That earth-shattering memorial service became the most significant chapter in the history of Zhenbeiguan.
From that day on, the titles "Your Majesty" and "Your Majesty" were no longer distant and vague symbols in the hearts of the soldiers and civilians of Zhenbeiguan, but were transformed into concrete, vivid, and even warm images.
It was Xiao Shisan, the "new recruit" who had shared meals made of sand and slept in the same dormitory with them.
She was "Lady Lin," the one who led them in spinning and weaving, enabling them to earn their dignity with their own hands.
The emperor and empress were practically deified at Zhenbeiguan.
In the following days, Xiao Che completely delegated power, entrusting all matters, large and small, of Zhenbeiguan to Meng Wei and the newly established "Military and Civilian Inspectorate" for joint handling.
Needless to say, Meng Wei already admired His Majesty to the point of worship, and was willing to give his life for him. The Inspectorate, led by Li Daniu, was even more enthusiastic, taking advantage of the power bestowed upon them by His Majesty to thoroughly investigate and eliminate the long-standing problems in the entire Zhenbei Pass.
In an instant, the entire border town took on a completely new look.
Xiao Che and Lin Wanwan saw this and were very pleased.
"Wanwan, it seems we can gracefully retire now."
That evening, Xiao Che stood on the city tower of the General's Mansion, looking down at the city below, where smoke curled from chimneys and the city was full of vitality. He spoke softly to Lin Wanwan beside him.
"Yes." Lin Wanwan nodded with a smile on her face. "The 'parasites' of Zhenbeiguan have been eliminated, and the 'reform' is on the right track. General Meng is commendable for his loyalty and bravery, and the Inspectorate is doing its job conscientiously. We are no longer needed here."
“Then…” Xiao Che turned his head to look at her, a sly smile flashing in his eyes, “Should we continue our ‘undercover investigation’? Or…”
"Should we go back to the capital and meet with that Vice Minister of Revenue who's making you 'wait'?" Lin Wanwan smiled as she picked up on his suggestion.
"You understand me best, Your Majesty." Xiao Che laughed and pulled her into his arms. "After playing outside for so long, I... miss our little rascal."
Lin Wanwan leaned against his chest, listening to his strong heartbeat, her heart softening. Yes, after being away from home for so long, she also missed that little dumpling who would hug the jade seal and gnaw on it, who would call out "eat" in her sweet, childish voice.
"Alright, then we'll... set off back to the capital tomorrow."
...
The next morning, before dawn.
Xiao Che and Lin Wanwan declined Meng Wei's repeated requests to send a large number of troops to escort them.
They came quietly and wanted to leave quietly as well.
The two changed back into the clean clothes they already wore, now known as "Master Xiao" and "Lady Lin," packed a simple bag, and prepared to leave the city where they had once stirred up such a storm, just like two ordinary travelers.
To avoid alerting anyone, they didn't even go through the main gate of the general's mansion. Instead, Meng Wei personally led them out through a secluded side gate.
"Your Majesty, Your Majesty, this humble general... respectfully sees you off." Outside the side gate, Meng Wei's eyes were a little red. This seven-foot-tall, iron-willed man was filled with reluctance at this moment.
"Alright, stop making it sound like a life-or-death situation." Xiao Che patted his shoulder and laughed. "Just guard Zhenbei Pass well, guard the northern gate of Dali. After I return to the capital and clean up the court, your good days are yet to come."
"This humble general... obeys the imperial decree!" Meng Wei clasped his hands tightly, knelt on one knee, and performed the final salute.
Xiao Che and Lin Wanwan exchanged a smile, said nothing more, turned around, and walked towards the East Gate not far away.
The streets were still quiet in the early morning, with only early-rising shopkeepers sweeping and cleaning their storefronts.
The two walked side by side, their steps light and quick.
"When do you think they'll find out after we leave?" Lin Wanwan asked softly, her tone carrying a mischievous smile.
"Wait until Meng Wei can't hold back any longer and announces, 'His Majesty has set off for the capital today,'" Xiao Che laughed. "At that time, it will probably cause quite a stir."
The two chatted and laughed, and soon arrived at the entrance of the East Gate.
However, when they turned the last street corner and saw the scene at the city gate, the smiles on their faces froze simultaneously.
The main road of the city gate, which should have been empty, was now filled with people.
The dense crowd stretched from the city gate to the end of the street, as far as the eye could see.
The streets were lined with residents of Zhenbeiguan and soldiers on leave. There was no commotion, no shouting, not even whispering. Everyone simply stood quietly.
Standing at the very front of the crowd were Meng Wei, who should have been at the General's Mansion, and all the members of the "Military and Civilian Inspectorate" led by Li Daniu.
They... they're all here!
Xiao Che and Lin Wanwan stopped in their tracks.
Looking at the thousands, even tens of thousands, of soldiers and civilians who had spontaneously come to see them off, they felt an indescribable sense of awe.
No one knelt down.
This was an order that Xiao Che had given a few days ago—when meeting the emperor at Zhenbei Pass, the kneeling ceremony was waived.
No one made a sound.
They simply used the most simple and sincere way to bid farewell to their most beloved Emperor and Empress.
Everyone's eyes were filled with the same emotion—reverence and a deep sense of reluctance to part.
It was the kind of look one gives when watching a loved one depart on a long journey.
Xiao Che took a deep breath, feeling a dryness in his throat. As an emperor, he was used to the thunderous applause and the fearful kneeling of his subjects.
But this subtle, heartfelt affection touched his heart more deeply than any grand ceremony.
He and Lin Wanwan exchanged a glance, both seeing emotion in each other's eyes.
They stopped trying to hide and instead walked forward slowly, facing everyone's gaze.
The crowd automatically parted to both sides, making way for them.
They walked slowly, each step seeming to tread on the burning hearts of the soldiers and civilians of Zhenbeiguan.
They saw the recruit who had once stuffed the black steamed bun into Xiao Che's mouth. He stood in the crowd, his face flushed with excitement, grinning at them like an idiot.
They saw the women who had once worked together in the workshop. Their eyes were filled with tears, but they wore the most radiant smiles as they silently waved to Lin Wanwan.
They saw Meng Wei, they saw Li Daniu, and they saw countless familiar or unfamiliar faces.
Every face was filled with the same reluctance to part and blessings.
Finally, they reached the front of the crowd and stood in front of Li Daniu and his wife.
Li Daniu's wife, a woman who was once numb and desperate but has now rekindled her hope for life, is now carrying a small basket full of things in her hands.
She saw Lin Wanwan walk up to her, but instead of kneeling or uttering any flowery words, she simply placed the basket in her hands into Lin Wanwan's hands in the most straightforward way, with tears in her eyes.
The basket was filled with steaming, hard-boiled eggs.
"Your Majesty..." The woman's voice was choked with sobs, filled with reluctance, "These...these are eggs laid by the chickens we raise ourselves. They are...the best things we can offer."
She wiped away the tears from the corners of her eyes with the rough back of her hands, but a smile warmer than the sunshine appeared on her face:
"You and His Majesty... will eat on the way."
As Lin Wanwan carried the heavy basket of eggs, still warm from her body, she felt a lump in her throat and her eyes instantly welled up with tears.
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