Family reunion
A clear stream meanders through the courtyard.
A courtyard with a wooden sign that reads "Shangguan Family Martial Arts School" is the home of Fuyao and Song Ningyuan.
After Fu Yao brought her son back to Ganzhou, she did not live with Uncle Yu and the others, and she did not want to get involved in the affairs of the pharmacy.
Although the pharmacy was opened by my mother, Uncle Yu and Second Aunt also contributed a lot.
Now that Shangguan Qi has joined the management of the pharmacy, the two elders can spare more time to visit the martial arts gym to see their mother and daughter.
Fuyao was wearing a neat green suit and her long hair was tied up.
She is no longer the worried concubine in the palace, but a dashing and capable martial arts instructor.
Early in the morning, she led a group of young farm boys to practice basic boxing and kicking on the stone platform in the yard. The moves were simple and practical, emphasizing character and courage.
In the afternoon, she sat in the corridor, and in the light, she patiently taught Ning Yuan how to read and write, explained military strategies, and subtly instilled in him the freedom of "following your heart and moving forward."
Her eyes were calm and firm. Occasionally, she would stroke the warm mutton-fat jade pendant around her waist. A hint of nostalgia would flash across her eyes, but more of it was satisfaction with her current life and joy in her son's growth.
Although the martial arts school is small, it is well-known and Fuyao is highly respected for his martial arts skills and character.
Ning Yuan has grown into a handsome young man with a calm temperament.
He inherited his mother's heroism and his father's intelligence.
Under the influence of A Niang, he not only had solid martial arts skills, but was also very good at reading. He especially loved history and was often yearning for the stories of "enlightened monarchs" and "benevolent governments and people-loving" told by A Niang.
He was aware of his own life experience. A-niang's occasional expression of deep longing for the distant south, as well as the occasional praise from the martial arts hall about Yu'an "the young emperor", filled him with curiosity and a hint of inexplicable concern.
He is filial and sensible, which is Fuyao's greatest comfort.
Deep in the magnificent imperial palace, the imperial study was brightly lit with candles.
Song Chenyu had a resolute expression on his face, but his eyes were as deep as an ancient well.
After reviewing the last memorial, he rubbed his eyebrows.
He took out a white pearl hairpin from his waist. This was the one he took when he first met Fu Yao in the brothel.
In fact, it was never lost and he always carried it with him.
Because he felt that as long as Buyao was there, Fuyao would be there.
He envied Fuyao's freedom and unrestrained nature, and it was these qualities that deeply attracted him.
Outside the window is the dark night scene of the palace.
Since Fuyao left, he has not taken anyone into his harem.
In the third year after her departure, a court official suggested that the country could not be without a successor for a day, and hoped that Your Majesty would find a suitable candidate as soon as possible.
Song Chenyu only said one sentence,
"Except Fuyao, I don't want anyone else."
Indeed, the scene of Shangguan Fuyao, the pregnant Crown Princess beating drums on the city wall to cheer for the emperor to protect the capital, is still vivid in people’s minds.
The ministers were also very impressed, and from then on no one mentioned the matter of establishing a queen again.
In recent years, Song Chenyu has worked hard to govern the country. The country's system is clear, the treasury is full, and the borders are stable. This is known in history as the "Qianyuan Prosperous Era."
He was diligent in his work and loved his people, but he also understood the loneliness of being an emperor.
In the corner of the imperial study, there is always a simple wooden shelf, on which is an unsharpened practice sword and a plain dress left by Fu Yao.
He hardly ever touched it, but his eyes would linger for a moment when he passed by it every day.
He preserved the Muching Palace, and everything inside remained the same as when she left. The flowers were still fragrant, but the house was empty.
Every year he would secretly send people to the vicinity of Ganzhou to "buy medicinal herbs", but in fact they were just gazing at the familiar outline of the courtyard from afar.
Confirm that she is safe in the dim light.
He turned his longing for her into motivation for governing the country and his unreserved cultivation of the crown prince.
He knew very well that only when the world was at peace would he be qualified to pursue his personal happiness.
In the Eastern Palace, a young prince named Song Mingxuan, about twenty years old, dressed in the attire of a prince, with a dignified face and clear and resolute eyes, was listening to the lecture of the Grand Tutor.
He was a descendant selected by Song Chenyu from the royal family.
He is knowledgeable and humble, has a deep understanding of the people's livelihood, handles government affairs in an orderly manner, and is highly praised by the government and the public and has the absolute trust of Song Chenyu.
Song Chenyu treated him as his own son and taught him everything he knew about governing a country and being a king.
In the tenth year after Fuyao left, in the solemn and dignified Daqing Hall.
Beneath the red steps, all civil and military officials stood solemnly.
Song Chenyu was wearing a black casual suit, without a crown, and only holding a jade sceptre, standing next to the dragon throne.
Crown Prince Song Mingxuan, dressed in imperial robes and crown, accepted the congratulations from all officials with a solemn expression.
Song Chenyu's voice was clear and calm, with a hint of relief.
"I am tired of all affairs.
The current Crown Prince Mingxuan is virtuous and talented, capable of inheriting the throne and creating a new prosperous era.
I feel very comforted.
From this day forward, I will relinquish my imperial title, retire as the Supreme Emperor, and move to the Yongshou Palace to live out my remaining years.
May our country be forever strong and our people live in peace and prosperity!"
As he spoke, his eyes swept across the distant skyline outside the palace, intentionally or unintentionally, as if he was penetrating the palace walls and looking at the mountains and rivers thousands of miles away.
When the ministers knelt down to pay homage to the new emperor, he slightly turned sideways, avoiding the dragon throne that symbolized supreme power, with a calm and distant look in his eyes.
The abdication edict was announced to the world, and the whole country was shocked. Then it turned to deep respect for this benevolent monarch who created a prosperous era and looked forward to the new monarch.
Song Chenyu completed his last and most difficult mission as an emperor.
For love and for the world, let go completely.
Shao Hansu was very pleased as the prince stood there, both for Fuyao and for Song Chenyu.
Yongshou Palace is decorated in a simple and elegant style, just like Song Chenyu himself.
He summoned Ma Chong, who had followed him for nearly twenty years.
Even though he lost his lover, his eyes were still sharp and loyal.
Song Chenyu personally placed a thick letter and a half-dragon jade pendant into the brocade box.
"This letter and the jade pendant must be delivered to Fuyao personally.
Tell her that I am already the emperor.
If the crown prince is wise and capable, the world will have no worries.
I have never forgotten her, nor have I stopped missing her.
I had no choice but to let go back then.
Now, I am willing to sacrifice the rest of my life in exchange for her peace and happiness.
This trip is not to force anything, but only to tell the truth and express my apology and sincerity.
If she shows any reluctance, I will never force her to stay. I just hope that she and her child are in good health.
If she is willing to see me, I will go there in person and apologize for my crime."
The voice was low, filled with endless guilt, longing and desperate hope.
The other half of the jade pendant was the one that Fuyao had always kept close to her.
Ma Chong rode at full speed all the way and arrived in Ganzhou exhausted.
When they found the "Shangguan Family Martial Arts School", Fuyao was teaching boxing.
Ma Chong bowed respectfully and presented the brocade box.
"Madam, I am here to deliver a letter under the order of the Emperor Retired Song Chenyu."
Fuyao was shocked and took the brocade box.
"The Supreme Emperor?
he? "
With slightly trembling hands, he opened the box.
The familiar half of the jade pendant instantly brought her to tears.
The handwriting on the letter paper was familiar and engraved in her heart.
She hid in the inner room and read the letter in the dim light.
"Fuyao personally reads this, and seeing your words is like meeting you in person.
I am now the Supreme Emperor, wise and virtuous, and my position as crown prince is secure.
My wish is enough.
I only think of you and Ning'er, day and night.
In the past, we were forced to part with each other due to the country and the people. My heart aches, although I have never let you down.
Now I take off the nine shackles, and only wish to find you in the world.
If you still remember our old love and are willing to come back with me, I will spend the rest of my life making it up to you, protecting you and giving you freedom.
If your heart has turned to ashes, I have no resentment towards you. I only wish you and your child peace and happiness.
I will return the other half of the jade pendant to you to express my love for you.
Don’t worry, take care.
Dust."
Every word is heart-wrenching.
Fuyao covered her face and cried, years of worry and longing bursting out at this moment.
Fu Yao took the letter, walked out of the inner room, and looked at Ning Yuan with a complicated expression.
Ning Yuan had already guessed about 70% of her identity from her abnormal behavior and the messenger's identity. At this moment, he sat upright with a firm look in his eyes.
"Mom, you've read the letter.
It's... it's Father."
He took a deep breath.
“The kids know it all.
I can understand dad’s helplessness back then.
Over the years, you have suffered so much for Daddy's freedom and for the safety of your children."
He looked at A Niang,
"Now, Daddy has put down his kingdom, just for your well-being.
My child, I don't hate him. My child, I want to go see him.
I also want you to give us another chance, Mom.
The child has grown up and can protect you and face his own life experience."
He is only ten years old, but he is so mature mentally.
Fuyao looked at her son's clear and determined eyes, and the last line of defense in her heart completely collapsed. Tears flowed down her face again, but they were hot.
He hugged his son tightly.
"Ning'er...my good son..."
After a long while, she raised her head. Although there were tears in her eyes, there was a long-lost light called "hope" shining in her eyes.
"Okay, let's go see him."
A few days later, a simple carriage left Ganzhou and headed towards the Jiangnan water town along the winding mountain road.
Inside the car, Fuyao and Ning Yuan sat in silence, but the atmosphere was no longer heavy, but filled with unknown anxiety and subtle expectations.
The jade pendant on Fuyao's waist and the half piece that Ning Yuan kept close to his body, which was another one Song Chenyu prepared for his son, seemed to be in silent resonance.
On the shore of Taihu Lake, there is an exquisite courtyard by the water, with bamboo fences and thatched cottages, green banana trees, and white geese floating on the lake.
Song Chenyu had already changed out of the emperor's usual clothes and put on a moon-white robe, just like the first time he met Fuyao.
He stood in the yard waiting, his eyes burning with indescribable tension and anticipation.
The carriage was parked outside the yard.
Fuyao got out of the car first, straightened her clothes, took a deep breath, and walked towards the familiar wooden door.
Song Chenyu walked out quickly.
Time seemed to stand still.
The two of them were a few steps apart, looking at each other from a distance.
The longing, guilt, and ecstasy in Song Chenyu's eyes almost overflowed.
Fuyao's eyes were red and her lips moved, but no sound came out.
Finally, it was Ning Yuan who took a step forward and called out to Song Chenyu respectfully and clearly,
"Father."
The word "Father" was like a huge rock thrown into a calm lake.
Song Chenyu's whole body was shaking violently, his eyes filled with tears. He suddenly took a step forward and grabbed Fu Yao's arm tightly, as if he was afraid that she would disappear again.
He looked down at Ning Yuan, his voice choked and hoarse.
"Ning'er, good boy."
Then, he turned to Fuyao and hugged her and Ning Yuan in his arms with such strength that it seemed as if he wanted to crush the lost and recovered treasures in his chest.
Hot tears soaked Fuyao's head, he spoke incoherently.
"Fuyao, I finally waited for you.
I’m sorry for all these years.”
Fuyao was in his arms, feeling the longing and love that had been lost and regained, which was almost suffocating.
The heartstrings that had been tense for many years finally broke, and tears burst out, but I hugged him tightly, feeling this belated but incomparably real warmth.
The courtyard is filled with the warm atmosphere of home.
Song Chenyu completely turned back into the affectionate husband and loving father he once was.
He clumsily imitated Fuyao in picking and frying tea leaves. Although the taste of the tea might not be the best, it was full of thought.
He would accompany Ning Yuan to fish by the lake and listen to his son talk about the past and present.
What he loved most was the evening when he and Fuyao would sit opposite each other at the stone table in the courtyard, and she would wipe the dagger that Song Chenyu had given her as an apology for breaking his promise.
He ground ink and wrote, occasionally looking up and smiling at each other. No words were needed, tacit understanding and love flowed in the air.
He no longer possessed the majesty of an emperor, but only the consideration of a husband and the kindness of a father.
Fuyao regained her inner peace and joy.
She is still that independent and brave woman, but she no longer needs to use alienation and vigilance to protect herself and her son.
Ning Yuan often practiced sword skills by the lake. Every move he made had both his mother's sharpness and a hint of his father's calmness and composure.
Under the tree in the courtyard, there was tea and a chessboard on the stone table.
Song Chenyu and Fuyao were playing chess, while Ning Yuan was grinding ink on the side.
"I heard from Shao Hansu that Miss Xian Ning accompanied you back to Ganzhou."
Song Chenyu plays chess.
Fuyao nodded.
"Yes, she finally has her own home now."
Then the subject changed,
"I really can't understand why Brother Shao and Lingzhi became husband and wife."
"That's a long story, and I'll have plenty of time to tell it to you!"
Song Chenyu raised the corners of his lips slightly.
The chess piece fell on the board, and Ning Yuan smiled and gave some pointers.
From then on, the years were peaceful and the world was stable.
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