Chapter 162
In the thirty-eighth year of the Longde era, Duan Wang led a western expedition and returned victorious. The emperor, along with his officials and generals, conducted a grand offering ceremony at the ancestral temples, performing the Three Sacrifices and the departure ritual.
The prisoner presentation ceremony was intricate and elaborate. Under the emperor’s lead, they made offerings at the Imperial Ancestral Temple and the Supreme Altar, honoring the heavens, the earth, and their ancestors. Afterward, the captured enemy generals were taken to the Meridian Gate and publicly executed. The people cheered and ran to spread the news.
By the end of the long, exhausting ceremonies, Ming Yu was utterly drained. My god, this is not something a human should have to endure! If he had known, he wouldn’t have come to the capital at all.
Still, he understood that an event of this scale required his participation. The court had arranged this prisoner presentation ceremony to showcase national strength and intimidate neighboring countries. This victory was rare, and its significance needed to be properly publicized.
This ceremony was recorded in the annals of history and became a defining moment, marking the beginning of the Delong-Ruiqing era of prosperity. Future generations would refer to this time as the Deqing Golden Age, a glorious chapter in the history of the Great Yan.
Only after the emperor had finished bestowing rewards did the ceremony finally come to an end.
Even then, the emperor remained exhilarated. He kept Ming Yu in the palace for a private conversation. This had been his dream since his youth, something he had waited decades to achieve. Who would have thought that his fourteenth son would accomplish it on his behalf? At last, he could leave this world without regret.
“Old Fourteen, you have earned great merit this time, and I have no fitting reward for you. If you don’t like staying in Liangzhou, you can choose a fief either here in the capital or in the wealthy southern regions. What do you think?” the emperor asked. Deep down, he knew he owed Ming Yu. Even though Ming Yu had volunteered, the emperor had never truly tried to stop him.
Ming Yu instantly refused. He had fought so hard for this opportunity and laid all the groundwork. If he left now, wouldn’t everything go to waste? If he abandoned Liangzhou, what would happen to it? No, he had to take root there for life—no matter what, he was never leaving.
“Father! Please, don’t! Since ancient times, when has a prince’s fief ever been changed at will? Not just me—who among the court officials would dare approve such a thing?” Ming Yu glanced at the emperor’s expression and saw the guilt on his face. He immediately understood his father’s thoughts and grinned. “I know you’re worried about me, but the borders are peaceful now. There are no more powerful enemies lurking around. I can finally live like a bandit king and enjoy myself. If you take me away now, wouldn’t that be like throwing a sheep into the tiger’s mouth?”
“Ignorant and incompetent!” The emperor glared at him in frustration, reached out, and flicked his forehead with a knuckle. Annoyed, he said, “What do you mean by calling yourself a mountain bandit? You’re a prince, a Wang Ye—how can you speak so carelessly? And ‘like throwing a sheep into the tiger’s mouth’? Is that how you use that phrase? I’ve told you to read more books. Look at you—where have all those books gone? Let me tell you, I’m doing this for your own good! You ungrateful brat!”
This situation was indeed unprecedented. The emperor had come up with this idea because Ming Yu had made great contributions this time, and he had no other suitable rewards to give. The capital and the southern regions were prosperous and abundant, far better than the western territories. If Ming Yu agreed, even if the court officials objected, he could still push forward with this plan for Ming Yu’s sake.
Ming Yu naturally understood the emperor’s intentions. Acting like a sycophant, he walked over to massage the emperor’s face and shoulders, grinning as he said, “Father, I always remember how good you are to me. I’m only worried about putting you in a difficult position. Besides, I’m just speaking the truth! The development of Liangzhou has been my life’s work—I truly can’t bear to leave it behind. I’ve worked so hard to build it up, and in the future, it will be no worse than any other place. If you don’t believe me, give it five or ten years, and we’ll see the results then.”
The emperor was amused by him and waved his hand helplessly. “Fine, fine! Let’s not talk about it anymore.”
Ming Yu pouted. “If Father truly wants to compensate me, why not extend my control over the Western Qi Corridor for another five years?” He stretched out five fingers and waved them in front of the emperor’s eyes, looking hopeful.
The emperor swatted his hand away. “Don’t even think about it.” No matter what, he still had principles. When it came to major affairs of state, he never acted recklessly.
Ming Yu quickly dodged, avoiding the strike. He still grinned cheekily. The emperor had always been powerless against him. “And don’t even think about any other tricks! My private treasury has already been emptied by you.”
“Don’t worry, I only borrowed it—I’ll pay it back with interest,” Ming Yu promised. “Liangzhou is nothing like it used to be. It’s changing every single day. Once the Western Qi Corridor is properly developed, you should visit when you have time and see for yourself.”
He was genuinely inviting him. The emperor had spent his entire life managing state affairs, exhausting his mind and body, which wasn’t good for his health. It would be better for him to travel and relax—his mood would improve, and his health would naturally benefit as well.
The emperor nodded noncommittally and then turned to another matter—Ming Yu’s marriage. Although Ming Yu had previously told him not to interfere, that was when he was still young, and there was no rush. But now, things were different. Maybe his son had changed his mind?
Ming Yu’s face flushed, and he hesitated, clearly reluctant to talk about it. The emperor, being experienced in these matters, saw through him immediately. “You have someone in your heart, don’t you? Which family’s daughter is it? If both of you are willing, I can grant you a marriage decree right away.”
Ming Yu was startled and quickly stopped him. “No! There’s nothing like that! Didn’t you promise not to interfere in my marriage?”
“…Or is it that someone has rejected my son?” The emperor’s tone turned indignant. “Who has such poor judgment? Bring them to me!” He had misunderstood Ming Yu’s meaning. In his eyes, his son was the best—no matter what, he couldn’t accept someone looking down on him.
Ming Yu sighed helplessly. “I have always said that I wish for a partner who is truly devoted to me, someone who will never leave my side. This person must be someone I love with all my heart. I’m willing to trade my achievements for just one favor from you, Father. No matter who this person is—young or old, man or woman—please do not interfere.”
Ming Yu spoke with unusual seriousness. The emperor was so accustomed to his usual playful demeanor that seeing him this solemn felt unfamiliar.
But the emperor had seen much in his lifetime. Hearing Ming Yu’s words, his heart skipped a beat. He studied Ming Yu’s expression carefully and asked in a measured tone, “No matter who it is, you don’t want me to interfere? That means there really is someone?”
“Yes, I ask for nothing else—only to spend the rest of my life with this person.” Since there was no hiding it anymore, he might as well admit it outright.
The emperor silently went over the people around Ming Yu in his mind. The more he thought, the more unsettled he felt. “Can’t you at least tell me who it is?”
“He will protect me, and I will protect him. Does it make any difference whether you know or not?” Ming Yu shook his head.
The emperor clenched his fist. Ming Yu, however, smiled brightly. “I once thought I would be alone for the rest of my life, that no one in this world could truly understand me. I had resigned myself to solitude. But now, I’ve found someone who does, and that is already a great blessing. I don’t dare to ask for more. Every extra day we have together is a gift.”
For a moment, the emperor’s mind was in chaos, filled with countless speculations about Ming Yu’s thoughts. But this son of his—carefree as he seemed—had always been impossible to read. Whether it was asking for Liangzhou as his fief or devoting himself to the Western Qi Corridor, no one had ever truly guessed his intentions. And now, hearing him speak so resolutely, it was clear—he had made up his mind.
The emperor felt a headache coming on. Why couldn’t any of his children give him peace of mind? Look at Prime Minister Wen—he never had to worry about such things. If he were here, he would probably smile and say, “Children have their own destinies. Why force anything?”
The emperor loosened his grip. “Fine. I won’t interfere anymore. You’ve always had your own ideas—do as you wish.”
He dropped the subject and instead asked a few more questions about Liangzhou before finally letting Ming Yu go.
Ming Yu let out a long sigh of relief. This should be considered a victory, right? At least he had secured the emperor’s promise, so he wouldn’t have to worry too much.
After Ming Yu left, the emperor closed his eyes. A familiar figure surfaced in his mind, and at this moment, he suddenly felt an overwhelming urge to see him. Over the years, they had missed so many opportunities. Their once-ambiguous feelings had long been buried deep, left untouched because digging them up would only bring decay, blood, and unbearable pain. They were old now—how many peaceful days did they even have left? Unlike the young, who had the energy to chase after their desires, they could only let things be.
As Ming Yu turned a corner, he spotted Crown Prince Ming Ye waiting for him. It was clear that he had been there for a while.
The two exchanged greetings.
Having not seen each other in a long time, they had plenty to talk about. They found a pavilion, sat down, and caught up on their recent lives. Once the conversation started to wind down, Ming Ye hesitated, struggling to find the right words.
Ming Yu understood what was on Ming Ye’s mind, so he didn’t wait for him to speak and directly said, “Song Lian is dead. He took poison and committed suicide.”
Ming Ye nodded. He had already known about Song Lian’s betrayal, how he had sided with the enemy and become their accomplice. Learning of his fate did not surprise him in the least.
“I conveyed your message to him. When he left, he had no regrets.”
Ming Ye forced a bitter smile, unsure of what to say. In the end, he could only murmur, “Fourteenth Brother, thank you.”
He stood up and left. Just as he stepped out of the pavilion, he staggered slightly for a couple of steps before steadying himself and walking away as if nothing had happened.
Perhaps others didn’t notice, but Ming Yu saw it clearly. His heart was filled with emotion. He didn’t have many thoughts about the situation, but he couldn’t understand why their father’s attitude toward him was so drastically different. Based on how their father had dealt with Crown Prince Song Lian’s matter, Ming Yu had expected that he wouldn’t be let off so easily. Yet, to his surprise, their father did not pursue the matter further.
Then again, it made sense. A nation’s crown prince was under the watchful eyes of countless people. Naturally, anything that could tarnish his personal reputation could not be allowed to leave a stain.
This was true for the emperor, and it was the same for the crown prince.
Only by letting go of the past could the crown prince grow into a capable heir.
But what did any of this have to do with him? Fortunately, he had no great ambitions. He was merely a leisurely prince, with no power to threaten anyone. Perhaps the more unrestrained and carefree he appeared, the more reassured everyone would be.
Thinking this through, Ming Yu felt much more at ease. Yes! He just wanted to leave the palace quickly—he just wanted to see Xie Yixiu as soon as possible.
The moment he stepped out of the palace gates, he saw the figure he had been longing for. Under the setting sun, bathed in the warm glow of dusk, that person stood radiant.
“You’ve been waiting for me here all this time? Didn’t I tell you to wait for me at home? I was in the palace for so long—it must’ve been boring standing here alone. You should have gone back; I would’ve returned soon anyway.” Ming Yu walked toward him with quick steps, a bright smile curving his brows and eyes.
“I wasn’t bored.” Xie Yixiu’s voice, as always, was calm and cool, but his gaze was filled with a warmth that could not be concealed. It was precisely because he had been worried and eager to see Ming Yu that he did not find the wait dull. That was why he had stayed here the whole time.
Ming Yu pressed his lips together in a smile. “Since that’s the case, it’s still early. Why don’t we take a stroll through the marketplace? I’ve never really explored the markets of the capital before.”
As he spoke, he reached out and hooked his finger around Xie Yixiu’s, blinking expectantly as if seeking his opinion.
Xie Yixiu was momentarily stunned—this was the first time Ming Yu had taken the initiative. Realizing this, he immediately grasped Ming Yu’s hand in return, his heart surging with joy. A rare smile lifted his lips. “Alright.”
Ming Yu instinctively tried to pull his hand back, but Xie Yixiu’s firm grasp held him in place, unmoving. Xie Yixiu’s hands, calloused from years of wielding weapons and enduring countless battles, were rough and hard—completely unlike Ming Yu’s soft and delicate fingers. And yet, being enveloped by those hands, Ming Yu felt an incomparable sense of security.
For a lifetime, he would never let go of this hand. They walked side by side, their wide sleeves brushing against each other. Beneath the fabric, their fingers were tightly intertwined, their hearts at peace.
As the sun set, their shadows stretched long and intertwined, becoming one, inseparable.
(End of the main story.)
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