Chapter 25 The Twenty-Five Dreams Should Have Endured Long Enough
Xu Heng's originally pale face turned completely red, and his shoulders trembled with anger: "He can't! He can't!"
He clenched his fists, almost jumping up and down. When he reached the entrance of Xin Chou Prison, he wanted nothing more than to grab Jing Ye and beat him up. How dare he even dream of Wang Yuying's next life!
Xu Heng turned to Ding Chou Lao, wanting to persuade Wang Yuying not to agree to Jing Ye's request, but he suddenly caught sight of her indifferent profile. She didn't even glance at him, not giving him a single look. All of Xu Heng's words suddenly got stuck in his throat, and he couldn't say them.
In the dim light, he stood between Wang Yuying and Jing Ye.
A moment later, Xu Heng suddenly turned around and rushed back to the main hall. He was furious and berated the group of guards—were they all a bunch of good-for-nothings? Why did they keep Wang Yuying and Jing Ye locked up so close?
The guards, subjected to the king's stern gaze, felt aggrieved: the dungeon had only a few rooms, and since ancient times, male prisoners had been on the left and female prisoners on the right, separated by a corridor.
Xu Heng cursed for a while, then breathed heavily: "From this day forward, take the Jade Capital Wonderful Serenity Immortal Master out of the imperial prison and transfer her to the Immortal Pavilion."
After saying this, he turned and walked back, heading straight out of the imperial prison. The Imperial Censor and the prison guards knelt down to see him off, but Xu Heng remained silent and did not even rise.
The bright moon hung high in the sky, its radiant light shining on Xu Heng. His heart became clear and lucid, and he fully understood that he couldn't bear to see Wang Yuying die, even though she had deceived the emperor time and time again!
He only summoned the guards into the room after threatening her yesterday, because he was afraid others would hear and didn't want to punish her.
His hands, hidden in his sleeve, were trembling because he never intended to really hurt her family and friends; he was just afraid she would run away, making her wary.
His first concern was not the dignity of the imperial family, but how to save her life!
This woman, who had utterly disgraced him and humiliated him, was still someone he cared for. Even when he brought the gifts back to the palace, he harbored a sliver of hope that he would later return them to her. His trip to the prison wasn't out of fear of evil spirits; it was purely because he wanted to see her.
He's so shameless, he's so shameless he's embarrassed!
A virtuous person cherishes morality, while a petty person cherishes land; a virtuous person upholds the law, while a petty person seeks personal gain. A petty person only cares about immediate comfort and lacks morality, while a virtuous person abides by the law and treats everyone equally, whereas a petty person is greedy for personal benefit and disregards morality and the law.
For her sake, he too became a blind and heartless villain.
A fire was burning Xu Heng's heart, piercing his limbs and causing pain throughout his body. Hmph, although he couldn't bear to see her die, she shouldn't expect him to forgive her!
*
Not long after Xu Heng left, the guards entered the dark dungeon. Wang Yuying and Jing Ye, like leopards, coldly stared at their henchmen.
The guards unlocked the Dingchou prison cell, untying the iron chains wrapped around the bars with a clanging, cold sound. Two guards entered the dark cell themselves, bowed, and gestured to Wang Yuying, "Immortal Master, please come with us."
Wang Yuying was not surprised at all. Xu Heng left in such a rage and with such resentment that he must have ordered her execution.
She bravely faced death, but then she heard the shackles and handcuffs rattle loudly in the opposite Xin Chou prison. Jing Ye suddenly shook the bars: "Ying Niang!"
Wang Yuying turned her head and looked to the side, where Jing Ye met her gaze directly. Seeing Jing Ye's calm yet resolute expression, Wang Yuying knew that he had also guessed that she was about to be executed.
Today, as they part ways, he also intends to escape the dark prison and follow her there.
Wang Yuying suddenly felt a pang of pity. With a stern expression, she instructed Jing Ye: "Listen to me, you must not waste your life until you see my remains."
She was certain that after what had just happened, the emperor would absolutely not want to, and could not possibly, execute them both in the same place. In this way, Jing Ye could live on with hope as much as possible.
Jing Ye understood. The imposing, eight-foot-tall man's eyes welled up with tears. He gripped the railing tightly and gritted his teeth, promising, "Take care."
Take care, Wang Yuying nodded, a sense of desolation rising in her heart.
After crossing the suspension bridge and going uphill, you emerge from the prison and look up to see a nearly full moon, as if from another world.
"Immortal Master, this way please." The guards still dared not restrain Wang Yuying, but led the way and followed behind, surrounding her along the way.
The flowers and trees on both sides grew increasingly lush and beautiful, and a clear stream meandered down from the crevices of the rocks. Wang Yuying was familiar with the palace, and couldn't help but frown—this was the path to Feilong Mountain.
Feilong Mountain was originally a three-story earthen slope. When Emperor Gaozu of the current dynasty built the palace, Feilong Mountain happened to be in the northwest corner. Emperor Gaozu thought of "a tall building in the northwest that reaches the floating clouds", so he did not move it. Instead, he piled Taihu stones on Feilong Mountain, making the mountain majestic and beautiful. He also built Linxian Pavilion on the top. When the fog rises, it is as if you are in a fairy palace.
To make it more realistic, Emperor Taizong, who succeeded Emperor Gaozu, removed the wood from the Linxian Pavilion and replaced it entirely with white marble, making the interior lavishly furnished. Xu Heng ascended the throne immediately upon returning from the northern frontier, and Wang Yuying rose from a poor woman to empress. It would be a lie to say she wasn't proud and excited. She was curious about the palace and was so excited that she wanted to explore it all in one day. Seeing her joy, Xu Heng didn't stop her, but fearing she might misbehave, he followed her closely, protecting her and helping her with her aftermath.
Wang Yuying leaped into Linxian Pavilion and was instantly stunned—white jade walls, a glass bed, jeweled palace lanterns, a warm and fragrant atmosphere, and even the crystal curtains that served as partitions dazzled her eyes.
Xu Heng clearly knew martial arts, yet he didn't leap. Instead, he slightly lifted his robe and slowly ascended the steps, thus entering Linxian Pavilion much slower than Wang Yuying. Seeing his demeanor, she knew he was about to nag about things like, "Being Empress is different now; you must pay attention to your imperial bearing," and "Walk with proper posture; there are always eyes watching you." But perhaps Xu Heng had already given her so many instructions along the way, this time he phrased it differently: "Why are you walking like a monkey?"
Wang Yuying let it go in one ear and out the other, still in shock: "Where am I?"
Xu Heng then recounted the origins of Linxian Pavilion, and mentioned that Wang Yuying had never been to Baozhu Mountain and was unaware that some of the halls in Biyi Palace on the mountain were even more luxurious than Linxian Pavilion.
Wang Yuying couldn't help but exclaim, "There are still so many treasure troves in the world!"
A carved glass chaise lounge sits by the window, covered with a fox fur coat. When she sits on it, it is both soft and warm, making her completely forget the harsh cold of the northern frontier. Looking down, the entire Forbidden City can be seen, and people look as small as ants, while the trees are only as thick as a little finger.
"I really wish I could live here every day," Wang Yuying said, speaking her mind.
Xu Heng advised, "Wealth and honor should not lead to arrogance and extravagance, for arrogance and extravagance will bring disaster. Yingniang, let's not go to the Immortal Pavilion anymore."
Wang Yuying turned her head away, not looking down, but staring intently at Xu Heng. Clearly, there was joy and longing in his eyes when he looked around the pavilion, but he was being hypocritical with his words.
What calamity has befallen us?
Fearing that his ministers would offer advice, the historian recorded it.
Wang Yuying didn't understand. The late emperor was always advising against his extravagant construction projects, but he did as he pleased and still managed to be emperor for the rest of his life.
At that time, Wang Yuying and Xu Heng were very close, and she directly pointed out: "You care about Zhang San's feelings, and you also care about Li Si's. Aren't you tired of being a nice guy every day?"
Sometimes she really felt that he was indecisive, which made her feel powerless, like punching cotton.
Xu Heng smiled gently, his face amiable, and took the initiative to stand beside the chaise longue and put his arm around her shoulder: "Having just ascended the throne, my foundation is not stable. A virtuous person in a high position should be even more afraid of falling into ruin..." He looked out the window, "I was actually forced into this position and have no experience in anything. I should listen more to the advice of the Prime Minister and the Grand Commandant. Moreover, my father also instructed me on his deathbed to accept advice and correct my mistakes, and to appoint virtuous and capable officials."
Wang Yuying turned around completely: "But there are laws in the world, and the emperor is the most respected!"
Xu Heng leaned over to close the window, and Wang Yuying got up to make it easier for him to move.
After closing the window, Xu Heng simply sat on the chaise lounge. He wanted to hold Wang Yuying on his lap, but Wang Yuying said, "Move over a bit, I don't have room."
Xu Heng smiled helplessly and moved closer to her.
He leaned close and whispered in a voice only the two of them could hear, “Actually, when I was in the Northern Frontier, I never imagined that I would one day ascend the throne. You are right, the law of the world reveres the emperor, but it must also be based on the people. There is no distinction between big and small in governance. If I do not yield now, and a real fight breaks out, it will inevitably lead to internal strife, and it will be the common people who suffer.” Xu Heng slowly shook his head and murmured, “It is not in the country’s interest.”
“Yes, my father often said that one must be loyal to the emperor and love the country. And what they soldiers hoped for most was no war!” She nodded twice, as if saying these words would convince herself to agree with Xu Heng.
Xu Heng's five fingers slipped between Wang Yuying's fingers, clasped them together, and placed them on his lap: "There are some things I'm only telling you, so please don't tell anyone else."
She held his hand tightly: "Don't worry, I usually can't help myself, but I promise I won't spit it out this time!"
Xu Heng then said softly, "Some things should be dealt with slowly; there's plenty of time in the future."
"How long will that take?" Wang Yuying couldn't help but ask. "Two years, three years, or five years?"
Xu Heng smiled warmly: "At least ten years."
"This has been going on for far too long!" Wang Yuying sighed. He was still indecisive no matter how much she talked about it, and she felt sorry for him, for him to swallow his anger and be completely controlled. "How much suffering must you have endured!"
"I can bear the humiliation myself." Xu Heng turned to the side and cupped her face in his hands, his gaze lingering on her face. "I can't let my wife suffer even the slightest injustice."
After a moment, he lowered his arms, slightly raised his chin, and smiled: "I am willing to give up my own extravagance to ensure full granaries and no hunger among the people. I am willing to sacrifice my own incompetence for the peace and prosperity of the nation. Why should I be angry and argue in court? I am willing to work diligently day and night to achieve peace and tranquility. Even if I have to uphold this for twenty or thirty years, I will have no regrets. 'Success—' Xu Heng paused, " ", "and it doesn't have to be in my name."
He lowered his head, seemingly embarrassed to try to provoke me: "Of course, I also have my own selfish motives. I hope that a hundred years from now, the history books will only say good things about me."
Wang Yuying listened more and more attentively, and couldn't help but stare at Xu Heng's profile—his eyebrows and eyes were deep, his nose was straight, and his expression was humble and resolute. This was the new monarch of this country. He was only twenty years old, in the prime of his life, and his ambition and aspirations remained forever!
She suddenly understood her father's teachings about loyalty to the emperor and patriotism even more. A breeze stirred in her heart, and her hopes grew stronger with the wind. She also felt that she and Xu Heng were on a new ship setting sail, and one day they would break through the vast ocean.
At that time, she was full of confidence and silently made a wish: she would definitely accompany Xu Heng and help him realize his long-cherished wish, even if it meant burning herself out.
But now, as Wang Yuying climbed the steps, she wondered if the Linxian Pavilion had been rearranged.
She didn't believe that Xu Heng would still invite her to enjoy a life of luxury after she had done those things. Wang Yuying even suspected that there were eighteen kinds of torture instruments in the Linxian Pavilion now, and that he would be torturing her while looking down on the Forbidden City.
The thought was so disturbing that she couldn't help but shudder.
Wang Yuying paused in front of the Linxian Pavilion.
"Immortal Master, please."
The guards seemed to be urging her, but in reality, they were pressing her to enter. Wang Yuying took a deep breath and stepped inside, only to be instantly stunned. Because she had been so impressed by the only time she had ever entered the Linxian Pavilion, the jade walls, carved railings, and crystal glass remained completely unchanged.
It had been cleaned and wiped beforehand, spotless, and the palace lanterns shone brightly, as if it were daytime.
Wang Yuying was cautiously observing her surroundings when two palace maids suddenly entered. They were from the last group she had promoted in Kunning Palace. She had even given them names back then: one was Juanxue, and the other was Shuangtian.
Three years ago, when I saw Wang Yuying off, I was moved to tears. Now, when we meet again, I can't help but wipe away my tears.
Juanxue and Shuangtian curtsied, choking back tears as they said, "Your Majesty, how have you been?"
Wang Yuying immediately corrected: "I am no longer an empress."
He hesitated for a moment before helping the two of them up.
Her doubts deepened, and after much thought, she could only explain it by the fact that prisoners were given a good meal before execution, so Xu Heng "bestowed" upon her a good night's sleep on the last night of her life.
The two maids served Wang Yuying skillfully, preparing tea but not forcing her to drink it.
Wang Yuying pondered for a moment, then took the initiative to ask, "What kind of tea did you brew?"
“Returning to Mother—Returning to the Immortal Master, it is the jujube kernel that soothes the mind.”
Wang Yuying's lips twitched, now certain that the tea had been spiked with sleeping pills, and that Xu Heng had "mercifully" sent her to the underworld painlessly and without awareness.
She realized that even now, her biggest worry was still implicating her father's former subordinates. Xu Heng's words, "I grant your wish," spoken in the imperial chamber, and his eloquent words from years ago in the Linxian Pavilion echoed alternately in her mind.
After a long pause, I decided to believe it, and that was all I could do.
"Pour me a cup." She said this calmly, but when the tea was actually placed in her hand, she trembled slightly, and her heart started pounding erratically.
When death is imminent, who wouldn't be afraid?
She silently adjusted her breathing, but no matter what, she still felt uneasy, so she simply closed her eyes and drank it all in one gulp.
Juanxue promptly offered a handkerchief to wipe her mouth, but Wang Yuying waved her hand, saying, "I don't need these!"
Ignoring the presence of the palace servants, she lay down on the bed, quietly but not peacefully awaiting death. She didn't know when she overcame her fear and fell asleep, only that she had a warm, dry, and comfortable dream, a world apart from the dark prison.
The next morning, Wang Yuying woke up naturally, and the first thing she did was touch her neck. The two personal maids who had been by her bedside all night immediately greeted her and then helped her with her washing and dressing. After getting up, Wang Yuying looked around and pinched herself after a while to make sure she wasn't dreaming.
She touched her neck again, wondering why her head was still on her neck.
As Shuangtian was doing her hair, she saw this and praised, "The immortal master has a beautiful neck without a single wrinkle, her beauty never fades."
Wang Yuying muttered to herself that it was impossible; anyone who looked down had lines on their neck. Then she continued to ponder why Xu Heng hadn't killed her yet.
She noticed the commotion before the palace servants in the pavilion. Out of the corner of her eye, she glanced towards the door and saw that more than ten palace servants had come that morning, also saying they would serve her in the future.
Wang Yuying frowned. Previously, only a few guards had interrogated and detained him, which showed that Xu Heng was afraid of revealing his shameful affairs. Why did he suddenly dare to speak out?
When will he interrogate her again?
Just then, she heard a few words of greetings to His Majesty, such as "Long live the Emperor!" Wang Yuying glanced over and saw Xu Heng stride in. Although he had removed his crown, he was still wearing his red and yellow court robes.
Wang Yuying looked Xu Heng up and down, trying to figure out what he was up to.
Xu Heng also looked at Wang Yuying. Her complexion had improved a lot since she moved into Linxian Pavilion. People really need to get a good night's sleep. He was also puzzled, but seeing that her complexion had improved made him feel a little more at ease.
He unconsciously took a step closer to her, his gaze fixed on her face.
Wang Yuying felt disgusted by his gaze, and her aversion grew stronger until she couldn't help but snap at him, "What are you looking at?"
This tone was disrespectful to the emperor, and the palace servants inside the pavilion were all so frightened that they knelt down.
Xu Heng's gaze towards Wang Yuying turned cold, and he raised his hand to dismiss all the palace servants.
In an instant, only two people remained in the pavilion, standing facing each other.
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