The Sovereign – Chapter 124

Volume Seven: Iron Horses Shock the World

Conquering the World

With a heavy heart, she finally left

“Miss Liu, as per your instructions, we have transported He Xi’s body back to Changning Mansion.”

Withered yellow leaves scattered across the ground, adorning the scenery of Qin Garden. Liu Qianxun sat quietly in the pavilion, gazing absently at the clear pool, seemingly immersed in grief. Her solitary figure blended with the autumn scenery, creating a dreamlike painting.

She appeared not to hear Yuan Xi’s words, her unfocused gaze lost in emptiness.

“Miss Liu?” Yuan Xi called softly again. She finally turned, her eyes filled with sorrow. “Thank you for letting him return to his roots.”

“This is merely what this servant should do.”

Though just a simple statement, Yuan Xi could sense Liu Qianxun’s grief and loss. Compared to the Emperor losing her mother, her loss of a brother was no less profound – grief knows no measure of depth.

“Then this servant shall not disturb you further and take leave.”

Liu Qianxun nodded, sighing deeply. She looked up at the sky – Ji Kingdom’s sky was bright, yet not as clear as Yu Kingdom’s late autumn. Surely Changning Mansion must be beautiful now, and He Xi could return to the place he most wanted to be, fulfilling his wish. How pitiful that he was once the heir of King Chong’s Mansion, only to die in a foreign land at nineteen.

He was loyal to his country and deeply in love with Ling Yu, willing to leave the prince’s residence to join Shura Sect, and ultimately served Suyuan Tower, sacrificing himself to the flames to save his companions. Even though Qin Junlan was such a wise ruler and gave him a chance at life, he still met an untimely death.

“He Xi, no scenery in this world could compare to Changning Mansion in your eyes, could it?” At this thought, Liu Qianxun suddenly found acceptance. He Xi died for the one he loved and returned to his homeland after death – perhaps this was the most complete ending.

And where was her ending? From being a Tower Master surrounded by hundreds to now existing without a clear identity – Qin Junlan wouldn’t see her, she couldn’t return to Yu Kingdom, as if she’d reached a cliff’s edge with nowhere to go. But hasn’t she always been trapped in this whirlpool? Both then and now.

Watching Liu Qianxun’s melancholy, Liu Zhu grew worried. She sighed helplessly – just when she had finally reunited with Yun Jin and found joy, this rift had grown between Liu Qianxun and Qin Junlan.

“It seems we can’t leave for now.” Yi Qingyu and Liu Zhu’s plans to leave were suspended again, as she knew Liu Zhu could never let go of her two children.

“Ah Yu, you watched the Emperor grow up and understand her character best – will she forgive Xun’er?”

“Yan’er isn’t a heartless person. She avoids Xun’er now because the mourning period isn’t over and she doesn’t know how to face her. Give her time – their bond has survived life and death, it will overcome this obstacle.”

“Ah, He Xi was such a good child who died unjustly. Xun’er acted rashly because of her overwhelming grief. She grew up in Shura Sect, accustomed to decisive action and solving problems through force. She was just overcome with sorrow then.” Liu Zhu sighed helplessly.

“Xun’er’s actions had the air of jianghu, and I too would have taken Qin Junhao’s life, but Yan’er is the Emperor. A ruler must face the court and the whole world, consider the royal family’s face, and silence public criticism. Everything requires careful consideration – perhaps this is why she’s angry.”

“I also believe in the Emperor; she won’t let Xun’er down.” Liu Zhu leaned slightly on Yi Qingyu’s shoulder, holding her arm. After experiencing countless hardships with Qingyu to reach their happy ending, she believed Liu Qianxun would achieve the same.

“Don’t worry, Zhu’er.” Yi Qingyu gently stroked her hair, her tender whispers warming Liu Zhu’s heart. She smiled and said, “Well, the children’s matters are beyond our control now. Ah Yu, let’s leave this place.”

“Can you really let go?”

“Jin’er is now occupied with state affairs and has a stable position in the palace. As for Xun’er, matters of the heart are the hardest to speak of. Her current worries are beyond our help. Perhaps this trial with the Emperor is fated – if it’s destiny, let her overcome it herself.”

“Alright, I’ll follow your wishes. Children must find their own fortune [Chinese idiom: future generations will have their own fate].”

After Yi Qingyu and Liu Zhu packed their simple belongings and left, the memory of their last departure’s tragic circumstances brought sighs. So many changes had occurred in just a few days.

Watching Liu Zhu and Yi Qingyu’s departing figures supporting each other, Liu Qianxun felt envious. To grow old together with someone over decades was the greatest happiness, yet why was her pursuit of happiness filled with so many tribulations? Over these years, her heart had been repeatedly wounded, yet she still held onto a thread of hope.

She heard that Qin Junlan had resumed eating and attending court normally, which brought her relief – at least she was slowly emerging from her grief. Liu Qianxun lingered daily at the entrance of Fengluan Palace, but could never see her. Qin Junlan continued to avoid her, making her feel as if she had fallen from the clouds into an abyss.

Everything was her fault, and sadly, she didn’t even have a reason to ask for forgiveness.

After Yi Qingyu and Liu Zhu left, her world seemed to lose everything. In this vast palace, except for Yun Jin’s kindness, she felt no warmth. The late autumn chill crossed her heart daily, gradually cooling her spirit.

A solitary path had always been like this – she seemed to lose everything easily. She walked wearily in the Imperial Garden, hoping for a chance encounter with Qin Junlan, once, twice, thrice – surely she would eventually be willing to see her? But there was only emptiness. As she gazed at the garden full of flowers, lost in thought, a familiar voice came from the garden.

Her heart secretly rejoiced, but when she looked closer, she saw Qin Junlan and Yun Jin standing in the garden, seemingly appreciating the scenery and chatting, their expressions gentle and occasionally smiling. Liu Qianxun stopped in her tracks, suddenly feeling that Yun Jin was truly Qin Junlan’s perfect match – she had concealed her true feelings for years, quietly accompanying and giving without asking for anything in return.

Was she the redundant one? Qin Junlan’s resistance to seeing her perhaps meant her heart had turned to ashes – after all, the hatred for killing one’s mother couldn’t be avoided. She turned around dejectedly, but then heard Yun Jin’s voice, “Xun’er!”

Yun Jin glanced at Qin Junlan, walked forward to take Liu Qianxun’s hand, smiling warmly, “Why are you avoiding even your sister?” She pulled Liu Qianxun close affectionately, then looked at Qin Junlan, deliberately saying, “Imperial Sister, look at how thin Xun’er is, and her complexion has been poor lately. I’ve really failed as her sister.”

Qin Junlan observed Liu Qianxun’s haggard appearance – the healthy complexion she had regained in Shennong Valley had dimmed again. Her heart tightened, but she still couldn’t take that step forward. Despite Yun Jin’s deliberate attempt to ease the tension between them, it failed.

“I still have memorials to review. I’ll take my leave,” Qin Junlan said flatly before departing resolutely.

“Imperial Sister!” Yun Jin tried but failed to stop her. Looking at Liu Qianxun’s eyes as she watched Qin Junlan leave, they were like stagnant water – she could no longer hold on.

All her former hopes had shattered, leaving only despair. Compared to Qin Junlan’s previous hatred, her current indifference was an even more fatal blow and injury. She wouldn’t even look at her properly – so why should she stay in the palace?

“Xun’er, Imperial Sister is just…”

“Sister…” Liu Qianxun interrupted Yun Jin’s words. Despite Yun Jin’s efforts to balance their relationship, no matter how cleverly she consoled Liu Qianxun or deliberately arranged this encounter with Qin Junlan in the Imperial Garden, she still couldn’t untie the knot in Qin Junlan’s heart.

“Sister now bears the kingdom’s fate with heavy responsibilities. I hope you won’t overwork yourself.”

“Xun’er?” Yun Jin didn’t understand her meaning.

“Sister can help her govern the country and care for her daily needs. Yan’er needs someone like you by her side – this puts my mind at ease.” Liu Qianxun raised a gentle smile, though tinged with bitterness.

“Xun’er, don’t overthink things, alright?” Yun Jin feared Liu Qianxun’s misunderstanding but didn’t know how to explain. Liu Qianxun had long understood her feelings, but she had gradually let go, never harboring possessive thoughts. Now she only hoped Liu Qianxun and Qin Junlan could find happiness together.

“Take good care of yourself, of Guo’er , and of Yan’er.” Liu Qianxun gently held Yun Jin’s hands, speaking like someone giving farewell words, making Yun Jin’s heart ache.

Liu Qianxun turned away dejectedly, her slender lonely figure radiating late autumn’s solitude. Yun Jin had a bad premonition. After that day in the Imperial Garden, Liu Qianxun never appeared again, and Yun Jin, busy with state affairs, hadn’t visited her at Qin Garden.

“The war with Qing and Luo kingdoms is progressing adequately. I want to see how long they’ll persist. Luo Kingdom’s mere 150,000 naval forces think they can resist our 100,000 Chi Jia Army. However, I don’t want to waste time on these two countries – after all, Yu Kingdom is the most difficult to conquer. We must find a way to end this war and focus on Yu Kingdom.” Qin Junlan contemplated the world situation map thoughtfully.

“Luo Kingdom is surrounded by water on three sides, and King Yu Lan excels in naval warfare, which has prolonged the conflict. On land, we would have already overwhelmed their 150,000 troops. Imperial Sister, Luo Kingdom has one side connecting to land – why not try breaking through there?” Yun Jin, now frequently participating in war discussions, often surprised Qin Junlan with her unique military insights.

Lin Zhaoxi stepped forward, pointing at the land route on Luo Kingdom’s map, “Does the Princess Consort know that Qing and Luo Kingdoms were originally one? Qing split from Luo as a small Kingdom, originally named Qi, later renamed because of that woman Nalan Qing. These two Kingdoms appear harmonious but have fought internally for years. Luo wants to reclaim Qing, but the Nalan clan controls Qing’s wealth and power, making it impossible.”

“Looking at this map, the only land route connects to Qing Kingdom – meaning we must conquer Qing first to strike at Luo’s heart.” Yun Jin revealed the key strategy.

“The Princess Consort is wise. Qing’s terrain is treacherous, known as a mountain kingdom, easy to defend but hard to attack. Their weapons are mostly from Nalan’s armory. To destroy Qing, we must first eliminate the Nalan family.” Lin Zhaoxi, skilled in warfare and military strategy, commanded Ji Palace’s military camp with his comprehensive understanding of the four Kingdoms’ situation.

“The Nalan family…” Yun Jin recalled Nalan Qing’s image from their brief meeting – remembering her graceful demeanor, puzzled by how the world’s wealthiest clan leader maintained such a carefree and peaceful attitude.

“Nalan Qing is Ling Yu’s closest friend. Though she doesn’t involve herself in politics, her thoughts are hard to fathom. Besides, I don’t want to move against the Nalan family – after unification, their wealth will influence the Kingdom’s entire commercial network.” Qin Junlan rubbed her brow, deep in thought.

“Your Majesty, should I send the Death Corps against the Nalan family?” Li Ruo asked. His Death Corps specialized in strike missions, disregarding survival odds, focusing only on results – Qin Junlan would only deploy them as a last resort.

“No, let me think.”

“I believe we shouldn’t move against the Nalan family. Since Nalan Qing doesn’t involve herself in politics and only provides normal supplies to the kingdom without exerting additional influence, perhaps we could send people to negotiate?” Yun Jin’s strategies always prioritized reducing bloodshed before seeking victory.

“Negotiations? That’s a good approach. With two armies at a standoff and the power difference obvious, negotiations would be the best way to reduce casualties. Isn’t the Qing Emperor fond of Nalan Qing? Have our people negotiate with Nalan Qing first, then arrange a second negotiation when they’re together. I believe Nalan Qing’s every word will influence the Qing Emperor.”

“Imperial Sister speaks wisely. What kind of person is Nalan Qing? As a merchant, she excels at calculations – how many soldiers wounded? The kingdom’s losses? In an inevitable defeat, Nalan Qing won’t let herself be at a disadvantage. If this plan fails, we can still consider a forceful attack, reducing unnecessary losses for our army.”

Qin Junlan’s tense expression gradually relaxed. Looking at Yun Jin, she nodded with satisfaction, “Jin’er increasingly understands my mind. In time, when you alone manage the empire’s affairs, I can truly retire to seclusion.”

The speaker meant nothing, but the listeners took note. Lin Zhaoxi and Li Ruo exchanged glances, understanding their ruler’s unspoken thoughts, and began arranging the negotiations according to the imperial decree.

After discussing the war, as they were about to address military provisions, Yuan Xi suddenly rushed in, breathless from hurrying back, “Your Majesty, Princess Consort, Miss Liu… has left.”

“What?” Yun Jin raised her head in shock, looking at Qin Junlan, who stared at Yuan Xi silently, her previously straight posture slightly wavering as she murmured, “She left…”

“She left a letter for you. This servant wanted to stop her, but her mind was made up, I really…” Yuan Xi helplessly produced the letter. Yun Jin still couldn’t believe it, “For me, not for the Emperor?”

Yuan Xi shook her head.

“Give it here.” Yun Jin took the letter, recognizing Liu Qianxun’s handwriting – neat and elegant yet dignified. Though brief, the words weighed heavily on Yun Jin.

“To my sister Jin’er: Xun’er’s sins are too grave to face you all. I never belonged here, and leaving follows heaven’s will. I only wish for Sister’s well-being. Yan’er hasn’t fully recovered – please protect her well. Respectfully, Xun’er.”

“What a fool.” Yun Jin sighed helplessly. Qin Junlan wouldn’t really punish her – how could Xun’er give up so easily?

“She left… she finally left…” Qin Junlan gazed out the window, murmuring, her heart sinking to the depths, unable to escape fate’s arrangement.

Who was to blame for all this? Not the Emperor, not Xun’er, not the Empress Dowager, not anyone. Since heaven toyed with her thus, she would follow its mandate and pursue the conquest of other Kingdoms, unifying the world.

With Xun’er gone, she had no attachments left – what was there worth cherishing in this world? She had planned to take her away after this period, had planned to arrange everything to leave the palace, yet… they still reached this point.

This departure likely meant she truly gave up on what was between them. Qin Junlan closed her eyes deeply, extreme pain giving way to a powerless despair. She slowly said: “Issue the decree: I shall personally lead the campaign.”

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