Chapter 66 Finale: We… Meet at the Summit…
Ever since Li Yunchu ascended the throne, strange celestial phenomena had occurred, with wind and rain falling out of rhythm. It was supposed to be spring planting season, a time when people eagerly awaited rainfall, yet this year had unexpectedly turned drought-stricken. Moreover, on the day Li Yunchu took the throne, many regions witnessed bizarre occurrences, which were regarded as ominous signs.
“They say this new emperor’s virtue does not match his position… That’s why these celestial anomalies have appeared…”
“Have you heard? When this new emperor was still the Crown Prince, he was entangled with his mother’s palace maid. Now he insists on making that maid, who is over a decade older than him, his empress…”
“Look, look! Young Master Xiaoyao has released a new storybook, telling the tale of an Emperor Star hidden among the common people! Ah, although it’s fictional, it feels so similar to our current situation…”
“Only when the Emperor Star is in its rightful place can the people welcome the dawn of hope. Now that the Emperor Star’s position has been usurped, Heaven has sent down Divine Punishment…”
“I wonder where this Emperor Star truly is…”
In just half a month, public opinion had spiraled out of control. After ascending the throne, Li Yunchu neglected state affairs, single-mindedly determined to make the palace maid Xu Yicai his empress, even at the cost of opposing the entire court.
Meanwhile, Liu Taifei, still harboring treacherous ambitions, conspired with her brother from within and without, attempting to launch a coup to seize power.
As the storm loomed and panic spread, Li Yunchu suddenly made a shocking decision: he issued an Edict of Self-Reproach, declaring that he lacked the virtue of a ruler and was unfit for the great responsibility, thus abdicating the throne to his imperial uncle’s long-lost son—Prince Jin’s offspring.
This news sent shockwaves throughout the land. Many were baffled, unaware of this previously unknown royal descendant. However, the senior ministers of the Grand Secretariat strongly supported the decision, proclaiming this individual the legitimate heir to the throne. As the layers of mystery were peeled away, this person was revealed to be none other than Jiang Qingshi, the Minister of the Ministry of Appointments, whose life story was already legendary and widely celebrated in folk storybooks!
Had it been anyone else, the people would have questioned their ambition and accused them of muddying the royal bloodline. But Jiang Qingshi, after his experiences became widely known among the populace, was deeply trusted and sympathized with. People couldn’t help but exclaim, “No wonder Tanhua Jiang endured such hardships! So many tried to frame him, yet he always overcame adversity—it was because he possesses the True Dragon Mandate!”
With the support of the court’s senior ministers, Jiang Qingshi smoothly ascended the throne. Meanwhile, the renowned folk figure Young Master Xiaoyao began prophesying that with the Emperor Star in its rightful place, the nation’s fortune would flourish. In contrast to Young Master Xiaoyao’s enigmatic nature, another folk figure emerged—Qingzhu Gongzi (Green Bamboo Young Master). Qingzhu Gongzi directly accused Xin Wang and Liu Taifei of treasonous acts, laying bare their ambitions without reserve. As Yu Country watched, the nation’s mountains and rivers faced collapse. County Magistrate Zhuo could sacrifice his life for the country, yet Liu Taifei’s brother refused his orders, shaming the imperial favor, betraying the dignity of a military general, and failing his command over the troops.
Qingzhu Gongzi’s impassioned denunciations stirred public sentiment, and under his rallying cry, a wave of supporting the legitimate ruler and eradicating the Liu family’s external relatives swiftly swept through the populace. Within just a few days, Liu Taifei’s brother Liu Gang could no longer control his troops. Moreover, upon Jiang Qingshi’s ascension to the throne, he immediately dispatched envoys to reclaim the military authority held by Liu Gang. Despite Liu Gang’s ruthless suppression tactics, he failed to consolidate his forces’ loyalty. Morale crumbled, and many defected to the righteous cause. At this critical juncture, a thousand-household commander named Wei Fengling persuaded and organized the wavering soldiers, coordinating with the general sent by the new emperor to successfully secure most of the military power.
Unwilling to accept this outcome, Liu Gang rallied his remaining loyalists to rebel, intending to strike directly at Jingshi while Da Liang was fully engaged against Yu Country and forcibly seize the throne. Unexpectedly, Wei Fengling once again thwarted Liu Gang’s conspiracy, intercepting him in time and buying precious moments for Jingshi’s defense. Meanwhile, Da Liang had achieved successive victories, and the Duke of Yingguo led reinforcements to crush Liu Gang’s plot and capture him.
The female general who had repeatedly triumphed against Yu Country turned out to be the new emperor Jiang Qingshi’s wife, Lin Guilan, the proprietress of Lin’s Teahouse who had supported him throughout their journey. Under the Duke of Yingguo’s careful tutelage over the years, Lin Guilan had mastered military strategy, possessing both solitary courage and ingenious tactics. While the Duke led troops back to reinforce Jingshi against Liu Gang, Lin Guilan commanded forces alone at the front lines against Yu Country, her valiant and formidable demeanor rivaling any man’s.
Finally, on another rainy night, Lin Guilan launched a surprise attack, decapitating Yu Country’s general and defeating their forces. With only weakened remnants left, she refrained from annihilation, instead seizing the opportunity to subdue several Yu royal family members and incorporate Yu Country into Da Liang’s territory.
Yu Country retained its policies and way of life but would henceforth be governed by Da Liang, with officials stationed to monitor and report any disturbances directly to Jingshi. Lin Guilan personally retrieved Chengle Princess, who had endured years of hardship in Yu Country—suffering repeated miscarriages and abuse from the Yu king. On the night Lin Guilan breached Yu’s capital, the princess beheaded the Yu king herself. No longer the delicate imperial flower that once bloomed in Jingshi, Chengle Princess now bore eyes filled with icy resolve and solemnity.
Lin Guilan returned triumphantly with Chengle Princess, the heroic female general and long-suffering princess riding side-by-side to cheering crowds and public adoration. Upon her return, Chengle Princess’s first act was to acknowledge Jiang Qingshi’s status as the imperial uncle, silencing any remaining skeptical court officials who contemplated dissent. The new emperor appointed her to an official position, shattering the historical precedent barring women from governance.
Jiang Qingshi’s reign began with Da Liang’s emergence from darkness into light, his wife’s battlefield prowess, and the fervent advocacy of Qingzhu Gongzi and Xiaoyao Gongzi among the people. His legitimacy as emperor was unquestioned, and folk tales spread of heavenly auspices descending to save Da Liang.
Upon ascending the throne, the new emperor implemented sweeping reforms to enrich the nation and strengthen its military while rectifying bureaucratic governance. Da Liang welcomed a long-awaited rainfall akin to sweet dew after a drought, finally nourishing the crops in the fields. The common people universally praised the new emperor as the true Son of Heaven, believing his grace and virtue to be boundless.
One year later.
After a year of house arrest, Li Yunchu’s appearance had become haggard and worn. Now, stepping out of the palace gates and seeing the long-missed sunlight, he found it slightly dazzling.
Had that person finally… lost patience?
The year of imprisonment had left him living in constant fear. Though he had initially known when to yield and act wisely, he suspected the new emperor would ultimately not tolerate his existence. Liu Taifei had taken Xin Wang and perished in a palace fire, leaving no trace of their remains. Now, as the only remaining figure of sensitive status—the greatest obstacle on Jiang Qingshi’s path to the throne—Li Yunchu harbored no ambition for power, yet he could not guarantee that others might not exploit his position to challenge Jiang Qingshi.
His current predicament mirrored that of Prince Jin in the past, when his father and grandfather had relentlessly purged their own flesh and blood. Now, the wheel of fate had turned, and it was finally his turn.
Li Yunchu smiled bitterly, quietly lifting his face to savor the beauty of the world one last time. Regardless, at the critical moment, he had relinquished power and abdicated in favor of Jiang Qingshi, enabling him to turn the tide and save Da Liang. He had not become the one who led the nation to ruin.
This… was already enough.
“Yunchu.”
A gentle, familiar woman’s voice sounded at that very moment. Li Yunchu opened his eyes in disbelief to see a woman dressed in simple cloth attire and wooden hairpins, standing not far away and gazing at him.
“Sister Xu?”
Li Yunchu looked up in surprise and, as joyfully as he had years before, rushed toward her. He no longer cared whether what he saw was real or illusory, nor whether this was the final moment of his life. He dashed forward and tightly embraced her.
“Sister Xu, why are you here?”
Xu Yicai was a full fifteen years older than Li Yunchu. Now thirty-three, her face remained youthful, but her demeanor exuded maturity and steadiness. Like an elder, she gently stroked Li Yunchu’s forehead and spoke softly.
“Because I’ve been waiting for you all this time.”
“Did Jiang Qingshi threaten you in any way?” Li Yunchu snapped out of his elation. “Sister Xu, you needn’t worry about me. You…”
“No, His Majesty has treated me with great kindness.” Xu Yicai smiled gently. “Throughout this past year, he has not caused me any trouble.”
As Li Yunchu was about to say more, he saw Jiang Qingshi approaching in bright yellow imperial robes, accompanied by Lin Guilan.
A year had passed, yet Lin Guilan still hadn’t grown accustomed to the Empress’s intricate and cumbersome attire. She had been fidgeting anxiously earlier, but as soon as they stepped into view, she immediately composed herself, striving to embody the dignified grace of a mother to the nation.
“Your Majesty.”
Li Yunchu trembled as he bowed to Jiang Qingshi. The year of confinement had left him startled by the slightest sound, constantly living in fear. Reflecting on his life, he realized that as Crown Prince, he had lived on thin ice under the emperor’s displeasure, and now, as a prisoner, his life hung by a thread. Perhaps the only moment of true ease in his entire life had been when he abdicated in favor of Jiang Qingshi, sparing himself the infamy of causing Da Liang’s downfall—a relief born of having made the right decision.
“No need for formalities, Yunchu. We were once teacher and student—though I never taught you much, that bond remains between us,” Jiang Qingshi began. “Now, we are uncle and nephew. Having grown up lonely and bitter, I often lamented the lack of caring relatives by my side. Since we share blood ties, I deeply cherish our familial connection.”
Li Yunchu had no idea what Jiang Qingshi was driving at and merely murmured noncommittally, not daring to respond properly.
“You’ve been confined in the palace for nearly twenty years. Though you were born into silks and satins—a stark contrast to my own upbringing—I know you’ve never truly been happy either.” Jiang Qingshi raised a hand gently. “From now on, the world is your oyster. I grant you freedom. Take the one you love and wander the four corners of the earth.”
Li Yunchu looked up in disbelief. “I thought…”
“You thought I was here to silence you, that I’m ruthless and cruel?” Jiang Qingshi chuckled softly, his sternly handsome features relaxing completely. “Having ascended this throne, I possess sufficient confidence in myself. I want to prove to everyone that even without adopting the methods of your father and grandfather, I can stand firm on this imperial seat. Li Yunchu, go live as yourself from now on. I hope you’ll remember the duty of royalty—if during your travels you encounter commoners in need, lend them a hand. That would justify my decision today.”
Li Yunchu solemnly performed a deep bow to Jiang Qingshi. “Your Majesty, I will.”
Chengle Princess Li Yingyue emerged quietly from the side. Having undergone political marriage, the princess had shed some of her sharpness, replaced by the sediment of weathered grace.
“Little brother, I’ve come to see you off.”
Li Yunchu gazed at Li Yingyue in surprise. Holding Xu Yicai’s hand, he nodded quietly. “Elder sister, I’ve always owed you an apology.”
No matter how oppressed or unhappy he had been in this imperial city, his sister Li Yingyue had undoubtedly suffered more. Though far more capable than him, she had been hindered by her gender from realizing her potential, forced instead into a political marriage with Yu Country where she endured countless humiliations.
His relatively smooth life over the past decade had been bought with his sister’s happiness—she bore the brunt of adversity upfront while he reaped benefits behind the scenes.
He was the least qualified to complain.
That’s why he had never dared face Li Yingyue, not even seeing her off on the day she departed for the frontier marriage.
He knew his elder sister must resent him—resent the unfair hand fate had dealt. He was such a coward, so useless that even after becoming emperor he couldn’t save her. In the end, it was the wife of his uncle’s descendant—whom his own grandfather had wronged—who rescued his sister. How ironic.
Now, facing Li Yingyue’s transparent gaze, Li Yunchu felt even more ashamed. As if reading his thoughts, she smiled and offered comfort voluntarily.
“Though I cannot completely let go of the past, one must look forward. Now that I serve as an official in court, I’ve somewhat realized my aspirations.” Li Yingyue gazed at the distant sky. “We siblings have had many disagreements and grown distant, but since you’re leaving the imperial city, let me properly see you off as your elder sister.”
Li Yunchu nodded. He understood that Li Yingyue now operated on a higher plane, and any further words from him would only tarnish his elder sister’s integrity. Holding Xu Yicai’s hand, he followed Li Yingyue step by step out of the imperial palace.
Lin Guilan finally let out a relieved sigh, her previously maintained upright posture immediately slumping. Fanning herself with her hand, she complained to Jiang Qingshi, “These empress robes are so stifling! How are they even more uncomfortable than armor?”
Jiang Qingshi gazed affectionately at his wife, the mask of solemnity he had worn earlier now completely gone. He patted Lin Guilan’s shoulder and said, “You’ve worked hard, my dear.”
“Husband, were you truly so composed about letting Li Yunchu go?”
“Though I’m not a soft-hearted man, there’s no need to drive someone like Li Yunchu to utter ruin. Moreover, the imperial physician informed me that due to his youthful excesses, his health is severely depleted—he’s lost the ability to have descendants,” Jiang Qingshi said with a smile. “I’ll have him monitored for a while longer, but I’m confident he won’t cause any major trouble. While it’s simpler to eliminate every potential threat, that’s not what I desire. Only incompetent, frantic emperors resort to such measures.”
“No wonder you’re my husband—magnanimous, far-sighted, and always in control of everything,” Lin Guilan praised, giving Jiang Qingshi a thumbs-up, a gesture Jiang Zhimiao had taught her. “Husband, I always knew you were the best!”
“Learned that from Miao Ge’er again, didn’t you?” Jiang Qingshi was long accustomed to the antics of mother and son. “That child Miao Ge’er has wandered off again who knows where.”
“Husband, I need to discuss something with you. I still need to inspect the military camp. I’ll have to leave Jingshi tomorrow,” Lin Guilan said with an ingratiating smile. “But I promise I’ll try to make it quick this time—I should be back in about a month!”
Jiang Qingshi indeed looked somewhat displeased. “No wonder you were so docile today—you’re leaving me to keep the bed warm alone again. Ah, being emperor certainly doesn’t come with the perks it used to.”
“With me gone, those court officials won’t start pressuring you to expand the harem again, will they?” Lin Guilan teased deliberately. “After all, I’m hardly a model empress. It’s only natural they’d complain.”
“Then use your fists to shut them up,” Jiang Qingshi chuckled, taking her hand. “You’re now the most renowned general in all of Da Liang—who would dare provoke you?”
Lin Guilan keenly noticed that Jiang Qingshi had said “general,” not “female general.” Yes, she was now the most accomplished in military merits across Da Liang, surpassing all men and rightfully claiming the title of Da Liang’s finest. She had finally achieved the ambition she once thought impossible in her youth, living up to her life’s potential.
She had a clever, well-behaved son and a husband who had never wavered in understanding her from the very beginning. She had no regrets in this life.
“Alright, I’ll definitely return before Sister and Feng Ling’s wedding,” Lin Guilan said with a bright, unreserved laugh, clapping Jiang Qingshi on the shoulder. “Thank you for understanding, husband!”
Jiang Qingshi winced and drew a sharp breath.
“Dear, can I discuss something with you?”
“Go ahead.”
“Next time… could you use just a little less strength?”
“But I already used barely any force! That was just cotton-fluffing strength! Husband, you’re too delicate. You should come train with me at the drill grounds when you have time!”
“…Forget I said anything.”
…
At this very moment, Jiang Zhimiao was sitting in his mother’s chain store, “Lin’s Teahouse.”
Although their family was now the most prominent in all of Da Liang, his mother had never closed the shop she had meticulously built. This certainly wasn’t because she needed the money, but because the people of Da Liang had developed a taste for her treats. His mother insisted on keeping it open to satisfy everyone’s cravings! The prices remained as affordable as ever, and management had been handed over to his uncle’s family.
His uncle’s family was fair and honest. Having run a tofu shop in their hometown for many years, his aunt was also highly capable and handled the business with ease. In her spare time, Lin Guilan would still experiment with new recipes, which she then taught to the skilled craftsmen in the shop to promote the latest creations. However, as Lin Guilan grew increasingly busy, opportunities for the public to sample these novelties became rarer. Still, everyone knew this was a shop opened by the Empress herself—the great hero who had driven out Yu Country and reclaimed lost territory. “Lin’s Teahouse” had become a living emblem among the people.
Jiang Zhimiao was, without a doubt, the rightful young master of the Lin’s Brand. He would often slip out of the palace to inspect the shop, whether he had business there or not. However, his status was vastly different now, and even an ordinary outing required a discreet security detail.
Ah, he had always known his father would achieve great things, but he never expected such heights! In one fell swoop, he had been made Crown Prince. With his father and mother having no plans for another child, the weight of the nation now rested entirely on his slender shoulders.
Yet his parents were open-minded. To this day, they encouraged him to pursue his passions. “Young Master Xiaoyao” continued to publish new works. He understood clearly that youth was precious—these few years were his last taste of true freedom. Soon enough, responsibilities would weigh heavily upon him, so… he must cherish this time.
Sitting on the second floor of Lin’s Teahouse, Jiang Zhimiao watched the bustling crowd below, observing the content and happy faces of the people. Gently, he set brush to paper and began writing the story in his heart.
Suddenly, someone sat down across from him.
As the young master, Jiang Zhimiao disliked interruptions during his creative process. For this reason, he always reserved a private room whenever he visited, and the staff knew well that no one else was to enter.
Jiang Zhimiao looked up, wondering what the staff were thinking. But as he raised his head, he met a familiar, delicate face. The words that had risen to his throat were abruptly swallowed back.
A waiter stood nearby with an apologetic smile.
“Young Master, this young lady claims to know you. She asked for you by name and insisted you wouldn’t mind, so we…”
“Yes, I am acquainted with this young lady,” Jiang Zhimiao nodded. “You may leave us now.”
The waiter breathed a sigh of relief and quietly withdrew.
“Miss Xiang, it’s been a long time.”
Xiang Yuzhu was dressed in a blue-green gown, her hair adorned only with a hairpin shaped like a verdant bamboo. Though not breathtakingly beautiful, her features were clear and refined, and her smile carried a transcendent, unconstrained brightness.
“It has been a long time, Young Master Xiaoyao. I’ve never had the chance to properly introduce myself. When I spotted you from downstairs, I knew I had to come up and meet you formally.”
“Yes, Qingzhu Gongzi.” Jiang Zhimiao also smiled knowingly. “Though we were strangers back then, our coordination was impeccable—a secret only we share. Now that peace reigns in the realm, we too have played our part. You remain the only one who could ever deduce my true identity.”
“Crown Prince, the same applies to you.” Xiang Yuzhu cast a deep glance at Jiang Zhimiao, then briefly eyed the document he was drafting. “In the bloom of youth, one ought not to squander precious time.”
“Given our bond as former classmates, there’s no need for such formal address.” Jiang Zhimiao lowered his voice slightly, his tone turning playful. “Truth be told, I still haven’t grown accustomed to this status.”
“Hmm… Had our roles been reversed, I doubt I’d adapt any easier.” Xiang Yuzhu nodded in earnest agreement.
“Qingzhu Gongzi has been rather quiet lately.” Jiang Zhimiao chuckled, deftly shifting the subject. “Might I ask what Miss Xiang has been occupied with?”
“I am preparing to take the Imperial Examination,” Xiang Yuzhu declared proudly, lifting her chin. “We must be grateful to the new Emperor for appointing talents without sticking to conventions. Now women no longer need to remain secluded indoors—we too have the qualification to participate in the Imperial Examination. The Chengle Princess serves as an official in court, and the Empress is not confined to the inner palace; she holds military power and has become an extraordinary heroine… All these years of my studies have not been in vain. Now that I’m almost sixteen, and this is the first year since the new Emperor’s ascension that examinations are being held to select scholars, I can fully realize my aspirations.”
Jiang Zhimiao nodded approvingly, feeling that Xiang Yuzhu shone brilliantly before him at this moment.
“Back in school, your scholarship was always the best. So I wish Miss Xiang… may all your wishes come true, Leaping through the Dragon Gate.”
“Good,” Xiang Yuzhu stood up, responding briskly. “Then let us meet at the summit in the future.”
Jiang Zhimiao was taken aback for a moment, then smiled faintly. At this very instant, his eyes were filled entirely with this radiant and vibrant woman.
“Good, let us… meet at the summit.”
(End of Main Text)
Author’s Note: The main text is finally complete! Although this story isn’t long, it has spanned over two months. Those who have stayed until now have truly been incredibly supportive! Due to work commitments, the updates were a bit slow, but I’m glad it reached a proper conclusion! This was my first attempt at a different genre—though the stats are quite modest, I’m happy to have successfully planted this tree [owl emoji].