Chapter 494: The past is gone like smoke
The pines and cypresses of Qianling Mausoleum were covered with a thin layer of frost in late autumn, and the wind blowing through the branches made a whimpering sound.
Xiao Nanyue was dressed in a plain white brocade robe, standing side by side with Helian Feng, looking at the mausoleum in front of them, where their father, Emperor Tianqi Helian Cong, was buried.
Helian Feng looked thinner than in the past few days. The hem of his dragon robe was lifted by the wind, revealing the plain mourning cloth underneath.
"Father, your son is here to see you." His voice trembled slightly.
This was the first time he paid homage as an emperor after ascending the throne. It was also the first time he stood shoulder to shoulder in front of his father's tomb with his brother, who was related by blood but had a deep estrangement from him.
Xiao Nanyue leaned over and gently placed the white chrysanthemum he brought on the stone table in front of the mausoleum.
"Dad, A'Yan is here to see you too." His voice was calm, yet it carried the weight of half a lifetime.
Helian Feng lowered his eyes and looked at the three large gilded characters "Helian Cong" on the densely packed inscription. Suddenly, he knelt down and knocked his forehead heavily on the bluestone slab.
"Father, I am an unfilial son."
At this moment, Helian Feng burst into tears: "Father, if it weren't for my son's pursuit of imperial power and his unwillingness to let go, you would have lost your life. I am to blame for this."
His voice became more choked:
"These days, I've been thinking about how you used to say 'peaceful rivers and tranquil seas' when you were in power. But only after I ascended the throne did I understand that behind these words were the livelihoods of countless people and the flames of war on countless frontiers."
He raised his head, his eyes were red, but his gaze was scorching:
"I swear to you that I will emulate my father, the Emperor, in his diligence and love for the people. I will improve the administration of officials, ensuring that the people of Tianqi have enough food and clothing, that there will be no more wars on the border, and that this country will truly enjoy peace and prosperity. If I ever fail to live up to your expectations, I will... be torn to pieces."
Xiao Nanyan also knelt beside Helian Feng:
"Father, please don't blame Ayan for not being able to recognize his ancestors. I believe that if you were still alive, and loved mother so deeply, you would not want this palace secret to be made public and tarnish mother's reputation. I am leaving and going to Jing'an. This country will be handed over to Helian Feng. I believe that he will live up to your expectations."
The two brothers knelt in front of the mausoleum for a long time, without saying a word.
Finally, the two stood up hand in hand.
Helian Feng held his hand, his palm burning hot:
"Thank you, my Royal Brother, for letting me meet Xi Yan again that day in the palace."
He paused and lowered his voice:
"I know that you are the only one in her heart. I was foolish in the past, always thinking of competing with her. Now I understand that seeing her safe and happy is the best thing."
Xiao Nanyue looked at the Yunqiu Mountains in the distance, where he and Helian Cong had last parted.
He turned his head and called him in a gentle tone for the first time:
"A Feng, my brother is leaving. I hope you will keep your promise. I will leave Tianqi to you."
Helian Feng thought of Xiyan's words last night, and a trace of reluctance flashed in his eyes, but it was quickly replaced by relief:
"Is it for Xiyan?"
“Yes, but not entirely.”
Xiao Nanyan smiled:
"This court has long been a yoke for my brother. If you can turn back from your mistakes and care about the world, you will surely achieve great things in the future. My brother has no ambition and has become a deserter. The burden on your shoulders is the heaviest."
"Royal brother..."
Helian Feng's voice was choked in his throat. He knew that the reason why Xiao Nanyue left his hometown was not only because he didn't want to have a gap with him in the future because of the imperial power, but also so that Xiyan could be reunited with her parents from time to time.
This may be the best outcome.
"Your Majesty, thank you!"
Helian Feng bowed deeply:
"A Feng will definitely remember my royal brother's words. You and I, brothers, one guards the prosperity of Yandu, the other protects the stability of the border, so that this world can truly be as our father wishes, with peace and tranquility, and no more disputes."
The wind blew through the pine forest, picking up the fallen leaves on the ground, and swirled them down at their feet.
"Royal brother, come back often... often."
Helian Feng's voice was muffled in the wind, choked with the sobs of a teenager.
"good."
Xiao Nanyan responded with a smile in his voice:
"When you have brought peace and prosperity to the country, I will bring Xiyan and the children back to burn incense for Father and Mother."
The sunlight penetrated the clouds and fell on the tombstones of Qianling Mausoleum, coating them with a layer of warm golden light.
The two brothers stood side by side in front of the mausoleum, their figures stretched out very long.
At this moment, all the grudges of the past seemed to disappear under the gaze of the emperor, leaving only tightly clasped hands and common expectations for this vast country.
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