Chapter 155 The Man Who Fulfilled the Prophecy
This song circulated among the people shortly after the late Emperor Chu Yin established the Daye Dynasty. Later, it was said to be a prophetic song, foreshadowing that the dynasty would be replaced after three generations.
This naturally aroused the emperor's dissatisfaction.
It is said that at that time, a large number of people whose names corresponded to the prophecy were implicated, including Xiao Yuansui. It is said that because his surname was "Xiao" and he inherited the title of Duke of Pushan, which corresponded to "Xiaoshan" in the prophecy, he gradually became distrusted by the emperor and was no longer given important positions.
After several cleansings, those whose names were prophesied either died or fell into ruin, and the song gradually disappeared into the dust of the world.
Unexpectedly, someone brought it up again now.
Looking at the puzzled and bewildered expressions of the people around her, Shang Ruyi frowned slightly. After thinking about the lyrics again, she suddenly felt a chill rise from the soles of her feet.
The phoenix sings beside Xiaoshan Mountain, and one can still see the Rice-Character Isle...
Just as her mind was in turmoil, she suddenly heard Tushe'er call out softly, "Miss!"
Shang Ruyi then felt a heat on the back of her hand. Looking down, she realized that her hand holding the teacup had inexplicably trembled, spilling all the tea onto her hand. Tu She'er quickly removed the cup and wiped her hand with a handkerchief: "Miss, are you burned?"
Shang Ruyi shook her head: "It's nothing."
The tea was still a bit hot when it was served, but the north wind was cold, and it soon became lukewarm, so it naturally wouldn't burn her. However, Ke Tushe'er still carefully held her and looked at her for a long time before she was relieved to be sure that she was alright.
Her outburst drew the attention of those around her.
One of the tall, middle-aged men glanced at Shang Ruyi a few times and suddenly said, "This lady looks familiar."
Shang Ruyi looked up at him: "Oh?"
Several people around looked at Shang Ruyi and said, "Yes, it looks like we've seen her somewhere before."
"Is Madam from Yanmen County?"
...
Seeing that they were paying more and more attention to her, Shang Ruyi suddenly became a little nervous—she had not forgotten that she was just a young mistress of a minor duke's mansion, and in principle, not so many people would notice her. The only thing that attracted attention to her in Yanmen County was that after she was shot by an arrow and fell unconscious, she was carried by the emperor all the way from the city gate to the government office.
Moreover, it happened in full view of everyone.
The people here probably saw themselves back then.
Thinking of this, she felt a cold sweat break out on her back, and forced a smile, saying, "You all have probably mistaken me for someone else."
After saying that, he put down the money for the tea and got up to leave.
Just as she was about to leave, she heard the old man sitting in the corner speak again: "Madam, have you heard that song just now?"
Shang Ruyi was taken aback, stopped in her tracks, and looked back.
She thought for a moment, then smiled faintly and said, "I have indeed heard of this song before, but the lyrics are so crude and incomprehensible that I really can't understand what it means."
The old man looked at her for a while, then smiled faintly and said, "Yes, this song is indeed—very chaotic."
People around also said, "In these good times, we should sing some nice songs."
This surprised Shang Ruyi. Seeing everyone nodding and smiling, she couldn't help but ask, "A battle just ended here. How come it's become a 'good time' in your mouths?"
The tea drinkers exchanged glances and laughed.
Someone said, "Madam, you are unaware that His Majesty the Emperor has officially ordered a halt to the attack on Liaodong!"
Upon hearing this, Shang Ruyi's eyes widened in surprise: "Really?"
Everyone laughed and said, "Is this fake? The imperial edict has already been issued!"
"I have a brother who works in the government office. I heard that the ministers around His Majesty the Emperor are urging him to expedite the process, so the imperial decree has already been sent to both the Eastern Capital and the Western Capital, and it will be announced to the world soon!"
"Moreover, the people and soldiers of Yanmen County have rendered meritorious service in resisting the Turkic army this time, and we can have our taxes reduced for two years!"
"Now, we finally have a way to survive!"
"Yes, yes, speaking of which, we should thank the person who advised His Majesty the Emperor yesterday to stop the attack on Liaodong."
Just as everyone was celebrating, someone suddenly remembered something and said, "Wait, the person who advised His Majesty yesterday, wasn't that—"
Everyone hurriedly looked towards where Shang Ruyi was sitting, but the place was already empty.
Only in the distance, two figures hurriedly depart.
Finally leaving the street, Shang Ruyi held Tu She'er's hand and stood on the side of the street, panting. The wound on her back was also a little painful, but fortunately, the short run had not caused the wound to reopen.
Tushe'er was still somewhat bewildered: "Miss, what's wrong?"
"..."
Shang Ruyi caught her breath slightly and waved her hand, saying, "It's nothing. By the way, don't go around saying what you heard today, especially what about Yuwen Ye..."
Upon hearing this, Tushe'er immediately rolled her eyes: "I wouldn't."
"..."
"Who would bother to brag about him? Humph, so what if he's incredibly brave? He doesn't even care about his own wife!"
Seeing her standing up for herself, Shang Ruyi couldn't help but laugh.
Well, one can't always be so clear-headed, calculating every penny like in a transaction. Since I can't find solace in relationships, having someone who unreasonably sides with me is a small comfort.
Tushe'er asked, "Miss, where are we going now?"
Shang Ruyi looked up at the sky. They had been out for most of the day. At this time, the setting sun cast its golden rays upon the small town, which had just experienced a great battle and was now showing signs of decay yet also resilience, giving it a sense of splendor. She smiled and said, "Alright, I'm a little tired too. Let's go back."
"good."
Tushe'er immediately helped her up, and the two turned around and walked back.
Yanmen City was not large, and they did not walk far. Before long, they returned to the government office.
People were still coming and going, but some recognized them and called them "Lady Ruyi". Shang Ruyi traveled smoothly and soon returned to the small courtyard where she was staying.
However, as soon as I stepped inside, I sensed that something was off about the atmosphere in the courtyard.
Tusheer asked, "Miss, what's wrong?"
Shang Ruyi thought for a moment and said, "You go and rest. I'll go back by myself."
Tushe'er was a little puzzled. She was only a few steps away from the door, so why was she being told to leave? But since it was only a few steps away, she didn't necessarily have to follow her in. She told her to rest well when she got back, and then turned and left.
After Tushe'er left, Shang Ruyi took a deep breath, stepped forward, and carefully pushed open the door.
With a creak, the last rays of the setting sun shone into the small house from behind her.
She immediately spotted a familiar, tall figure standing in the center of the room with his hands behind his back. Hearing the sound, he slowly turned around to look at her.
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