The Sovereign – Chapter 136

Volume Seven: Iron Horses Shock the World

The Tolling of the Funeral Bells

As royal funeral bells ring out, the white mourning cloth on the city walls pierces her heart like a dagger

Snow falls like goose feathers, burying all of Ji Kingdom, as bitter winds wrap the vast land in their embrace. In the Imperial Palace of Ji, all court officials are attending morning court as Li Yue holds the imperial edict, reading out Qin Junlan’s decree. She, the Sheng Heaven Empress, now passes the throne to Qin Yu, with his mother Yun Jin as regent, bestowing her the title Chunyi Empress Dowager. The Regency Council is to be established with four pillar ministers: Grand Scholar Ji, Minister Cui, Director Liu, and General Lin, to assist the Empress Dowager in governing.

As soon as the imperial edict was issued, the court erupted in commotion. Qin Yu and Yun Jin knelt to receive the edict and express gratitude, while officials whispered among themselves. Although rumors had spread that Her Majesty was gravely ill and had named the Crown Prince, the prince was still young, and the Wise Princess Consort was merely a prince’s wife. Many were unwilling to submit to her rule as Regent Empress Dowager.

“May I ask, Lord Li Yue, was this truly Her Majesty’s personal directive?”

“What? Is Lord Liu suggesting this servant is falsifying an imperial edict?” Li Yue’s eyes flashed with severity, her court lady’s robes emphasizing her air of authority.

“This official wouldn’t dare. We are merely concerned about Her Majesty’s dragon health.”

“Her Majesty hasn’t attended court for many days, and suddenly passes the throne. Could it be that her dragon body truly…”

The issuance of this edict meant Qin Junlan would become the Emperor Emeritus, yet she hadn’t announced such a major matter in court personally, leading many officials to different speculations, with some even suspecting this might be Yun Jin’s attempt to seize power.

Facing the officials’ difficulties, Yun Jin contemplated her response. Qin Junlan lay in the inner palace, her body no longer able to support attendance at court. They had reached a critical moment, and Guo’er had no choice but to ascend the throne. They couldn’t allow any obstacles at this crucial time.

She stepped forward, moving through the crowd of officials, and asked with authority, “Do the ministers have any objections to this consort taking charge of court affairs?”

“We wouldn’t dare.”

“Or do the ministers think this consort, being merely a prince’s wife, is unworthy of the Empress Dowager position?” Yun Jin gazed proudly at the crowd with commanding presence, then walked to Ji Qiuchen. “Does the Grand Scholar think this consort lacks the ability to handle state affairs?”

“The Princess Consort possesses exceptional courage and surpasses others in statecraft strategy, certainly worthy of this great responsibility.”

Yun Jin let out a light snort, “Then why, when Her Majesty wishes to pass the throne to my son, do all ministers create such difficulties?”

“We…” The officials exchanged uncertain glances, when suddenly a stern yet weak voice drifted in, “In my absence, has my imperial edict lost its authority?”

Qin Junlan’s voice suddenly came from the back of the hall, as she was carried in on a chair by two eunuchs, appearing as fragile as a leaf in the wind. Her face was deathly pale, without a trace of color, dark circles under her eyes, her gaze dim and lifeless, as if each breath exhausted all her strength. She slumped powerlessly in the chair, her entire body as thin as paper, extremely frail.

Seeing this, the officials hurriedly knelt in reverence, “Greetings to Your Majesty, ten thousand years, ten thousand years, ten thousand of ten thousand years!”

“So you still recognize me as Emperor?” Qin Junlan tried to support herself up from the chair, but couldn’t muster even a bit of strength. She had come to court holding onto her last breath, determined to ensure Guo’er’s smooth ascension to the throne.

“We wouldn’t dare!”

“My imperial edict stands first, and today I personally decree the throne’s succession to Qin Yu, bestowing the title of Empress Dowager to Yun Jin. The coronation is today, to be announced to all under heaven! Who dares defy this!” Qin Junlan’s thunderous anger made the officials tremble. Before this ruler who had unified all under heaven, none dared speak further.

Yet after this outburst, Qin Junlan seemed to have exhausted all her vital energy, completely collapsing in the chair, her head slightly tilted to one side, no longer having the strength to utter another word.

“Hurry and pay respects to the new Emperor and Empress Dowager.” At Li Yue’s stern command, the officials immediately turned their kneeling positions, bowing to Guo’er and Yun Jin, “Greetings to Your Majesty, ten thousand years, ten thousand years, ten thousand of ten thousand years. Greetings to the Empress Dowager, a thousand years, a thousand years, thousand of thousand years.”

Yun Jin watched the court’s obeisance with a heavy heart, then noticed Qin Junlan’s eyes half-closed, her body slumping backwards powerlessly. She quickly stepped forward to support her head, “Imperial Sister…”

Qin Junlan’s gaze gradually blurred, her hand trembling as she raised it, a slight curve appearing at the corner of her lips, “Empress Dowager…” Before she could touch Yun Jin, she fainted in the hall…

Snow danced wildly, making the entire palace even more desolate. Countless footprints marked the accumulated snow as the Emperor lay critically ill. Imperial physicians and court officials knelt outside the palace, awaiting news. Meanwhile, the Chief Guard dispatched by Yun Jin was rushing through the night toward Shennong Valley.

The snow gleamed white, making Shennong Valley appear dressed in silver. Smoke rose gracefully from within the valley, where three elegant wooden cabins stood: an herb house, a kitchen, and a bedroom. Liu Zhu was cooking, carefully arranging and preparing different dishes – boiling, frying, and stir-frying – her movements reflecting a virtuous disposition.

Liu Zhu focused on controlling the soup’s heat, not noticing someone quietly approaching, when she suddenly felt warm arms embrace her. Her eyebrows curved gently as a slight smile appeared, “I’m cooking.”

Yi Qingyu rested her head on Liu Zhu’s shoulder, arms around her waist, whispering in her ear, “Though the food smells wonderful, it can’t compare to you.”

“Enough teasing. We’re running low on firewood. Go get some more – this soup can’t lose its heat.” Liu Zhu held the soup ladle in one hand while the other gently stroked Yi Qingyu’s hand. Yi Qingyu seized the chance to interlock their fingers, nuzzling her nose against Liu Zhu’s neck, “I’m going.”

Liu Zhu’s heart fluttered at the warm breath on her skin. She couldn’t help turning around, and Yi Qingyu tried to steal a kiss, but Liu Zhu covered her mouth. She lightly tapped Yi Qingyu’s nose, her gentle words as comfortable as a balm to the heart, “Be good, go chop wood first.”

Yi Qingyu’s brows furrowed slightly, but she nodded with a smile in her eyes, “As you command, my lady.”

Liu Zhu’s face reddened as she said, “No using internal force, use the axe.”

“Uh…” Yi Qingyu was troubled. Using internal force would be easier, but Liu Zhu never let her take such shortcuts. She asked helplessly, “Why…”

“Firewood split by internal force comes out in uneven sizes, which affects heat control. You must use the axe, and make them all the same size and thickness.” Liu Zhu was extremely particular about the heat control for soups and cooking, not allowing Yi Qingyu any laziness.

“Yes, yes, yes, as you command.” Yi Qingyu walked to the courtyard, lifted the cloth covering the firewood, moved them out one by one, arranged them properly, then gripped the axe and began chopping earnestly.

Liu Zhu watched Yi Qingyu’s busy figure from inside, feeling warmth spread through her heart. No matter how cold this winter month might be, the days spent with Yi Qingyu were as warm as spring. She was blessed by heaven’s favor to have such fortune, but what about her two daughters? Their happiness remained unknown.

“Pa!” The sound of chopping wood broke the valley’s tranquility. As Yi Qingyu worked contentedly, she suddenly heard a teasing voice, “Who would have thought that the great Heroine Yi Qingyu, whose hands once held swords, now only holds an axe to chop wood.”

As the voice drew closer, Yi Qingyu gave a light laugh, using her toe to flick up a piece of wood, then with a gentle wave of her sleeve, sent it flying straight behind her.

Guiguzi reacted quickly, hurriedly hiding behind Liu Qianxun, who steadily blocked the wood with a wind-charged palm. Only after the danger passed did Guiguzi peek out, pointing at Yi Qingyu while muttering, “Your temper hasn’t changed a bit since you were young, always ready to fight at the slightest provocation.”

“Because… only you dare mock me like this. Anyone else would have been sent to the netherworld long ago.” Yi Qingyu raised an eyebrow, still maintaining her graceful bearing despite living in seclusion.

“Na na na, Xun’er, you heard that – your Aunt Qing is threatening your master. Your master’s safety is in your hands now.”

Liu Qianxun wore a white cape, snowflakes caught in her hair. Her face was without smile, eyes filled with worry, as she said quietly, “Aunt Qing won’t harm Master.” She then walked toward the kitchen, forcing a slight smile, “Mother.”

“Xun’er, you’re back.” Liu Zhu happily came out to greet her, looking her up and down, noticing how her entire being seemed weathered, carrying an air of world-weariness.

She brushed off the snow from Liu Qianxun’s body, feeling heartache, “Look how thin and tanned you’ve become after being away so long.”

“Daughter is fine. Following Master to help people everywhere has been fulfilling.” She examined Liu Zhu’s complexion and checked her pulse, then let out a relieved breath, “It seems Mother has fully recovered, thankfully due to Aunt Qing’s care.”

Yi Qingyu smiled without speaking, but from the first moment she saw Liu Qianxun, she sensed something troubling her. She pulled Guiguzi aside and asked, “What’s wrong with her?”

Guiguzi’s smile faded as he sighed deeply, stroking his half-white beard in silence.

“Has something happened outside?” Yi Qingyu had been having an ominous premonition lately, experiencing waves of anxiety.

“They say the Emperor has issued an abdication edict, passing the throne to Qin Yu, and naming Yun Jin as Chunyi Empress Dowager to rule as regent over the empire.”

“What? Then Yan’er’s condition…” Yi Qingyu felt a sense of dread at this news. If Qin Junlan’s condition hadn’t reached an irreversible state, she would never pass the throne to a child right when the empire needed her most, having just achieved unification.

Liu Qianxun remained silent, her brows deeply furrowed, hands unconsciously clasped together. She dared not think too deeply – just remembering Qin Junlan’s condition before she left made her anxious and helpless. These days, whenever she heard about the Wise Princess Consort governing or the Crown Prince’s diligent studies, she grew increasingly uneasy. The more Qin Junlan distanced herself from state affairs, the more it proved her poor health – otherwise, she would never allow Yun Jin and Guo’er to handle state matters alone.

“She’ll be fine. If something were wrong, Sister would surely send someone to Shennong Valley for help.” Liu Qianxun could only comfort herself this way, knowing Yun Jin cared deeply for Qin Junlan and wouldn’t ignore any deterioration in her condition.

Yi Qingyu nodded, then suddenly sensed movement at the valley entrance, “Someone’s entering the valley.” With these words, she leaped away, her figure vanishing.

Liu Qianxun’s heart instantly clenched – could her recent fears be coming true… She hadn’t even noticed that cold sweat had already soaked her palms, as she stared unblinkingly at the valley entrance, waiting for Yi Qingyu’s return.

Soon after, Yi Qingyu returned with a grave expression, followed by a man whom Liu Qianxun recognized as Yun Jin’s Chief Guard. He hurriedly approached, kneeling and kowtowing, “The Emperor is gravely ill. Please, Princess Consort Cheng and Lady Liu, return to the palace immediately.”

Liu Qianxun stood frozen, as if everything was unreal. She asked in a daze, “What do you mean gravely ill? How serious is it?”

“When this humble one left the palace, Her Majesty… she was bleeding from her nose and mouth, already unconscious. I have prepared fast horses. Please, My Lady, come with me to the palace quickly!” The Chief Guard kowtowed to the ground. He had already exhausted two horses, traveling here at the fastest possible speed.

“Depart immediately!” Before Yi Qingyu finished speaking, Liu Qianxun had already rushed toward the valley entrance.

Shennong Valley was three days’ journey from Jidu. The three rode without rest, not stopping even to sleep. When blizzards buried the roads, they took mountain shortcuts. Liu Qianxun couldn’t describe her feelings; she only knew that no winter cold could match the chill in her heart, the frost hitting her face feeling painfully bitter.

“She’ll be fine, she’s the Son of Heaven,” Liu Qianxun kept comforting herself along the way. Though Jidu was close, taking only two days to reach, these two days felt like years to Liu Qianxun, so agonizing and unbearable.

“We’ve finally arrived.” The Chief Guard’s eyes showed relief – at last the mission was complete, there was still time.

With the imperial city in sight, all three let out a breath, when suddenly heavy bell tolls rang out from afar. “Boom!” “Boom!” “Boom!” Three strikes of the bell struck heavily against Liu Qianxun’s heart. She turned numbly, hands trembling slightly, asking fearfully: “Aunt Qing, this… this couldn’t be…” She couldn’t even find the courage to complete the question.

“This is…” Yi Qingyu’s eyes showed grief as she stared ahead in disbelief.

“These are… the imperial funeral bells. One toll represents princes and princesses, two tolls represent empresses and empress dowagers, three tolls represent… represent… the Emperor! This servant was still too late, too late! Your Majesty!!” The Chief Guard nearly fell from his horse, kneeling on the ground weeping with tears filling his eyes.

Liu Qianxun stared blankly ahead, suddenly seeing three white mourning cloths cascading down the wall like waterfalls, matching the color of the surrounding snow. That white was the most heart-wrenching color in the world, these three white cloths like three daggers, piercing mercilessly into Liu Qianxun’s heart.

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LP: Nah, this is too much, the author is dragging this too much

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