Chapter 87 Treading on Snow and Mud: Epilogue
Life is like a fleeting shadow, like a wild goose leaving footprints in the snow.
The dungeon was dark and had no windows.
Not a sliver of moonlight could be seen, nor could the night sky over Zhongjing be clearly discerned.
At the end of the passageway, a few dim candlelight flickered, casting swaying shadows that made the stone walls appear mottled and eerie.
Tang Yu was unusually calm in prison.
There was no fear of death, no worry about fate, and not even a trace of resentment.
Even Xiao Fangliang believed that with Tang Yu's intelligence and talent, since she dared to enter the palace, she must have had a backup plan, or at least some bargaining chips to negotiate with the emperor.
Even if they don't escape unscathed, they certainly won't be here simply to die.
But in fact, from the very beginning, she was there to die.
There was no scheming, no maneuvering, no unnecessary twists and turns.
Today, in the main hall, Emperor Wen of Chu asked her, "Since you have already escaped, why did you come back? Aren't you afraid of death?"
Tang Yu did not answer.
And the answer, besides love, is...
Furthermore, because humans cannot survive solely on rationality.
Recalling her time in Xia Nan, she told Xie Xingzheng that sometimes it's not so bad for people to be a little confused.
Because she once lived in absolute rationality as "Yue Qimeng".
Therefore, I know better than anyone that acting on emotions is not necessarily foolish or muddle-headed.
People can weigh the pros and cons, and they can also be fearless of life and death.
But how to live and how to die were never considerations of life and death for her.
Rather, it's about whether it's worthwhile to have come into this world.
So, on this night, when everyone was finding it hard to sleep.
Tang Yu was in the dungeon, breathing heavily, her brows and eyes relaxed, sleeping more soundly than anyone else.
*
Perhaps only one day has passed.
Or perhaps, two or three days have passed.
When Tang Yu was brought out of the dungeon again, she had a strange feeling of being in another world.
The heavy iron door closed behind her, shutting out the chilling atmosphere behind the stone wall. The light from outside came so suddenly that she subconsciously squinted and paused slightly.
The sunlight was just right in the side hall.
The warm sunlight streamed in through the window, bathing that familiar figure.
Xie Xingzheng, who was not wearing armor, stood in the hall dressed in plain clothes.
In that instant, Tang Yu seemed to forget that she was in the palace, and felt that the scene was quiet, gentle, and utterly threatening.
Xie Xingzheng looked at Tang Yu deeply, as if he saw the light in her eyes and the courage to face death without fear, which was more dazzling than the winter sun.
He felt a very slight pang of annoyance.
I regret that I was so self-righteous, choosing to bear it all alone and abandoning her without my consent.
Now that he had come this far, whether he lived or died, he would never let go again.
The two, who were prepared to die, never expected this.
Fate never follows human plans, but rather goes against everyone's predictions.
Even Emperor Wen of Chu himself.
Last night, there were unusual celestial phenomena, and the celestial master Baihuo cast a divination using astrology.
Ultimately, fate was summed up in one sentence: "Tang Yu can neither die nor live."
Upon first hearing this, Emperor Wen of Chu found it absurd.
If something is neither dead nor alive, isn't it a monster?
Bai Huo didn't say much, but slowly added, "If she dies, the Great Xia will be in chaos; if she lives, the world will still be in turmoil."
"If Your Majesty asks for a way to break this deadlock..."
He raised his head, his gaze clear and calm.
"Then let the world forget that they are still alive."
Emperor Wen of Chu remained silent for a long time, still weighing his options in his mind.
Ultimately, after consulting with his senior officials, he chose to let "Yue Qimeng" die and let "Tang Yu" live.
The Holy Maiden of Nanyue, Yue Qimeng, will die of illness in prison.
The remains were cremated, leaving no trace.
Tang Yu, on the other hand, will be secretly taken to Yunling Mountain and never be allowed to leave.
From then on, he was nameless, without a registered address, and without a place of origin.
She is still alive, but has been completely erased from this world.
Emperor Wen of Chu looked down at Xie Xingzheng.
"This time, the Southern Frontier took the initiative to provoke the war. Now that the flames of war have been reignited, Great Xia no longer needs to tolerate it. I am sending you and Prince An to lead an expedition to the Southern Frontier."
This will be Xie Xingzheng's last battle.
If he returned victorious, Emperor Wen of Chu would allow him to retire from the army and return to his hometown; otherwise, he would only be allowed to die on the battlefield in the southern border region.
In this way, regardless of whether Xie Xingzheng is alive or dead, the royal family can invisibly reclaim some military power and also gain another bargaining chip with the Xie family.
How could Xie Xingzheng not understand?
However, Tang Yu still kowtowed to express her gratitude for Emperor Wen of Chu's magnanimity and trustworthiness this time.
This is the only way out they can get.
Fate never asks about people's wishes; it only pushes them into the unknown.
Even if what lies ahead is forgotten by the world, a war raging with unknown life and death.
But at least they now have the possibility of walking hand in hand.
*
Inside the Tianhua Hall, the stove fire was burning.
The wind whispered outside the hall, and the wind chimes on the eaves tinkled softly. Lu Ya and the Celestial Master sat together in the hall, boiling water and brewing tea.
He held the white jade teacup between his fingertips, took a small sip, and set it down. He patiently waited for Emperor Wen of Chu to release the man, after which he would escort him back to Shu.
Bai Huo's long, slender, fair hands held the bamboo handle as he stirred the tea, his movements unhurried and deliberate. He blended seamlessly with the tranquil atmosphere of the hall, his breathing so light it was almost imperceptible.
Lu Ya's gaze swept over the enormous Wheel of Fate in the hall, which slowly rotated for twelve hours, as if constantly absorbing the cause and effect of the world.
He suddenly chuckled.
“By relying on the word ‘destiny’,” Lu Ya glanced at Bai Huo, “he saved two lives in one fell swoop. The Celestial Master’s heart is a bit too kind.”
Upon hearing this, Bai Huo simply smiled, revealing a serene and otherworldly air.
"It's not because of a kind heart."
He poured boiling water into the kettle, his voice gentle, "It is the fate of all things in the world that is inherently subject to change."
Lu Ya raised an eyebrow: "So, this is their variable?"
Bai Huo looked up at him, her tone calm: "No. It's my variable."
Lu Ya chuckled, "Interesting."
He finished his tea and said sarcastically, "Since fate is full of variables, why bother calculating destiny? Isn't that ridiculous?"
Bai Huo wasn't annoyed; instead, he smiled gently, "Who isn't a little ridiculous?"
He raised his hand to refill Lu Ya's teacup. "Director Lu, you have done me a great favor this time. I will do my best to help you out in the future if needed."
Lu Ya snorted coldly and curled the corners of his lips: "I don't believe in fate and I don't need the help of charlatans."
Bai Huo looked at him, her expression still gentle.
Yes, it will.
Just two words, as light as the wind.
Lu Ya thought he had misheard.
Bai Huo looked out of the palace gate, his gaze passing over the layers of palaces and landing in the distance where no one could see him.
Hopefully, Tang Yu's life, free from constraints, will continue to be filled with happiness.
*
Outside the city gates, cavalry stood in formation, fully armed and ready to go.
With Xie Xingzheng's command, the steed reared up and headed towards the southern border. The wind was heavy and the frost was cold, but he did not look back at Zhongjing even once more, as if he knew that this journey would be one of never returning.
As the mountain gradually disappeared from sight, after a long silence, he couldn't help but speak, "A-Liang."
"Um?"
"Do you think we'll ever see them again?" Wang Shanyue asked.
Yes, it will.
Xiao Fangliang was speaking to him, but also to himself.
Once the army was out of sight, the two finally turned and went back home.
As he walked along the mountain, he asked, "The Emperor has banned you from holding office for two years. What are your plans for these two years?"
Xiao Fangliang said in a calm tone, "I want to go out for a walk."
"Walk around?" Wang Shanyue scratched his head.
“Hmm.” Xiao Fangliang paused. “Look at the mountains and rivers of Great Xia, and remember those forgotten people and events.”
Wang Shanyue's eyes suddenly lit up: "Then why don't you come with my caravan!"
"Look, I know the way, you know the people, and you don't have to worry about food and lodging..."
"No need," Xiao Fangliang interrupted decisively.
"Why?" Wang Shanyue was taken aback.
“It’s too dangerous for you to go alone, and you don’t know any martial arts.” He continued to persuade, “Why don’t you stay with the caravan, just like before? You can still be my brain.”
Xiao Fangliang looked up at him, and suddenly smiled.
You don't need it anymore.
The smile was faint and gentle, carrying a hint of relief.
Wang Shanyue instinctively retorted, "I need it."
Xiao Fangliang shook his head and said gently, "A-Yue, life is just one chapter after another. No one can accompany another person from beginning to end."
Wang Shanyue didn't quite understand what he meant, so he tilted his head.
Xiao Fangliang looked at him and said earnestly, "You've grown a lot."
"Now that I have a girl I like, I shouldn't continue to rely on others."
"I was just worried about you, wasn't I?" Wang Shanyue said, somewhat unconvinced.
Xiao Fangliang chuckled: "Then you should worry about yourself first."
What am I worried about?
“Miss Yiqing is smart and beautiful,” Xiao Fangliang said slowly. “She doesn’t look like the type to like a fool.”
Wang Shanyue: "???"
"You just praised me for growing up!"
"Hmm." Xiao Fangliang nodded and gestured with his hand, "A little bit."
He thought for a moment, then added:
"But not many."
Looking at the mountains: "..."
He struggled for a long time, wanting to refute, but ultimately gave up.
The wind blew across the street the two had walked, stirring up some dust before settling down.
Some people are lifelong friends, but also passersby in a certain part of life.
Their paths begin here, and it's time for them to go their separate ways again.
*
The battle to wipe out the remaining rebels in the southern border brought countless years of peace and stability to the Great Xia Dynasty; no one can say for sure.
But eventually, after several years, the war ended, and everything in the south returned to peace.
The southern border states, thoroughly defeated by the Great Xia, were unlikely to cause any trouble for at least the next ten years.
The people were naturally delighted.
The only regret is that the world will never again have that famous young general.
Xie Xingzheng's life was left on the battlefield in southern Xinjiang, disappearing along with the flames of war.
As time passes, it will one day become nothing more than an old story occasionally mentioned in the streets and taverns.
At this moment, in Yunling Mountain.
Tang Yu was dozing on a branch.
The mountain breeze was cool and dry in late summer, and the air was fresh, so she didn't want to stay indoors.
In the distance, in the courtyard, Father was still hesitating under the tree, wondering whether to dig out the jar of aged wine.
My mother's homemade cooling herbal tea was placed by the window to cool, and the steam seemed to carry the refreshing scent of mint even from a distance.
Does she have any regrets?
Will there be an even happier version of it?
Tang Yu couldn't answer.
She loved traveling the world and that carefree, unrestrained life.
I also like the simple life of eating plain food, doing nothing, and living off the land.
No one, and no life, is without regrets.
But life is like a fleeting shadow, like a wild goose leaving footprints in the snow.
Those past experiences, those memories, still fill her with immense happiness whenever she recalls them…
She gradually fell asleep under the shade of the tree, and only when night fell did she vaguely hear Tang Yang calling for help.
She groggily opened her eyes and peeked out. Tang Yang was waving at her from under the tree.
Tang Yu asked with a smile, "Why are you here?"
Tang Yang said excitedly, "There are going to be fireworks at the foot of the mountain today, so I specially invited you to go watch them."
Tang Yu understood and, holding onto the tree trunk, said, "Hey, I'll jump down now, Yangyang, can you catch me?"
Tang Yang reached out worriedly, saying, "Oh dear! Sister! If you don't know martial arts, don't climb such a tall tree!"
The two bickered and walked to a cliff with a wide view and old pine trees.
Looking up, the moon is bright and the stars are few; tomorrow should be another sunny day.
"I heard from Sister Yiqing that Brother Wang will be coming to Sichuan to deliver goods in the next few days, and he wants me to take him up the mountain to see you."
"Really!" Tang Yu's eyes lit up.
The two had not seen each other for more than half a year. Wang Shanyue was now a capable head镖师 (bodyguard/escort) who could handle things on his own.
Even without Ah Liang by her side, she will no longer be so easily fooled by others.
"I wonder where A-Liang is now?" she suddenly said with a touch of melancholy.
Since their parting in Zhongjing, she only knew that Xiao Fangliang had gone on a journey, and she had never seen him again. A sense of sadness and melancholy arose in her heart.
At that moment, a firework suddenly exploded in the night sky.
Those emotions were instantly forgotten by Tang Yu. She looked up and admired the continuous bursts of brilliant fireworks, which never stopped for several breaths.
Today is not a holiday, but it is probably to celebrate a great victory in battle that such a grand fireworks display is being held.
The people living at the foot of the mountain were also delighted and moved by the beautiful scenery tonight.
In an inn in Sichuan, Xiao Fangliang was drinking tea from a rough porcelain teacup.
Hearing the sound, he looked through the window at the colorful fireworks and a slight smile appeared on his lips.
He thought of the scene of the floating dragon that night, which was just as grand as it was today.
...
On the official road into Sichuan, Wang Shanyue, eager to see his friend, insisted on traveling at night.
Originally, there was only the dim light of candles and the faint glow of fireflies. But suddenly, clusters of colorful halos bloomed in the distant night sky, instantly illuminating the path ahead.
"Someone's setting off fireworks over in Sichuan!" The bodyguards looked up, all looking rather surprised.
"It's not exactly a holiday, is it?" the crowd murmured.
"Perhaps it's a special day in Sichuan, who knows?"
...
In this world, there are thousands of partings and countless encounters.
People always meet unexpectedly, and then part ways.
Fear of loneliness, fear of separation, yet unable to avoid the comings and goings of life.
That's why the unknown reunion seems so touching, and so hard to part with.
But there will always be springtime when flowers bloom, and there will always be times when we meet again.
Just like now, although they have never met, they are looking at the same night sky and the same grand fireworks display.
Where is Xie Xingzheng?
Tang Yu didn't know, she just felt a little longing.
She was unaware that her younger brother had already left.
As the fireworks faded and the night returned to silence, the surrounding environment grew cold.
Somewhat reluctant to leave, I still had to get up and go home.
The moment she turned around, Tang Yu's pupils constricted, and she almost thought it was her imagination.
The person in front of me had a bit of stubble on his chin from rushing around, and looked slightly weathered and tired.
In his hand was a small, lit sparkler, its light so faint it barely illuminated his face.
But Tang Yu remembered every inch of his eyebrows and eyes.
Even though my vision was blurred by tears, it was crystal clear at this moment.
Xie Xingzheng handed her the fireworks and said softly, "It's been so long, I've missed you terribly..."
-End of text-
[Author's Note]
Life is like a fleeting shadow, like a wild goose leaving footprints on snow. — Su Shi, "Remembering the Past at Mianchi with Ziyou"
------
Merry Christmas everyone. There will be a bonus chapter, and it will be updated every other day for now.
My upcoming novel, "Destined for Misfortune," is expected to be released in March or April. I'm currently working on the story and it's about a young, divine doctor named Si Huo.
The tentative text is as follows:
Female protagonist: The rise of a legendary doctor
Male lead: After regaining his memories, the mentally challenged man becomes a scumbag in order to seek revenge, and in the end, he suffers a heartbreaking fall as he tries to win back his wife.
Short version of the copy:
Some people seem to be born with heavier responsibilities than others.
Like the God of Calamity, he is said to be born to bring disaster and needs to save a hundred people with affinity before he can get rid of his troubles.
Perhaps he owed someone a debt of karma in a past life, which is why he got entangled with this big tail after saving Xu Sangyun in this life.
Wandering the world, traveling far and wide, one eventually learns to grow.
Long version of the text:
The Si family, one of the nine prominent families in the martial arts world, has practiced medicine for generations.
Si Huo was born on the day his mother died in childbirth.
The celestial master predicted that this woman was born with misfortune and that she must travel far away before adulthood to save a hundred people, otherwise she would bring disaster upon her entire clan.
When she was ten years old, she almost fell off a cliff while digging for medicinal herbs on the mountain, but was saved by Xu Sangyun, who was brought by her family to seek medical treatment.
Ten years later, the young healer, who had left home to wander the world and practice medicine to help the needy, met someone again, only to find that he had become an idiot.
The God of Calamity was unaware of what had happened to him. Although he hadn't been saved in the past, he should still repay the debt with gratitude.
From then on, a big tail followed her.
Rumor has it that Doctor Si's rules for treating patients have changed. Those seeking his help must first buy candy to appease a silly, clueless "big-tailed" fellow!
Later, she cured the silly big tail, and then he completely forgot about her.
And she became a fox with a severed tail.
It doesn't affect my life, but it does affect my mood.
It's like the candy you couldn't bear to eat; one day, you find it has inexplicably melted away.
After feeling sad, Si Huo finally realized: life is the same no matter how you live it.
But later, that big tail, both clever and foolish, came back crying and begging her:
How could they all be the same!
It's different if you live with me!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com