Chapter 83 Chapter 83 Devil, pursuit / End of the text
December 18th, the first year of Xu Zhang.
A carriage, bearing the Prime Minister's token, rushed out of the city gate, flanked by palace guards. Winter had already arrived, and the common people had already donned their jackets and hoods. While carriages and horses should have moved slowly, such a commotion naturally attracted attention.
However, the Prime Minister had great power and authority, and even though everyone was curious about what could have made him so hasty, no one dared to comment.
Five days later, the Prime Minister's carriage returned to the capital, along with half the guards who had accompanied him on his inspection tour a few months earlier. Although there were no officials to greet them, the ceremony was truly grand. Everyone's face was solemn, and their attire was as white as snow.
It was the period of mourning for Emperor Renxuan, and the onlookers initially only sighed that the prime minister's office and the guards strictly observed the etiquette and were thoughtful. It was no wonder that their master, who was only in his thirties, was in such a high position.
Because of this, the carriages with white flags in the center of the team were quietly ignored.
---
After the prime minister's carriage returned to the capital, the palace remained closed for several days. Not only was no one present at the morning court, but even the eunuchs' urgings and officials' visits were denied entry.
This move caused undercurrents in the court. If it were not for the fear of the prime minister's many years of accumulated power and the large number of supporters under his command, I am afraid that the censors would not only make a bland complaint, but all the ministers would have jointly submitted a memorial, asking the young emperor to punish him for his rebelliousness, dereliction of duty, and contempt for the monarch.
The ministers were filled with disbelief. Given his usual temperament and official manner, he had never behaved in such a way. Could it be that his previous modesty was all a facade? With the mourning period still underway for the late emperor, he was already relying on his own achievements, taking advantage of the young emperor's inability to rule, in an attempt to establish his authority?
But if that was true, why were even his trusted subordinates blocked from entering?
Even though everyone was full of doubts, the prime minister's residence was heavily guarded and information was kept secret. Acting rashly would only lead to disaster, so they could only wait and see.
Moreover, because the time was still short, no one dared to offer "honest advice" to the young emperor. And given the wisdom of the Empress Dowager and the young emperor, how could they sit idly by?
As expected, ten days after the Prime Minister's refusal to attend court, the Empress Dowager personally visited the Prime Minister's residence. The ministers expected a resolution, but unexpectedly, the next morning at court, the Emperor appeared weary and had even personally excused himself from illness.
This violation of protocol and the shrouded in secrecy were truly baffling. However, the prime minister's role as regent was akin to the fact that the country could not remain without a ruler for even a single day. With the New Year approaching, many important matters for the new emperor's first year on the throne urgently needed approval. The Ministry of Revenue's financial affairs, rituals, and ceremonies would be disrupted even a day later. Seeing that his sick leave was indefinitely delayed, two important ministers arranged to meet with the emperor to seek his approval.
Unexpectedly, upon returning from the palace, the two men, their earlier anxiety gone, were now solemn. Regardless of whether they were friends or not, when they approached to inquire, they were met with only the simple message, "No comment, time will tell."
This made people so curious that all the civil and military officials in the court couldn't help but look at the silent prime minister's residence. When they paid attention, they were shocked to find that it was already the twelfth day of the year, and the bright dome that would rise in winter in previous years had not yet seen its brilliance.
The senior officials, who had been in the officialdom for a long time, immediately understood that the first-rank imperial wife must have passed away. Otherwise, with the Prime Minister's infatuation, how could he allow her to suffer even the slightest cold?
What else could make him claim illness and not attend court?
This scene is so similar to the one three years ago when his wife fell into the water and was critically ill.
With this thought, the few who had caught wind of the situation could no longer suppress their feelings. They inevitably whispered to their closest friends and spilled the beans to the women in their families. But the hardest thing to keep is a secret. Within two days, speculation about the Prime Minister's wife's death spread like wildfire, becoming an unspoken secret among the powerful and influential.
The women sighed, lamenting the beauty's tragic fate, then lamented the prime minister's infatuation, leading him to neglect state affairs. Only Princess Baozhen and Wang Yingzi were horrified upon hearing the news. After double-checking, they immediately prepared a carriage and rushed to the prime minister's residence.
The two of them arrived almost simultaneously, yet were not stopped. This unique encounter only added weight to the rumors.
Wang Yingzi's eyes were red, and Princess Baozhen's face was also solemn. When they were led to the southern wing of the deep courtyard, the scene in the rocking chair under the eaves made them both breathless, and their sorrow instantly turned to horror.
The man who had worn black hair like a waterfall at the late emperor's funeral a few days ago was now completely gray. He lowered his eyes and whispered to his empty arms. When he heard the voice, he glanced up and his face, so thin that it looked as if the cheeks had been gouged out, suddenly appeared.
"...Princess Baozhen and Madam Fu are here."
Qin Jingyao stood up, his eyes still lingering on his arms. His tone was so gentle that it made people's hearts tighten. "Although it's been a while since we've met, Nong Nong, you're in good health now. Don't overexert yourself. You only need half a cup of tea to rest, okay?"
He seemed to be listening to something. After a few breaths, an extremely gentle smile appeared on his face. He leaned forward and said softly, "Nong Nong is so good. I'll accompany you for half a cup of tea later."
With that, he bent one arm, his other hand resting lightly at his waist, fingers curled as if clasping someone's hand. He then slowly walked toward the cushioned armchair in the courtyard. After leaning over and pretending to help someone sit down, he maintained his bowed posture, as if whispering to the person sitting there. After a long moment, he straightened up and gently stroked someone's chest, as if adjusting their shirt.
When he turned around, the warmth on his face had vanished. When those black hole-like eyes swept over, they were icy cold, like the gaze of a dead object, sending chills down one's spine.
"...My wife is weak and cannot be bothered. I hope you two will forgive me."
As the footsteps faded, the invisible pressure gradually dissipated. The two stood frozen in place, unable even to tremble, until the hem of the black robe disappeared outside the moon cave door, and only then did they breathe a sigh of relief.
They looked at each other in shock, and simultaneously glanced at the armchair, which was pristine with brocade cushions and empty. Then, recalling the Prime Minister's completely different state just now, the truth became clear.
But what was even more alarming was the Prime Minister himself. He was clearly in a state of confusion, lost in a false illusion. The sound of "Nong Nong" he whispered into the air was gentle and yet all the more eerie and sinister.
“Thick…”
Wang Yingzi raised her head, weeping, her gaze unsettled. Yet, the courtyard was filled with traces of her presence. How could she, so frail, endure such a long journey? The drought in the northwest was like adding insult to injury for her.
Now they don't even know why Nong Nong left or when she left. She was still so young, in the prime of her life, she--
"What is Madam Fu going to do!"
Princess Baozhen stopped Wang Yingzi who suddenly turned around.
"I'll go find out!"
Wang Yingzi's eyes were filled with grief. Although she had sobered up somewhat, she still wore a veil of fury. "I must get to the bottom of this! Why did Nongnong die, and when did it happen? Since we're sisters, I must see her off no matter what!"
"Oh."
Princess Baozhen chuckled softly, and in that chuckle there was a mockery of her reckless behavior, but also a hint of indescribable envy and emotion.
"You and I can clearly see what Prime Minister Qin looks like now. He has lost his mind, his appearance is emaciated, and he lives completely in a fantasy of his own making. If you insist on piercing this illusion now, there are only two possible outcomes: either he will go completely insane, or you will commit suicide!"
Wang Yingzi raised her eyebrows and was about to refute, but her next words strangled her throat.
"You don't care about yourself, nor do you care about your little girl at home? If Nong Nong is still alive, would you be willing to see you put yourself in danger for her?"
Seeing her body sway, tears suddenly fell like rain. Princess Baozhen suppressed the pain in her nose and whispered, "Since Prime Minister Qin loves her so much, how could he let her be lonely after her death? Now that we have confirmed what happened to Nongnong, you and I should know when to proceed. In a few days, I want to go to Qixia Temple to offer a perpetual lamp for her. If you are willing, you can come with me."
Her tone turned serious, with unquestionable determination: "Now, wipe away your tears and go back."
In life, we are constrained by all sides. So what if we are a noble lady?
Wang Yingzi took a deep breath, tilted her head, and wiped away the tears. Suddenly, she recalled the time when Nong Nong, disregarding worldly judgment, had traveled thousands of miles to follow her heart. Though she lacked a distinguished family background, she was braver, more decisive, and lived more freely than any of them. Even after being trapped in shackles, her heart had never truly been bound.
Now, she is finally liberated and free...
Half a minute later, Qin Jingyao returned as promised. He didn't even glance at the two of them, but walked straight towards the armchair.
That white hair stung the eyes like a snow blade.
Jiang Ting led the two men out of the courtyard silently at the right time, and only after they were out of the gate did he close the door again and turn back to wait for orders.
The courtyard returned to a dead silence, a few snowflakes drifting silently. A chill on his forehead finally jolted Qin Jingyao from his slumber. He hurriedly leaned over, trying to pick something up from the armchair, but the chair was empty. Even with all his strength, his arms only skimmed through empty space, and he even stumbled for a moment.
He seemed to be suddenly frozen by the cold, his body half-bent stiffly, his back gradually hunched, and he trembled uncontrollably. Finally, unable to bear the weight any longer, his knees slammed heavily onto the cold, hard ground.
He clutched the armrests tightly with both hands, lowering his head deeply, hanging in the air, as if resting his head on someone's lap. The mahogany chair was wet with falling snowflakes, gradually freezing into a thin layer of ice, which was then swallowed and submerged by the continuous dripping of scalding water.
"...A friend just came to visit. Is Nong Nong happy? Are you willing to talk to me?"
"...It's all my fault. Nong Nong is afraid of heat and burns now. The snow came at the perfect time. No wonder you didn't want to get up."
He was silent for a moment, as if listening to a silent answer, and suddenly chuckled: "Oh, Nongnong, do you also find this ridiculous? You are obviously fine, and your cold has long been cured. It's ridiculous that those people dared to spread rumors that you died of illness---"
"Really, damn it."
As soon as he finished speaking, he suddenly raised his head and slapped his lips like a child admitting his mistake. Then his eyebrows curved and he pleaded for mercy in a soft voice: "Nong Nong is right, it's me who speaks without restraint. I promise you that I will never bully the weak. I will listen to you."
The snow fell silently. He leaned forward, his voice as soft as a dream: "It doesn't matter what others say, as long as Nongnong doesn't leave me."
"As long as Nongnong is by my side, I will do whatever you say..."
Qin Jingyao tilted his head slightly, closed his eyes, and gently pressed his cheek against the void, as if being gently touched by someone. Then he leaned forward and lowered his head, still pausing half a palm away from the chair. He never opened his eyes, but a gentle smile was on the corner of his lips, and he responded softly from time to time.
The snow fell ever heavier, blanketing the eaves, treetops, tables, chairs, and the ground with a blanket of pure white. The man kneeling before the armchair, his clothes and hair completely white, seemed to be made of fallen snow. It wasn't until he suddenly straightened up, stumbling to his feet, the snow half a finger thick falling off his body, that I realized with a start that this was a living person.
"....The severe cold symptoms will only be cured, so don't be greedy for coolness."
He folded his arms, as if cradling something extremely precious and fragile, and coaxed her softly, "I'll carry you back home to rest. If the snow is thick tomorrow, I'll take you to build a snowman, okay? You always said you loved snow. Now that you're well this winter, I won't restrict you any longer."
His voice was so soft, as if he wasn't afraid to disturb a single snowflake, yet it carried a hint of grievance. "Come to think of it, my birthday is in a month, and Nongnong has never celebrated for me. You said you'd make me a birthday cake yourself, did you forget? How about making it up to me this year?"
The figure, sculpted from snow, lowered his head and neck, as if holding the most precious treasure in the world in his arms, and walked towards the house step by step on the snow.
The hushed whispers gradually faded in the snowstorm. Jiang Ting finally couldn't hold back the tears in his eyes. He tilted his head back, letting the cold snowflakes fall on his face. The only sound in his ears was the deadly wind in the mansion.
His thoughts drifted back to that day when they met the motorcade. The master ran towards the carriage carrying his wife's coffin. When he dismounted, his black hair had turned completely snow-white.
That night, the master personally interrogated everyone, from Doctor Mo and Tongze to the maids and guards. He heard it clearly, and everyone said the same thing: the lady had first contracted a strange disease, her skin ulcerated, and without time to seek treatment, she could not bear the pain and set herself on fire.
So many eyes witnessed that her whole body was on fire, and for fear of infecting others, she had already isolated herself in a side room.
The lady must have made up her mind long ago. While she was ill, she ordered the doors and windows sealed shut, fearing the spread of her illness. As a result, when the fire broke out, the beams and pillars crackled and exploded, and the flames spread like wildfire. The palace guards dared not enter without permission, fearing a collapse. Dozens of people carried water to put out the fire, but this only fueled the flames. In the end—
In the end, not even an inch of the remains were found.
Even the master couldn't see the lady for the last time!
The lady was in such extreme pain that she didn't even say a word or leave a trace of thought.
It was so tragic that even he felt heartbroken when he heard about it, let alone you, who must be heartbroken.
Even if the lady is incredibly intelligent, she's so frail that she needs to be bedridden after a few steps, and with so many servants watching over her day and night, how could she possibly have pulled off this stunt? Couldn't your Excellency not understand this? If he weren't so clear-minded, how could he have suffered such a devastating blow, lingering in her courtyard all day, pretending she was still there, until he was emaciated?
Those who were sent to search all over the place were just comforting themselves knowing it was futile, just to maintain the glimmer of hope in their hearts.
But the Madam has passed away, and the Master, burdened with the weight of state, is sinking deeper and deeper into depravity. Tongze and a group of maids remain imprisoned in a dark room, with no hope of escape unless they can recall even a fraction of the Madam's past antics.
The sky grew increasingly gloomy, and the snow gradually stopped falling. A line of lantern lights slowly approached. Jiang Ting took a deep breath, straightened his back, and looked intently. He saw Butler Guo approaching with a food box and his servants. His heart relaxed, but then it sank again.
The master is now so skinny that he can only eat a few bites when "accompanying the lady for dinner." I don't know how much of this box of dinner he can eat.
Butler Guo and Jiang Ting nodded silently, knocked on the door three times as usual, and then pushed the door open to enter the courtyard.
It is inconvenient for Empress Guo to come often, and even though she has an old acquaintance with the Master, she is not allowed to come in. Now, the only person in the world who can still give some advice is the old housekeeper who watched the Master grow up.
It gets dark very quickly in winter. Just now there was still a hint of twilight in the sky, but when Butler Guo stepped into the courtyard, the night had completely fallen.
There were no lights on in the room, and he made no move. He simply went back and forth several times, bringing all the food boxes. Then he bowed to the figure hidden in the darkness in the uppermost chair in the hall and said,
"My Lord, my Lady, the kitchen has prepared your favorite sweet meats, vegetarian boxes, pancakes, and assorted soups today... It is almost midnight, and my Lady cannot stand the thought of going hungry. I, your Lord, would like to ask for your permission to light the lamps and prepare the meal."
The house was completely silent. The heating hadn't been turned on, the fire hadn't been lit, and the chill was biting, like being in an ice cellar.
After a long moment, a hoarse voice, as if it hadn't spoken in a long time, slowly rang out, and the words seemed to carry the sound of ice chips falling: "Okay."
Steward Guo bowed in acceptance, then slowly walked over to the lampstand and lit each one. Warm light gradually filled the hall, illuminating the face at the head, hidden in the darkness.
It was a dead, lifeless face, with only a pair of hands still maintaining a half-circle posture, occasionally tapping the air.
When the meal was served, he folded his arms and slowly stood up and walked to the table. He first bent down and made a gentle gesture of lowering himself before sitting down on the empty stool next to him. He took a bowl of soup, carefully scooped up a spoonful, blew it gently on his lips to cool it, and then brought it forward, coaxing in a low, hoarse voice,
"I know you haven't eaten meat for a long time, but drinking soup before a meal is the best way to nourish your stomach. Nong Nong, be good and listen."
He waited quietly for a moment before tilting the spoon slightly. The next moment, the warm soup poured down straight away, splashing all over the dark robe and the empty embroidered stool.
The dampness turned from slightly hot to piercingly cold, sticking to his thin shirt and clinging to his skin. Qin Jingyao was completely unaware, only raising the corner of his mouth and gazing tenderly into the void.
However, upon closer inspection, his expression was as cold as steel, and the smile on his lips was as stiff as if it were carved. He slowly and steadily drained the entire bowl of soup, spoonful after spoonful, then picked up her favorite dish and patiently carried it to the void.
Only when the meal on the table was almost half gone did he suddenly pause, as if he'd heard something. His cheek muscles twitched slightly, and he forced a smile. His voice was hoarse as he replied, "Okay, okay, I won't feed you anymore. I'll just listen to you."
He leaned towards the empty space, as if listening to a whisper, and then continued softly, "Then wait a moment. Once I've used up the rest of yours, I'll take you for a walk in the garden, okay?"
Before he finished speaking, his left hand was already stroking forward, as if arranging someone's hair. Then he suddenly turned sideways and began to eat with stiff and rapid movements. The chopsticks and bowls made a harsh sound in the silence.
Suddenly his body trembled, and he leaned over and vomited violently.
Qin Jingyao had never been so embarrassed in his life, and he was even more terrified that she would see him in such a state. In a panic, he tore off the tablecloth, letting the dishes shatter all over the floor, barely covering up the mess. Just as he was about to turn around, he stopped.
He hurriedly grabbed a broken porcelain plate, neatly cut off half of his sleeve, carefully wiped the stains from the corner of his lips, and tidied up his messy long hair.
When he felt everything was ready, he took a deep breath, tried to put on a gentle smile and turned around: "Don't worry, Nongnong, I'm fine---"
The unfinished words came to an abrupt end.
He stared blankly at the empty embroidery stool in front of him, and suddenly realized that the figure who would frown and feel distressed for him had only existed in his crazy fantasy from beginning to end.
"ha."
Qin Jingyao chuckled softly, then glanced down at the stain on his robe and the messy soup left beside the stool. His laughter suddenly escalated, and his whole body began to tremble. He suddenly raised his head and laughed wildly. His thin body suddenly stood up, overturning the table and chairs, but he didn't care at all. He staggered into the dim courtyard with laughter.
This place had long since become a forbidden area, a place no one dared to approach. Even the accumulated snow, now high enough to cover shoes, remained unsweeped. There were no lights in the courtyard; only the faint glow from inside the house outlined the cold, snowy landscape.
He suddenly stopped, then fell straight back, landing heavily on the snow. In the freezing winter, he was wearing only two layers of clothing. The dull thud of his body hitting the ground was drowned out by his manic laughter. He felt no pain, only closed his eyes and vainly waved his arms, trying to cover himself with the snow.
But the snow was too shallow to hide him. He simply stopped moving, completely relaxed, and let the cold pierce his bones.
The damp chill instantly seeped through my thin clothing. At first, it was just bone-chilling, but after an unknown amount of time, my body temperature began to rapidly decline, spreading from my hands and feet to my torso, until my clothes were soaked through and frozen solid with snow, and my entire body gradually went numb.
The courtyard gates were closed, and only Butler Guo watched from afar in the dim candlelight. He couldn't see the frostbite on the master's body, but he knew that lying in the snow in this freezing cold was tantamount to suicide. But he couldn't persuade him, nor did he dare to. The master's pain was too deep, and only this torture could bring him a moment's respite.
This wait lasted until the middle of the night.
Just as Butler Guo was about to call for help, the figure that almost blended into the snow finally moved.
The blood was stagnant, and every part of my body had long been numb with cold. Every breath felt like a sharp knife cutting through my lungs, chilling me to the bone.
It turns out that this is the feeling of being chilled to the bones.
And his Cong Cong had been tortured by such cold day after day. And he - had actually prevented her from seeking warmth, and still kept saying that love was like a treasure?
How could he bear to let her suffer like this for a moment longer?
No wonder she hated him.
No wonder she finally chose the fire.
She must be unable to endure this bone-chilling coldness any longer.
A short gasp echoed through the snowy night, and white mist escaped from his mouth and nose before dissipating in an instant. Qin Jingyao squeezed his eyes shut, tears streaming down his cheeks, turning into ice before they even fell. He tried to grit his teeth, but his cheeks were already numb from the cold. Only his heavy breathing was distinctly audible in the silence.
Hatred coiled around him like poisonous ivy. If the Empress hadn't repeatedly urged him to marry, he wouldn't have randomly found someone to take the position of wife that should have belonged to her! If Xu hadn't jumped into the river right where he passed, he wouldn't have thought of just letting things go! And those rebels, if they hadn't been causing trouble, why would he have been forced to leave Nong Nong alone in Yuqing back then?
If it weren't for these evil obstacles, he and Nongnong would have been a couple made in heaven!
If it weren't for them, how could Nong Nong have such a grudge and still refuse to forgive them?
And the late emperor! If he hadn't been so impatient, he could have waited until Nong Nong had recovered before taking her north. She wouldn't have fallen ill so easily!
If the late emperor hadn't died suddenly from taking the elixir, he would have been reunited with Nongnong long ago! With him by her side, how could he allow the evil disease to harm her in the slightest!
He completely forgot, or deliberately avoided, that some things were intentional by him, or even within his expectations.
besides--!
Qin Jingyao suddenly opened his eyes, undercurrents surged in his dead eyes, and anger burned from his heart and quickly spread to his limbs and bones.
His Nong Nong has suffered so much, and all those who hurt her directly or indirectly must pay the price!
His lips had long been sealed by ice and snow, but he ignored it and suddenly opened his lips to tear them open. Blood oozed out instantly and froze on his pale skin.
"Come, someone."
The voice was so low and hoarse that it was almost inaudible, but it was instantly caught by the steward Guo who was waiting attentively. He immediately perked up and answered loudly, "The old servant is here!"
At the same time, he quickly stepped forward and shouted to the outside of the courtyard, "Prepare the hot soup quickly!"
Although he had been soaked in the snow for several hours and his body was frozen to the bone marrow, Qin Jingyao had strong bones and was able to walk normally after just soaking in warm water.
But he refused the medicine to dispel the cold.
He let the biting coldness run through his limbs and bones like a cancer, lingering and lingering. He almost enjoyed the icy pain, as if through it, he could empathize with the pain she had endured.
He even regarded this bone-chilling cold as a mark left by her, and engraved it permanently in his body as if it were a treasure.
---
A month later, the prime minister returned to the court.
When that figure in a purple robe, with snow-white hair and a gaunt figure, appeared before the palace, the entire court was shocked. Just by looking at the frosted hair on her temples, one could tell that the Prime Minister's wife was in grave danger.
However, before the ministers could sigh, the Prime Minister, as soon as he appeared, immediately took drastic measures to rectify the government. All officials and their families who had criticized or disrespected his wife were severely punished. The serious ones were demoted and dismissed, and the minor ones were humiliated.
Before anyone could sympathize with his grief over the loss of his wife, they were all terrified by his fierce power. For a moment, they bowed their heads and held their breath, not daring to speak. Within a few days, the government and the people were in a state of panic, and the rumors that had previously been circulating suddenly disappeared.
Soon after, less than six months after the late emperor's death, the young emperor, under the direction of Prime Minister Tan, personally selected an empress. Furthermore, he rejected the titles proposed by the Ministry of Rites and the young emperor for the late emperor, ultimately settling on the rather banal posthumous title of "Emperor Ping."
This act was truly disrespectful, sparking heated debate among the court officials. It was said that the Empress Dowager and the Young Emperor were also extremely dissatisfied and had summoned him to the palace for a warning. However, everything remained the same afterward, revealing the prime minister's deceitful behavior and his monopolization of power.
Furthermore, officials who had participated in drawing up the canal construction schedule were subjected to unwarranted criticism one after another. He became increasingly rebellious, manipulating power and scheming, disrespecting the emperor, and his say in the court became almost irresponsible.
Soon after, the former Grand Marshal's wife, Xu, had her asylum order revoked, and all the gifts she had given her were reclaimed, leaving only the belongings she had taken with her when she entered the palace. From then on, her life and death, honor and disgrace, had no bearing on the Prime Minister.
In the genealogy of the Tan family, there is only one legal wife recorded from beginning to end.
As soon as this news came out, everyone understood its meaning.
After this, although Prime Minister Tan stopped his aggressive crackdown on the court, his laws became increasingly harsh and inhumane. The slightest mistake resulted in severe punishment, and within a short period of time, important positions in the court changed hands several times.
The low pressure emanating from his body was suffocating, especially his glaring white hair, increasingly bony figure, and eyes that were as dark as a pool when he looked at people, all of which made people shudder.
Although the prime minister's residence had not yet hung a white banner, the fact that his wife had already passed away was an indisputable fact.
Now, Prime Minister Tan, heartbroken by the loss of his beloved, is venting his anger on others. Even the Empress Dowager, having pressured him to marry in the past, remains silent. The entire court, both civil and military officials, is left with no other options but to exercise extreme caution and walk cautiously.
----
In previous years, from January to February, the mansion would be busy from top to bottom, replacing or repairing everything from the eaves, walls, doors and windows to the flowers, plants, trees, and even the interior furnishings.
However, this year, since the death of the lady last year, every brick, tile, flower and tree in the mansion, and all traces related to her, have been ordered to remain in their original state and not to be moved without permission.
Although the scenery of the courtyard remains the same, it has lost its soul without the hostess who makes everything full of vitality, and can no longer attract the owner to linger.
If things are like this, how can people bear it?
On New Year's Eve of the first year of Xu Zhang's reign, the prime minister's residence had neither peach charms nor red silk hangings for a night of observance. Over a hundred people in the mansion continued to perform their duties, yet the residence was as quiet as a deserted city.
In early March, the snow gradually melted, and the chill in the wind was no longer as biting as before. However, Qin Jingyao still wrapped himself in a heavy cloak. After returning to the mansion, he went straight to the South Courtyard, which was located in the deepest part of the mansion and seemed to be isolated from the world.
He personally tended the flowerpots, peach trees, and pear trees in the courtyard according to the craftsman's detailed instructions, but they seemed to have learned human nature and, like their owner, withered day by day.
He stood in the courtyard with his head raised in silence for a long while until a voice came from outside the door: "Your Excellency, the masters of Qingyun Temple have arrived."
After a moment, a hoarse voice sounded in the courtyard: "Let them in."
Yuqing was over 1,300 miles from the capital, and Qingyun Temple was even deeper in the mountains, so news was naturally cut off. Furthermore, the rumor of the Prime Minister's wife's death had only circulated among the dignitaries in the capital for two days before being completely extinguished, so naturally, no one in the temple knew about it.
However, perhaps there was some kind of intuition. In that icy and snowy season, when long journeys were unsuitable, receiving the order to depart immediately and hearing that Nongnong was seriously ill, everyone felt a sense of unease.
However, they were unwilling to think deeply about it, and just thought that it was because of the deep unresolved knot in their hearts that they became depressed and sick. This time they were summoned to Beijing to accompany and relieve the knot.
Unexpectedly, upon arrival, the people who came to greet them told them this unbelievable bad news. After a long journey without rest, they felt dizzy and overwhelmed with shock and grief.
Yun An couldn't bear the blow and collapsed on the spot. While the others weren't bedridden, their faces were filled with sorrow, and they looked much older in an instant.
Nong Nong was only twenty-five years old this year, in the prime of her life! Her body was originally stronger than that of an average man, but fate played a trick on her, and she was eventually taken away by illness!
Those who cultivate should not harbor resentment, but they are ultimately mortals, unable to achieve the Buddha's pure six senses. After learning the truth, it was inevitable that they would feel anger. If he had not deceived her and forced her to stay, and then insisted on taking her on a long journey despite her severe illness, how could she have been so severely weakened, allowing the evil to take advantage and eventually burn herself to death?
Including Yun An, everyone was holding on and refused to rest, determined to see Nong Nong for the last time.
However, when they saw the man with white hair, emaciated body and shrouded in deathly silence, all the resentment in their hearts was stuck in their throats and they could no longer speak.
The deeper the love, the deeper the pain. In the final analysis, it is the word "love" that hurts people.
After a while, the abbot of Qingfeng Temple steadied his breath and spoke in a low voice:
"Amitabha, may I ask the Prime Minister where the cenotaph of Cong Cong is located? We have come to see her one last time and personally chant sutras for her salvation, praying that her soul may rest in peace in heaven."
Qin Jingyao felt as if he had been hit hard when he heard this. His whole body trembled violently, his pupils suddenly contracted, and his knuckles tightly gripped the armrest. A fishy and sweet taste instantly rushed up his throat, and he forced himself to swallow it down.
Die alone?
She is his wife in life, and will study with him in death!
She had to wait for him.
Since we can’t grow old together in this life, let’s make plans to meet again in the next life!
His expression didn't change drastically, but that momentary strangeness and inappropriate silence had already made everyone feel ominous. Yun An could no longer suppress his resentment and demanded in a trembling voice, "You! You didn't even build a cenotaph for her? Are you going to let her become a homeless, lonely ghost?!"
Although the others remained silent, their expressions had completely turned cold. People of the time viewed death as life itself. The more noble one's status, the more serious their affairs after death were, in order to ensure a long-lasting blessing in the afterlife.
Reciting the Sutra of Rebirth is to wish the deceased to let go of the ties of this world and step safely into a new life.
Nong Nong was trapped by love during her lifetime and had no control over her own life. She died in such a tragic way. Now she can't even build a cenotaph to commemorate her. How can they bear it?
Qin Jingyao had already calmed down from his earlier loss of composure, completely unconcerned with the glares from the crowd. He simply said indifferently, "I have my own arrangements for this matter. I asked you all to come here so that you can tell me everything about Nong Nong's past, no matter how big or small. On behalf of my wife, I appreciate your kindness."
"Although Nongnong is not a blood relative of ours, she is closer than we are! Now that she has suffered such a great disaster, how can you just dismiss her with a simple statement like 'I have my own arrangements'? Nongnong--"
The abbot of Qingfeng Temple raised her hand to calm the angry crowd. This person had already made up his mind not to respond, so even if his actions were against human ethics, it would be futile for them to say more.
Without this deep connection, they were nothing more than dust in this person's eyes. Rather than entangled in fruitless struggle, it would be better to offer her a perpetual lamp and set up a memorial tablet for her after she returns.
As such, the abbess of Qingfeng Temple did not want to stay here any longer. She chanted the Buddha's name softly, stepped forward and said, "The Prime Minister has ordered this, and we should not refuse. But to be honest, we met Nong Nong by chance seven years ago. At that time--"
"What did you say?"
Qin Jingyao suddenly raised his eyes, his dark gaze fixed on her as if it were real, and he spoke word by word, "Didn't you say that Nong Nong was abandoned outside the nunnery since she was young?"
Everyone was puzzled by the abbot's sudden revelation, and glances turned in his direction. Qingfeng Abbot remained as calm as ever, replying calmly, "At this point, there's no need to hide anything. That statement was simply to make things easier for Nongnong. We know nothing about her life over the past eighteen years."
------
Only when they returned to the inn did Yun An and the others finally stop themselves and rush forward to ask anxiously, "Why did the abbot tell that person the truth?"
"That's right! If it weren't for him, how could Nong Nong have been so young--"
"The abbot's actions have their own profound meaning, but I hope you can clear up our confusion."
As the head of the nunnery, Qingfeng has always been the most calm and open-minded person among the people. However, this time, she also had some selfish thoughts.
A clearly visible past will eventually be buried by the dust of time.
Nongnong has already left, and that man has just reached his thirties, holding a high position, wielding great power, and surrounded by prosperity. Even though he is now broken and emaciated, time flies, and no matter how deep or strong the love is, it will eventually be washed away by time.
Nong Nong never coveted fame, wealth and power; she could have lived a simple but comfortable life.
She died in the prime of her life, but that man was able to leave the past behind and still enjoy honor and stability in the world.
Only those secrets that are difficult to distinguish between true and false and cannot be traced can turn into eternal puzzles, trapping people in them for eternity and unable to find the solution.
This was both a small response to that person and a way to preserve a glimmer of hope for Nongnong.
Let her origin become a maze that he will pursue forever but cannot reach.
Abbot Qingfeng looked at Yun'an, his eyes as calm as water, and said slowly, "The matter here is over. Instead of getting entangled in the joys and sorrows of others, it is better to return home soon and offer a long-burning lamp for Nong Nong, praying for her peace in the next life."
Yun An met her gaze, suppressed his grief, and burst into tears. Everyone else was also enlightened, suddenly realizing that they had just been caught up in the emotional vortex that person had brought.
Yeah, why bother about him?
What they care about is only the strong feelings.
"Amitabha, thank you for your guidance."
---
"...On the way, I saw that he had fainted and was pitiful, so I took him back to the nunnery..."
"...After a serious illness, I forgot everything in my past..."
"...I only know your name and age, nothing else..."
"...free and lively, seeing everything as new..."
“…”
As the sky darkened, Qin Jingyao abruptly stood up, the words swirling in his head coming to an abrupt halt. He strode into her study, leaned over and gripped the edge of the desk. His fingers flicked somewhere in the drawer below. The mechanism made a slight click, and the bottom panel slid open.
He quickly reached his hand inside, and the moment his fingertips touched the cloth and the wooden frame, a ray of light suddenly flashed in his dead eyes.
Although there was no light, the twilight was still enough to make out objects within a dozen feet, let alone the objects in his hand.
However, in the photo frame carefully wrapped in soft cloth and with a polished wooden frame,
--Empty?!
His knuckles tightened around the frame, the wood creaking under the weight, finally cracking with a resounding thud. As he tightened his grip, the sharp wood thorns pierced his flesh, drawing blood.
"....Ha ha ha ha..."
"Ha ha ha ha--"
The bloodstained arm suddenly dropped, blood gushing out from between the fingers, but Qin Jingyao seemed unaware, looking up and laughing loudly. But the next moment, he suddenly hunched over and his voice stopped abruptly.
"..., after all, you are still on guard against me."
Qin Jingyao clenched the letter of guarantee she had written in her own hand. His knuckles turned pale, and his voice was hoarse as he murmured, "You said you would be obedient and have nothing to hide from me."
"You deceived me and made me fall in love with you, but you didn't even want me to know the details."
"You tricked me into sinking into this deep mud, yet you yourself walked away so briskly—!"
Qin Jingyao slowly stood up, his eyes bloodshot and his cheek muscles as tight as stone.
Being soft-hearted will not get you anywhere.
If he had not been soft-hearted towards her and had not opened the wooden frame to check, he would not be at a loss where to start today!
Everyone who exists in this world must have a place to come from. Whether they are ignorant or lying, he will find out everything.
If you can't find it in one day, search for a month. If you can't find it in one month, search for a year! If you can't find it in one year, search for five or ten years!
Qin Jingyao stepped out of the room, his black cloak dragging on the ground.
Since I had provoked him, how could I just let it go like that?
He would find her.
Whether in the past or in the next life.
Her body was his.
Soul, too!
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