Chapter 60 (Final Chapter) [VIP]
Chapter Summary: Spring Returns to Shaoyuan (Main Text Completed)
"retribution."
Liu Shiyu's tears dripped down her cheeks onto Wei Jingshan's hand. With all her might, she squeezed out those two words from her nearly choked throat.
Wei Jingshan stared in astonishment at Liu Shiyu's contemptuous eyes. He didn't let go, and his voice held a hint of sorrow as he spoke: "Do you really hate me that much? But what right do you have to hate me? Everything that's happened is because of you! Everyone can hate me, but you can't."
"Because of me...?" Liu Shiyu found it amusing. "The one who started this... is you. I'm just... a stepping stone for you to achieve your ambitions..."
"Even if you lose, don't even think about destroying me."
As Liu Shiyu finished speaking, Wei Jingshan suddenly released his grip on her hand. He sneered, his laughter filled with determination, and said, "Since that's the case, Liu Shiyu... you will wear our wedding attire and be buried with me."
"Guards! Tie her up and take her to the city gate."
As soon as Wei Jingshan finished speaking, the guards outside Shiguang Hall rushed into the hall. They surrounded Liu Shiyu, but she was not intimidated. She smoothed the hem of her skirt, raised her head and looked up at the sunlight outside the hall, and said in a deep voice, "No need for trouble, I can walk by myself."
And so, Liu Shiyu was escorted by the guards towards the palace path outside the hall. Wei Jingshan followed closely behind, when suddenly a hurried report came from afar: "Report!"
"Tang Wuzheng, leading Chongyun's army, is approaching the city; the city gates are under attack. The city gates are under attack."
Wei Jingshan was shocked upon hearing the news. He had fought in this kind of battle for more than ten years and had long been accustomed to killing. He had never blinked even when a long sword pierced his back. But the only time he heard the name Tang Wuzheng, he always felt a chill.
He walked briskly past Liu Shiyu, but suddenly turned back and said, "Liu Shiyu, I'll wait for you at the city gate. Let's travel together."
Wei Jingshan is gone.
Liu Shiyu calmly watched the figures gracefully descending from the distant green tiles. Wei Jingshan had been careless. He should have taken Liu Shiyu with him. Perhaps he was too arrogant, believing that as long as the city gates remained standing, Liu Shiyu would have nowhere to escape.
Unexpectedly, those nimble figures landed instantly after Wei Jingshan left.
Clearly, the remaining small Northern Army is no match for them.
In less than a moment, Liu Shiyu looked down at the person lying on the ground groaning in pain and chuckled: "You dog, you can go to hell by yourself."
...
Outside Jinling City, Tang Wuzheng's troops approached the city.
Xu Luchuan stood on horseback among his group of lieutenants, recalling the scene of his mission to Wuxing a month or so ago, as if it were still vivid in his mind.
King Wuxing had a very eccentric temper. Xu Luchuan argued with him for more than two hours in the King's palace. He saw that the King was persuaded by him, but when he spoke, he still refused to budge an inch.
Thus, those who had accompanied Xu Luchuan on his mission all felt that peace talks were hopeless and prepared to return empty-handed.
Unexpectedly, a beautiful young woman suddenly burst into the tent.
After circling Xu Luchuan once, his eyes lit up. He then asked, "Is your Shaoyuan emperor as handsome as you?"
Xu Luchuan was taken aback by her words. Although he was troubled by the failure of the peace talks, he had not been disrespectful to the young girl. Xu Luchuan thought carefully about the young emperor's handsome features—sword-like eyebrows and bright eyes, a truly regal appearance—and casually replied, "My appearance is not comparable to Your Majesty's."
Who would have thought that just this one sentence would lead to peace talks and a marriage alliance?
Upon hearing this, the young girl immediately ran to King Wuxing's side, tugged at his sleeve, and said coquettishly, "Father, I agree to this marriage! I want to marry Emperor Shaoyuan!"
Upon hearing this, everyone looked at each other in surprise, none of them expecting that this young girl was Princess Dolan, the most beloved daughter of King Wuxing.
Xu Luchuan never expected that after going around in circles, he, who had confidently vowed that he could make something of himself without relying on the Xu family or his reputation, would still be stuck in the same place.
But thinking about it now, it's just like when I said I wanted to stay away from Liu Shiyu, but ended up falling in love with her. It's all the best arrangement.
Now that things have been resolved satisfactorily, he should choose to make peace with himself.
Looking up again, Xu Luchuan gazed at the Jinling city gate before him; his reunion with Liu Shiyu was drawing near.
On the city wall, Wei Jingshan stared at Tang Wuzheng, his tightly furrowed brows revealing unease. He had followed him for twenty-one years, and for twenty-one years he had been uneasy. He had complained countless times about why the Wei family was full of loyal martyrs, while he himself had ended up like this.
He blamed Tang Wuzheng for raising him into a monster who only knew how to kill, but he never thought that it was his unfounded suspicion that had destroyed him.
“You still came.” Wei Jingshan spoke from the city wall.
Tang Wuzheng glanced at him disdainfully, "These traitors are causing havoc; how can I stand idly by? Xiaoshan, if you do not repent, your uncle will certainly not show you any mercy today."
repentance?
Wei Jingshan knew Tang Wuzheng better than anyone else; he would tear any prey he captured to pieces without mercy.
Therefore, Wei Jingshan had no way out.
"Stop talking nonsense. If you don't care about the Emperor's safety, then go ahead and attack the city." Wei Jingshan threatened. Before leaving the palace, he had already sent the Northern Army to capture Liu Zhizhou; this was his last trump card. Perhaps, he could save his life because of it.
Tang Wuzheng remained unmoved by his words. He simply said with some displeasure, "Are you threatening me?"
Wei Jingshan did not reply, and the two armies remained deadlocked.
Suddenly, Shang Youhu hurriedly climbed the steps and whispered to Wei Jingshan, "My lord, His Highness and the young emperor are missing."
"What did you say?" Wei Jingshan turned around in surprise. Shang Youhu continued, "I led my men to Fenghua Palace. Lu Cheng was guarding outside the palace. After a conflict with him outside, I went back into the palace and found it empty. His Highness was also rescued by someone, and it seems to be a group of people."
"However, I have already sent people to search, so they shouldn't have gone far."
"Where is Lu Cheng?" Wei Jingshan asked, veins bulging between his brows. Shang Youhu, seeing this, forced a smile and replied, "He's dead."
"Useless, all of you are useless." Upon hearing this, Wei Jingshan punched Shang Youhu's armor. "Go to the Tang family and bring Tang Shengan here. If you fail again this time, you can be killed on the spot. You don't need to come back to see me."
"Yes, Lord Marquis." Shang Youhu clasped his hands in response and walked down the city wall.
Below the city walls, Tang Wuzheng observed Wei Jingshan's every move. He noticed Wei Jingshan's hesitation.
So, at that moment, he raised his arms and shouted.
"Chongyun Army, heed my command! The traitor Wei Jingshan has rebelled and is guilty of treason; everyone has the right to kill him. To ensure the longevity of Shaoyuan, attack the city immediately!"
"kill"
Tang Wuzheng was always decisive and brave. Apart from Xu Luchuan, no one behind him was surprised by this unexpected order. As soon as the words fell, the Chongyun Army pressed forward like a dark cloud. Xu Luchuan followed the crowd and charged away.
...
Inside the Wanshe Palace, Liu Shiyu led Lian Xing and the others to rescue the young emperor and then fled to the Wuchun Palace.
It was still that dark tunnel. Lian Yue blew firewood, and everyone except Lian Xing was gathered together. Liu Shiyu looked at Liu Zhizhou and comforted him, "Your Majesty, don't be afraid. With them protecting you, it's safe here."
"I am not afraid."
Liu Zhizhou is no longer the child who would hide behind Liu Shiyu, and he is no longer afraid of their threats.
The Wuchun Palace was very quiet, so quiet that one could almost hear the passage of time. Everyone stood silently in place, but Liu Shiyu was uneasy. Liu Zhizhou suddenly grabbed her hand, "Sister, if you really can't let go, go out and take a look. Don't worry about me, just please take care of yourself."
Liu Zhizhou saw through her thoughts, and Liu Shiyu smiled and shook his hand in return. Then, looking up, Liu Shiyu said, "Then Lianyue and Baichuan, His Majesty is entrusted to you."
"Yes, Your Highness, rest assured." Bai Chuan clasped his hands in response, but Lian Yue raised the sword in his hand. "Your Highness, this place is secluded. As long as His Majesty stays here, he will be safe. I will accompany you."
Liu Shiyu looked at Liu Zhizhou, then at Lian Yue, and finally replied, "Okay."
The two then passed through the secret passage and left the Wanshe Palace.
Stepping onto the streets of Jinling, Liu Shiyu and Lian Yue looked around and found it eerily silent, not even the Northern Army troops that usually patrolled the city were there. They assumed they had all been redeployed to defend the city gates. Nevertheless, the two dared not let their guard down and continued cautiously toward the city gates.
…
Three loud bangs suddenly rang out from the city gate, and the people who had closed their doors all leaned against their windows to look out. Then, the sound of the Chongyun Army charging into Jinling spread throughout the city. The gloom in people's hearts was dispelled by the sounds of fierce fighting.
They said that Shao Yuan could be saved.
…
On the main road in the city, Tang Wuzheng, sword in hand, approached Wei Jingshan, who had fled down from the city gate. Wei Jingshan, however, in order to save his life, retreated repeatedly, carrying Tang Sheng'an, who had been brought there by Shang Youhu.
"It's truly a desperate struggle, like a cornered beast. Xiaoshan, if you're so afraid of death, why did you fight to the death in the first place?"
Even with his son being held hostage, Tang Wuzheng still maintained an arrogant demeanor. Perhaps it was because most of the Southern army had surrendered in this battle, and he hadn't had a satisfying victory.
Seeing that Tang Wuzheng remained unmoved, Wei Jingshan tightened the sword pressed against Tang Shengan's neck even further. He then continued to threaten, "I am not reconciled! But Tang Wuzheng, you remember this: I am not a sword you can manipulate at will. If I die today, he will be buried with me."
"Xiaoshan, it seems you still don't understand me enough," Tang Wuzheng said, shaking his head with a hint of regret. Then, raising his hand, he said something that astonished everyone present, "An'er, don't worry, Shaoyuan will remember your contribution."
Tang Wuzheng was determined to "sacrifice family for the greater good." Even Wei Jingshan hadn't expected him to be so ruthless.
To everyone's surprise, an even more astonishing scene unfolded next.
An arrow flew swiftly from the roof on the right, striking Wei Jingshan squarely in the neck before anyone could react. It was a precise, fatal blow.
Wei Jingshan collapsed to the ground with a thud.
Everyone looked up in surprise and saw Xu Luchuan standing on the roof, panting, slowly lowering the bow in his hand. Unexpectedly, the archery skills that Xu Luchuan had learned to compensate for his excellent lightness skills but poor martial arts skills had now come in handy.
In this game, he relied entirely on himself.
Tang Wuzheng looked at Xu Luchuan and suddenly smiled, saying, "Right Supervisor, excellent archery skills."
Xu Luchuan, still shaken, stood frozen in place, not listening to a word he said. Tang Wuzheng, however, wasn't annoyed. He simply rode past Tang Shengan and called out loudly, "Qigeng, lead the men to clean up the battlefield. An'er, come home with your father."
Tang Shengan seemed to have long been accustomed to Tang Wuzheng's temperament. He didn't say anything but cupped his hands and replied, "Yes, Father."
Just as Tang Wuzheng was about to set off, he saw Liu Shiyu, dressed in a scarlet wedding gown, galloping towards him as he pulled on the reins.
He immediately called out, "Your Highness?"
Upon hearing the sound, Liu Shiyu slowly stopped. She looked at Wei Jingshan, who had been shot dead on the ground, without showing any surprise. She hurriedly looked into the distance, but could not find Xu Luchuan's figure.
Liu Shiyu quickly asked, "Uncle, Xu..."
Before she could even utter Xu Luchuan's name, Xu Luchuan called out from the rooftop, "Ayu!"
That call, which she had heard countless times in her dreams, yet felt empty and distant upon waking, stirred Liu Shiyu's heart. Their eyes met again. Their deep affection and mutual love were all contained in that fluttering gaze.
Tang Wuzheng was astonished, then looked as if he had discovered something extraordinary. But he did not stop him, and instead continued to steer his horse.
Tang Wuzheng left, and the crowd dispersed. Lian Yue also turned and left.
On the desolate avenue, only two burning hearts remained. Xu Luchuan gracefully descended, landing in front of Liu Shiyu. He couldn't wait to pull her into his arms, wishing he could kiss her a million times over.
Liu Shiyu responded just as enthusiastically as he did. She nestled tightly in Xu Luchuan's arms, weeping with joy.
She called his name again.
"Xu Luchuan, we'll never be apart again...right?"
Xu Luchuan reached out and patted her back. From now on, he would be her support. "Yes, nothing can separate us anymore. I will be with you forever."
At that time, their feelings were deep and the atmosphere was very warm.
Suddenly, a series of hushed purrs broke the silence. Liu Shiyu peeked out from Xu Luchuan's embrace, while Xu Luchuan, his eyes also lowered, gazed down at her. Neither of them had eaten a single grain of rice all day. They exchanged a warm smile.
"Are you hungry?" Xu Luchuan asked softly, and Liu Shiyu nodded, "Yes."
"Go home?" Xu Luchuan asked softly again. Liu Shiyu nodded again. "To eat!"
The two hit it off immediately.
"Xiao Lü, what do you want to eat? It's been a long time since I've had roasted meat. How about we have roasted meat today?" Liu Shiyu said, pulling away from Xu Luchuan's embrace. Xu Luchuan took her hand without hesitation. "Okay, you're the boss in our family."
The two walked side by side toward Shanghe Street, gradually disappearing into the distance.
When they finally stood outside the Princess's residence, Liu Shiyu looked back and saw that the cold winter had ended and spring had arrived for Shaoyuan.
[Author's Note]
That concludes the main text! Next up is the bonus chapter! (Update time may be uncertain, but it will definitely be completed!) (bows!) Thank you all for your continued support. I'm grateful for the encounter, and finally, I wish you all good health and all the best!
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