Chapter Nineteen: The Next Journey

Recalling her previous life, Wei Yanqiao could not help but feel a surge of resentment. Back then, just the day after she was officially titled Imperial Noble Consort, she was accused of being a treacherous consort who brought disaster upon the nation, and threats were made to burn her alive to appease the public’s anger.

The notions of justice and evil are ultimately defined by the victor. In her past life, although she was branded as an irredeemable villain, if this time she could be the one to laugh last, then all those who had opposed her—the hypocritical ministers and the lofty Emperor Xiao Ceyun himself—would be cast as the true antagonists.

Now, about to be promoted to Noble Consort Sheng, a title she had never held in her previous life, this marked a profound and earth-shattering change in her destiny, a complete divergence from her former path.

Upon returning to the palace this time, she vowed to be more cautious, to tread as if on thin ice, determined to emerge as the ultimate victor.

"Yes."

Wei Tianze carefully put away the important letter, then slowly rose and stepped outside.

Standing quietly at the doorway, his gaze drifted toward the distance—where the common people lived in peace and prosperity. His mission here was nearly complete; it was time to leave this small town.

Zhao Ziheng came looking for him and, seeing him packing, a look of urgency flashed across his face. He hurried over and asked, "Mr. Wei, are you... leaving now?"

Hearing the voice, Wei Tianze turned with a smile and nodded, swiftly packing the last few items into his bag and slinging it over his shoulder.

"Yes, I’m leaving."

Zhao Ziheng’s eyes were filled with reluctance and nostalgia. "Can you not leave a bit later? Lord Ping hasn’t returned yet. If you leave now, what will become of this place? Who will take care of it?"

Wei Tianze gently patted Zhao Ziheng’s shoulder reassuringly. "Don’t worry. Lord Ping and Lord Xian are already on their way back; they will arrive soon. Besides, Chancellor Wei sent me a letter urging me to return to the capital promptly. He told me that since I performed excellently during the disaster relief efforts, I will be officially appointed upon my return."

Hearing this, Zhao Ziheng opened his mouth, intending to say something to persuade him to stay, but in the end, he only managed, "Congratulations. You’ve finally fulfilled your wish and become an official."

Wei Tianze smiled softly and said, "You told me earlier that joining the army required fifty taels of silver. After hearing that, I wrote to Chancellor Wei to inform him. In his reply today, he mentioned this matter and clarified the truth. Now, joining the army no longer requires that fifty taels. Moreover, volunteers will receive a reward of ten taels. But one thing must be remembered: once enlisted, desertion is forbidden, or the deserter’s family must repay tenfold the ten taels."

Zhao Ziheng was overjoyed. "Is that really true?"

Having grown up without family or support and with little education, he could not become a civil official. Yet his indomitable spirit drove him to train tirelessly in martial arts, hoping one day to achieve glory on the battlefield. But the fifty taels had been a daunting obstacle.

Now, with that burden lifted and no family to worry about, a boundless hope ignited within him. He vowed to strive hard on the battlefield and carve out a brilliant future of his own.

Wei Tianze nodded.

Zhao Ziheng expressed his gratitude. "Thank you, Tianze!"

"No need to thank me. Officials should always care for the country and its people. I look forward to hearing news of your battlefield achievements. When you return triumphantly to the capital to pay homage to the Emperor, that will be our moment of reunion."

"Good! Then let’s promise to meet again in the capital!"

Zhao Ziheng raised his right hand high in the air.

Seeing this, Wei Tianze instinctively stretched out his own right hand, and they clasped hands firmly.

"Safe travels. See you in the capital!"

As their hands clasped tightly, Zhao Ziheng suddenly showed a strange expression and stared intently at Wei Tianze. "Tianze, why are your hands so delicate and small? Could it be... that you’re a woman disguised as a man?"

Usually, Wei Tianze never played with the other men. When the water was released in Long’an County, Wei Tianze did not join them bathing in the river. His slender figure and long, delicate fingers looked unmistakably feminine.

Wei Tianze possessed great talent and ambition; for him, obtaining an official post would be effortless. Yet he had not chosen the conventional path but opted to become a student at the Chancellor’s residence, relying on the Chancellor’s recommendation to secure a position.

Since ancient times, women had been strictly forbidden from holding official posts. Wei Tianze’s true identity must have some secret—perhaps he was indeed a woman in disguise. For this reason, none of the men dared to be disrespectful or offensive toward him.

Wei Tianze forcefully shook off Zhao Ziheng’s hand and scolded, "Nonsense. I’m leaving now."

And he did.

Zhao Ziheng called after him, "Please be careful on the road!"

Watching Wei Tianze’s figure grow smaller until it disappeared completely, Zhao Ziheng silently vowed to work twice as hard, to achieve fame and success as soon as possible, so they might meet again in the capital.

Three days later, Bi Zifu arrived at Nan’an Temple to deliver the imperial decree: "By the Mandate of Heaven, the Emperor proclaims: Our realm prospers and the people live in peace thanks to the efforts of our ministers. Wei Yanqiao, born into a prominent family, graceful and respectful, pure and elegant as bamboo, is hereby bestowed the title Noble Consort Sheng, in recognition of your virtue!"

Wei Yanqiao knelt to receive the decree and express her gratitude. Bi Zifu handed her the imperial edict with both hands and softly said, "Noble Consort Sheng, please rise quickly. Tomorrow will be your grand investiture ceremony upon returning to the palace. You should begin preparations."

At that moment, Shui Yao, who had been kneeling behind Wei Yanqiao, could hardly contain her joy upon hearing her mistress was returning to the palace. She was even more excited than Wei Yanqiao herself, her face beaming as she kowtowed, "Congratulations, Your Highness! This return to the palace not only brings a promotion but also the precious title ‘Sheng,’ which signifies your brilliance like a flourishing era, sharing prosperity with all the people!"

Yet Wei Yanqiao struggled to suppress the joy welling deep within. Her beautiful face remained calm and composed, tinged with a faint sorrow. She spoke slowly, "I never intended to return. Now that the decree has been issued, though unwilling, I have no choice but to obey."

Seeing this, Bi Zifu quickly comforted her, "Your Highness, this is a great blessing! You must not speak such discouraging words. The Emperor has also been missing you dearly these days."

Wei Yanqiao gave a slight nod and went off to prepare. After she turned away, the smile at the corner of her lips became increasingly difficult to restrain.