Chapter 68
The Empress is impressed to the public
The mourning period was over, and the Liang Empire blossomed into a new season under its new ruler, Emperor Xiao Ce.
The Emperor strolled around the Li courtyard and crossed the golden bridge, pausing to admire the reflection of the new moon in the crystal-clear waters of the man-made lake.
In the distance, the royal boatman sailed slowly towards him. Xiao Ce's foxy eyes gleamed as he spotted the colorful, decorated lanterns in the mounted theater located in the middle of the gazebo lake.
He inhaled the cool breeze of the young night and asked the eunuch, "Did you double-check if everything is prepared?"
The eunuch replied, "Yes, Your Majesty, everything is ready and in place."
He arrived at the beautiful, dream-like Chinese gazebo on the lake. The performers greeted him, saying, "Greetings, Your Majesty. Please, have a seat."
A king-like chair, positioned next to a queen-like chair, awaited him in the center of the gazebo. Swans glided gracefully nearby in the crystal-clear waters.
Dressed in his regal robes embroidered with a golden phoenix, Xiao Ce exuded elegance. Holding the long Kam sleeves of his robes, he grabbed two small bouquets of fresh ylang-ylang blossoms wrapped in banana leaves. Basking in the moment, he sniffed the flowers and said, "What a delightful scent."
He had instructed his servants to harvest all the ylang-ylang flowers from the trees around Jinwu Palace, and now, the baskets were full. The finest palace maids of Liang scattered the flowers around the lake.
Xiao Ce adored these fragrant blossoms, not only for their delicate perfume but for their use in highly aromatic essential oils. He also valued their antibacterial properties, thinking they purified the air around his palace.
More than that, the word "Ylang" symbolized "wilderness," as his late father had once told him. The ylang-ylang was known as the sea star flower, having crossed seven thousand seas before reaching the shores of China.
For Xiao Ce, the Empress-to-be, Qiao Qiao, was like this flower. Wild, yet beautiful, growing high in the branches, where only the brave could climb to gather its blossoms.
As he waited, Xiao Ce also noticed the spy sniper markers positioned around the lake. Whenever the Emperor was outdoors, invisible forces were deployed to protect him and his future Empress.
A flare shot into the air, signaling the arrival of Lady Qiao Qiao. Xiao Ce's heart raced.
Before long, Xiao Ce held his breath as he caught sight of the beautiful woman slowly approaching on a royal oriental boat.
She wore a simple jade hairpin, her pristine eyes and delicate face illuminated by the soft glow of lantern light. Holding an umbrella over her head, she took Xiao Ce's breath away.
The sky above was a tapestry of dark red and orange hues, post-sunset silhouettes blending with thin wisps of clouds.
This was no surprise treat, it was a long-overdue date with Lady Qiao Qiao. As the boatman docked, the Emperor flashed his charming, foxy smile and said, "Lady, give me your hand."
"This is the moment," Xiao Ce thought.
But instead of giving him her hand, Qiao Qiao threw a small basket at him.
Xiao Ce caught it mid-air, smiling mischievously. "What's this?"
"Your favorite. Muqing (Mother Empress Lu Zhi) asked me to send this as a midnight snack for you," Qiao Qiao replied.
Standing tall once more, Xiao Ce gently took Qiao Qiao's hand, helping her out of the boat.
Qiao Qiao, surprised by the mounted theater and the yellow-green flowers scattered across the lake, yawned, almost lulled to sleep by the scent. "What is this? A fairytale?" she asked.
"This is the world of ylang-ylang," Xiao Ce answered.
"Wow," Qiao Qiao said, bending down to scoop some of the floating star-shaped flowers from the lake.
Behind her, Viper, who had accompanied her, stayed behind in the boat, chewing on a stalk of grass. Rolling her eyes at Xiao Ce's extravagant display, she thought, "Six months ago, there were rabbit lanterns. Now baskets of ylang-ylang blossoms are pouring into the lake. What's next?"
The fragrance nearly sent Viper into a deep sleep. To stay awake, she covered her mouth with her red scarf, waiting in the boat.
As Qiao Qiao played with the flowers, she suddenly saw something, like a monster lurking in the quiet lake. In a blink, those horrifying eyes disappeared.
Xiao Ce asked again, "Give me your hand."
Qiao Qiao looked up at him, then placed her hand in his, and together they walked slowly toward their seats.
Before they sat down, Xiao Ce said, "These flowers are for you, for your eyes to enjoy." He handed her the two bouquets of ylang-ylang blossoms.
"Xie Xie," Qiao Qiao said, accepting the flowers. "I didn't think banana leaves could wrap flowers so beautifully."
Xiao Ce smiled. "The scent of banana leaves complements the fragrant ylang-ylang. Smudging the leaves with ember coal produces an aroma that guides the heart from darkness into light."
"What do you mean by 'guides the heart from darkness into light'?" Qiao Qiao asked.
Xiao Ce's expression softened. "When you were in your deep sleep for almost a month, I sought wise counsel. The soft, wooden scent of ember coal combined with the sweet floral aroma of banana leaves was meant to call your soul back from darkness to light. At first, I feared you wouldn't return, but I never gave up. I found an undying ember of coal in the secret palaces of the Xiu Xiu Mountains in Yanbei. I burned it day and night in Yehua Palace until you woke up, looked for me, and told me you wouldn't let me go."
Xiao Ce turned his gaze to the stage and clapped his hands. "Let the performance begin."
Qiao Qiao, her eyes heavy with sleep but her heart excited, asked, "What is this?"
"See for yourself," Xiao Ce replied, flashing his foxy smile at his future Empress.
As Qiao Qiao watched the performance unfold, tears welled up in her eyes. Noticing her emotion, Xiao Ce handed her a golden royal handkerchief.
She accepted it and wiped her tears. The performance was a reenactment of their first meeting, when Qiao Qiao had thrown him off his horse, when he had visited the West as Prince Lee Cecilia, when she had saved him from blackguard assassins and been wounded in the process. The performance showed how Xiao Ce had rescued her with his Black Palanquin, the incident with the turkey on fire, and the frozen lake tragedy.
Xiao Ce was trying to help Qiao Qiao remember their shared past, but one particular scene at the frozen lake brought a deep sadness to her.
She couldn't recall the memory clearly, but the pain lingered. Tearfully, she whispered, "Yuwen Yue…"
Xiao Ce allowed her this moment to reconnect with her old self, Chu Qiao.
He wasn't jealous or afraid because he understood the pain came from her past.
Though Qiao Qiao had recovered physically, her heart still clung to something that could not be forgotten.
Xiao Ce now understood why Chu Qiao hadn't recognized him when they met again after the frozen lake incident.
Xiao Ce had returned to life, but he never forgot what had happened in the afterlife, where he had seen Chu Qiao cross the forgotten river before they parted ways.
He realized that his return to the mortal realm had come at the cost of Chu Qiao's memories.
Hoping the performance would help her recall their past before she entered the Liang palace courts as Empress, Xiao Ce silently prayed.
In a few short hours, Qiao Qiao would take the crown of the Phoenix Empress, elevating her status beyond his wildest dreams.
Yet Xiao Ce knew that with every dream fulfilled, tragedy often followed.
He was ready for his dream to come true, but as for the tragedy, he had made no plans. For the first time in his life, he wanted to free his heart and become Qiao Qiao's lifetime partner.
He didn't want to confine her to the palace, trapped by the protocols of the empire. He wanted her to be happy and free, in his arms whether in love or hate.
Xiao Ce would live to cherish it all.
After the night of remembrance, both Xiao Ce and Qiao Qiao retired to their respective palaces. Qiao Qiao, staring into her mirror, thought to herself,"I am Chu Qiao, leader of the Wind and Cloud Decree, crown princess of Chu Jing Kingdom, General of the Xuili army, and tomorrow I will wear the crown of the Phoenix Empress of the Liang Empire."
She gazed blankly at her reflection, tears suddenly falling from her eyes. She whispered,"If no one comes tomorrow, then why should I wait?"
Meanwhile, Xiao Ce stood by his window, staring at the twinkling stars in the bright southern skies of Liang. His thoughts were firm,"Yuwen Yue, if you do not come tomorrow, don't be angry with me. This is your last chance. She will be mine forever."
The Liang palace grounds, once again dressed in grandeur and magnificence, stood ready. Despite its civil war, where six of its eight strongholds had once fractured, they were now united to celebrate an important chapter in their history.
Six months had passed since Xiao Ce's enthronement as Emperor of Liang.
He waited another six months to seal the position of his Empress. Today, the Phoenix State of the South would witness two significant events: the stepping down of the current Empress and the enthronement of the new Empress.
These two powerful women had tirelessly supported the Emperor's reforms, guiding the Liang government through civil wars, navigating palace intrigues, and managing the complexities of the military, scholars, foreign and local dignitaries, servants, and slaves alike.
The news of the coronation spread across the empires, drawing foreign dignitaries from far and wide.
Nothing was left to chance. A grand White Palanquin, escorted by hundreds of silver-gray uniformed soldiers, steady and disciplined, entered the gates of Liang Palace. The royal guards approached and asked for the dignitary's name and pass. He answered,"The Lord of Qinghai."
The world seemed to hold its breath when another palanquin, this one purple, arrived at the palace gates.
The guards approached again, asking for the dignitary's name and pass. A soft voice answered,"The World and its Queen."
The guards exchanged glances, preparing to speak, but were interrupted when the beautiful and angelic face of Xiao Yu appeared from the palanquin. She handed the guards the Truce jade pass.
Immediately, the two guards fell to their knees, bowing."Forgive us, Your Majesty, you may pass."
With her usual grace, Xiao Yu replied,"Thank you,"then closed the window and continued into the palace.
Yanbei's envoys arrived as well, their presence rare in public affairs. Among them were General Zhong Yu, Yan Schicheng's military adviser Dong Fangyi, Xiao-Qi, the Seventh Sister of Chu Qiao, and several Yan military generals.
Their Black Eagle cavalry was stationed in the seventh prefecture under the command of Sun Di as part of the truce. Xiao Ce and Yan Xun had agreed on the terms of this historic event.
While everyone was busy welcoming the Queen of Yanbei, Yan Xun clenched his hands and composed his face.
Now, for the first time since that fateful night, he would see A'Chu again, the night he had tried to rescue her from becoming Wei's crown princess.
There were so many truths hidden between them, secrets that had pulled them apart.
Yan Xun had learned the truth too late, burdened with regret over how he had treated A'Chu, the only woman he had ever truly cared for and loved. His mind wandered to when he had pretended to be Lui Xi, the wealthy leader of the Chamber of Commerce in Xianyang.
Rumors had spread that Lui Xi was killed by Yan Xun, along with Lord Ouyang, one of Lui Xi's most trusted associates, leaving Mo'er, Ouyang's child, an orphan.
It was one of Yan Xun's darkest nights. Driven by vengeance, he committed vile acts to unearth Yanbei's fortunes from the depths of its struggles.
But Yan Xun's conflicts weren't just external. He also faced betrayals within Yanbei's secret trading circles.
Former General of Yan, Cheng Yuan, approached Yan Xun,"Your Highness,"he began.
With an anxious expression, Yan Xun asked,"What's causing the commotion outside?"
Cheng Yuan replied, his eyes gleaming,"We've found the boy from the Ouyang household. However, two people are trying to rescue him."
Still wearing a grim expression, Yan Xun listened as Cheng Yuan continued,"They've been following us. I believe they're subordinates of the Ouyang clan. They're staging a fight to take revenge. It's a bloodbath outside the camp."
Yan Xun stood, his eyes fierce."They are brave indeed."
As the chaos continued outside, Chu Qiao's voice pierced through the air as she called out,"Lui Xi, get out of there!"
A'Jing whispered,"It sounds like Miss Chu."
Yan Xun's fierce gaze softened, his anxiety growing. He sat back down, while Cheng Yuan prepared to give orders."I will handle them,"Cheng Yuan said, but Feng Mian interjected,"Wait. Wear a mask. We'll be meeting them sooner or later."
Cheng Yuan looked puzzled."Is that necessary?"he asked.
Before any more words could be exchanged, Chu Qiao's furious voice rang out again,"Lui Xi, you traitor! Get out here! I'm going to kill you!"
Yan Xun felt numb, the weight of guilt pressing down on him.
Chu Qiao, like a madwoman, charged toward the tent where Lui Xi was hiding. Meanwhile, Yuwen Yue fought off enemies, chopping down foes as the blindfolded child, Mo'er, clung to his back, oblivious to the danger.
Suddenly, a thunderstorm struck the camp. Cold winds howled as Lui Xi emerged from the tent, his subordinates cloaked in black hoods, their faces hidden. Chu Qiao found the sight strange, and Yuwen Yue, sensing something familiar, momentarily halted his attack.
Yan Xun, cloaked in loneliness and despair, stepped forward. His eyes no longer held their usual fierceness, but instead reflected the desolation within his soul. In front of Chu Qiao and Yuwen Yue, Yan Xun faked his voice, speaking in a haunting tone,"Let them go."
Feng Mian echoed his master's command,"Our master says let them go."
Yan Xun, once more in that eerie voice, repeated,"You have one hour. Leave!"
Thunder roared again, as if the heavens themselves were haunted. The faces of the enemies remained shrouded, like ghosts from a nightmare.
As the killing squad retreated, Yan Xun could no longer suppress his emotions. He broke character, his voice cracking with raw vulnerability."Do you want to die here? Leave!"
Yuwen Yue, feeling the strangeness of the situation, broke the silence."Someday, if I catch you, I'll let you survive too."His noble heart could not ignore a noble act, and he uttered a promise of honor.
Turning to Chu Qiao, Yuwen Yue said,"Let's go."
He knew their chances of survival were slim, but he also sensed that Lui Xi was not who he claimed to be. A chill ran through Yuwen Yue's bones as he realized that Yan Xun was pretending to be Lui Xi.
The cruelty of Yan Xun's methods weighed on Yuwen Yue's mind, reminding him of the harshness he had experienced firsthand.
Yuwen Yue walked away in peace, with the child Mo'er still on his back, and Chu Qiao, unsettled by the eerie encounter, followed.
After they left, Yan Xun's guard dropped. He stood, catching his breath, letting the desolation of his soul surface.
As A'Chu turned her back and walked away from him, Yan Xun thought bitterly,"A'Chu, I finally saw you, standing before me, safe and sound. But I can't face you now."
As thunder rumbled through the skies, Yan Xun felt the pain of loss wash over him once again. His heart broke that day, though no one knew why.
Was it jealousy over Yuwen Yue, or was it the sight of Mo'er, the orphaned child he had left behind?
Yan Xun, reminded of the mercy he was never granted, cursed the heavens in his heart,"God has never shown me mercy."
True to his word, Master Xie Tai Shan wasn't truly retired. He stood waiting for Empress Lu Zhi while also looking for the mysterious Lord of Qinghai. Was it the King of Qinghai or Crown Prince Ra Yue?
There had been a period of unrest following the eastern prince's visit to Wei's lantern festival, where he lost on the third day of competition, and the Wei Emperor won the game.
Ra Yue had already suspected the Wei Emperor had set up a trap, and he should have left when Chu Qiao departed on the second day, avoiding the risk of exposure.
However, he stayed in Wei because of Viper. He intended to follow her after Chu Qiao left her behind in Changan, wanting to know her whereabouts.
Yet, instead of chasing after Xinger, Ra Yue encountered Dong Fangyi in Yanbei, who forced him to reveal his identity as Yuwen Yue. This led to a bitter fight between Yan Xun and Yuwen Yue in Yanbei.
The battle was fierce and painful, leaving both men scarred. Xiao Yu, realizing the depth of Ra Yue's wounds, made a choice, to kill the person who had captured her heart. In the end, the fight left Wei suffering but saved Prince Zaru of the Bathuja family.
After his exposure, Ra Yue didn't return to Qinghai. With Xiao Yu's help, he escaped and hid in the Long Guan terraced mountains, recovering from his wounds inflicted by Yan Xun. Yan Xun, too, shared the same agony, especially when the apple of his eye perished.
Yuwen Yue aided the Xuili army in fighting against both Wei and Yanbei, receiving significant help from Xiao Ce, who was also dealing with civil unrest in Liang. Accepting the fugitive Xuili army was not easy for Xiao Ce.
On top of everything, Xiao Ce had to protect himself while caring for Chu Qiao, who slept like a dead beauty in Yehua Palace. Yuwen Yue, enduring the darkest nights of his life, faced battles on all fronts, including those with the Eyes of God and the Yuwen household.
What transpired during those days was complex, almost indescribable. Only time and wisdom could truly heal the wounds.
During those months, Chu Qiao remained in Yehua Palace as she slowly recovered.
Many times, Yuwen Yue came to visit her, but as a ghost from her past, she did not recognize him at all.
All Yuwen Yue could do was gaze into her eyes as if she were a stranger, passing by without any acknowledgment. His heart grew colder with each encounter, his pain deepening.
Xiao Ce, on the other hand, looked at Chu Qiao with mixed emotions, happiness and sorrow. He was both glad and tormented by Yuwen Yue's visits. Every time Yuwen Yue came, it stirred something in Chu Qiao, as if she were agonizingly close to remembering everything, only to turn away and run back into Xiao Ce's arms.
One day, she even asked Xiao Ce,"Are you giving me away because you're not sure what we have is real?"
Had Xiao Ce's words come true when he said,"The future belongs to those who wait"? Was it really happening?
Xiao Ce's heart swelled with joy, a greedy desire to finally tell Yuwen Yue, "Your time is up. I am the final man in her story."
But deep down, Xiao Ce knew that if Chu Qiao hadn't sacrificed her mortal memories for his soul, he wouldn't have this chance at a happy ending. This left Yuwen Yue in a barren land of hopelessness. And what about Yan Xun?
Could Yan Xun, who had faced death time and again, bear the sight of Chu Qiao becoming the wife of Emperor Xiao Ce? Could he accept that the woman who was once his general, confidante, and nearly his Yan Queen would now be a relative?
There was a time when Yuwen Yue visited Chu Qiao and, in a soft, broken voice, said,"What more pain must I endure in this world? But losing your memories of me, again and again, for the sake of someone else...I cannot bear it anymore. Xinger, I am Yuwen Yue. Come back to me, please… I need you."
The moment finally arrived.
The Lord of Qinghai, his searching eyes ever watchful, stopped when he heard the eunuchs announce the arrival of the Liang Emperor.
Xiao Ce, dressed in a bright red imperial robe, walked down the aisle, followed by his finest maidservants, who carried his thick, long cape trailing on the golden carpet.
The cape, embroidered with an ancient dragon that wrapped around Xiao Ce's frail body, symbolized the eternal flame of his reign. A shimmering crown adorned his head, and as he walked, the air filled with the fragrance of ylang-ylang blossoms, scattered along the aisle.
This handsome young Emperor was a sight to behold, his foxy eyes gleaming with delight and happiness. It was the happiest day of his life as he solemnly took his seat on the Liang Emperor's throne.
This long golden aisle was now waiting to receive its Empress.
The eunuchs announced the arrival of Empress Lu Zhi, who walked down the aisle and took her place beside the Emperor.
Then, the drums rolled, and the long-awaited princess began her walk down the aisle, the Empress Dowager crown waiting to meet its new owner.
Yan Xun held his breath as the glorious harmony of music filled the air.
Chu Qiao, with no adornments on her head but a radiant face, closed her eyes and opened them to the reality of the moment. A moment that could not be reversed.
For the last time, the Lord of Qinghai looked at her radiant, calm, and delicate face. His eyes, full of sadness and tears, welled up as he realized he no longer belonged to this time. He quietly began to walk away.
The Emperor, observing him, thought,"Is there anyone else but him?"He knew it was Yuwen Yue.
Chu Qiao's gown shone like a real phoenix, adorned with beaded pheasants, pearls, and gemstones. The design on her back resembled the wings of the mythical Phoenix bird draped around her shoulders.
She walked as though on a path of stars, the royal and noble crowd mesmerized as if they were witnessing eternity. Xiao Ce, proud and happy, winked at her with a playful, foxy smile.
At last, Chu Qiao reached the throne. Empress Lu Zhi placed the Fengguan Empress Dowager crown on her head. As this sacred moment unfolded, a man in the shadows slipped out of Daoming Hall, mounted his horse, and rode away as fast as he could.
Xiao Ce stood to hail his Empress, but suddenly, a beautiful woman stepped forward, pulling down her white hood and declaring,"You cannot become my family!"
Bang!
Blood splattered, and a body spiraled to the ground. The glorious ceremony descended into chaos. The crowd panicked, royal guards sealed the palace entrances, and swords were unsheathed.
Bang!
Another body fell lifeless to the floor. From his wheelchair, a man had unleashed a surprise attack, killing someone with precision.
Xie Tai Shan unsheathed his sword to protect Empress Lu Zhi, preventing her from approaching Xiao Ce's body.
Chu Qiao, trembling, bent down, her Fengguan crown shimmering as she cradled Xiao Ce's bloodied, pale face.
Xiao Ce coughed, blood staining his hands as he smiled weakly at Chu Qiao."This is the happiest moment of my life. You chose me over Yuwen Yue. It's like a dream that will last forever."
Seeing his life slipping away, Chu Qiao cried out,"You must hold on…"
Nearby, Xiao Yu looked at her mother, pulling out needles from her sleeve and warning,"Don't move. It could spread the poison faster."
The former Empress Yuan, struggling to breathe, softly called,"Xiao Yu…"
Xiao Yu caressed her mother's face, whispering,"Mother, I will avenge you. Stay alive."
Meanwhile, Yan Xun, unable to process the chaos, stood frozen, as Liang guards surrounded the Yanbei officials. Sun Di ordered their capture.
Zhong Yu unsheathed her sword, declaring,"I cannot allow the World to be captured here."
Viper, torn between staying by Chu Qiao's side and confronting her sister, stepped forward, saying,"I cannot allow criminals to walk away as if nothing happened."
Peng!The sound of sword and whip clashing echoed through the hall.
Dong Fangyi, watching the fight, thought,"The legendary whip girl. I finally see her today. She guards the Mimi Gongzhu, the one who killed her own mother, Lou He."
Zhan Ziyu, recognizing Viper as an underworld spy, moved his wheelchair forward, vowing,"You must die!"
As Zhan Ziyu unleashed his deadly needles, a ninja warrior descended from above, countering the attack and saving Viper. Other spies from the afterlife camp arrived to protect their leader, as Zuo fought fiercely to defend Viper.
Yue Qi, eyes sharp as a sniper, shot down enemies with precision, sniping around Zuo to keep him safe.
Xiao Ce, still aware of the tragedy unfolding in Daoming Palace, spoke his final words in a faint, broken voice: "Please... do not come to the forgotten river. Do not trade your mortal memories for the sake of my soul. I cannot live knowing you would leave for me… this is better for me."
And just like that, Xiao Ce took his last breath…
(I cried like a river here)
Lu Zhi cried out, her voice breaking with grief, as she struggled to reach her precious son. "Your Highness, my son! You cannot die!"
The fighting came to an abrupt halt as the Emperor's death sent shockwaves through the palace. A blinding light suddenly exploded, filling the room with a supernatural glow. Chu Qiao's phoenix dress, now glowing like a sun burning with fire, lifted Xiao Ce's body into her embrace.
Everyone stood in stunned silence, including Yan Xun and Xiao Yu. No one dared to move. Their eyes fixed on Chu Qiao as the room began to freeze over, slowly consumed by cold ice creeping across the palace floor.
Outside, the sky darkened, and hail mixed with fire rained from the heavens, sending waves of terror through those who witnessed it.
The palace walls, encased in ice, began to crack and crumble as the fiery hail scorched their surfaces, casting waves of heat and cold in a terrifying dance of destruction.
Viper, watching in horror, understood the severity of the moment. If Mimi Gongzhu's power goes unchecked, everyone in this palace will die, she thought, including herself. She was the only one unaffected by the storm of hail and fire as humanity struggled to survive the impending doom.
Yan Xun, lips turning purple from the cold, his skin pale as snow, whispered through chattering teeth, "A'Chu... let go of the world."
Suspended in the air, Chu Qiao heard Yan Xun's voice. Without opening her eyes, she responded, "Who wants to hear the world?"
Her eyes, full of compassion, shifted toward Viper as she said softly, "I must save the Emperor."
Viper's eyes widened in terror, like an owl's. She shouted desperately, "Come back, Mimi Gongzhu! You cannot save a soul twice!"
Suddenly, Chu Qiao, still hovering in the air, began to descend slowly, like a delicate snowflake, her body cradled by the wind. Like an autumn leaf, she drifted gently down, until her form rested on the white, fine snow that now covered the ground.
The Higanbana flower, glowing faintly at her back, flickered like a dying firefly. Its light slowly dimmed, fading piece by piece, until it was extinguished.
This was no longer the Liang Palace. It had become a rea
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