the curtain and went out.
Puyang Kai stopped his horse beside her, wiped the blood off his face, and said, "I'm fine. It's not my blood; it's Xi Yushao's."
Sui Zhixu's eyelashes trembled slightly. "He's dead?"
"Yes, let's give him a taste of his own medicine. With the help of Master Xia, how can we not kill him?"
"Thank you." After being sullen for many days, Sui Zhixu finally showed a genuine smile.
Seeing her happy made Puyang Kai happy too.
"I wonder when Father and Mother will arrive?"
"Master Chu has gone ahead to rescue the patriarch and teacher. Let's wait a little longer."
Sui Zhixu smiled slightly and gave a faint reply.
In the depths of winter, the northern winds lack the lingering warmth of spring, the sweltering heat of summer, and the crispness of autumn; they sweep across the Central Plains like a blade tempered with ice.
"It's too cold outside, go and warm up in the carriage for a while."
Sui Zhixu shook his head. "I can't rest easy."
The north wind howled, and time passed little by little. Puyang Kai couldn't help but frown as Chu Feixuan's figure flashed in the distance.
The roar shook the snow off the roadside trees. "Hurry up!"
Xu immediately urged the driver, "Turn around quickly."
She clenched her fists. In the distance outside the carriage curtain, Chu Feixuan was dressed in blood, but her father, mother, and Liu Lü were nowhere to be seen.
Chang'an's figure gradually disappeared into the distance, while the archers behind Chu Feixuan continued their pursuit, their long arrows slicing through the cold wind with unstoppable force.
"Protect the lady and retreat immediately." Puyang Kai realized something was wrong and ordered his followers.
After a long and arduous journey, only managing to escape them far from Chang'an, Chu Feixuan gasped for breath, "We've fallen into a trap. The patriarch and the others aren't in the Ministry of Justice prison at all. Liu Lü... hasn't come out."
Chu Feixuan was hit by an arrow in the shoulder and an arrow in the abdomen, indicating the perilous situation he was in.
Xia Wan came out of the house. Since she had no martial arts skills, she left Chang'an first.
"How did you get so badly injured? The patriarch and the others..." Xia Wan couldn't bring herself to say it, so she could only tell her attendants to take Chu Feixuan away to treat his injuries.
Knowing that Xu remained silent, Puyang Kai wanted to say something, but he didn't know where to begin.
Late at night, Puyang Kai saw that the light in her room was still on, so he knocked on the door and entered.
Seeing her still at her desk, he asked, "Why aren't you resting yet?"
Puyang Kai saw a bowl full of medicine on the desk. He reached out and touched the bowl, but it was already ice cold.
He frowned. "The medicine's gone cold. I'll go heat it up for you."
"No need, it won't make a difference if I eat one or two more meals." Sui Zhixu slumped into the chair and pinched the bridge of his nose.
"No, your body..."
"It'll always be like this, won't it?"
Puyang Kai was speechless.
Sui Zhixu didn't want to say more, and waved her hand impatiently, "You can go down now, I want to be alone for a while."
“No, you need to take your medicine,” Puyang Kai said. “Your health is more important at a time like this. You need to see your plans come to fruition before you can feel at ease, right? Besides, the patriarch and your teacher are waiting for you.”
"Feel sorry."
Pu Yangkai shook his head, "Why should you be the one apologizing? I'll go and warm it up for you."
...
Can't we win?
Sui Zhixu frowned. She had done so much over the years, starting from Jinling and setting up camps outside Chang'an. Why did Sima Xian always manage to avoid danger unscathed, as if heaven was on his side?
"Ah Ling, the dynasty has changed."
Outside the city, in the military camp, Chaoyang stood in front of Sui Zhixu, dressed in armor, even though she had only recently given birth.
Sui Zhixu looked at the chessboard on the table and realized that he was wrong by a single move.
"No, no," she murmured to herself, unsure whether she was speaking to her or to herself.
"Ah Ling, Princess." Puyang Kai lifted the tent flap, his expression hurried, and in an instant, he knew that something was wrong.
"What's wrong?"
"My teacher just committed suicide for his country. His body was pushed off the city wall by them. We've already sent people to retrieve it. As for his wife, there's no trace of her." Pu Yangkai's voice choked with emotion. Cong Lan was his mentor. A teacher for a day is a father for life. He had long regarded Cong Lan as his father.
As Xu staggered, he cried out, "Father?"
Fu Mingguang's furious roar could be heard from inside the tent: "If you can't find it, go find it! What do you mean 'no trace'?! What are you standing here for? Get out there and go find it!"
Her head hurts terribly.
It shouldn't be like this.
Although you claim to be a genius with unparalleled wisdom and infallible strategies, every step you take now is wrong.
Xie Xian and Xie Yu died in battle, their father passed away, their mother went missing, and countless civilians and soldiers perished.
"Ah Ling, calm down."
Sui Zhixu looked up at him and asked, "Will you die too?"
Pu Yangkai was taken aback for a moment, then helped her up and said seriously, "I can't."
Cong Lan committed suicide before the army, upholding his integrity. Soldiers stood solemnly on both sides of the field, while soldiers outside carried Cong Lan's body back on a platform.
As she approached him amidst cries of "May the Prime Minister rest in peace!", she knelt down and slowly lifted the white cloth. Her once charming face was now pale and lifeless, with traces of blood still fresh on her fair cheeks.
When she saw the deep-to-shallow wound on Cong Lan's neck, she could no longer hold back her scalding tears, which streamed down her face.
“Father…”
Although Cong Lan enjoys cooking, he is not a martial artist.
"You're so reckless, your mother will hate you."
The snow crystals left a cool touch on Sui Zhixu's forehead, and the melting snow flowed down along with her tears.
Sui Zhixu buried his head in Cong Lan's body, his cries like the long cry of a wild goose, "Father!"
The bells and drums sounded mournfully, and white banners fluttered in the wind. The world is vast; whether snow falls anywhere is unknown. Perhaps Chang'an is covered in snow, while in distant Jingzhou, the sky is clear and bright.
But the scene and the people before her eyes, along with the repeated cries of "Farewell, Prime Minister," were forever etched in her heart, impossible to erase.
The Emperor stood wearily in the center of the camp, his face full of sorrow. "The Prime Minister has actually passed away before me."
Did he reminisce about the past, recalling the mutual respect between the young ruler and his subject, and the years of working together? Xu didn't know; she only knew that from now on, she would no longer have her father.
"Ah Ling, slow down..."
"When you grow up, don't always cling to your mother..."
"No matter how unruly my children are, I will always be there to support them. As long as I live, you don't need to worry about me."
"Be careful on your journey to Jingzhou."
...
He spoke out for the common people, died for his country, and his name will be remembered in history.
He did it.
As Xu felt waves of sharp pain in her heart, the white banners and swirling snow blended together. Her hand landed on Cong Lan's cold chest, the wind and snow freezing her numb.
Puyang Kai helped the dazed Sui Zhixu to her feet. "A-Ling, let your teacher be buried."
Since Xu couldn't hear anything from the outside world, Puyang Kai could only wait for her and give her instructions for what to do next.
Puyang Kai agreed to Sui Zhixu's request, but he died for her.
Yesterday's vows remain, today Sima Xian launches his attack.
The Qi army suffered heavy losses: Chu Feixuan was seriously injured, General Zhou Changyuan was crippled in both legs, General Huaihua and many other generals died in battle, and the prime minister died for his country. One after another, these events dealt blows to the Qi army, which suffered repeated defeats. Sima Xian seemed to have received divine assistance.
Da Qi had no choice but to retreat. During the retreat, it was even more difficult for the sickly Xu. Even though Chao Yang sent people to protect her, arrows were still aimed at her.
"Ah Ling, watch out!"
With a "thud," Puyang Kai shielded her from an arrow, which struck her right in the heart.
"Senior brother! Senior brother!" Sui Zhixu turned around and hugged the fallen Puyang Kai. His body suddenly felt heavy, and the tender light in his eyes became even more reluctant to let go.
His bloodied lips opened and closed, "Don't cry, I'm sorry, I broke my promise."
Sui Zhixu shook her head, her voice choked with emotion, "No, no."
Almost everyone in the Sui family was gone, and her gyrfalcon had died while searching for Cheng Yu and Sui Chuke. She had nothing left.
"Don't die, you promised me, please... Where's the hemostatic medicine? Wait a minute, I have some on me, I'll put some medicine on you, I'll put some medicine on you..."
Puyang Kai forced a smile and gently wiped away the tears from Sui Zhixu's eyes. "I can finally touch you openly and honestly. I... I've been waiting for this day for so long."
"My lady, let's go quickly." The guard beside her shielded her from the arrows while urging Sui Zhixu to hurry.
Before she knew it, tears streamed down her face. She suddenly felt that life had no meaning; her health had already collapsed, and her loved ones had passed away one after another…
"What are you standing there for? Hurry up and go!" At the critical moment, Fu Mingguang grabbed Sui Zhixu and held her in his arms. With her current strength, she really couldn't move.
Puyang Kai smiled, as if bidding farewell.
It's a bit of a shame that she didn't get to say her last words. But it's alright, at least she's alive.
He never actually said those words, "I love you, A-Ling."
Since the day Puyang Kai died, Sui Zhixu has remained silent.
Chaoyang was also exhausted, both physically and mentally. Her young daughter was still an infant. During the day, she handled military affairs and discussed the next steps with the emperor and ministers. She could only see her once in the middle of the night.
"Ah Qiao, she's already asleep." Chu Shize hugged her from behind.
Chaoyang closed his eyes and whispered, "Thank you for your hard work."
Chu Shize shook his head, "Compared to matters of state, I'm just taking care of my daughter."
"Today I sent people to retrieve the body of the young master of Puyang. Half of it was bitten off by wild beasts last night, but it was too late. I'm really afraid something happened to A-Ling. She looks..." Chaoyang sighed heavily, at a loss for words in the current situation.
"If I die, our children won't survive either."
Fu Mingguang became irritable because he couldn't find Sui He's whereabouts.
Months later, the Great Qi was defeated, and Princess Chaoyang committed suicide in front of the army. The words spoken that night became a self-fulfilling prophecy. Chu Shize, a scholar with a child, had no chance of survival; Sima Xian wanted to exterminate them all.
Fu Mingguang, carrying the half-dead Sui Zhixu Guishun, finally found Sui He's figure, but unfortunately, it was just a skeleton.
No one knows the cause of her death.
With Cong Lan dead, Sima Xian urgently needed to stabilize the literati of the land, and he could not kill Fu Mingguang as well.
Fu Mingguang was aware of this, which is why she became even more reckless.
In the imperial court, she dared to openly provoke Sima Xian, saying, "Sui He died under mysterious circumstances, yet he still wants the aristocratic families to submit. What a fool's dream."
Sima Xian ignored her, which emboldened her to take the initiative. "I'd like to ask Lady Gu, how did Sui He die right under your nose?"
"Or perhaps Lady Ye? It can't be the Princess Consort, can it?"
Time and again, Fu Mingguang's words were met with silence in the court.
For some reason, Sima Xian, who was at the head of the court, did not stop it. All morning, the ministers were trembling with fear until the shouts to end the court were heard, and only then did they feel relieved.
In the imperial study, Sima Xian's expression was sharp. If it weren't for stabilizing the fortune, he would have really wanted to kill Fu Mingguang as well. He didn't expect that Fu Mingguang was also a person of merit, a truly diligent and conscientious imperial tutor who petitioned for the people.
Fu Mingguang suffered great injustice for the people. Although she was blinded by revenge and became ruthless, she dedicated herself to justice for many years and stood at the forefront of the storm countless times to protect the wronged people, accumulating immense merit.
Sima Xian was at a loss for what to do with her for the time being.
Fu Mingguang searched the world for famous doctors to treat Sui Zhixu's health.
All to no avail.
Fan Lingzhang brought the physicians from Medicine King Valley to visit him, but he shook his head at Fan Lingzhang.
Outside, the doctor said, "Her pulse is already as weak as a thread. Even with the best care and nurturing, she is unlikely to live more than five years. Now that her inner turmoil is unresolved, she may live at most a year, or at least... there is no hope of saving her."
His face unusually darkened. "Is there absolutely no way?"
"Zirong, you've fallen for her, which isn't a good thing. She doesn't have long to live, so you'd better give up on this idea as soon as possible."
"Stop talking nonsense, I'm asking you if you have a solution?"
"If I had a solution, would I not tell you?"
Fan Lingzhang stayed by Sui Zhixu's side until the end. He had to admit that he had indeed fallen in love with someone who was destined to die.
No matter what he does, it's useless.
In mid-May, the jasmine in Lingnan was in full bloom this year. Fan Lingzhang specially asked for several pots of fresh flowers and picked out the jasmine that he considered the most perfect.
Jasmine, Mo Li.
Even if Fan Lingzhang knew that Sui Zhixu probably wouldn't have time to spare for him now, he would still dedicate his life to her.
Before leaving, Fan Lingzhang looked at himself in the mirror, his brows furrowed. "It seems the previous outfit looked better."
Afu: "My dear husband, you've been changing your clothes for almost an hour. At this rate, we won't see Sui Niangzi until it's dark."
"What do you know?" Fan Lingzhang took the clothes from his hands. "If your wife is sick, looking at such gloomy things will only make her feel worse."
"Alright, alright, but I must remind you, it will be noon in half an hour. Do you think Lord Fu will invite you to stay for a meal?"
Fan Lingzhang: "..." He didn't think so. If he hadn't found someone from Medicine King Valley, Fu Mingguang would never have allowed him to get close to the Fu residence.
“Then take this cherry red one, and bring me my emerald jade pendant.”
Fan Lingzhang dressed neatly and brought a bouquet of bright white jasmine flowers to visit the family.
How is my wife today?
The maid of the Fu family shook her head, then nodded. "Madam spilled the medicine this morning, but I brewed another bowl and she drank it. She fell asleep soon after."
Fan Lingzhang nodded slightly, thinking that since it was close to noon, Sui Zhixu should have woken up by now, and his arrival was just in time!
The maid knocked on the door. "Madam? Madam?"
"Could it be that the lady hasn't woken up yet?" The maid pushed open the door and saw a white silk ribbon hanging in the air from Sui Zhixu.
"ah--"
Fan Lingzhang immediately turned around, and the flowerpot in his hand shattered with a crash, the flower branches trembling and falling into the soil. He didn't care about the flowers at all, and hurriedly ran over the flowerpot.
The pure white jasmine flowers are stained with soil, and the tender new leaves are crushed to extract sap.
Fan Lingzhang stepped forward, picked her up, and shouted to the maid, "What are you standing there for? Quickly call the imperial physician!"
He placed his fingers near Sui Zhixu's nose step by step, but there was no breath.
"Ah Ling!"
One imperial physician after another arrived, shaking their heads with grave expressions.
She still died.
On the desk was her suicide note. Only after reading it word by word did Fan Lingzhang learn that she was a mischievous and arrogant child who liked to swallow flowers and drink wine, and who would deliberately torment those close to her.
It's hard to imagine that she would eventually hang herself.
“I was harmed by Xi Yushao and trapped in the mountains of Miao territory. Exhausted and weak, I struggled to escape and had no choice but to coerce others for help, but in the end, my country was destroyed and my family perished.”
"I racked my brains to set up traps to save my family, but it was all in vain. I planned a counterattack step by step and finally raised an army to return to Chang'an. However, my relatives and friends were almost all gone. One wrong move and I was left to flee in panic. My whole life was in vain. Now I am just barely surviving."
“As a friend, he died in my place, yet I could not even preserve his remains; as the young master of my family, I have failed the people of Jingzhou; as a woman, I have failed to avenge my parents; as a subject, I have survived the death of my lord, making one mistake upon another.”
“In the dead of night, I dreamt that my relatives and friends were right beside me, and the scenes of my youthful fame were vivid in my mind. Now I have nothing, and I do not know the meaning of life. Rather than clinging to this world with my broken body, I would rather go to the Yellow Springs early. Perhaps I can go faster and see them one last time. The twenty-first day of the fifth month of spring in the late Great Qi Dynasty.”
As Fan Lingzhang loosened his grip, the suicide notes fell to the ground one by one, marking the end of her life.
Aye once told him that death was not scary. He thought he had seen all of life and death in his life, but he couldn't get over the temptation of lovers.
How could he forget? Just reading her suicide note, those few thin pages detailing her simple life, would move him. How much more so having actually met her?
On the same day, Zhou Changyuan passed away. It is said that he was hit by a horse and thrown into the air when he went out. People in Chang'an couldn't help but sigh. As a former member of the imperial family, he had a good ending because of a leg ailment, but he died.
Zhou Changyuan and Sui Zhixu were buried on the same day, but for some reason, it snowed heavily in the summer.
The ground was covered in white snow. Chu Zhao committed suicide for love, adding another splash of color to the world. Only then did she understand his words. It was a pity that she could not do it.
In the small building in Miao territory, Sui Zhixu suddenly woke up from the bed with tears still on her face.
She touched her neck; the dream felt so real. Every second of her suffocation was vivid in her mind, and everything from her life before death was like a revolving lantern spinning in her mind.
This is her past life.
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