Chapter 180 When Will He Return? He's clearing the way for her in his own way...
It felt like an endless dream.
In her dream, she saw her junior brother Ahui and her long-lost uncle Cui Miaochang.
It was as if she had returned to Lingbao Temple, going to the mountains to collect herbs with Langxi and the others, and steaming locust flowers with Aunt Liu.
The pot suddenly fell, and the cleaned locust flowers scattered all over the ground.
She heard someone calling her in her dream; the voice was deep.
But she was unable to open her eyes, and in the blink of an eye, she fell into an endless abyss.
My body kept falling in the darkness.
Luckily, someone pulled her back, but she couldn't see his face clearly.
She followed his figure, but when he turned around, it was her junior brother Ahui's face.
In the dream, Ah Hui was wearing a Taoist robe, just like before, and told her to go back.
But where should she go back to?
Ah Hui said, "Qiqi, go back to where you belong. There are many people waiting for you there."
Yu Nie wondered, who was waiting for her?
She wanted to sleep forever, when a voice entered her mind.
He called to her, "My lady, it's time to wake up."
The dream was no longer a falling abyss, but had become a thick fog that hindered her progress.
She ran desperately toward the source of the sound, but her limbs felt like they were filled with lead, and every step was extremely difficult.
Just as she was about to exhaust herself, a dot appeared in the far distance ahead.
A point of light.
It is very small, but very bright.
The call of "wife" was coming from the point of light, growing clearer and clearer.
She ran toward the light, using the last of her strength.
The light grew brighter and brighter, gradually dispelling the surrounding darkness.
Finally, she ran to the light, which was a hazy, warm halo.
She slowly reached out, wanting to touch the warm light, wanting to reach the source of the sound.
Just as she was about to touch the halo, a clear and melodious cry rang out, and golden light burst forth before her eyes, so dazzling that it blinded her instantly.
Immediately afterwards, a magnificent phoenix took flight from the center of the halo.
Its wings burned with golden-red flames, and its long tail feathers swept across the void.
The immense impact hit her head, startling her so much that she took a few steps back and suddenly opened her eyes.
Yu Nie gasped for breath, her chest heaving violently. Each inhale brought a sharp pain, pulling her back to reality from her chaotic dream.
The pain from the body is more real than any bizarre dream.
She instinctively reached out to touch the source of the pain, but as soon as she tried to lift her arm, a tingling, numb, and stiff sensation stopped her movement; it wouldn't obey her commands at all.
She groaned softly, her arm falling limply back to her side. She could only lie on her back in vain, feeling the waves of pain and the burning sensation in her throat.
She moved her eyes, her vision gradually adjusting to the bright light.
What comes into view is a canopy embroidered with peony patterns, and the air is filled with the smell of medicine mixed with the aroma of incense.
This is not Lingbao Temple, but Princess's Residence.
She returned to Jian'an.
"water……"
A hoarse voice, almost unlike her own, struggled to escape from her chapped lips.
"water……"
After calling out twice, Cuiwei, carrying a wooden tray, walked in.
"water……"
Upon hearing this sound, Cuiwei looked toward the bed in disbelief.
She was startled when she saw the person on the bed with their eyes open. The wooden tray in her hand fell to the ground with a clatter, spilling the medicine all over the floor.
"Princess! You...you're awake?!" The next second, tears of joy welled up in Cuiwei's eyes.
She rushed to the bedside, wanting to touch it but not daring to, only excitedly repeating, "You're really awake!"
Yu Nie struggled to focus his gaze and made out the face in front of him.
She opened her mouth, but the dryness and pain in her throat forced her to utter only her most urgent need: "Water..."
"Water? Yes, yes, yes! Water!" Cuiwei suddenly realized what was happening, hurriedly wiped away her tears with her sleeve, and turned to pour water.
At this moment, Song Ai, who had heard the commotion, also hurried in.
"Cuiwei, what happened?" Before Cuiwei could answer, her gaze fell on Yu Nie, who had woken up on the bed. She stopped in her tracks, and then her eyes lit up with great joy: "Your Highness! You're finally awake, Your Highness!"
Song Ai walked quickly to the bedside. Even though she was usually calm and composed, she couldn't hide her excitement at this moment.
She bent down to carefully examine Yu Nie's face and asked with concern, "How are you feeling, Your Highness? Is there anything particularly uncomfortable?"
Yu Nie felt a burning thirst in his throat.
She looked at Song Ai and repeated, "Thirsty."
Song Ai immediately turned around and urged Cuiwei, who was still frantically pouring water, "Hurry up and bring the water."
Then, she carefully sat on the edge of the bed, reached out and gently touched the back of Yu Nie's neck: "Your Highness, let me help you sit up a bit, and drink slowly."
Yu Nie nodded.
As Song Ai moved, the wound on her chest was pulled, and Yu Nie couldn't help but frown and gasp.
Helping her sit down, Song Ai placed a soft cushion behind her to make her more comfortable.
At this moment, Cuiwei also came over with a bowl of warm water.
Her eyes were still red, and she said in a tearful voice, "Your Highness, the water is here."
Yu Nie tugged at the corners of her chapped lips: "I can do it myself."
She raised her somewhat stiff hand, took the cup of warm tea from Cuiwei, lowered her head, and sipped it slowly.
The lukewarm water soothed her parched throat, relieving her discomfort considerably.
Seeing that she could drink water by herself, Cuiwei and Song Ai exchanged a glance, both seeing genuine joy in each other's eyes.
After drinking the cup of water, Yu Nie felt as if he had truly come back to life.
She handed the empty cup back to Cuiwei, and was about to ask how she had returned to Jian'an from Shangjing.
Cuiwei choked back tears as she said, "Princess, you're finally awake! You have no idea how long you've been lying in bed for four months. It scared us all to death."
She was in a coma for four months?
The last memory is the excruciating pain of a sharp blade piercing flesh, and the darkness that sweeps in from all directions.
She wanted to ask something else, but then Cuiwei said, "Fortunately, Senior Dugu was there at the time. You were so badly injured and lost so much blood. It was Senior Dugu who snatched you back from the jaws of death. If it weren't for her, the consequences would have been unimaginable."
Knowing that it was Dugu Loujun who saved her, Yu Nie thought to herself that she really owed her a lot. From dealing with the Jie people to saving her life, every single favor was heavier than Mount Tai.
Yu Nie looked at Cui Wei: "Where is Senior Dugu now?"
Cuiwei replied, "After we returned from the capital last month, Senior Dugu left after seeing that your injuries had stabilized and you were completely out of danger. She said that the world is vast and she was used to traveling around, so it was inconvenient for her to stay for long."
They're gone.
The answer was as expected, yet she was still somewhat surprised.
Even though someone like Dugu Loujun was like a free spirit, she always had some regrets.
Dugu Loujun saved her, pulling her back from the brink of death, and spent a great deal of effort healing her wounds. However, she was not even able to regain consciousness before he left and thank him in person.
This kindness was so profound, yet I didn't even have the chance to thank them in person.
She helped me so much, yet I never even had a proper conversation with her.
Yu Nie lowered her eyes and sighed inwardly.
The journey through life is long and uncertain; I don't know when I'll be able to see her again.
However, the melancholy caused by Dugu Loujun's departure had not completely dissipated when a more pressing and weighty question seized Yu Nie's mind.
She was in a coma for four months.
These four months are enough to bring about earth-shattering changes.
She suddenly raised her head, ignoring the aggravation of her wound, and grabbed Cuiwei's sleeve: "The Xiao family, how is the Xiao family?"
Cuiwei was startled by the fear in her eyes and quickly took her hand in reassuring words, trying to put her at ease: "Princess, don't worry, the rest of the Xiao family are all fine now. When you were seriously injured and unconscious, the Prince Consort handed over the subsequent battle to Generals Fan and Guan, and then carried you away."
Cuiwei said, "We will not implicate women and children in the aftermath. Women and children will be spared and will be relocated."
But as she spoke, Cuiwei lowered her voice: "However, Xiao Daozun, his empress, and many other important members of the imperial family committed suicide on the day the city fell."
He committed suicide to die for his country.
I see.
This is the most common fate for monarchs and loyal ministers who lost their kingdoms. There are countless such records in history books. They wrote the final chapter of the old dynasty with the most resolute attitude.
Rules and integrity—these cold words ultimately became a few lines of ink in history books and the lives that were lost.
The boulder in her heart not only didn't move, but instead weighed on her even more heavily, making it almost impossible for her to breathe.
In the suffocating silence, she suddenly remembered that figure.
That figure with a hearty smile.
She then asked, "And what about Cheng Yan?"
She wanted to know if Xiao Chengyan was still alive.
After he finished speaking, the room fell silent.
Cuiwei and Song Aifei quickly exchanged a glance.
This brief silence made Yu Nie increasingly uneasy.
An ominous premonition enveloped her.
"Where is Cheng Yan?" she raised her voice, her emotions turbulent and her wounds causing her to ignore everything else, staring intently at Cuiwei as she pressed for an answer.
Cuiwei trembled under her gaze and could no longer avoid it, so she lowered her head.
In an almost inaudible whisper, he said, "His Highness Prince Guangning, after confirming that the other women and children of the Xiao family were safe and settled, also refused to compromise and drew his sword to commit suicide."
As the last syllable of "Cuiwei" faded, Yu Nie felt a buzzing sound in her ears, and her mind went blank.
Cheng Yan, who had taken her sightseeing when she was lonely, Cheng Yan with his bright eyes, ultimately... ultimately, also chose such a resolute path.
He did not die on the battlefield, nor at the execution ground, but after everything had settled down, he used his sword to uphold the dignity of the Xiao royal family.
After a long while, two lines of clear tears slid down her face without warning, dripping onto the brocade quilt along her pointed chin.
Song Ai couldn't bear it and gently comforted him, "Your Highness, you have just recovered from your serious injuries. You must not be so sad and shed tears, as it will only deplete your vital energy."
She took out a handkerchief and wiped away Yu Nie's tears.
Cuiwei, her eyes red, chimed in, "Yes, Princess, perhaps... perhaps it's a kind of relief for Prince Guangning to make this choice. If he were alive, witnessing the change of dynasties would probably be torture for him every day."
Yu Nie's tears flowed fiercely.
Seeing her crying so sadly, Cuiwei was anxious and tried to change the subject, deliberately making her tone a little lighter: "Princess, don't be sad. You don't know, during the time you were unconscious, His Majesty issued an edict to reward those who had made contributions, and you were granted the title of Princess and given a fief of ten thousand households. All the soldiers in this battle were also rewarded. General Fan and General Zheng were promoted."
Yu Nie seemed not to hear.
Princess, fiefdom of ten thousand households—these honors that others would covet are now as meaningless to her as dust.
She was overwhelmed with grief at the loss of her friend, and for a time, she was unable to control her sorrow.
After crying for a while, she raised her tear-filled face and asked, "Where is the prince consort?"
All she wants to do right now is see him.
In this moment overwhelmed by grief, when she felt icy cold, she instinctively wanted to find him.
"Where is the Prince Consort now?"
Upon hearing this question, Cuiwei and Song Ai's eyes were filled with hesitation and difficulty.
Finally, Song Ai stepped forward, speaking very softly, and said in a low voice, "Your Highness, the Prince Consort... has already set off to return to the Northern Frontier after you were out of danger."
Yu Nie was suddenly stunned.
He left before she woke up and before her future was uncertain?
A feeling of loss and bitterness quietly spread through her, making her feel even worse than the wound in her chest.
She lowered her eyelashes, concealing the turbulent emotions in her eyes, her lips growing even paler.
Song Ai added softly, trying to comfort her: "The northern frontier has just been pacified, and it is indeed necessary for an important minister like the Prince Consort to be stationed there. I think that once the border is more stable, the Prince Consort will definitely return as soon as possible."
Yu Nie remained silent.
return?
When will I return?
During the four months she was in a coma, the outside world was turned upside down. He was far away in the northern frontier, separated from her by thousands of mountains and rivers, and... countless people and things that had already passed away.
Seeing that she was in low spirits, Cuiwei and Song Ai didn't know what to do.
Just then, Sui En came to announce: "Your Highness, Supervisor Gu is outside requesting an audience, asking if Your Highness is well today."
Cuiwei seemed to have found a way to break the heavy atmosphere and immediately said, "Princess, Eunuch Gu comes to visit you almost every day, but you haven't woken up for the past few days. Should we invite him in?"
After a moment of silence, Yu Nie raised her eyes again, the tears in them forcibly suppressed.
She nodded.
"Alright, this servant will go and invite the eunuch over right away." Cuiwei said, then left happily.
Yu Nie instructed Song Ai, "Please help me up to change my clothes, Song Juling."
After being in a coma for four months, her injuries have largely healed, and getting out of bed and moving around appropriately will be beneficial for her.
Song Ai replied, "Yes, your subordinate will help you change your clothes right away."
After saying that, she carefully helped Yu Nie to his feet and ordered someone to bring the prepared clothes.
Despite the discomfort from lying down for so long, Yu Nie slowly changed into her usual clothes for receiving guests with the help of the two men, and tidied her slightly messy long hair.
She didn't want to appear in public looking like she was still sick in bed with tears streaming down her face.
Song Ai applied lip rouge to her lips, and that touch of crimson added a bit of life to her pale face.
Once everything was ready, Song Ai carefully helped her walk slowly out of the palace.
Having been bedridden for so long, Yu Nie suddenly felt weak in the legs as she got up to walk. Her feet felt like they were walking on cotton wool, and she needed to rely on Song Ai's strength for every step.
As she was helped out of the palace gate and into the corridor, she was enveloped in a bright and gentle spring light, and she subconsciously squinted her eyes.
After her eyes adjusted to the light, the sight before her made her pause slightly.
Unlike the endless darkness in my dream, nor the desolate autumn chill before my departure.
It turned out that it was already late spring.
The crabapple tree in the courtyard is in full bloom again, with pink and white flowers clustered on the branches like clouds and rosy hues. A gentle breeze carries a sweet fragrance of the flowers.
Several magpies hopped among the branches and leaves, emitting clear and melodious calls.
The afternoon sun was warm but not scorching, and the air was filled with the fresh scent of grass and trees and the rich fragrance of flowers.
Having narrowly escaped death, I awoke to find myself unexpectedly greeted by another vibrant spring.
How could this not be a stroke of luck for her?
Standing under the veranda, Yu Nie let the warm breeze caress her face.
She was overwhelmed with mixed feelings, unsure whether to feel sorrow or joy.
As she gazed intently at the crabapple tree in full bloom, a series of steady footsteps echoed from outside the moon gate of the inner courtyard.
Looking up, one could see Gu Xiangzhi, dressed in a vermilion official robe, walking briskly across the courtyard.
He had clearly spotted her standing under the eaves from afar, quickened his pace, and came to her.
Those phoenix eyes, which always carried a hint of melancholy, now looked at her with a gentler expression.
It had been several months since they last saw each other after parting ways in Jiangling.
His voice was unusually deep and hurried: "You just woke up, why aren't you lying inside?"
Seeing that he was wearing official robes, Yu Nie knew that he must have come from the Imperial Horse Administration.
She shook her head: "If I lie down any longer, I'm afraid I'll really forget how to walk."
"
Gu Xiangzhi: "It's good that you're awake. Is there anything wrong with your body?"
"Apart from the wound still hurting a bit, I'm fine everywhere else," she told truthfully. Then she looked up at the courtyard full of spring scenery and smiled at her, saying, "Xiangzhi, come for a walk with me."
His eyes flickered slightly. She had just recovered from her serious injuries and needed to rest. It was really not advisable for her to overexert herself at this moment.
However, upon meeting her eyes, the words of advice he wanted to say lingered in his throat, but ultimately boiled down to a single, simple word: "Okay."
He lagged slightly behind her, protecting her from the distance of a subject, while never leaving her unsteady steps, ready to reach out to her at any moment when she was exhausted.
The late spring breeze, carrying the delicate fragrance of crabapple blossoms, lingered between the two.
He accompanied her, walking slowly step by step in this spring day after the disaster, the two of them strolling along the pebble path covered with fallen petals.
Gu Xiangzhi said, "I've heard about what happened in the capital." He turned to look at her and said, "You really risked your life this time."
Yu Nie: "The situation was critical at the time, and I couldn't watch him get hurt."
These words acted as a fuse, igniting the resentment that Gu Xiangzhi had been suppressing in his heart.
His tone took on a gloomy sharpness: "He promised to take good care of you, but you ended up getting such a serious injury." He pronounced the word "he" with particular coldness, revealing a clear disapproval.
Hearing the accusation in his words, Yu Nie couldn't help but think of Huan Xun, who had gone to the northern frontier.
He left her alone here, and now that Gu Xiangzhi had pointed it out, that sense of loss and grievance quietly crept into her heart again.
She whispered, "That was just an accident."
Seeing her downcast expression, Gu Xiangzhi assumed she was in a bad mood due to recovering from a serious illness. Unwilling to bring up those heavy matters, he tried to change the subject and say something that might comfort her.
Recalling the changes in the court during this period, he softened his tone and said, "While you have been in a coma, there have been significant changes in the court. His Majesty has issued an edict to bestow upon him the title of Prince of Taiyuan, with the rank of Grand General, and to take charge of both military and political affairs."
The title of Prince of Taiyuan was not lightly bestowed upon anyone other than a close relative of the imperial family or someone who had rendered a great service in protecting the emperor.
Yu Nie was unfamiliar with these titles, but upon hearing this one, he knew it represented a high-ranking official.
His intention was to tell her that the person she had risked her life to protect now held an extremely high and powerful position, which might bring her some comfort.
However, these words had a different meaning to Yu Nie.
The greater the power, the greater the responsibility; the northern frontier... I'm afraid I'll be even more inseparable from it.
Looking at her calm profile, Gu Xiangzhi ultimately refrained from revealing all of his thoughts.
This title was prestigious, but in reality, Zhao Yunfu elevated Huan Xun to an unprecedented level.
On the surface, it seems that Huan Xun had made outstanding military achievements in suppressing the rebellion and had nothing else to reward him with, so the only way to show his favor was to bestow this highly symbolic title of king.
In reality, this was to elevate Huan Xun to a high position, making him the target of public criticism.
An eighteen-year-old king of a different surname is unprecedented in history. Which of those veteran ministers would be convinced?
Jealousy, suspicion, and attacks, both overt and covert, had been brewing like undercurrents since the edict was issued. Zhao Yunfu wanted to use the people to balance, or even hone, this overly sharp blade.
Furthermore, and most importantly, Zhao Yunfu wanted to test Huan Xun's ambition and his reaction to such overwhelming power and glory.
If he accepts such a title without hesitation, it would be a sign of youthful arrogance and overconfidence.
Huan Xun saw through this, but he still accepted it.
For no other reason than that, in his eyes, Zhao Yunfu was already a dead man.
When Langxi's child is born, that will be the time of his death.
Seeing that she showed no joy after hearing about the Prince of Taiyuan, and instead became even more silent, Gu Xiangzhi knew that this topic had not comforted her, so he thought of another thing that might make her happy.
He deliberately softened his tone and said, "There is another piece of good news. While you were unconscious, Consort Hui was confirmed to be pregnant. Judging from the Emperor's attitude, he values it highly and is overjoyed. He has stated that once the prince is born, he will be named the Crown Prince."
He thought she was unaware of the news and hoped it would bring a smile to her face, but little did he know that she already knew about it.
Not wanting to give herself away, Yu Nie's face showed surprise and joy: "Really? Junior Sister is really pregnant?"
Seeing her smile, Gu Xiangzhi felt somewhat relieved: "It's absolutely true, the pregnancy is stable, almost four months along. His Majesty has high hopes for this child, and everything in the palace is of the best quality."
"That's wonderful," she said. "My junior sister will be delighted. As soon as I feel better, I'll go to the palace to see her." Seeing that she finally showed joy, he turned his eyes away and lowered them.
Yu Nie keenly sensed that he seemed to be preoccupied.
She stopped and asked softly, "Is there something you need, Xiangzhi?"
Gu Xiangzhi hadn't expected her to be so perceptive. He looked up at her, and the bright light cast a soft glow on her face, making her look incredibly beautiful.
Looking at her like this, he paused for a moment, and finally spoke: "There is something."
He said, "Nan Yin has just been pacified, and local officials are needed to stabilize the situation and implement new policies."
"His Majesty has issued an edict ordering me to go to Nan Yin to oversee government affairs, and I fear I will not be able to return to the capital in the short term."
He finally revealed the news.
This means that, just as she woke up, her best friend was about to leave.
She was stunned. She understood that Zhao Yunfu's choice of him was perfectly reasonable.
The Imperial Horse Administration was originally under Zhao Yunfu's control, so sending one of his own people was undoubtedly a safer option. Furthermore, Chang Yushan was currently quelling a rebellion in the region, leaving Zhao Yunfu with no other choice. Not only that, Zhao Yunfu also appointed Nie Yuzi to accompany him.
Gu Xiangzhi: "Fortunately, I can still talk to you before I set off."
Under these circumstances, all she could ask was, "When are you leaving?"
"It won't be too far, it should be within ten days," he said, indicating the timeframe for their separation.
I never expected it to happen so quickly.
Partings in this world always seem to happen suddenly.
It caught people off guard and left them defenseless.
Gu Xiangzhi did not look away, but looked at her thoughtfully.
He looked so deeply that it seemed he could see through her expression and peer into the depths of her soul.
After a long silence, he spoke, gazing meaningfully at the courtyard bathed in spring light, and said, "When I return next time, I wonder what Jian'an will look like."
Upon hearing this, she followed his gaze to the lush, green courtyard.
“No matter how things change, it’s just the cycle of the seasons.” She said, “Springtime with its blooming flowers, summer with its lush shade, autumn with its falling leaves, and winter with its desolation, Jian’an City is still the same city.”
She gave him a faint smile: "Just go and implement the new policies. When you come back from Nan Yin, I guarantee that the scene you see now will still be the same. Then, we can drink and have a good time together."
Her words were ordinary, carrying the comfort one would expect between friends, but she didn't detect the underlying sentiment in his words about the path he had chosen for her.
Gu Xiangzhi listened, looking at the pure, gentle smile on her face, and hummed in agreement.
It's better not to know.
He didn't need her response.
Even though he knew perfectly well that she and Langxi intended to assassinate the king.
At that moment, he did not ask any further questions, offer any advice, or object.
Faced with his duty as a subject, his choice was to leave.
Leaving is not an escape, but a fulfillment.
He loved her, regardless of whether she was an avenger or a traitor.
He loved her, so he was willing to grant her every choice, even if it meant turning the world upside down.
He was clearing obstacles for her in his own way, obstacles including himself.
Gu Xiangzhi knew that as long as he stayed, he would definitely stop them.
Therefore, he chose to leave.
This choice was destined to make him betray his duty as a subject to his ruler.
He became an ungrateful person, but this was his sacrifice, the only thing he could do for her.
Some paths, once the direction is clear, can only be walked alone. The path he chose led to her peace and happiness, even if the price was a lifetime of torment for him.
The spring breeze stirred the lake water, and for Gu Xiangzhi, having this moment was already beautiful enough.
*
News of Yu Nie's awakening quickly reached the palace.
Zhao Yunfu's gifts arrived at her residence the next day, consisting entirely of the finest medicinal herbs and tonics from the palace. The eunuch Feng, who delivered the decree, told her to rest peacefully and not to worry about anything else.
Not only that, Xu Cai and Zhao Huashu also came to visit one after the other.
During the conversation, Yu Nie noticed that Zhao Hua Ruo was not seen, so he asked her about her recent situation.
Zhao Huashu replied that Hua Ruo fell ill immediately after hearing the bad news about Xiao Chengyan, and had not recovered in recent days. She was depressed and rarely left her room.
Upon hearing of Hua Ruo's condition, Yu Nie fell silent.
Given how much Zhao Huaruo loved Xiao Chengyan, it's no wonder she was in such deep sorrow.
Zhao Huaruo was heartbroken because of Xiao Chengyan, but Xu Cai, who came with her, also looked preoccupied.
It is said that he refused the marriage proposal from the young lady of the Wang family and publicly declared that he would never marry, which greatly angered the Wang family.
But times have changed, and the Wang family's anger is of no use now.
Zhao Yunfu now listens to Lang Xi's words very much, and casually saying a few words for Xu Cai will have no effect on the Wang family's suggestions to Zhao Yunfu to remove Xu Cai from his position.
Four or five days passed, and Yu Nie's body recovered quite well. He was able to walk slowly in the courtyard for a long time.
However, she seemed a little unwell during breakfast.
Cuiwei arranged the dishes and asked, "Princess, did you not sleep well last night? You look a little tired."
Yu Nie sounded rather tired: "I don't know if it's because I'm still unsettled after my illness, but these past few nights, I've always felt like there's someone in the back room when I'm sleeping."
As soon as she finished speaking, Cuiwei and Song Ai exchanged a knowing glance, and then both lowered their eyes.
One person was adding porridge to her bowl, and another was tidying up the table; neither of them spoke.
Yu Nie noticed something was off about the two of them, but didn't call them out and continued drinking her porridge.
A short while later, Sui En came in with Lang Xi's letter.
Langxi caught a cold these past two days and couldn't move around freely, so he often wrote letters to her to share some intimate thoughts.
Just like the previous two days, Yu Nie took the letter and opened it.
As she read the letter, Sui En spoke of news he had heard from elsewhere, his tone inevitably agitated. He said that Zhao Yuanze had gotten drunk the previous night, fallen into the pond, and died.
Upon hearing this, Yu Nie thought he had misheard, so he pressed for an answer: "Zhao Yuanze is dead? How did he die?"
Sui En hurriedly replied, "I heard that he was drinking at the villa last night, got drunk, and fell into the lotus pond. By the time his attendants found him, he was already dead."
Yu Nie sat there in a daze, the news of his enemy's death coming so suddenly.
She subconsciously lowered her head, reopened Langxi's letter in her hand, and eagerly scanned the delicate handwriting.
In the latter part of the letter, Langxi indeed mentioned this matter, confirming the news brought by Sui En.
Zhao Yuanze is really dead.
The next second, she chuckled softly, her voice choked with emotion, and tears welled up unexpectedly, rolling down her cheeks.
"Good riddance, good riddance," she murmured, Ah Hui's revenge finally being fulfilled.
She cried and laughed at the same time. She thought of Ah Hui, and how his life had been so easily ended by Zhao Yuanze. All she felt was hatred.
Tears kept spilling from between her fingers, dripping onto the letter paper and blurring the ink.
Upon seeing this, Cuiwei and Song Ai quickly stepped forward to comfort her.
"Princess, please accept my condolences. If Daoist Ahui is watching from heaven, knowing that those who harmed him have received their just deserts, he can rest in peace."
Song Ai wiped away her tears with a plain handkerchief: "Yes, Princess, the wicked have been brought to justice, and the cycle of karma has come to pass. You must take care of yourself. Daoist Ahui would certainly not want to see you so heartbroken."
The death of an enemy did not bring the lightness of complete relief, but instead revealed an unhealable wound.
The joy was real, and the regret was equally profound.
No matter how many times Zhao, Wang, Li, and others die, the little senior brother who would shield her from all storms will never return.
But this is ultimately an end.
An ending she had waited far too long for.
It's all over now.
Her junior brother can rest now.
Late at night, she held Ah Hui's belongings and let herself drift into sleep.
Just before her consciousness sank into sleep, a very soft sigh brushed past her ear, so familiar that it made her tremble.
Was it a dream?
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