The dust has settled.
The third prince was dismissed from his post, and the crown prince regained power.
Not long after, he ascended the throne amidst the cheers of the prime minister and other senior officials.
After completing his mission, Duan Xingzhi, along with Shen Zhiyi, came to say goodbye to Xiao Shiye.
"Are you really not going to stay in the palace?" Xiao Shiye patted Duan Xingzhi's shoulder. "I can promise you a bright future. If you follow me, you can also protect her peace and wealth."
He glanced at Shen Zhiyi.
Since we can't let her join the harem, giving these things to Night Owl is just as good.
Duan Xingzhi pursed his thin lips slightly.
"Wherever she goes, I will go."
His deep gaze fell on Shen Zhiyi's face.
She caught the subtle hint of jealousy in his voice and smiled as she said to Xiao Shiye, "Your Majesty, please forgive me. My heart is in the martial world, not in the imperial court."
“I believe he feels the same way.”
Her eyes were gentle as she looked at Duan Xingzhi.
She wouldn't make any decisions that would make him uneasy.
She just wanted to be with him.
Two people, in a vast and carefree world.
“Ayi…” A glint of light appeared in Duan Xingzhi’s cold eyes, and his gaze lingered on her for a long time.
Xiao Shiye coughed lightly, suddenly feeling superfluous.
"Then I bless you, may the world be vast and may your hearts always find their way."
He took off the jade pendant from his waist and handed it to Shen Zhiyi.
“Miss Chen, I have nothing to leave you, but please keep this jade pendant.”
"In the future, if the Night Owl bullies you or makes you suffer any injustice, you can come to the palace to find me with this jade pendant, and I will stand up for you."
Duan Xingzhi glanced at the jade pendant.
Although he felt a pang of jealousy, he said nothing, simply turning his head to stare at the sunset on the horizon.
Shen Zhiyi glanced at his sharp, taut jawline, chuckled, and accepted the jade pendant. "This humble woman thanks Your Majesty."
The two rode together on a horse and departed in the sunset.
Xiao Shiye stood on the palace wall, watching the two figures embracing each other as they gradually disappeared into the sunset.
The evening breeze carried their last soft laughter.
"I'm holding this jade pendant, so you can't bully me anymore."
"When have I ever bullied you? Only A-Yi bullies me. Why doesn't His Majesty give me a jade pendant? It's so unfair."
"Duan Xingzhi, have you no shame?"
"Why don't you call me A-Zhi anymore? At the very least, you should call me husband."
"Duan Xingzhi, don't get so close to me, my neck is itchy..."
...
Xiao Shiye sighed softly.
"It's worth it if you can take care of my empire for me."
Xingzhi, the freedom I promised you has been fulfilled.
From now on, Miss Shen will be in your care.
He glanced at the dragon robe he was wearing, turned around, and walked step by step toward the Hall of Diligent Governance.
*
Duan Xingzhi and Shen Zhiyi returned to Fuling Valley.
The villagers are all very nice.
Xiangru and Xiaoding had somehow fallen for each other.
Shen Zhiyi then took charge of arranging their marriage and gave Xiangru the property left behind by Duan Xingzhi, along with some of her own savings, as a dowry.
Yun Shen Village was bustling with activity once again.
They stayed for a while, and after Duan Xingzhi's injuries had healed, Shen Zhiyi suggested that they travel around the martial arts world together, to treat more ordinary people, and to see more of the scenery.
He naturally agreed.
Xiangru wanted to follow, but Shen Zhiyi refused.
“You’re already married, so stay in Yun Shen Village and live a good life with Xiao Ding.” Shen Zhiyi comforted the sobbing Xiang Ru. “Besides, with A Zhi around, I’m safe wherever I go.”
"Hmm." Duan Xingzhi hung his eagle-head mask at the village entrance. "Fortunately, my reputation as a god of death is still somewhat useful. I can protect not only her, but also you."
Xiangru and the villagers bid them farewell with tears in their eyes.
Shen Zhiyi and Duan Xingzhi set off to save lives and wander the world.
Duan Xingzhi stayed with her the whole time.
Do good deeds and act virtuously.
This can be seen as atonement for the many people he killed in the past.
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