Slag Shou Cultivating Manual - Chapter 24

Zhen Puyang sat down on the chair, crossed his arms in dissatisfaction, and gave He Lang a menacing glare. In a peculiar tone, he said, “Who allowed you to call him Qiubai?”

 

He Lang was reluctant to answer this childish question. Wasn’t it common for close friends to use names?

 

Zhen Puyang rolled his eyes in frustration, turned back with an expressionless face, and awkwardly suggested, “Why not call me Yang’er instead?”

 

“Oh, Yang’er,” He Lang complied with his request.

 

“Eh~”

 

Was this the dignified appearance expected of an emperor? He Lang shook his head repeatedly.

 

Zhen Puyang had seemed to be getting serious and focusing on state affairs, and He Lang had noticed signs of that with his continuous actions. However, he soon realized that Zhen Puyang had become idle again?

 

“Your Majesty, aren’t you busy? Why do you keep coming to the Chancellor’s residence? The state matters are more important,” He Lang said, frowning at the helpless steward and the spirited Zhen Puyang.

 

Zhen Puyang ignored his expression, pushed aside the steward who tried to stop him and a few submissive maids, and walked directly to He Lang, rubbing his shoulder. “Not busy. Otherwise, what use are the ministers?”

 

He Lang was speechless. It seemed clear now that Zhen Puyang had appointed so many officials recently to help him handle state affairs.

 

Recalling the temporarily abandoned royal mansion, He Lang reminded him to deal with it soon and joked, “The royal mansion is still new, and now you’re moving back to the palace.”

 

Zhen Puyang didn’t want to admit that he disliked the annoying woman in the mansion. He pursed his lips and, exhausted, pressed He Lang down onto the chair. “Without you, I can’t sleep well. For the sake of the country, you must move into the palace.”

 

He thought there would be more negotiation, but He Lang quickly agreed.

 

Zhen Puyang looked at him with surprise and joy, his thoughts in disarray, with a feeling of nervousness. Not only did He Lang not use formalities to lecture him, but he also agreed very naturally. He Lang surely knew that once he entered the palace, Zhen Puyang would end up sharing a room and bed with him.

 

However, He Lang didn’t refuse. This meant that He Lang didn’t actually dislike being close to him or resented their intimacy?

 

Although it was just a minor thing, Zhen Puyang’s feelings, like silk spun by a silkworm, intricately wove into a sweet fantasy. This simple non-rejection and not retreating gave Zhen Puyang immense hope, allowing it to ferment into a sweet dream.

 

Although he pretended to be unruly and carefree like a youth, the position he held was not truly relaxing. On a particularly tiring night, being able to gaze upon the face of his beloved would be incredibly pleasing. But Zhen Puyang was no longer content with just this.

 

His desire was like a blazing fire consuming dry wood, burning increasingly fiercely, the flames threatening to engulf him entirely, but he had no idea how to relieve it.

 

In the pitch-black night, when those around him were deeply asleep, he practiced as if a million times before, and accurately pressed his lips against He Lang’s.

 

It was just a simple action, but his heart raced wildly, especially in the silence. The sound of his pounding heart was clear and loud, and if he continued, he feared his heart would leap out of his throat.

 

Yet he couldn’t bring himself to let go. Instead, he pressed further, savoring the softness of He Lang’s lips as he had imagined. After an unknown amount of time, he cautiously parted his lips, tentatively tracing the elegant shape of He Lang’s lips with his tongue, and then deeply kissed him.

 

The warmth of their lips meeting made Zhen Puyang’s mind seem to explode with a roar. The kiss grew more intense, and he held He Lang’s chin, continuing his quest until saliva dripped from where their mouths met. This kiss mixed with deeper yearning, and he forced himself to stop, tasting only briefly.

 

His heart was still pounding. Zhen Puyang carefully turned back and took a deep breath, the lingering scent making him reluctant to part. He smiled, carrying this secret tenderness into sleep.

 

Thus, he did not hear the barely audible sigh.

 

The next day, Zhen Puyang’s pleasant dream was abruptly interrupted by the arrival of the Kelnau Tribe ambassador, who was waiting for an audience. He had to wake up early to prepare.

 

Reluctantly, he dragged his feet, and He Lang, unable to bear it, urged him repeatedly.

 

“But I’m still sleepy, I don’t want to meet those barbarians,” Zhen Puyang said, placing his chin on He Lang’s shoulder and wrapping his arms around his waist, trapping him in his embrace. It was an extremely intimate posture, but he did it without reservation.

 

Perhaps the kiss from the previous night had given him more courage, and he tried to push further.

 

He Lang tensed momentarily, frowning to maintain distance, feeling somewhat unable to accept it.

 

Zhen Puyang was skilled at being unreasonable and sensed He Lang’s rejection. He felt slightly disappointed but did not want to let go.

 

The people waiting outside grew anxious and boldly urged him, reminding him that the Kelnau Tribe princess was also accompanying the envoy.

 

“Hurry up, Your Majesty. We’ll hug you again when you return. The princess is of noble status and cannot be neglected,” He Lang had to resort to this.

 

Zhen Puyang’s eyes brightened. He felt that the Chancellor had become extremely understanding recently, complying with him so quickly, which lifted his spirits and cleared his displeasure.

 

However, knowing that the Chancellor was an important minister, he acted spoiled again.

 

“But I can’t wait. Chancellor, please accompany me to meet those barbarians.”

 

“Remember, Your Majesty, do not refer to the esteemed guests as barbarians—”

 

Thus, they went together to meet the guests. Although it was against etiquette and seemed strange, no one objected.

 

The Kelnau Tribe people were slightly robust, with deep-set features, and appeared somewhat rough. Yet, on their turf, they were polite. However, what caught He Lang’s attention was a purple-clad woman among the envoy.

 

It was easy to guess that she was Princess Zisu, the most esteemed princess of the Kelnau Tribe. She was known to be the highest-born and most favored among the princesses, and Kelnau Tribe was a matriarchal society. Thus, Princess Zisu managed the country’s affairs as a woman.

 

He Lang, having this in mind, suggested to Zhen Puyang to set up a separate table beside the dragon throne to show respect. Zhen Puyang agreed.

 

Though Princess Zisu was a princess, the Kelnau Tribe people were known for their boldness and lack of rigid formality. They came to enjoy themselves, and Zhen Puyang ignored this. He Lang temporarily entertained the princess, sharing amusing stories of Zhen Puyang’s youth, which the princess enjoyed and praised Zhen Puyang for his genuine nature, saying it matched her own personality.

 

Zhen Puyang sneered in response, but the princess was unbothered and continued to laugh, “See, I told you, you are genuine.”

 

At the end of the banquet, He Lang noticed that Princess Zisu’s interest in Zhen Puyang grew, as she frequently glanced at him. He understood what was going on.

 

Before leaving, the princess left a message saying that if the two countries became closer, they would be willing to sincerely cooperate.

 

This suggested that their current diplomacy was merely superficial, with mutual probing. It was no wonder that the earlier discussions on cooperation were vague and lacked substance.

 

Their talk of sincere cooperation implied setting aside prejudices and ambitions, which, as a condition for further rapprochement, meant a marriage alliance. Although Zhen Puyang was not inclined to consider this, He Lang was not without such thoughts.

 

He did not wish for Zhen Puyang to continually trade marriages, but it was undeniable that it was a simple and effective shortcut. If there was a shortcut, why risk looking for other paths?

 

Before the princess’s party left the capital, He Lang called the maid in charge of Zhen Puyang’s side and instructed her on how to bring the princess into the palace and how to arrange a chance encounter between the emperor and the princess. He added, “As long as the emperor can marry Princess Zisu, it will surely stabilize the two countries and resolve the Kelnau Tribe issue without needing treatment.”

 

When the maid nodded, she did not expect that Zhen Puyang overheard every word.

 

He thought He Lang had gone back to fetch something, but suddenly remembered to remind him to return to the palace tonight. He followed him, only to discover such a conspiracy.

 

Zhen Puyang was immediately furious and overturned everything around him, shouting, “Do I need a marriage alliance between our two countries to secure my empire?!”

 

The maid, who had just received her orders, was terrified by this unexpected turn of events, trembling even though she was usually calm.

 

Fearing that Zhen Puyang’s anger would extend to her, He Lang quickly instructed her to leave, leaving the two of them in a tense silence.

 

Zhen Puyang’s eyes were fierce, as if he wanted to devour He Lang alive. He Lang lowered his gaze, unwilling to meet his eyes directly, and closed his eyes tightly, feeling the intense anger being suppressed.

 

“You still don’t understand my feelings—are you pretending to be deaf and dumb or do you really not care? Why do you always want to push me away to others? I have grown up and don’t want to be manipulated by you anymore!”

 

He Lang was surprised by Zhen Puyang’s directness and paused, momentarily speechless.

 

His silence made the air even more suffocating, and Zhen Puyang’s heart sank, tasting bitterness in his mouth.

 

He sneered, feeling that his closeness and affection were becoming increasingly obvious, and he couldn’t believe that He Lang couldn’t see it. It seemed he was intentionally ignoring it.

 

Unable to withstand the questioning gaze, He Lang responded calmly, “Your Majesty, you know this is not the right path and is an obstacle on your road as an emperor. Turning back now would be beneficial for both of us.”

 

“But I am willing,” Zhen Puyang retorted expressionlessly. He was willing to accept harm and forsake benefit, even if it seemed unorthodox to the world. He would rather remain stubborn.

 

“Your Highness, I am doing this for your own good,” He Lang said, feeling troubled by Zhen Puyang’s stubbornness. He had long known about this matter and had not refused explicitly, fearing that a loss of composure might cause political chaos and irreparable mistakes.

 

But now, the situation had come to a head, and he had to lay everything bare. He Lang was also at a loss, his mind in turmoil.

 

Zhen Puyang’s anger was directed at him for being so aloof and not engaging in the mundane world with him.

 

“I don’t want your good intentions! I want you!” He said, his voice breaking with anguish.

 

In the end, He Lang chose to avoid the situation and left under Zhen Puyang’s gaze, unwilling to argue further.

 

He was aware of his selfishness but did not want to admit it. He covered his faults with his initial intentions.

 

He believed he was doing this for Zhen Puyang’s benefit and that he was right in his actions. His purpose was to help him reach the top. This resolve, once a mandate, had become even more entrenched and unchangeable.

 

In the following days, He Lang, fearing the recurrence of previous events that he might not withstand, reluctantly returned to the Grand Tutor’s residence and claimed illness, missing court sessions. Zhen Puyang did not come once.

 

Later, an old eunuch who had served two emperors, Fusheng, secretly left the palace and anxiously urged He Lang to return, clearly aware of the relationship between Zhen Puyang and He Lang.

 

He Lang then realized that the court had been canceling early morning sessions. Piles of memorials and documents had accumulated, with no one in charge.

 

Furthermore, Zhen Puyang drank alone under the moon every night, getting drunk until dawn. He smashed everything in the new palace hall, and the servants who cleaned up were coming and going. His anger even extended to the servants, and dozens had been punished, causing anxiety among court officials and palace servants.

 

He Lang was distraught, feeling that plans had gone awry. For the first time in this world, he felt powerless. After everyone left, he petted the soft fur of the melon rabbit, sighing, “What should we do?”

 

The melon rabbit nudged him, “Host, you should first comfort the target. National affairs can be considered later.”

 

He Lang pondered.

 

When he saw Zhen Puyang again, all the grandeur of the coronation day was lost. Though he should have been full of vigor, he now appeared somewhat disheveled.

 

Next to him were fallen wine jars, and there were many broken porcelain shards on the floor. His mind was unclear, and he seemed unaware of cuts from the shards, as if he had lost his sense of pain.

 

“Your Majesty, stop drinking,” He Lang said, taking the wine jar from his hands and frowning at the mess around them. He was unsure whether it was the strong smell of alcohol or the chaotic scene that troubled him more.

 

Zhen Puyang stiffened at the sound of his voice but immediately brushed him off, refusing to acknowledge him.

 

He Lang took his battered hand, “I will bandage your wounds.”

 

Zhen Puyang looked up with resentment, giving him a look full of reproach but also mixed with tangled affection.

 

Even though he hated He Lang’s indifference and insensitivity, he still got drunk and eagerly awaited his arrival, hoping he might feel some compassion.

 

He tried to act as if he resented him, but when He Lang actually arrived, he felt a childlike sense of grievance, hoping for a bit more love and tenderness, enduring torment just for that.

 

He Lang looked at Zhen Puyang, who seemed to have lost his sanity, and thought sadly that love was indeed painful.

 

Even so, they could no longer withdraw completely. He could only choose to compromise, “Your Majesty, what do you want? I will comply with your wishes.”

 

Zhen Puyang looked at him in surprise and said arrogantly, “Unless you willingly reconcile with me, you can go to hell. Don’t think of interfering in my matters in this lifetime!”

 

His words were made out of frustration, but He Lang responded readily, immediately showing a submissive attitude and even apologizing, “I understand.”

 

He Lang’s agreement pulled Zhen Puyang out of his days of madness, like rescuing someone who had been deeply trapped in a swamp with no hope.

 

Zhen Puyang, overjoyed, disregarded the blood and alcohol on his clothes and threw himself into He Lang’s embrace.

 

He Lang stroked his long hair and tightened his embrace, his eyes calm but holding deeper secrets.

 

Zhen Puyang was completely satisfied, grabbing He Lang’s hand and rubbing it, placing delicate kisses on the back of his hand as if it were a treasure.

 

He Lang felt complex emotions and helped him up, instructing the maid to set the dishes, clean the hall, and prepare for bathing.

 

Since Zhen Puyang had injuries on his hands, he used this as an excuse for the next few days. Whenever he saw He Lang, he would complain of pain and ask him to change the bandages.

 

He Lang coolly bandaged him up, handing him a memorial. Zhen Puyang brushed it aside, placing his hand near He Lang’s lips, tilting his head and saying, “I’m in so much pain. Grand Tutor, kiss me.”

 

He Lang hesitated for a moment but tenderly held his hand, lightly kissing it and asking if he felt better.

 

Zhen Puyang smiled with satisfaction, his heart racing with joy, “I am already healed!” Not just his hand, but it seemed his emotional wounds were healing too. The kiss was not enough to satisfy his insatiable appetite, seeming more like a deliberate tease to stir his emotions.

 

Zhen Puyang took He Lang’s hand, pulled it close, and kissed him forcefully on the chin. The kiss was both assertive and somewhat anxious, as if he was afraid of losing such straightforward affection and wanted to seize every chance, making He Lang unable to resist and continually retreat.

 

He Lang pushed him away in time, frowning and breathing heavily, “You should control yourself. How will the servants view you?” If word got out that the current emperor had a particular affection for a court official, the consequences would be unimaginable.

 

Zhen Puyang, however, dismissed the concern lightly, replying, “They would be glad if you spent more time with me.”

 

Since the last incident, people below had been afraid of any further conflicts between the two, worried it might affect them.

 

After their relationship improved, the emperor was in a good mood every day. Even if he made mistakes, he did not face punishment. The palace servants, realizing this, took it upon themselves to give them space and made numerous excuses to keep the Grand Tutor from leaving the palace, whether it was a broken sedan chair or restricted access.

 

After all, one needed to have their life to gossip, right?

 

However, the inevitable came. Princess Zisu’s entourage had not left the capital, waiting for their response. But Zhen Puyang was too occupied with his romance with He Lang to consider these matters.

 

The lack of response made the usually arrogant and irritable princess slightly impatient. She sent several urgent letters to court, openly stating that if the two countries did not marry, she would have no affection for this country and would not consider it further, leaving it to strength alone.

 

Princess Zisu had some feelings for Zhen Puyang, but more importantly, she wanted to gain more benefits for her resource-scarce country. She proposed the marriage alliance to help both countries, and if they were unwilling, she would act forcefully.

 

Zhen Puyang might not have known about the court’s unrest, but the senior officials, aware of the situation, were already anxious. Before the national war, they had to express their stance to Zhen Puyang: if he could pacify the Kelnau tribe, they would support his claim to the throne.

 

Thus, the current situation was that if Zhen Puyang treated Princess Zisu well and married her to ensure the smooth exchange of mutual benefits, both internal and external problems could be resolved.

 

But He Lang knew that even before national matters, Zhen Puyang’s insistence could not be easily swayed. So he had to choose his words carefully, not daring to suggest marrying Princess Zisu directly. Instead, he pretended to be troubled and asked Zhen Puyang to at least have a meal with the princess and show her around the palace.

 

Seeing Zhen Puyang’s previously radiant expression instantly darken, He Lang quickly spoke up, “For the peace of both countries, this is something you should do as a ruler.”

 

“Do you not care?” Zhen Puyang’s eyes darkened as he turned away from He Lang, feeling extremely disappointed.

 

Was he still pushing himself onto others? He knew he was not a wise ruler, selfish and irresponsible, but he was unwilling to sacrifice his love time and again for the throne and the country.

 

Although the royal education taught him to have thousands of beauties in the harem, he only wanted one genuine love. Why could this person not understand, always placing everything before him?

 

Was his previous agreement just such a compromise?

 

“…”

 

He Lang sensed the underlying anger and, being perceptive, embraced Zhen Puyang’s taller body, lowering his gaze and kissing his cheek softly. “How could I not care? I am just worried about worsening relations between the two countries and had to inconvenience you. I believe that even if you are with another woman, you will still think of me, won’t you?”

 

Hearing this, Zhen Puyang’s anger subsided, but he still could not bring himself to say “yes.” He knew He Lang was being deliberately manipulative; agreeing would mean he had to accompany the barbarian princess.

 

He was reluctant but ended up vaguely agreeing, pulling He Lang close.

 

“Minister, my dear, stop talking. Let’s have a meal together. I’ve instructed the imperial kitchen to prepare your favorite dishes.”

 

However, reality was not as easy as he wished. The Kelnau tribe was valiant and increasingly uncooperative. Seeing this, the princess began preparing troops and training soldiers, attempting to conquer their towns from the border.

 

When He Lang received the news, he was shocked by how quickly things were developing.

 

Seeing his anxiety, the melon rabbit remembered to play its role and reminded him that the manual could provide special help to better complete his task.

 

He Lang, his mind in chaos, pondered for a long time before asking the melon rabbit to prepare a pill for him.

 

That night, a major event was announced in the palace: the Emperor had lost his memory. The Empress Dowager, eager to investigate, was surprised to find that while he remembered his ministers and biological mother, he had forgotten only the Chancellor He, who had assisted the Emperor for many years.

 

This was highly suspicious, but it was considered beneficial for both the court and the country. Thus, the Empress Dowager immediately decreed that the Chancellor’s name should not be mentioned in the palace, to prevent the Emperor from potentially recalling him.

 

Additionally, she stationed guards at the Chancellor’s residence to ensure he did not appear before Emperor Zhen Puyang.

 

Unaware of these events, Zhen Puyang, upon waking, felt as if he had just recovered from an illness. Although his body was healthy, his heart seemed to have lost the capacity for both pain and joy. The palace servants, his mother, and his relatives all felt unfamiliar.

 

Strangely, there was a carved wooden doll hidden in his bedside compartment, which seemed rare and precious. Staring at its features gave him a disorienting feeling, but he avoided dwelling on it.

 

He soon realized his mind was blank, devoid of any recollections. As the new emperor, he focused on addressing the country’s urgent issues and immersed himself in his duties.

 

Despite his reluctance, he had to meet a beautiful yet fierce foreign princess, who showed no restraint and behaved vivaciously and domineeringly in his presence. It was clear she had intentions towards him.

 

Zhen Puyang couldn’t discern his feelings; he felt neither joy nor sorrow. Having never experienced love before, he was emotionally exhausted and uninterested in falling in love.

 

However, whether for the country or himself, he had no reason to refuse her.

 

True to her word, Princess Zi Su announced that her Kelnau Tribe would fully submit to him, ensuring equal cooperation between the two nations. 

 

With concerns resolved, the court breathed a sigh of relief and prepared joyfully for the grand wedding of Princess Zi Su, which was celebrated with great fanfare. The capital city was adorned in festive red, with decorations and celebrations spreading widely.

 

On the night of the wedding, as Zhen Puyang donned his ceremonial attire, he felt uneasy and contemplative as he went out to greet the guests. Among them was someone he recognized—Jiang Qiubai, the former Minister of Works, who had been demoted to a remote area the previous month. Jiang approached with a look of anger and reproach.

 

“How can you treat Brother He this way?” Jiang Qiubai bluntly questioned.

 

Zhen Puyang frowned, remembering the minister’s demotion and feeling a headache coming on. Although he felt Jiang’s words were disrespectful, especially on such an important day, he was troubled by them. He didn’t want to let this strange situation ruin his mood and waved Jiang away.

 

Jiang Qiubai was shocked. “Your Majesty, have you truly forgotten?” He suspected that the Emperor’s amnesia was not genuine and that he had betrayed Brother He.

 

Zhen Puyang wanted to deny having lost his memory but chose to remain silent. He felt an inexplicable discomfort in his heart, wondering if recovering lost memories could fill the void within him.

 

“I can provide the truth,” Jiang Qiubai offered, hoping to clear up the confusion about the Emperor’s relationship with Brother He.

 

Although Zhen Puyang felt Jiang was untrustworthy, he hesitated. He considered that turning away might lead to lifelong regret, as if abandoning a chance for glory and historical renown.

 

At this moment, the Chancellor’s residence was dark and silent, contrasting sharply with the lively and decorated palace. The Chancellor had recently dismissed his staff and given them generous rewards, preparing to leave after the wedding.

 

The manual had finally indicated that with the wedding settled, his task was complete. However, he chose to stay a few more days, partly to handle affairs and partly to wait for the Emperor’s true marriage before departing.

 

Every moment shared with the Emperor was real, from playful youth to a capable man, and he felt a deep sense of attachment. He realized that the manual’s power was not just about time travel.

As the hour approached, He Lang waited for the bell to ring, but instead of the bell’s sound, there was a loud crash—the wooden door was kicked open.

 

The groom, who should have been present at the grand wedding, burst through the door. With the butler and servants absent and no one to stop him, he stormed in without hindrance.

 

At the sight of He Lang, Zhen Puyang’s eyes widened as he rushed forward, holding him tightly and tearing off his wedding clothes. He then cupped He Lang’s face, speaking with intense emotion.

 

“I’m sorry—every mistake is mine, and even if I forgot something, I should never have forgotten you.”

 

He Lang stood stiffly for a long time, his calm demeanor disturbed by the sight of Zhen Puyang. 

 

He had done everything he could to give him a blissful future shrouded in ignorance, but he never expected Zhen Puyang to regain his memories. The die was cast, and in less than fifteen minutes, he would be gone for good.

 

He didn’t want Zhen Puyang to bear the blame forever, so he decided to confess before leaving: “All of this was planned by me. Your Majesty need not blame yourself.”

 

Zhen Puyang was stunned, unable to believe what he was hearing. He looked at He Lang with disbelief, seeing no joy or sadness on his face, and his eyes reflected neither his own image nor the world around him.

 

“Did you… always know… know that I have loved you? From the beginning… from the very start… did you plan everything?” Zhen Puyang stammered, tears streaming down his bloodshot eyes and wetting his temples.

 

It was because of this that he could treat him like an ignorant child, using his love to control him while pretending not to notice his affection, all while making plans in advance.

 

He should have known He Lang was not trustworthy, but he kept making mistakes over and over, clinging to the last glimmer of hope that maybe this time it was real—that He Lang might actually care for him and be willing to be with him.

 

He Lang was at a loss for words, and his silence was answer enough.

 

“You are truly cruel…” Zhen Puyang said, feeling cold and falling to the ground with the wooden doll rolling out of his embrace.

 

Despite his trembling body, he roared in anguish, “I was about to swear my life to her! But I am yours! Yours! Did you never care even a little bit? Was everything just my imagination?”

 

His eyes were bloodshot, teary, and veins were bulging on his forehead, his expression twisted.

 

He Lang turned his gaze away, unwilling to see him like this, and responded, “I only hope Your Majesty can rule the world. Now that you have achieved success, I will leave and no longer disturb you.”

 

“Leave? Ha—hahaha, sure, leave. Where do you plan to go? Do you want to leave me for the rest of your life?”

 

Zhen Puyang, feeling as if his heart was pierced, laughed in anger, his tears mingling with his laughter, as if he had lost his sanity. He felt the world losing its color and the sun and moon going dark.

 

Without the strength to continue, he felt detached from the throne, the court, the state, and the country.

 

He laughed, thinking perhaps it would be fine to just destroy everything together.

 

He Lang was alarmed by his expression, wanting to stop him, but it was too late. Zhen Puyang locked all the exits in the room, overturned the row of lit candles, and then threw himself into He Lang’s arms, binding him tightly.

 

“So, I will tell you, whether in this life or the next, we will be entangled forever!!!”

 

In the firelight, Zhen Puyang’s face looked like a demon.

 

Far away, the midnight bell tolled slowly and heavily, like a mournful cry.

 

Their final kiss was filled with blood, reckless and fervent, and their love was consecrated by the blazing fire.

 

Everything disappeared in the fire’s shadow. The Tutor’s residence burned for a day and a night, and when the last piece of debris was reduced to ashes, the dust finally settled.

 

Overnight, the festive red decorations turned to white mourning drapes, and the nation’s celebration turned to mourning. The previously stable national situation began to fluctuate again, and among those mourning was Zhen Puyang’s birth mother.

 

Empress Lin, once favored by the late emperor in her youth and reliant on her son in her old age, had enjoyed a lifetime of glory and arrogance. 

 

After losing both, she was left with nothing. She chose to live out her remaining days in solitude, accompanied only by an old lamp and a Buddha.

 

Her final order was for the Tutor and the Emperor to be buried together in the imperial mausoleum.

 

Before anyone could ask, she retreated into seclusion, leaving behind a statement, “This must be what Yang’er wished for.”

 

Unable to share a bed in life, they would at least share a tomb in death.

 

Author’s Note: I’m a bit sad…orz I can only say there will be a sweet ending in the end.

 

The next world will be modern, and the roles will be reversed, with He Lang becoming the younger party… and then being raised (?). I’m not sure if I’ll write it. The new world will feature intense themes of captivity play… Ah… dark transformations are great!