Chapter 110: The Grand Finale (Part Two)
After all the officials had left the Golden Luan Hall, Zhong Aotian asked Zhongli Yu to stay behind.
Zhong Aotian looked at Zhongli Yu and said, “Yu’er, come with me to see Yang Yuxiong.”
Zhongli Yu nodded and followed closely behind Zhong Aotian as they headed toward the place where Yang Yuxiong was detained. Yang Yuxiong was under strict guard, appointed by Zhong Yifei. Upon seeing Zhong Aotian and Zhongli Yu, the gatekeepers quickly saluted respectfully.
The two nodded in return and entered the room. Inside, Yang Yuxiong sat dazedly in a chair, his eyes vacant and lifeless.
Zhongli Yu frowned and said, “Your Majesty, I suggest summoning the imperial physician to examine him.”
Zhong Aotian also sensed something was wrong and immediately ordered someone to fetch the imperial doctor. The physician hurried over, took Yang Yuxiong’s pulse, and then shook his head helplessly.
Zhong Aotian asked the doctor, “Doctor Zhou, what’s wrong with Yang Yuxiong?”
The imperial doctor respectfully replied, “Your Majesty, it appears he has been poisoned.”
“Is there any way to detoxify him?”
“Forgive me, Your Majesty, but I do not know how to cure this.”
“Very well, you may leave.” Zhong Aotian waved him off, thinking that poisoning was at least convenient for keeping guard over Yang Yuxiong.
Zhong Aotian and Zhongli Yu left the place where Yang Yuxiong was held and went to the imperial study.
“Your Majesty, what conditions do you intend to present to Yang Qi?” Zhongli Yu asked softly.
“Yu’er, do you have any good suggestions?”
“Your Imperial Uncle, have you ever considered unifying the realm?”
“Yu’er, you mean…” Zhong Aotian’s eyes brightened with excitement. If the realm were unified, there would be no more wars; the common people could live peaceful, stable lives.
Zhongli Yu nodded. “Your Majesty, the Western Border is now riddled with wounds, the people suffer greatly. Yang Qi has just taken office and is unpopular. If we bring Yang Yuxiong’s and Consort Liang’s bodies directly to the Western Border’s imperial city, force Yang Qi to abdicate, and then persuade the people of the West to surrender and submit to our Eastern Ling, then the realm can enjoy peace for a hundred years. This should pose no problem.”
Zhong Aotian was greatly moved by Zhongli Yu’s words. He had always wished to govern the realm well and disliked war. But over the years, the Western Border had been ambitious and restless, constantly eyeing Eastern Ling with hostility. If he did not seize this opportunity to eliminate the threat once and for all, future wars were inevitable, which would be exhausting and worrisome.
“Yu’er, your reasoning is sound. I shall entrust this matter to you. Do you agree?”
“I shall follow Your Imperial Uncle’s orders in all things.”
After much discussion, they decided to have Zhongli Yu lead the royal troops to strike directly at the Western Border’s imperial city within these two days.
Two days later, Zhongli Yu and Zhong Yilan led the royal army to the Western Border, prepared to conquer it in one decisive strike. Zhong Yijin, stationed at Wang City, joined Zhongli Yu’s forces there, and together they headed toward the Western Border.
The Western Border’s soldiers at the frontier, facing the royal forces of Eastern Ling, were unable to resist and repeatedly retreated. Within three days, Zhongli Yu’s troops reached the gates of the Western Border’s imperial city. During the march, Zhongli Yu strictly forbade his men from harming any Western Border civilians. The people, hearing of Eastern Ling’s good governance and prosperity, genuinely wished for the Eastern Ling king to become their ruler.
Upon arriving at the Western Border’s imperial city, Yang Qi stood on the city tower and looked down at Zhongli Yu, who was clad in golden armor, resembling a descending deity, imposing and magnificent. The Western Border citizens respectfully lined the streets to welcome him, evidence of their deep hatred for Yang Yuxiong’s rule.
Yang Qi glared at Zhongli Yu with resentment. “Zhongli Yu, are you here to destroy my Western Border? The King of Eastern Ling has always advocated peace—how is it that now your ambition finally reveals itself?”
Zhongli Yu glanced at him coldly. “Yang Qi, you should know by now that Yang Yuxiong, along with your mother, led an attack on our Eastern Ling palace, attempting to assassinate our sovereign. Such crimes are unforgivable. Since your Western Border has never sought peace for the realm, why should His Majesty continue to tolerate this? Today, let the realm be unified under our emperor’s rule, so that the people of the Western Border and Eastern Ling alike may live prosperous lives. I believe our emperor is far more fit to govern this world than the Western Border king.”
The citizens of the Western Border were stirred by Zhongli Yu’s words. They had long heard that the King of Eastern Ling was a wise ruler, under whose governance the country was prosperous and the people strong. Now, this wise king was about to become their sovereign; they would finally live well.
Angrily, Yang Qi retorted, “Nonsense! These are merely excuses for your invasion of the Western Border.”
Zhongli Yu waved his hand, signaling for Yang Yuxiong to be brought forward. Yang Yuxiong appeared, expression vacant and eyes lifeless, completely at others’ mercy.
The people hurled whatever they had at him—eggs, vegetables, shoes—anything within reach, for they truly hated him. When Yang Rui had ruled the Western Border, he governed diligently, and the land had slowly improved. But then Yang Yuxiong suddenly arrested Yang Rui and passed the throne to the incompetent Yang Qi, plunging the Western Border once again into turmoil. The people’s hopes for better days were dashed. Seeing Yang Yuxiong now, how could they not despise him?
Yang Qi immediately noticed Yang Yuxiong’s abnormal state and angrily demanded, “Zhongli Yu, what have you done to my father to reduce him to this?”
Zhongli Yu remained calm. “You are mistaken. It was not I who did this to him, but your mother. You should know what she did. Now you dare to turn around and accuse me? Do you find this amusing?”
Hearing this, Yang Qi was instantly guilty. Indeed, Liang Wei’s every move had been no secret to him; he knew she had poisoned Yang Yuxiong. His accusations toward Zhongli Yu were merely an attempt to shift blame.
The Western Border people, seeing Yang Qi’s guilty expression, realized he must have known about the palace attack and assassination attempt on the Eastern Ling king as well. He was complicit in their nation’s downfall.
With the enemy at the gates and popular support lost, no one was willing to resist. It seemed Yang Qi’s fate was sealed.
Impatience flickered in Zhongli Yu’s eyes. In just over half a month, his wife was due to give birth; he did not want to delay any longer. His tone grew urgent: “Yang Qi, will you end this yourself or must I do it personally?”
Furious, Yang Qi nearly lost his breath. “Zhongli Yu, do not bully me so!”
Bullying him? Zhongli Yu thought to himself. He ignored the outburst and addressed the Western Border soldiers guarding the city: “You have seen for yourselves that the Western Border cannot withstand Eastern Ling. If you do not value your lives and continue pointless resistance, no one can save you. Our emperor is not ambitious; he only pities the suffering of the people and wishes for peace. Since the Western Border cannot govern itself, our emperor is willing to take over and bring prosperity. When the realm is peaceful and the people live in harmony, everyone will rejoice.”
Pausing, Zhongli Yu scanned the soldiers and saw their resolve beginning to waver. He continued, “If you have made up your minds, lay down your arms and open the city gates. Once the Western Border surrenders, our emperor will treat its people as his own, equal to those of Eastern Ling. There will be no more division.”
The crowd erupted with cheers. If they could be treated equally by the King of Eastern Ling, that would be the best outcome. As former subjects of a fallen kingdom, they had expected no mercy but were now overjoyed by this promise.
Upon hearing Zhongli Yu’s words, the soldiers began discarding their weapons, choosing surrender.
Yang Qi was furious. “You traitors! The enemy is at the gates, and you surrender without a fight? What kind of men are you?”
Zhongli Yu nodded but was ignored. Thousands of Western Border soldiers laid down their arms and slowly opened the city gates.
Yang Qi closed his eyes in defeat. “Zhongli Yu, you have won again.”
Zhongli Yu nodded. “Yes, I have won, but today you cannot escape. Someone still needs to settle accounts with you.”
At that moment, a figure clad in deep red appeared in the crowd. People recognized him and exclaimed, “Your Majesty!”
It was none other than Yang Rui. The Western Border people only acknowledged Yang Rui as their king, never recognizing Yang Qi.
Yang Qi looked at those calling Yang Rui king with bitterness. In their hearts, he had never truly been their sovereign. He thought sorrowfully, yes, he was truly pitiful now—a king without a kingdom, his mother gone, and his father held hostage.
Yang Rui stared at Yang Qi. “Yang Qi, you owe me. Today, you will repay it all.”
Yang Qi glanced at him, defiant. “When did I ever owe you anything?”
“Not so? Your mother, Consort Liang, killed my mother, giving me a blood feud. And you sent countless assassins after me during my mission to Eastern Ling. Are these not reasons enough for me to seek justice?”
“You lie. Now that my mother is dead, do you still slander her?”
“Whether it’s slander or not, you should know better than I. Over the years, you and your mother have done many vile things. Do you think the heavens and earth are unaware?”
“You…”
“Enough with the nonsense. Step down, or I will come up to you. Today, we fight. If you win, I guarantee you safe passage. If you lose, you are at my mercy.”
Yang Qi had no choice but to fight Yang Rui again. Zhongli Yu’s army closed in on him, and Zhongli Yu was formidable. His chances of survival were slim. Perhaps fighting Yang Rui offered a glimmer of hope.
However, Yang Qi was defeated once more. Yang Rui showed no mercy this time and crippled Yang Qi’s martial arts, leaving him powerless to escape.
With this battle won without spilling a drop of blood, Zhongli Yu achieved a great victory. When Yang Qi fell, the people cheered loudly, a testament to how miserably he had failed as emperor.
Yang Qi’s fall marked the end of the Western Border. Zhongli Yu took out the imperial edict drafted by the King of Eastern Ling and read aloud: “By the Mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: from this day forward, Eastern Ling and the Western Border shall merge into one realm, known as the Celestial Empire. All shall celebrate for three days.”
As the edict was proclaimed, the crowd erupted in cheers. They finally had a new sovereign and glimpsed a bright future.
After reclaiming the Western Border, Zhongli Yu sent Zhong Yilan and Zhong Yijin back to the capital with Yang Rui, while he himself hurried to Eastern Ling.
Zhong Yilan curiously asked, “Why is the King of Eastern Ling in such a hurry?”
Zhongli Yu replied, “My wife is about to give birth.” Without waiting for a response, he spurred his horse forward at a gallop.
After riding hard for three days and nights, nearly collapsing from exhaustion, Zhongli Yu returned to Lixiang Courtyard. There, at dusk under the early winter sunset, the warm glow bathed Zhan Yan’s fair face in golden light. Her white gown was stretched by her round belly; one hand supported her swollen waist, the other rested on Qingyun’s arm as she slowly walked.
“Yan’er, I’m back,” Zhongli Yu whispered, heart aching with tenderness and gratitude at his wife’s hardship in carrying their child.
Zhan Yan paused, thinking she must have imagined the voice. Slowly turning, she saw Zhongli Yu standing dazed at the courtyard gate. She blinked hard—he was still there. She hardly dared believe it and called out, “Husband?” Just three days ago, she had heard news of the Western Border’s recovery and thought it would be six days before she could see him. Now, he stood before her, filling her with joy and surprise.
Unable to resist, Zhongli Yu hurried over and embraced her tightly. Qingyun wisely stepped aside, leaving space for the reunited couple after nearly a month apart.
Zhongli Yu held her from behind, whispering her name over and over, “Yan’er… Yan’er… Yan’er…”
Zhan Yan felt as if she were soaking in a warm spring, comforted and soothed. How much she had longed for him during these days only heaven knew.
Turning gently, she cupped his handsome face and murmured, “Husband, you’ve lost weight.”
“Yan’er, do you know I miss you to my very bones?” Zhongli Yu’s voice was hoarse.
She nodded. “I do, too.”
Hearing her say “I do, too,” Zhongli Yu could no longer contain his passion and pressed his lips to hers. The kiss was like a storm after drought, a release of pent-up longing. They sank into it, reluctant to part. Only when Zhan Yan felt she might suffocate did he release her, noticing her tender lips swollen from the kiss. He kissed her again lightly, then pulled back, fearing he might lose control. Such torment—seeing but not having—he had endured for months.
Once calm returned, Zhan Yan asked, “Husband, why did you come back so soon?”
“I missed you, so I came back early.”
“You mean you left the army and returned alone?”
Zhongli Yu nodded. “Yes, I let King Lan and King Jin lead the army back. I came first.”
“Won’t the emperor blame you?”
“Probably not. I told them my wife might give birth soon, so I had to be here.”
“But you’re not due yet?”
“No, but what if it happens tomorrow or the next day? Wouldn’t it be regrettable if I were late?”
“True.” Zhan Yan admitted she was afraid of childbirth, having never experienced it. Having Zhongli Yu by her side made her feel safe.
That night was filled with warmth and joy. The royal mansion buzzed with celebration as family and friends gathered to welcome Zhongli Yu back and rejoice over the Western Border’s recovery.
The next day, news spread that the Southern Yue and Northern Xue, upon hearing of the Eastern Ling and Western Border’s unification, sent letters of submission to the Celestial Empire. Truly, the realm was unified. For days, the people celebrated, and the returning army felt the joy of the populace as they passed through each city.
Three days later, Zhong Yilan and Zhong Yijin returned to the capital, greeted by crowds eager to see the King of Eastern Ling. Yet, when the last soldier entered the city, Zhongli Yu was nowhere to be seen. People wondered why he had not returned with them, unaware that he had come back days earlier, anxious to be with his wife.
Zhong Aotian rewarded the generals and divided the Western Border into three parts, granting fiefs to Yang Rui, Zhong Yilan, and Zhong Yijin to govern separately. They were tasked with restoring prosperity within five years or face dismissal and investigation.
When asked what reward he desired, Zhongli Yu stunned everyone by calmly saying, “I want no reward. I wish to resign.”
Zhong Aotian was shocked. “Yu’er, why is that?”
Zhongli Yu replied evenly, “Now that the realm is at peace, I am of little use. I want to travel the world with my wife, for she loves freedom.”
People exclaimed in surprise. The King of Eastern Ling was truly devoted to his wife. At the peak of his career, with high rank and wealth, he wished to resign simply because his wife desired freedom. It was unbelievable.
Zhong Aotian gloomily said, “I cannot agree.”
Zhongli Yu pleaded earnestly, “I beg Your Majesty to grant this.”
“Yu’er…” Zhong Aotian looked at his nephew’s serious expression, unsure what to say. Why was he so stubborn?
“Please, Your Majesty, grant this,” Zhongli Yu repeated.
“Resignation is out of the question. I can grant you a long leave.”
“How long is a long leave?”
“How long do you want?”
“Ten years.”
“Yu’er, don’t be unreasonable. Five years, and no more.”
“Very well, it’s a deal.”
Zhong Aotian felt as if he had been tricked. Saying ten years was a ploy to get five. Had he asked for five, he might have been given two. Resigned, Zhong Aotian shook his head. He could never outwit his nephew.
Zhongli Yu left the palace with joy, thrilled at the thought of five years free from official duties. He planned to take Yan’er traveling, letting her truly live as a carefree lady.
As he walked home, he overheard people discussing him: “Have you heard? The King of Eastern Ling refuses any reward from the emperor and wants to resign.”
“What? Is he out of his mind?”
“No, he says he wants to spend time with his wife. Truly a man who loves beauty more than power—or rather, more than his official rank.”
“Did the emperor agree?”
“No. The emperor gave him five years’ leave, after which he must return.”
“That’s good. Someone like the King of Eastern Ling is too valuable to lose.”
“Indeed.”
“I envy the king’s consort. If I had a husband like him, I’d live twenty years less happily.”
“You? Don’t make me laugh. Do you even know who the king’s consort is?”
“Who?”
“She’s the only legitimate daughter of the legendary War God, the King of the South. Remember the Wang City incident? The consort is a heroine, capable of fighting on the battlefield.”
“Right, she’s known to be able to hold off a hundred enemies alone.”
“Also, she’s as beautiful as a celestial nymph, more enchanting than a lotus blooming in spring.”
“Have you seen her?”
“Yes, once when she was out with the king. Wow, she was more beautiful than spring peach blossoms.”
Zhongli Yu smiled as he passed, amused by the chatter. Soon, he arrived at the royal mansion. The guards saluted respectfully. Servants stopped their work to watch, curious about the sudden resignation. News had spread throughout the capital in less than half an hour. The city buzzed with talk.
Zhongli Yu cared little for their gossip; he was eager to tell his wife of his five-year leave.
Zhan Yan had also heard the news and was moved, touched by her husband’s devotion. How many men could resist the lure of high rank and wealth for the sake of their wife’s happiness?
When Zhongli Yu returned to Lixiang Courtyard, Zhan Yan was about to greet him at the door. She smiled joyfully, “Husband, you’re back.”
“Yes, and now I’ll be with you every day.”
“Good…” Suddenly, Zhan Yan clutched her belly, crying out in pain.
Zhongli Yu was alarmed. “Yan’er, what’s wrong?”
“Husband, I think I’m in labor. Call the midwives quickly!”
“Someone, the princess is in labor! Hurry!”
Zhongli Yu’s urgent call reportedly echoed through several miles of the royal estate.
Years later, people still recalled just how nervous the King of Eastern Ling was during the birth of his child.
Zhongli Yu had already arranged for experienced midwives from the palace to be ready. They arrived swiftly and calmly instructed Zhongli Yu to carry the princess to bed.
He carefully lifted Zhan Yan and carried her to the chamber. The midwives prepared hot water and supplies. Zhongli Yu held Zhan Yan’s hand tightly, unwilling to let go.
“Your Highness, please step outside. Men are not allowed in the birthing room,” the midwives said gently.
Zhongli Yu, seeing his wife in agony, said sternly, “Enough talk. Hurry and deliver the baby.”
The midwives were silently amused. How could they control the speed of childbirth?
Zhan Yan, struggling with pain, urged, “Husband, please leave. You’re hindering them.”
Zhongli Yu stubbornly replied, “No. I won’t be at ease if I don’t watch over you.”
Before Zhan Yan could respond, a stronger contraction hit her.
Zhongli Yu turned pale, trembling as he gripped her hand.
After some time, Zhan Yan looked at him and said softly, “Husband, please go. You’re making it harder for them to work.”
Seeing the midwives’ hesitation, Zhongli Yu reluctantly agreed. “Alright, I’ll step outside. Be brave.”
Zhan Yan nodded and endured the pain, watching him leave.
“Alright, Your Highness,” she said to the midwives. “You guide me on what to do.”
“Don’t worry, we will do our best,” they promised.
Outside, Zhongli Yu paced anxiously, drenched in sweat despite the winter chill. He never imagined childbirth was so painful. Every cry from Zhan Yan pierced his heart; he wished he could bear the pain himself.
Two hours passed with no baby yet. Zhan Yan was near fainting but sustained by ginseng from the mansion.
Suddenly, a sharp cry echoed from the room. Zhongli Yu burst open the door, rushing in. The midwives were urging Zhan Yan to push.
He took her hand, offering strength, while the midwives coached.
Soon, a baby’s cry filled the air, and everyone breathed a sigh of relief.
“Congratulations, Your Highness. It’s a baby boy,” the midwife announced joyfully.
Zhongli Yu relaxed, seeing his wife safe. He nodded and said, “Clean him quickly.” His hand still held Zhan Yan’s, which was scratched from her grip, but he did not mind. His Yan’er was safe.
As the midwives cleaned the child and others went to announce the news, the elders smiled. The Grand Duke declared, “Everyone in the mansion shall be rewarded.”
The mansion was filled with celebration.
Once cleaned, Zhan Yan softly said, “Bring him here so I can see.”
The baby was placed beside her. Pink and tiny, his eyes squinted. As if sensing her gaze, he slowly opened them and looked back.
A wave of contentment filled Zhan Yan’s heart. She had never felt so fulfilled; she was now a mother.
“Husband, he’s so adorable. He looks like you,” she murmured.
Zhongli Yu observed the child. Round, soft, delicate—so fragile he was afraid to touch him. He muttered, “Why doesn’t he look like Yan’er?”
Zhan Yan smiled weakly. “He’s a boy; he should look like you. We’ll have a daughter next time, and she’ll look like me.”
She preferred he resemble Zhongli Yu.
Hearing she wanted more children, Zhongli Yu quickly said, “More? No, as long as he looks like me, we won’t have any more. One’s enough.” Childbirth was so painful; he couldn’t bear to see her suffer again.
Zhan Yan smiled faintly, unwilling to argue. She would persuade him eventually. For now, she felt complete but sensed something was missing—a rosy little daughter. For two years, no matter how much she urged Zhongli Yu to have more children, he was unmoved, fearing for her health. But seeing their son’s smile, she thought it was time for a little sister. She laughed happily. Zhongli Yu noticed her knowing smile and suspected she was scheming.
That day, they returned to Wuyou Valley, still as peaceful and beautiful as before. The valley’s people greeted Zhan Yan’s family with deep respect.
That evening, Zhan Yan joyfully said, “Husband, remember when I cooked for you? Tonight, let’s relive those moments. You kill the chicken.”
Zhongli Yu gladly agreed. After he prepared the chicken, Zhan Yan told him, “Go keep Ruirui company. I’ll call you when dinner’s ready.”
“Alright.”
After dinner, Zhongli Yu went to the kitchen, boiled a medicinal soup—birth control tonic—once a month to prevent pregnancy, sparing Zhan Yan hardship. Satisfied, he drank it down.
Back in the room, Zhongli Yu found their son asleep and Zhan Yan waiting for him on the bed, draped in a sheer gown, alluring and graceful. His heart tightened. Was she trying to tempt him and make him forget his medicine?
He smiled to himself. Since she was tempting him, he would perform well.
He approached quickly and pulled his beautiful wife into his embrace.
That night, Zhongli Yu did not notice the mischievous smile in Zhan Yan’s eyes. She had secretly swapped his medicine with a look-alike, ensuring that the more he exerted himself, the sooner their rosy daughter would arrive. They each harbored secrets but shared joy.
A month later, Zhan Yan looked at Zhongli Yu happily. “Husband, I have good news.”
“What is it?” he asked with a smile.
“You’re going to be a father again.”
Zhongli Yu’s smile froze. He growled, “Yan’er, what have you done?”
“Nothing,” she said sweetly.
“Zhan Yan…” He called her full name, suspecting she had tampered with his medicine. This little woman was impossible.
“Yes, husband. You still remember my name? I thought you only called me Yan’er.”
“Zhan Yan…” he growled.
“Yes, I’m here.”
Zhongli Yu looked defeated.
Zhan Yan smiled warmly. “Husband, you love me, don’t you?”
“Yes.”
“You like Ruirui, don’t you?”
“Yes.”
“You like children, don’t you?”
“Yes.”
“I’m pregnant. You’re happy, right?”
“Yes.”
“Haha… you said that.”
Zhan Yan held Zhongli Yu tenderly. “I know you fear my suffering, but this is happiness too. Don’t blame me, okay? I want us to have many children.”
Looking at her hopeful face, Zhongli Yu’s heart was filled with love and tenderness. He could never blame her. He loved children, but more than anything, he cared for her. She wanted more children because she knew he loved them. Their love was deep.
He kissed her softly and whispered, “Yan’er, I will love you forever—this life, the next, and all lifetimes. We will be together always.”
Zhan Yan responded softly, “Good. Let’s work together to make the royal mansion lively.”
He sighed contentedly, “Whatever you say, Yan’er.”
“Daddy, Mommy, come quickly! Time to swing with Ruirui!” Their son’s childish voice broke the silence.
Zhongli Yu opened the door and smiled warmly at his son. “Ruirui, you’re going to have a little sister.”
Ruirui looked up curiously. “Daddy, you mean I’ll have a rosy little sister? Like Qinghan uncle’s sister, who’s so cute?”
He recalled his little cousin, a beautiful rosy girl, and eagerly anticipated the prospect.
Zhongli Yu shook his head.
Ruirui nervously asked, “Not as cute as little cousin?”
“Well, even if she’s a bit less cute, a sister is still good.” His small face brightened with a smile.
Zhongli Yu chuckled at his son’s wide range of emotions. “Ruirui, our little sister will be even more beautiful and adorable than your cousin.”
Ruirui cheered, “Yay! I’m going to have a rosy little sister…”
His youthful voice echoed through Wuyou Valley.
Zhan Yan teased Zhongli Yu, “How do you know I’ll have a daughter this time?”
“Not this time, but next time.”
Zhongli Yu said gently.
“Good,” Zhan Yan beamed.
In Wuyou Valley, birds sang and flowers bloomed. All was peaceful and beautiful. A happy family of three began patiently awaiting their next member’s arrival.
The End.