VBNWDW - Chapter 139
Chapter 139
His Majesty has been murdered by the Luo father and son.
The words spread with unimaginable speed, causing an uproar. Like successive waves crashing against a reef, the palace and the city beyond erupted.
Before the Luo father and son could explain, they saw Zhong Jueyu striding toward them, blade in hand.
This was no longer the gentle, approachable Zhong Jueyu from the princess's manor garden. It was as if she had cast aside her former mask. Clad in silver armor with a red ribbon in her hair, the blades of her boots still stained with blood, her aura was so chilling it made one's heart tremble.
Cold sweat soaked Luo Qiyuan's brow and hair. He trembled in fear.
Then, as if struck by a sudden realization, he blurted out, "Zhong Jueyu, you deceived me!"
He raised a finger, pointing at Zhong Jueyu, and cursed, "You deceived us!"
He finally understood. This was all a scheme orchestrated by Zhong Jueyu. The Luo family, Zhong Tuming, and Zhong Jueren were all pawns on her chessboard. She wanted them to kill each other so she, the fisherman, could emerge unscathed and rightfully ascend the throne.
Luo Qiyuan's face was a mask of terror, and his entire body shook. "How long have you been planning this!"
He mistakenly believed that Zhong Jueyu had started plotting when she was last sent to Xuanmiao Temple as punishment after returning to the capital.
Zhong Jueyu offered no explanation. Just as she was about to raise her blade, she heard a voice from behind.
Ruan He said hurriedly, "Your Highness, allow me. You must not dirty your hands with this traitor's blood."
She stepped forward quickly and drew her sword.
Both of them knew that Ruan He was doing this for Zhong Jueyu. The Luo father and son could not be spared, no matter what. But they were Luo Yueqing's blood relatives. Even if Luo Yueqing didn't care now, it could create a rift between them in the future.
That was why Ruan He was willing to risk Luo Yueqing's future resentment to act on the Grand Princess's behalf.
But Zhong Jueyu waved her hand, motioning for her to stand down. She then tossed a blade before the Luo father and son and said, "If the two of you take your own lives to atone for your crimes, I will spare the rest of the Luo family from execution."
According to the laws of Great Liang, their crime was enough to warrant the execution of all nine branches of their clan. This was an immense concession.
Luo Qiyuan's eyes lit up, but his expression quickly turned bitter. He said in a hoarse voice, "I misjudged you."
Luo Yueyin tugged at his father's sleeve, crying out, "Father, I don't want to die! Father!"
Zhong Jueyu ignored them, turning instead to look at the Crown Prince, who was scared witless.
He had just been nearly strangled to death. His robes were in disarray, and red finger marks were visible on his neck. When he saw Zhong Jueyu looking at him, he shrank into a corner in terror, trembling as he pleaded, "Don't kill me, don't kill me."
Of course, Zhong Jueyu wouldn't kill him. No matter what, Zhong Jueren was still her biological brother. Since the Luo father and son hadn't managed to strangle him just now, she couldn't touch him.
Zhong Jueyu lowered her gaze, contemplating how to handle the situation.
But then she saw Zhong Jueren burst into laughter, clapping his hands. "All of you, kneel before Us! We are the Son of Heaven, the supreme ruler! You must all kneel before Us!"
He shouted, "Father Emperor is dead! We are ascending the throne!"
Before anyone could react, he scrambled over to Zhong Jueyu and laughed again. "Imperial Sister, what are you doing here? Hurry and lead the campaign against the Chu army for Us, and unify the realm!"
He's been driven mad by fear.
Zhong Jueyu's brow furrowed, and she subconsciously took a step back.
But Zhong Jueren, with no regard for his image, splayed his legs and sat on the floor, roaring with laughter.
Is he truly mad, or is he faking it?
It would be understandable. Ever since Zhong Jueren fled the battlefield, his nerves had been stretched taut. The slightest disturbance would frighten him, and he was plagued by nightmares every night.
Now, having witnessed his father's murder and the throne he so coveted being snatched away, with death looming ever closer, he had finally broken down and been driven completely mad.
"We are the Emperor! We will lead the expedition against Chu and unify the realm!"
Under everyone's gaze, Zhong Jueren shouted and laughed, the madness on his face looking anything but feigned.
Zhong Jueyu tightened her grip on her blade's hilt, then looked at Ruan He and said, "The Crown Prince witnessed His Majesty's murder and was nearly strangled by the Luo father and son. The mental collapse has driven him insane."
Ruan He listened intently, not daring to miss a single word.
"Take the Crown Prince away first. Find a quiet side hall, and have someone summon an imperial physician to examine him."
Ruan He immediately acknowledged the order, grabbed the Crown Prince by the arm, and began dragging him out.
Whether he was truly mad or only pretending, if this was the act he chose, then let everyone see it. Even if it was a pretense, it would become real madness in their eyes. No one would ever believe him again.
The sound of laughter faded with the departing footsteps. Bright sunlight poured through the open doorway, casting a patch of light on the cold floor. Tiny dust motes danced in the air before settling on the thick, flowing blood.
The tightly gripped longsword fell to the ground with a crisp clang.
Luo Yueyin and Luo Qiyuan collapsed to the floor, completely silent.
They had no choice. If Zhong Jueyu hadn't been thinking of Luo Yueqing, the entire Luo family would have been executed, with no chance of ever recovering. Now, only their two lives were forfeit. For two men who had been indoctrinated with the importance of family since childhood, this was an act of immense mercy.
Zhong Jueyu paused, then looked to the other side, at Zhong Tuming, who lay in the center of the room, still clad in his dragon robes.
She walked toward him, her steps somewhat heavy, her shadow stretching long across the floor.
The stories from her dreams intertwined with reality, making it impossible to tell which was real. Alternating voices echoed in her ears—the arguments of her past life and the silence of this one.
Zhong Jueyu's knees buckled, and she suddenly knelt before him.
Everyone inside and out followed suit, kneeling in a vast, sweeping motion, like a sea of heavy iron armor.
The emperor lay there on his back. He looked much better than he had in her dreams, aside from the hole in his forehead and the disheveled state of his robes from the struggle.
Nearby tables and chairs were overturned. The meticulously prepared dishes were scattered across the floor, washed aside by the blood.
From this scene, one could imagine what had just transpired: during a heated argument, someone had grabbed the emperor's robes and slammed his head forcefully against the corner of a table.
Then, when Zhong Jueren tried to intervene and call for help, the Luo father and son had rushed him, grabbing his neck and covering his mouth.
Zhong Jueyu knelt there in silence, her slender back straight. The sunlight reflected off her silver armor in a brilliant, almost blinding glare.
With her eyes lowered, she could see the pulse in his outstretched arm. It was faint, but if she were to summon an imperial physician right now, there might still be a sliver of hope.
But she did not speak, remaining perfectly still as she knelt.
They had arrived in the afternoon. Despite their haste, they had been delayed on the road. Now, the sun was setting in the west, its faint orange glow spreading across the sky, heralding the desolate chill of night that was beginning to permeate the vast imperial palace.
The blood on the blade had congealed. The faint pulse stopped completely.
This ending was much better than the one in her dreams, Zhong Jueyu thought. She and her father hadn't completely turned against each other. At least Zhong Tuming hadn't lost his dignity as an emperor by wailing and begging, nor did he know that this was all orchestrated by his own daughter.
At least he died with some dignity.
Zhong Jueyu bent her back and kowtowed heavily, the dull thud echoing through the empty hall. The others followed her lead.
The foul stench of blood attracted flies, which tried to land on the crumpled, ornate robes, but Zhong Jueyu waved them away.
Your Majesty, in the past, you resented me for your own incompetence and favored the Crown Prince. Today, I have wronged you. Let us consider our debts settled. Let the bond between this father and daughter end here.
Zhong Jueyu's eyes were dark. The light of the setting sun fell upon her face, and for a moment, a faint blue glint seemed to flash in her eyes before vanishing without a trace.
She rose to her feet, and the soldiers followed. Immediately, someone shouted, "His Majesty has passed away!"
The cry rang out like a great bell, spreading ever outward.
Zhong Jueyu turned to look at Meng Yunshan, who immediately raised his hands in a salute, looking as if he had been prepared for this for some time.
Everyone knew that this was not the most difficult part. The greatest challenge was how to stabilize the teetering Great Liang now that the emperor was dead and the Crown Prince had gone mad.
"I will have to trouble you with what comes next, Prime Minister Meng."
"I am willing to serve Your Highness."
With that, everyone began to file out of the hall.
Within a day, the news had spread throughout the capital. Fortunately, with a hundred thousand troops stationed outside the city, no major disturbances occurred.
How to deal with the Luo family, the emperor's posthumous title and funeral, who the next Son of Heaven would be…
These were all topics that required repeated discussion.
Suddenly looking up, she realized it was already pitch-black outside. Night had fallen without her noticing.
The officials had dispersed. When Zhong Jueyu returned to the Grand Princess's manor, she saw that the lights in her own room were on.
During the day, Zhong Jueyu, worried for Luo Yueqing's safety, had ordered her brought from the Luo residence to the Grand Princess's manor. Her subordinates, unaware of her inner conflict, had naturally arranged for Luo Yueqing to stay in her bedroom.
Zhong Jueyu's steps faltered. She turned and dismissed the servants following her before heading into the small courtyard.
She didn't know what Luo Yueqing was doing inside. Not a sound came from the room, only the bright glow of candlelight that filled it.
—Knock, knock knock.
The knocking startled the person inside. Someone walked over quickly and opened the door.
Luo Yueqing stood there in a simple white dress, her loose hair falling over her shoulders. She first looked Zhong Jueyu up and down carefully, and only after confirming she was uninjured did she let out a sigh of relief. "You're back," she said.
She didn't ask any questions. Her tone was light and happy, just like always, as if Zhong Jueyu had simply gone out for morning court and returned, same as any other day.
Zhong Jueyu stared at her for a long moment before breaking into a smile. "I'm home," she said.
Her tone was the same, as if she had cast aside all trivial matters in that instant.
The candlelight illuminated Luo Yueqing's face, softening her lovely features. A gentle ripple spread through her cool, dark, doe-like eyes, which reflected only Zhong Jueyu's face.
The door was closed. With Luo Yueqing's help, the silver armor she had worn all day was carefully removed and hung on a nearby wooden rack.
Neither of them spoke. Only the clinking of the armor plates broke the silence, which was allowed to spread and fill the entire room.
Zhong Jueyu, sitting on a stool, reached out and hooked an arm around the other woman's waist, pulling her closer. Then she lowered her head, burying her face against Luo Yueqing's abdomen.
Her slightly curved back was slender, the arch of her spine so prominent it seemed it might pierce through her thin inner shirt, each vertebra pressing against the fabric. The imposing general from the daytime was now like a child seeking comfort, holding Luo Yueqing tightly.
Outside, it was quiet. Perhaps because of the day's great turmoil, the shops lining the streets had all locked their doors, to say nothing of the street vendors. Even ordinary people had extinguished their lamps early, feigning sleep.
And so the capital, usually so bustling, was now utterly silent. Even the sound of the wind was clearly audible, not to mention the occasional clang of the night watchman's gong.
Luo Yueqing didn't stop her, simply raising a hand to the back of her head and stroking it again and again in silent comfort.
Their shadows on the floor merged into one, gradually becoming inseparable.
After a long time, Zhong Jueyu finally spoke, her voice muffled. "They're dead."
Luo Yueqing replied softly, "I know."
News traveled fast within the Grand Princess's manor, and Luo Yueqing had been paying close attention, so she was aware of everything.
"Do you blame me?" The arms around her tightened unconsciously. Zhong Jueyu's voice was low and hoarse, sounding inexplicably pitiful.
Luo Yueqing shook her head. "I don't."
Then she quickly asked in return, "What about you? Do you blame me?"
Zhong Jueyu nuzzled her head against her. "How could I possibly blame you?"
Luo Yueqing gave her ear a little tug, the pad of her index finger brushing against the earlobe.
Her expression was calm and gentle, reminiscent of the little Daoist at Xuanmiao Temple. So much had happened since she'd left the mountain, yet she remained unchanged.
Unchangingly reassuring.
Zhong Jueyu held her tighter. The force was actually a bit much; the muscles in her forearms tensed, and her body trembled slightly, as if she needed to knead Luo Yueqing into her very bones and blood to feel at ease.
The abdomen is an area easily compressed, and a little pressure can make it hard to breathe, especially since Luo Yueqing was much more delicate than Zhong Jueyu.
But Luo Yueqing didn't make a sound, letting the other woman hold her tight.
Hot breaths fell one after another, spreading through the thin fabric.
It was a long while before she spoke again. "You're all I have left."
Her voice was faint, yet it sounded strangely heavy.
Luo Yueqing tugged at the ends of her hair, coaxing, "If Ruan He and the others heard that, they'd be heartbroken."
"That's not what I meant," the Grand Princess finally remembered her two subordinates. She lifted her head and said pitifully, "I just mean that you're different."
The gloom had vanished from her face. After all, the decision had been made after much internal struggle, and with the addition of everything from her dreams, she felt not a shred of regret.
But not regretting it was one thing; having complicated feelings was another.
Although Zhong Jueyu had seen plenty of corpses on the battlefield, she still couldn't remain indifferent when someone related to her by blood died right in front of her.
Luo Yueqing couldn't help but rub her head. Her eyes curved as she asked, "How am I different?"
Zhong Jueyu wasn't fond of talking about such things. She blinked, trying to evade the question, and changed the subject. "There's still much to do in the coming days. If you're tired, you should go to sleep. You don't have to wait up for me."
"Will you still be leading the troops on the expedition?" Luo Yueqing asked in return.
"Yes. As long as Great Chu doesn't retreat, the border will not be secure. For now, we are just stabilizing the internal situation. Tomorrow, I'll have Ruan He and Li Shigui take part of the army and leave the capital first. Once things here are temporarily stable, I'll lead the remaining forces to join them."
At the mention of official business, Zhong Jueyu's expression instantly turned serious, and her back straightened unconsciously.
Luo Yueqing nodded, then asked, "And the Crown Prince?"
"Regardless of the imperial physician's diagnosis, I will take him with me to prevent anyone in the capital from getting any ideas," Zhong Jueyu said, having clearly already considered the matter.
She continued, "After I leave the capital, I will have Prime Minister Meng temporarily oversee the court's affairs. He shouldn't…"
Zhong Jueyu's tone shifted. She took Luo Yueqing's hand and said gravely, "When the time comes, I will give you half of the Tiger Tally. I'll leave two contingents of troops in the capital. If he shows any signs of disloyalty, go to them at once and have them escort you out of the city immediately."
Zhong Jueyu instructed, "Don't worry too much. Given Prime Minister Meng's character, it's unlikely, but one must always be on guard against others."
She stressed again, "Don't act rashly. Just have them take you away. Whatever happens, we can deal with it after we return."
She was terrified that even the slightest mishap might befall Luo Yueqing.
Luo Yueqing nodded at each point. Only after Zhong Jueyu had finished did she say, "I understand everything."
Only then did Zhong Jueyu manage her first smile of the day. She repeated gently, "You don't need to worry too much. It will be fine."
Luo Yueqing nodded again and said, "In that case, Your Highness should go back and rest."
Zhong Jueyu froze, a look of confusion on her face.
But the other woman spoke as if it were the most natural thing in the world, her tone unchanged. "Since Your Highness will be busy for the next few days, you should rest well on your own. That way, I won't be here making a fuss and disturbing your sleep."
Her tone shifted as she added, "Isn't that how it's been these past few days?"
With that, she even took a step back, let go of Zhong Jueyu's hand, and offered an exceedingly considerate and gentle smile. "Your Highness, please go back and get some rest soon."
Zhong Jueyu opened her mouth, completely stunned.
What did she mean, 'that's how it's been these past few days'? What did she mean, she was disturbing her rest?
"I didn't—you've misunderstood!" Zhong Jueyu shot to her feet, trying to explain.
But Luo Yueqing just smiled and pushed her out the door, gently reminding her once more, "Your Highness, rest early. Don't work too late."
Zhong Jueyu stood there, dumbfounded, and watched the door close completely.
"But… this is my room…"
A gust of wind blew fallen leaves across the courtyard, filling it with a sense of desolation.
Comments
Post a Comment