148 Previous Life Extra (Part 3)

◎If there is an afterlife, I want to be by your side.◎

Previous Life Extra (Part 3)

The assassination of Princess Jiashan by her husband Zhan Shaoying shocked the court and the public. A mere husband dared to commit treason and abuse the princess, which was tantamount to treason!

When the news reached the palace, Emperor Xian'an Zhao Youcheng was equally furious. How dare someone defy the dignity of the royal family? He immediately ordered the execution of the prince consort. At the same time, the Duke of Anguo's mansion was stripped of its title and property, and the entire family was exiled.

There was only one exception, namely, Governor Zhan Yuezhan.

Zhan Yue was the Grand Commander of the Five Military Commands Office at the time, holding the military power of the whole country. Moreover, among the emperor's personal army, the commander of the Jinwu Guard was his confidant who was promoted by him, and the commander of the Yulin Guard, Chu Xi, was also a close friend of him. Only Wei Yan of the Longquan Guard was Zhao Youcheng's own man.

Zhao Youcheng knew very well that he could not touch Zhan Yue now. Not only could he not touch him, but he had to do everything he could to protect him. If nothing else, Zhan Yue was one of the important ministers that Emperor Zhanghe entrusted to him before his deathbed.

Zhao Youcheng has been on the throne for several years and has personally witnessed that Zhan Yue is indeed a loyal minister. The current situation is unstable and the Turks are eyeing him covetously. Zhao Youcheng still has a lot of use for Zhan Yue.

Fortunately, Zhan Yue was self-aware and understood the principle that a tall tree attracts the wind, so he asked to be demoted three levels and fined two years' salary. Zhao Youcheng agreed to all his requests, but still ordered Zhan Yue to serve as the Grand Commander.

Perhaps the fact that the Duke of Anguo's mansion was stripped of its title and confiscated had some influence on Zhan Yue's mentality, so he asked for three days of leave in a row. Zhao Youcheng also heard from the eunuch Huang Xi about the day Zhan Yue spat out a mouthful of blood from his heart, so he did not blame him and generously gave him five days of leave.

This day and night was the last night before Zhan Shaoying was executed, and Zhan Yue finally came to the imperial prison.

Zhan Shaoying had been tortured, and the two hands he used to hold the pen were already boned. When he saw Zhan Yue, he spat out a mouthful of blood and called out weakly, "Fourth Uncle."

Although there was a rift between his mother Zhang and Zhan Yue, Zhan Yue actually treated him well. Zhan Shaoying didn't know when it started, but he discovered that his fourth uncle had secretly helped him clean up the mess he made at work several times.

Zhan Shaoying even suspected that he was able to become a third-rank official in the Ministry of Public Administration because of Zhan Yue's help.

But why is this?

Why did my fourth uncle bring me along? Was it really because we were of the same clan?

Zhan Shaoying's eyes suddenly drifted to the snow-white cloak that Zhan Yue was wearing. She saw that her fourth uncle had become more haggard and pale these days, no longer as bright and handsome as before. She thought that he was running around for the family and herself, and she couldn't help but feel pain and regret at the same time.

Zhan Yue stood tall, his eyes not staying on Zhan Shaoying for even a second.

He stood in the bloody prison. The cell was gloomy and cramped, and his whole body was cold without any worldly air. His gaunt face made it seem as if he could ascend to heaven in the next second.

After standing there for about half a cup of tea, Zhan Yue finally spoke: "Why?"

Zhan Shaoying was slightly stunned: "What?"

"The princess treats you well, why—" Zhan Yue paused and said in a hoarse voice, "Do you want to kill her?"

I don't know if it was Zhan Shaoying's illusion, but in just a few words, Zhan Shaoying smelled a strong smell of blood. This bloody smell did not come from the imperial prison, which was already full of wronged souls, but from his fourth uncle who had never been tainted by dust.

I guess I just smelled it wrong.

Zhan Shaoying bowed his head and said nothing. He said, "I did act on impulse and made a big mistake. But the princess didn't treat me well either."

"I know that my fourth uncle and fourth aunt are in love, but I don't understand what kind of life the princess and I are leading."

"Heh." Zhan Yue seemed to sneer.

Zhan Shaoying was silent for a few seconds, then said with a sad look, "I don't want to be treated as a little cat or dog by the princess. I want her to truly trust me and rely on me."

"During those days, first the late emperor passed away, then Prince Ning passed away, and the princess became increasingly sad. I told the princess, 'It's okay, I'm here, the Zhan family is here, I will unconditionally protect her, and give her all my respect and love,' but the princess just smiled and never responded."

"Even though so many people said 'the princess' heart is not willing to give me', I still want to give her the best. But how could she do this to me?"

"She was even reluctant to shed a tear or say a soft word in front of me."

"Yes, I know. She never loved me, refused to kiss me, and even didn't want to have my child!" When mentioning the child that Jiashan had aborted, Zhan Shaoying suddenly burst into tears.

He lowered his head and covered his face to hide his tears: "I really love her, but I also hate her so much..."

Zhan Yue just looked at him indifferently, looking at his face that was still gasping for breath and his hands that were tortured beyond recognition.

Zhan Yue raised his lips and almost forced himself to swallow a mouthful of blood: "Just for this?"

"Who do you think you are? Her father and brother are gone. On what basis do you say 'it's okay' on behalf of the princess?" A little blood slowly seeped out of the corners of Zhan Yue's lips, which he didn't have time to swallow. He wiped it slowly with a handkerchief, his eyes uncertain.

It was the first time that Zhan Shaoying saw Zhan Yue like this. His eyebrows immediately stood up. He stared at the blood on Zhan Yue's lips and said in shock, "Fourth Uncle."

Liu Qi knew that Zhan Yue had been holding on for the past few days. Seeing that most of Zhan Yue's face was as pale as snow, he hurriedly said, "The imperial prison is filled with evil spirits. My Lord, please go back home first."

"I will take care of the rest of the matters for you, sir." Liu Qi looked at Zhan Shaoying meaningfully and said in a low voice.

Zhan Yue really didn't want to stay here any longer, as he was afraid that he would lose control of his murderous urge to break out of the cage. He held on to the iron railing tightly, and the touch of the cold rust finally brought him back to his senses.

Zhan Yue took a breath and said with difficulty, "Ask him carefully who he has been in contact with these days."

"Even if it's an impulse, there will be traces. We've been safe for nine years, why did we suddenly go berserk in the past few days?" Zhan Yue said, "Don't leave out anyone who is involved in this matter."

Liu Qi said in a deep voice: "Yes. I understand."

Zhan Yue tightened the belt of his cloak, tried hard to suppress the biting coldness, and walked out of the prison without looking back.

After Zhan Yue left, Liu Qi called a captain in the imperial prison. The captain's surname was Shi, and because he was very strict with the law and enjoyed torturing prisoners, he was nicknamed "Life-Calling Stone".

Liu Qi played with the steel knife in the prison and said, "I've always heard that Captain Shi is particularly fond of playing the pipa, so why not let me learn something from him today?"

Although Zhan Shaoying's hands and feet had been tied up, he still struggled violently when he heard the three words "play the pipa".

This "Pipa-playing" is an extremely cruel torture. It is called "Pipa-playing" because the prisoner's ribs are first flicked back and forth with a steel knife. The sound of the knife scraping flesh and bones is as clear and sharp as the sound of a pipa. In a short while, the prisoner's skin and flesh will be injured.

Captain Shi smiled and said, "I'm afraid this punishment is too bloody. Lord Zhan is too weak to stand on the execution ground tomorrow."

"The best abscess medicine is ready," Liu Qi said with a nonchalant smile, "Besides, Captain Shi is highly skilled and has his own way of making people unable to live or die. Do we still need to worry about this?"

Captain Shi then understood that Liu Qi was following orders from Governor Zhan, so he began to act with confidence.

Soon, the prison was filled with screams and pleas for mercy.

At noon the next day, Zhan Shaoying, who had been tortured all night and was barely breathing, was beheaded at the order of the executioner.

Zhan Yue sat alone in the room he often went to outside the building, with Liu Qi standing behind him. Zhan Yue stared at the execution ground not far away, where the executioner raised his knife and slashed.

Liu Qi whispered behind him: "After being 'played with the Pipa', Zhan Shaoying told him everything. He first took the princess's close person, a maid named Hanzhu, as his concubine, and then Princess Shuxian provoked him with a few words, which made him angry."

Zhan Yue raised his hand and knocked on the window frame, interrupting, "Where is the person?"

Liu Qi had been with Zhan Yue for more than 30 years, so he immediately understood what he meant and replied, "After the incident, Hanzhu was killed by someone in the palace right away."

"I haven't heard that Princess Shuxian has been punished recently. I don't know if Your Majesty is deliberately covering it up or if he really doesn't know about it."

"Heh." Zhan Yue sneered.

He said, "I understand."

This "I know" meant that he would take action on his own, just like Zhan Shaoying was taught to play the pipa. Liu Qi kept silent and did not dare to persuade him any further.

After all, only he knew how much effort the governor had put into loving Zhan Shaoying despite the fact that he had been unable to get her over the years. He also knew that the governor worked so hard to maintain this peaceful and prosperous era, firstly out of loyalty to the emperor and patriotism, and secondly, because there were people in this peaceful and prosperous era that he was willing to protect at all costs.

But this person is no longer here, having died under the imperial power that the governor loyally supported.

Liu Qi sighed silently.

A few days later, Zhan Yue was talking with several aides in the study.

A servant came to report: "Governor, the Grand Princess is here to visit."

Zhan Yue's eyes turned cold, and Liu Qi immediately scolded: "The Grand Princess is dead, where is the Grand Princess?"

"Yes, yes," the servant realized he had said the wrong thing and said hurriedly, "It's Princess Shuxian."

Since Jiashan passed away, according to the order of seniority, Shuxian is indeed the first among the princesses. She is also the younger sister of the current emperor, and is extremely noble. Shuxian has been arrogant and willful since she was young. After Zhao Youcheng ascended the throne, her husband's family, Anyuan Marquis, could no longer control her. It is said that she secretly kept many male lovers in her mansion.

When they heard that it was Princess Shuxian who wanted to see him, an aide advised Zhan Yue, "The Princess has a bad reputation and has been impeached many times by the emperor. The Princess is in her current position only because of the Emperor's constant protection. For your own sake, it would be better for the Governor not to see her."

"Well." Zhan Yue said readily, "Reject it for me. I won't see you."

The servant said, "Yes."

So Shuxian went to the mansion for three consecutive days, but all she got was the news that Zhan Yue "never came back to see her".

Ten days later, Zhan Yue was finally blocked in a private room on the upper floor of the building by Shuxian, who had been waiting for him.

Although Shuxian had her hair in a bun like any other woman, she let a little strand of hair on the left side hang down, as if she was imitating the style of prostitutes, looking delicate and charming.

Shuxian stood in front of Zhan Yue, looking unusually gentle, and even her voice sounded like she was acting coquettish. She cleared her throat and called out, "Commander Zhan."

Zhan Tai looked up at her.

"It was really easy for me to find the governor," Shuxian said softly. "That day in the Xijue class, the class owner said that someone had settled the bill for me first. I took the trouble to ask around and found out that the person was actually the governor."

Shuxian's eyes were almost glued to Zhan Yue's beautiful face. Her voice was so sticky that it was about to overflow with water in the next second: "Since you have shown your kindness, why do you deliberately avoid seeing me for a few days? Is the governor playing hard to get with me?"

Zhan Yue's eyes were filled with gloom and he said, "The princess is so precious, I don't want to repay her for her kindness."

"I know that the governor is very successful," Shuxian took a few steps closer to him, almost face to face with Zhan Yue in front of everyone. She smiled softly and said, "What if I volunteered to tell you?"

A strong scent of powder immediately filled Zhan Yue's nose.

He had a wooden face, held his breath slightly, his eyes were bloodshot, and he subconsciously tightened the sword in his sleeve, suppressing the urge to pierce the throat of the person in front of him with the sword.

Shuxian said, "There are too many people here, let's go to the private room to talk."

As she spoke, she reached out and grasped his firm arm, following his muscular body: "Commander-in-chief, please."

Shuxian obviously mistook Zhan Yue's red eyes as a sign that he was aroused.

As soon as she entered the room and saw that there was no outsider there, Shuxian's fair and charming face immediately became lively, and her watery eyes were filled with admiration and closeness for Zhan Yue.

"I heard that the governor's wife returned to her hometown in Huguang a month ago, and the governor's family doesn't even have a concubine." Shuxian's delicate fingers touched Zhan Yue's thigh.

"These days, the governor has been staying alone in the mansion with no one to serve him. How can he vent his anger?" Shuxian's face flushed. This was the first time she had put aside her noble status to please someone.

The concubines in the mansion were considerate and interesting, but none of them had a strong body, a majestic aura and a handsome face like Zhan Yue.

As soon as she saw Xi Queban, Shuxian knew she was in trouble. She was willing to bow down under his crimson official robe.

Zhan Yue grabbed Shuxian's restless hand, and he used some strength to pinch Shuxian's wrist so hard that it hurt slightly.

Shuxian thought he was rejecting her and looked at him pitifully. Zhan Yue said, "Princess, please wait a moment. I will go and change the spices."

Shuxian was an experienced woman, so she certainly understood that some spices could be used to enhance sexual excitement.

Shuxian blinked and said, "The governor is very thoughtful."

"It is my great fortune to have a chance to have a romantic encounter with the governor." Shuxian's eyes sparkled.

A rich and subtle fragrance soon emanated from the incense burner and slowly lingered around Shuxian's nose.

The sweet and rich fragrance surrounded her tightly, making her limbs feel lazy and her head feel dizzy.

Shuxian asked with a seductive look: "What kind of fragrance is so strong?"

"The water smells so good." Zhan Yue's voice seemed to come from the horizon, ethereal and distant.

Shuxian walked up slowly and wrapped her arms around his neck: "Even without the fragrance, I believe the governor can give me great happiness."

Zhan Yue smiled and didn't push her away again.

At this moment, the Grand Admiral who had always been aloof and aloof in front of others was finally no longer so high and mighty.

Shuxian felt someone pick her up and throw her hard onto the bed, waves of heat completely engulfing her.

On the sixth day of the fourth month of the second year of the reign of Emperor Xian'an, Princess Shuxian, the younger sister of Emperor Xian'an, died of illness, and the cause of death remained a mystery. However, Gong Yuanpan, who was responsible for treating the royal family, resigned and returned home the day after Princess Shuxian's death, as if to avoid responsibility.

Later, there were some rumors from the servants in the princess's mansion.

"The eldest princess died in a horrible way. Her body was covered with sores, just like those prostitutes in a brothel."

"Nonsense! What kind of person is the princess? How could she have a disease like that of a prostitute?"

"Oh, it's true. The Imperial Hospital's Judge Gong said, 'The princess's beard is falling and her nose is broken. She can only be cured if Hua Tuo is still alive. Otherwise, she will die.' Sure enough, within a few days after Judge Gong said this, the princess died suddenly!"

"From what you said, it can't be... syphilis, right?"

"Maybe it's true! I heard that the princess has many lovers. Who would have thought that a princess would die suddenly in this way..."

There were many different opinions about the sudden death of Princess Shuxian.

Finally, in order to preserve the reputation of the royal family, Emperor Xian'an ordered the Yulin Guards to round up the gossiping people in teahouses and taverns, and the gossip gradually died down.

But then new voices emerged - the current emperor has been on the throne for only three years, first Prince Ning died from taking elixirs, then Princess Jiashan was killed by her husband, and later Princess Shuxian died suddenly.

The previous emperor had few children. After the current emperor ascended the throne, I wonder what kind of villain he has recruited. The rhythm of a prince and princess dying this year, is this a warning from heaven, a sign of something to everyone?

As a result, ministers submitted memorials one after another, requesting that the emperor follow the example of Emperor Wu of Han and issue an edict of remorse to prevent the country from suffering from natural disasters and man-made calamities.

When Zhao Youcheng first ascended the throne, he was full of pride. Of course, he was unwilling to admit that the successive deaths of his brothers and sisters were his fault, and he was even more unwilling to be constrained by his ministers.

He executed four imperial historians in three days. The civil officials were somewhat frightened by this arbitrary and tyrannical action, and the issue of the "Edict of Confession of Sins" was shelved.

But whether it was really because Zhao Youcheng refused to issue the "Edict of Criticism", the situation in the court became increasingly worse.

In May of the third year of Xian'an, the northwest was lost and Marquis Anding died in battle on the frontier. Zhan Yue led his troops to the battle and spent nearly two years recovering the lost territory.

He made great contributions in this battle. After Zhao Youcheng ascended the throne, he worked day and night every year, so he was conferred the title of Duke of Yue by the current emperor. General Fu Xiao was also highly regarded by Zhao Youcheng, and the title of Marquis of Yongding was returned intact to Zhao.

In October of the fifth year of Xian'an, the previous emperor's brother, the Prince of Qin, took advantage of the fact that the central government had just finished fighting with the Turks and the country was weak, and started a rebellion. The Prince of Qin was a vassal king, so he had to have a reason to start a rebellion. He used the fact that Emperor Xian'an had been inhumane in recent years, the Prince of Ning and Princess Jiashan had died suddenly, and the Turkic invaders had suddenly emerged.

In recent years, Zhan Yue is undoubtedly one of the best generals in the court.

Fu Xiao was left in the northwest defense border, and the task of suppressing the prince naturally fell on Zhan Yue.

The King of Qin's fiefdom was in Liaodong, and he traveled from Liaodong to the capital as if he was unmanned. The army encountered resistance from Zhan Yue only when they were at the gates of the capital.

Zhan Yue looked even more majestic as he rode on the horse, his eyes as bright as ink.

The King of Qin narrowed his eyes and looked at him. He sincerely believed that he was a rare talent, so he asked: "General Zhan, do you know why my army was able to arrive in the capital smoothly?"

Zhan Yue held the reins in one hand and looked at him without saying a word.

The King of Qin said, "Zhao Youcheng is so evil that he can kill even the brothers and sisters of the royal family! Commander Zhan is in the capital, so he should know better than me how the King of Ning died."

"Did Princess Jiashan really die at the hands of her husband?"

When he heard the word "Jiashan", Zhan Yue's knuckles turned white, as if he was immersed in his own thoughts.

"My nephew is mean and unkind, and he does things by any means necessary. He was unwilling to let go of the children of Empress Xiao Zhaohui. What do you think will happen to you when the world is peaceful and prosperous in the future?"

Zhan Yue's expression remained unchanged.

The King of Qin stared at him quietly: "I have heard that Commander Zhan is a man of both civil and military talents, so he should be very familiar with the story of King Han's letter."

"When the birds are gone, the good bows are hidden; when the rabbits are dead, the running dogs are cooked. I don't think you need me to teach you this."

Zhan Yue looked solemn, and the King of Qin could not tell for a moment whether he was convinced or not.

It is said that in order to control Zhan Yue, the King of Qin once secretly kidnapped Zhan Yue's wife Feng Wanhua. However, he did not expect that Feng Wanhua was of a chaste character and committed suicide less than a month after falling into his hands.

At present, the King of Qin is confronting Zhan Yue. He wants to buy him off without spending a single soldier, but he is also afraid that he will hold a grudge against him because he is responsible for his wife's death. But he always feels in his heart that Zhan Yue should not be such a cowardly person.

After a long while, Zhan Yue finally spoke with great effort: "What can the prince promise me?"

The King of Qin smiled and asked, "What does the Governor want?"

What I want...

Zhan Yue's eyes were blank, revealing a moment of weakness, and there were more unspeakable emotions in his eyes. At this moment, the King of Qin even felt that there was actually nothing in this world that was enough for him to linger.

But how is it possible for a person to have nothing to be attached to in this world?

The King of Qin narrowed his eyes and looked at him.

Zhan Yue had closed his eyes. When he opened them again, he had that iron-willed look again. He said calmly, "I want the northwest."

This means that the King of Qin promised him to divide the land and make him a king!

The King of Qin's expression changed slightly, his eyes froze for a moment, and then he said, "You are so arrogant."

"I hold the military power of the world, second only to the emperor, and the emperor has made me the Duke of Yue," Zhan Yue said, "Why do you think I will abandon the emperor and help you?"

"What's more, you and I still have the grudge of murdering each other's wives." Zhan Yue said coldly.

The King of Qin laughed a few times and said, "A real man should never worry about not having a wife."

"With your ability as the governor, won't there be a wide range of people to choose from in the future?" The King of Qin said, "It's the northwest. If you can help me succeed, I can grant your request!"

Zhan Yue said: "It's a deal."

Before leaving, Zhan Yue said one last thing: "Give me back my wife's body, and I will send her back to her hometown to rest in peace."

Of course the King of Qin agreed readily.

Zhao Youcheng had expected that anyone might betray him, but he never expected that Zhan Yue would abandon him.

How kind he is to Zhan Yue!

When Jiashan was murdered and the entire Anguo family was exiled, it was he who pardoned Zhan Yue on his own initiative. Not only that, he also showed him extra favor by conferring him the title of Duke of Yue.

Zhao Youcheng looked at the Qin Wangfu troops rushing to the capital and shouted, "Commander-in-Chief Zhan! Haven't I treated you well enough?"

"What can you gain by being called a traitor and a thief?"

"Are you worthy of my father's trust in you?"

Zhan Yue always stood outside the battlefield, as if all this bloodshed had nothing to do with him.

Zhan Yue just looked at Zhao Youcheng and asked, "Your Majesty, what about you? Are you worthy of the late emperor?"

Zhao Youcheng was stunned.

When his father was dying, he held his hand and said, "Prince Ning is disabled, and Jiashan has been loved by me since childhood. They are both children of Empress Xiao Zhaohui. Although they are not born of the same mother as you, they are both my children."

"After I am gone, I hope you will treat your brothers well and not create trouble."

At that time, he burst into tears and said "yes" several times.

But now, how does he do it?

Zhao Youcheng shuddered, and after a moment, he actually smiled: "So you are rebelling against me because of them?"

"Okay, okay," Zhao Youcheng sneered, "I didn't realize that you were hypocritical. I'm afraid Shuxian's death is also related to you."

After Shuxian got the strange disease, Queen Mother Zhuang and Zhao Youcheng investigated all the men around her. Although Shuxian was arrogant, she was not stupid and it was impossible for her to have promiscuous sex with a man who had syphilis.

No one dared to present a man with a strange disease to the princess.

Under Zhao Youcheng's questioning, Shuxian's personal maid Bihe admitted that Princess Shuxian not only kept a lover in her mansion, but also had affairs with many young officials.

Zhao Youcheng was furious. Officials and scholars are the foundation of the country! Shuxian was so ignorant of her limits, so he no longer wanted to ask about Shuxian's affairs.

Now that Zhan Yue's true face was completely exposed, Zhao Youcheng quickly figured out the reason. Given Shuxian's eagerness to see a prey, how could she let Zhan Yue go?

I’m afraid my sister has fallen into his trap and died at his hands without even knowing it!

Zhan Yue did not refute, and said calmly: "After several years of friendship between the emperor and his subjects, I will give your Majesty one last chance to show respect."

Then he stabbed Zhao Youcheng in the throat with a knife, and he died without any pain.

The Qin king's army arrived at the palace. When they saw Zhao Youcheng's body, the Qin king laughed loudly: "Well, you are worthy of being the commander-in-chief!"

Zhan Yue looked indifferent, raised his sword and said: "The King of Qin murdered the emperor and committed treason. Not only did he kill the emperor, he also killed the emperor's three sons. This is a great act of treason."

Immediately one of his men responded by shouting, "We must kill the traitors and thieves. It is our duty!"

The King of Qin's eyelids twitched suddenly: "Zhan Yanqing! What do you mean! Do you want to be emperor by killing me?"

Zhan Yue said nothing, but just concentrated on cleaning up the battlefield.

The King of Qin did not want Zhan Yanqing to be so thoughtful, and he did not dare to relax for a moment. But suddenly, a feather arrow shot from behind him without any escape.

The King of Qin looked back and saw only a blurry figure. His last thought in this life was - why does this figure look so much like the late emperor?

Zhan Yue had already dismounted and bowed, saying, "I pay my respects to the King of Shu."

A childish yet clear voice said, "Governor Zhan, please stand up."

In April of the sixth year of Xian'an, King Cong of Qin attacked the capital. Emperor Xian'an and his three princes were killed in the rebellion. King Zhao Youling of Shu led his troops to defend the king and purge the emperor's side.

In June of the sixth year of Xian'an, Qin Wang Chong was executed for treason, and no one in the Qin Wang's palace was spared. The ministers supported Emperor Xuanzong's son, Shu Wang, to ascend the throne. After Shu Wang ascended the throne, he changed the reign title to Yuanshi, which means a new beginning and a new look.

When the new emperor was judging the merits and giving out rewards, Zhan Yue, who had provided protection, naturally had the greatest merit. However, he had already been conferred the title of Duke of Yue, a super-first-class rank, and was also the commander-in-chief of the five armies, and he had no children, so the new emperor was at a loss as to what additional title to give him.

Zhan Yue took the initiative and said, "I am guilty of failing to live up to the trust of Emperor Xuanzong. I was honored to be the governor in the past, but now the world is at peace. Please allow me to resign. For the rest of my life, I only want to guard the tomb of Emperor Xuanzong."

The new emperor naturally refused at first. The two men asked and declined three times. On the fourth time, the new emperor finally agreed, but he still retained his title of Duke of Yue.

Emperor Xuanzong was Emperor Zhanghe, who was buried in Changling after his death. Princess Jiashan died in January of the second year of Xian'an, and was specially allowed to be buried with the ceremony of the empress and buried in Changling.

The eldest princess' tombstone is always new, tidy and clean, and it can be seen that it is cleaned regularly.

In front of the tombstone were placed a bag of Guandong sugar, a handful of loess from Jiayuguan, and a bowl of clear spring water from the foot of Changbai Mountain.

There was another tall and graceful person, all alone——

"I have traveled to many places over the past year and finally got used to this life without you. If there is an afterlife, I want to be with you."

"Okay?" The man had handsome features and a deep and warm voice.

He stood in front of the tombstone for a long time, then took out a clean towel from his arms and wiped off the slight dust on the tombstone.

Until the two words "Jiashan" became clear again, looking brighter than a sparkling gem.

He then turned and left.

The willows sway softly, and the smoke weaves into sorrow. The crabapple blossoms before the rain, the pear blossoms before the snow, half of the spring is over. Now it is difficult to recall the past, and my dreams are haunting the Qin Tower. My longing is only on the lilac branches and the tips of the taro. ①

This peaceful and prosperous world is beautiful, but you are missing. What a pity, it’s without you.

(End of full text)

【Author’s words】

①: "Charming Eyes·The Willows and Willows Play Gently" is a poem written by Wang Rong, a poet of the Song Dynasty, in which he missed his wife.

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All the extra chapters have been written. If there are any updates, they will be posted on Weibo as Easter eggs. From today on, this article will not be updated any more. I have been writing this article for a total of four years. I am really sorry to the readers who have been waiting for updates. Today, the only thing I can say with a clear conscience is: I have never thought of a pit or a bad ending for this article! (Although this should be the most basic ethics of an author.

Alas, the more I talk about it, the more ashamed I feel. Readers who have subscribed to more than 88% of the full text can leave a message in this chapter, and I will send you a red envelope, and I sincerely thank you for your waiting and companionship along the way.

Also, my child is in kindergarten now. I have more free time now, but I still can’t let go of my beloved writing career, so I will probably start a new article in May, which is the "I Became the Heroine of a Little Mom's Article" in my column. If you like it, please click to collect it~

Thank you all, we are lucky enough to meet again.