The Sovereign – Chapter 138

Volume Seven: Iron Horses Shock the World

Holding Hands Together

To hold your hand and grow old together

Shennong Valley wound upwards, with the front valley connecting to the back mountain, containing natural lakes and a magnificent view of hundred flowers. Besides the main entrance protected by formations [陣法 | zhènfǎ | tactical arrays], there was a secluded path in the back mountain that only valley residents knew about.

Qin Junlan stood at the small path, peering out while waiting. Soon, Li Yue’s figure slowly appeared, holding something like a letter in her hand, “I’m here, Master.”

“Let me see quickly.” Qin Junlan showed excitement, and after receiving the letter, she carefully looked around, “It’s not safe here, Xun’er often passes by to gather herbs, let’s go to the back mountain.”

“At this hour, the Valley Master should be preparing your medicine decoction, it will take at least two hours, it should be safe.”

“No, no, we can’t be discovered during this monthly occasion, come, let’s go over there.” Qin Junlan spoke while walking towards the more secluded back mountain, where Yi Qingyu once secluded herself to heal, a place Liu Qianxun rarely visited unless necessary.

Now she lived in seclusion at Shennong Valley with Liu Qianxun, Yi Qingyu, and Liu Zhu, though her status had changed – no longer the mighty Sheng Dynasty’s Female Emperor who commanded authority throughout the world, but rather the person with the “lowest” status in the valley.

Why? Because her body required year-round conditioning with medicinal soups and foods, with Liu Qianxun preparing the precise measurements of medicine for specific times each day. She had to follow strict rules for taking medicine, and was explicitly forbidden from practicing martial arts, drinking alcohol, eating carelessly, and especially from overexerting herself. In other words, her latter half of life could be summarized in two characters: being nurtured!

But how could Qin Junlan accept such a monotonous life? Liu Qianxun had now inherited the mantle of Guiguzi, succeeding as the Valley Master of Shennong Valley, while she had been reduced to a mere “wife” – it was truly a tearful situation.

She leaned against a rock, reading the letter from Yun Jin from the imperial palace, or more precisely, the memorial to the throne. At the beginning of each month, someone from the palace would secretly deliver letters, which Li Yue would receive, and then Qin Junlan would review. The memorials contained Yun Jin’s major decisions for the month, along with policies and strategies to be implemented, for Qin Junlan to consider.

“Keep watch, Li Yue.” Qin Junlan remained worried, constantly fearing that Liu Qianxun would discover her secret reading of the memorials, having a premonition that if discovered, the consequences would be very “severe.”

“Yes, yes, yes, I will keep my ears open to all six directions and eyes watching in all eight ways.” Li Yue couldn’t help but laugh internally – the once mighty emperor had now been reduced to secretly reading memorials.

Although she had abdicated, this empire was still built by her hands. The whole world believed the Female Emperor had passed away; that day after she awoke, she had escaped the palace through a secret passage from her sleeping chambers. It was originally excavated when she first ascended the throne as a precaution, never expecting it would one day be used to fake her death and deceive the whole world.

Though now living in seclusion as a common person, when reading the memorials, she still emanated an imperial aura. These letters were all personally written by Yun Jin, containing state affairs except for two lines of greetings at the end. She had become the Empress Dowager and was handling state affairs methodically.

“Has something troubled the Empress Dowager?” Li Yue noticed Qin Junlan’s slightly furrowed brows.

“Jin’er says the Auxiliary Political Bureau has split into two factions, led by the Grand Academician and Minister, forming power blocs. She wants to recall one of the Four Princes to the court to create a three-way balance of power.”

“That’s one approach.”

“She analyzed the current situation of the Four Princes and feels that only the Prince of Yong’an might be worth trying, the others can’t shoulder such responsibility. Prince Yong’an, Qin Xiao, has been incredibly intelligent since childhood, with talent and drive surpassing the imperial brother, but his mother’s humble origins and the Empress Dowager’s exclusion prevented his rise to prominence. He can be used, but there’s no guarantee he won’t harbor ulterior motives later, Jin’er must keep a backup plan.” Qin Junlan continued talking to herself, completely unaware of the situation changing behind her.

Li Yue was caught between laughter and tears, terrified into silence by Liu Qianxun’s ice-cold presence that made her shiver. But Qin Junlan, having lost her martial arts, didn’t sense anything unusual behind her and continued muttering: “I originally established the Auxiliary Political Bureau to facilitate Jin’er’s use of personnel, never expecting other court officials would start climbing for power. It’s fine to let the Prince of Yong’an return; after all, these three independent parties can’t stir up much trouble. It would be best if Jin’er could drive wedges between them, creating checks and balances, otherwise if they work together for evil purposes, it would be very disadvantageous for Jin’er’s regency. Li Yue, bring me a brush…”

Qin Junlan raised her hand, and Li Yue tremblingly took out the prepared brush, watching Liu Qianxun without daring to move. Liu Qianxun reached out to take it, passing the brush to Qin Junlan. Li Yue desperately wanted to warn her, but Qin Junlan was too focused on the letter’s contents, busy writing her reply.

Liu Qianxun maintained her composure without showing any expression, while Li Yue remained silent, watching what might become a “great battle” between these two. Although she felt sympathy for her master, she was somehow looking forward to it? Such thoughts couldn’t be revealed to Qin Junlan – even if she wasn’t emperor anymore, one couldn’t be so brazenly presumptuous. Li Yue occasionally glanced at Liu Qianxun’s cold gaze – this wordless calm was terrifying! Though clearly angry, her eyes still curved into an arc.

“Done, send the letter out immediately. Let’s hurry back and obediently wait to take medicine.” Qin Junlan turned around with a beaming smile, only to find Liu Qianxun’s frost-laden face suddenly before her.

Qin Junlan’s smile froze on her face, the letter slipping from her hand, “Xun… Xun’er… when did you arrive…” After speaking, Qin Junlan glared at Li Yue, who pretended to look elsewhere – they were in Shennong Valley now, not the imperial palace, and she dared not act out of line.

“Your Majesty remains brilliantly wise, still handling state affairs with such ease.” Liu Qianxun casually picked up the letter, glanced at it, and handed it to Li Yue, “You deliver it first.”

“Ah?” Li Yue couldn’t believe her ears, then realized that since Empress Dowager Yun was Liu Qianxun’s elder sister, even if angry, she wouldn’t take it out on her own sister. She hurriedly stepped forward and took the letter, “Yes, yes.” Having a chance to avoid this “confrontation” was exactly what she wanted, though it was somewhat regrettable she wouldn’t see Her Majesty’s “submissive” appearance.

“I knew Xun’er would understand righteousness and be considerate, surely wouldn’t…” Before Qin Junlan could finish speaking, Liu Qianxun turned and left. This kind of silent anger was the most terrifying – she didn’t know what Liu Qianxun would do, but her instincts told her it wasn’t good!

Sure enough, Liu Qianxun walked back to the room, pried open the floorboards, and discovered a pile of books and some memorials.

“What are these?” Liu Qianxun asked with narrowed eyes. Qin Junlan felt a chill run down her spine, “Books and memorials… but… but they’ve just been sitting there, I haven’t read them, really haven’t…”

Liu Qianxun picked up one memorial and opened it: Treasury Accounting

The second one: Military Management Improvements

The third one: Imperial Examination System

“Chaoyan, I see you haven’t had enough of being emperor?” Liu Qianxun’s voice rose slightly, with obvious anger displayed on her face. She flung the three memorials out, startling Yi Qingyu who was chopping firewood.

She stopped her work and walked forward with interest, listening to the conversation between the two.

“No~~~I’ve been emperor for fourteen years, I’m long tired of it, really.” Qin Junlan stepped forward and tugged at Liu Qianxun’s clothes, “I’m just a tiny bit worried about Jin’er and Guo’er.”

“Stop using my sister as a shield, this isn’t the first time. It seems my words as Valley Master have no effect on you at all.”

“No, no, no, this is the last time, I promise. Xun’er, this is definitely the last time. Please, Honorable Valley Master, be magnanimous and forgive this humble one.” Qin Junlan stole a glance at Liu Qianxun while bowing.

Liu Qianxun’s piercing gaze shot towards her as she moved slightly closer to Qin Junlan, showing a faint smile while gently stroking her face. This smile made Qin Junlan’s hair stand on end – the caress felt like the prelude to punishment, as if torture was imminent…

“Then I’ll give you one more chance. Go catch fish in the river, without Li Yue’s help. Bring back twenty fish before dark, or you won’t get dinner!”

“Huh? Catch fish? How would I know how to…?”

“Hmm?” Liu Qianxun gave a light snort, and Qin Junlan nodded repeatedly, “Oh, I can do it, I’m naturally gifted, no problem, mm-hmm.”

Liu Qianxun turned away, wearing a gentle smile, and left. As she reached the doorway, Yi Qingyu secretly gave her a thumbs up, and Liu Qianxun responded with a radiant smile while pretending to walk past coldly.

After a while, Qin Junlan emerged with her head hanging low, having changed into casual clothes. Yi Qingyu couldn’t help but tease: “Everything has its master indeed. Who would have thought the mighty Female Emperor would one day be reduced to begging for meals.”

Qin Junlan approached Yi Qingyu, showing a kind smile, “Aunt, how does it feel to chop wood without using internal energy? A legendary female warrior having to use an axe to chop wood – this should qualify as an extraordinary tale of our time.”

“Chopping wood without internal energy is to control the proper heat output, unlike you who can only obey your wife’s every command.”

“Oh? With Aunt’s martial arts accomplishments, can you not control the output of internal energy well? What’s so difficult about chopping wood into equal sizes?” This counterattack from Qin Junlan made Yi Qingyu’s smile gradually fade. “Where was this sharp tongue of yours just now?”

“Then why aren’t you using your profound internal energy to chop wood right now?” Qin Junlan refused to back down – she wouldn’t let her aunt mock her like this.

Suddenly there was a loud sound as Yi Qingyu raised her sleeve, sending several pieces of wood flying into the air. Her palm movements created wind-like forces, transforming into sharp sword strikes, and with a few swings, the wood was split in half – though indeed of uneven sizes. She had wanted to try what Qin Junlan suggested, to see if controlling internal energy could solve the wood-chopping problem, but sure enough, this task proved more difficult than martial arts training.

“As you can see, Zhu’er is particular about cooking heat control, it’s not about restricting my use of internal energy, just high requirements for firewood.”

“But you’ve wasted all this firewood, I’m afraid Aunt Liu won’t approve.” Now it was Qin Junlan’s turn to gloat.

“It’s just a pile of firewood, I’ll cut more.” Yi Qingyu stood indifferently with hands behind her back – she might compromise with Liu Zhu, but how could she show weakness in front of a junior?

“Then go to the mountains and cut more firewood.” Liu Zhu’s voice suddenly rang out. Yi Qingyu turned sharply – somehow she had appeared behind her.

“Zhu… Zhu’er… weren’t… weren’t you making dinner?” Yi Qingyu smiled awkwardly, her tongue beginning to stumble. After all, Liu Zhu had explicitly forbidden the use of martial arts for cutting and chopping firewood at any time.

Liu Zhu just looked at her without smiling, turning away wordlessly. Yi Qingyu hurriedly chased after her, “Zhu’er… I was just demonstrating for Yan’er, I wasn’t deliberately using internal energy to chop wood.”

Liu Zhu remained silent.

Yi Qingyu truly regretted trying to compete with a junior – now she had also angered Liu Zhu. Her temperament had always been gentle, unlike Liu Qianxun who was absolutely decisive. When she stayed silent like this, it made Yi Qingyu even more at a loss.

She could only apologize all the way…

Following her to the kitchen, Liu Zhu just kept her head down, picking vegetables.

“Zhu’er, let me help you…” Yi Qingyu was like a child who had done something wrong. Liu Zhu took the bamboo basket and turned to place it on the table, ignoring her.

“Then I… I…” It was truly vexing – Yi Qingyu suddenly didn’t know how to coax her, and could only stand dejectedly to the side, waiting for Liu Zhu’s judgment.

Liu Zhu’s lips curved into a smile as she lifted her eyes to look at her once, speaking gently, “We’re running low on firewood, go to the mountain and cut some more.”

“Ai! I’ll go right away.” Yi Qingyu was like someone who had received a special decree – though appearing calm on the surface, she was extremely excited inside.

“Wait.”

Yi Qingyu stopped in her tracks.

Liu Zhu put down her work, walked forward, and adjusted Yi Qingyu’s outer garment. Her every movement was gentle as she smiled tenderly, “The mountain is full of thorns that could easily scratch your hands. Take the tools with you, and if you find using internal energy convenient, then use it – don’t hurt yourself.”

“Zhu’er…” Yi Qingyu held Liu Zhu’s hands and brought them to her lips for a gentle kiss, “I’ll be careful.”

“Come back soon.”

Yi Qingyu’s face lit up with a moving smile as she slowly backed away, her happiness evident. Liu Zhu was ultimately kindhearted. Qin Junlan watched Yi Qingyu leave happily to chop wood while she herself pitifully held a sharpened stick, heading to the river to find fish.

She rolled up her trouser legs and sleeves. The October river water was somewhat cool as Qin Junlan stepped in barefoot, “It’s really cold…”

But how could she spot any fish in this calm water surface? Only now did she realize how difficult it was for fishermen and farmers. Having lived a life of luxury, she had never experienced these things – today’s punishment from Xun’er was indeed deserved…

As evening approached, the cool breeze picked up. Qin Junlan paced by the riverside, about to step into the water to search for fish. But before her foot could touch the water, someone pulled her back.

“The temperature’s dropping, don’t go in.” Liu Qianxun held her hand, and though her face showed no smile, her eyes were gentle.

“Xun’er?” Qin Junlan was overjoyed.

“Sit down.” Liu Qianxun helped Qin Junlan sit on a rock, picked up her shoes and socks, and helped her put them on. “You skip taking medicine and run to the riverside – I’ve never seen you so obedient at other times.”

“That’s because I know I was wrong.” Qin Junlan smiled sweetly as Liu Qianxun carefully arranged her shoes and socks, slowly helping her up. “Your body is weak now and can’t take the cold, your internal organs are all damaged and can’t handle alcohol, you get headaches easily so you can’t stay up late, and especially can’t overexert yourself.”

“I know, but my body isn’t really that bad.” Qin Junlan let Liu Qianxun lead her by the hand, listening to her rambling with utmost happiness.

“Not bad enough? Do you want to fake your death again, deceive me again?” Liu Qianxun’s face darkened.

“Ah… you’re still holding onto that.”

“I can’t forget it, Chaoyan. About you faking your death to deceive me – we’re not done with that.”

“Eh? Xun’er, I had my difficulties then.”

Liu Qianxun stopped walking, “No difficulty justifies deceiving me. Do you know how many tears I shed? You abdicated but still worry about court affairs – do you think your body can still handle such heavy responsibilities? Do you want me to worry about you for life, to make me sad forever… mmph…”

Qin Junlan pressed her lips firmly against hers, silencing her words. She savored this moment like appreciating the finest garden of flowers, enjoying the happiness and tranquility after all the worldly glory.

She held Liu Qianxun and whispered: “I’ll listen to you from now on, everything you say, alright?”

Liu Qianxun pinched her nose and gave it a gentle tug, “I’ll trust you one more time. But if you dare to secretly drink Aunt’s loquat wine or secretly read Sister’s memorials again, you’ll sleep on the floor – no getting on the bed.”

“That punishment… is too cruel…”

“Oh? You’re not confident you can manage?” Liu Qianxun raised an eyebrow, her hand holding Qin Junlan’s had somehow become intertwined fingers. Qin Junlan slightly hung her head, “You’re the Valley Master, how would I dare?”

Ah, after giving up being emperor, it seemed she would never gain the upper hand.

Not far away, the sunset illuminated another pair of silhouettes – Liu Zhu nestled in Yi Qingyu’s embrace, creating a beautiful scene of peaceful times. They watched the pair of lovers gradually approaching, their brows relaxing as they went forward to meet them.

“You’re back.”

“Mother, Aunt.” Liu Qianxun and Qin Junlan spoke in unison.

“Yan’er’s medicine is ready. After drinking it, you can have dinner. Today I made steamed white fish that Xun’er loves.” Liu Zhu deliberately left the second half of her statement hanging, and Qin Junlan looked at Liu Zhu hopefully, “Mother, what about mine?”

“Of course there’s also the sour soup you love.”

“Thank you, Mother!”

Yi Qingyu watched Qin Junlan, who had laid down her heavy burden and was no longer weighed down as before. With peace throughout the realm and in this mortal world, this life had finally settled its dust. Three thousand splendors couldn’t compare to holding hands until old age.

Ji Imperial Palace

From the heights of the Yunqi Palace, Yun Jin gazed into the distance, the sunset’s glow settling in her eyes as her shadow gradually lengthened in the dusk.

“Imperial Mother, are you missing Imperial Aunt?” Qin Yu tugged at her hand.

Yun Jin turned her head with a gentle smile, softly stroking Qin Yu’s forehead, “Mother also misses Aunt and Grandmother.”

“Then can we go see them?” Qin Yu, wearing imperial robes, already carried the bearing of an emperor, though still too young to fully grasp state affairs and worldly matters.

“We will, but not now. Your Majesty is now emperor, bearing the nation’s fate. I am the Empress Dowager; we cannot leave the palace at will.”

“I understand. I will achieve good governance and rule the realm well to put Imperial Aunt’s mind at ease, and not fail the empire she worked so hard to establish.”

“Yes!” Yun Jin showed a gratified smile. The distant light appeared like a gate to infinity, seemingly close yet as far as the horizon. The distant palace gates separated her from the mortal world. For this life, she lived only to protect this realm, and from now on, this lonely and cold palace would be her only companion.

The empire you worked so hard to establish, I will surely guard it well for you.

(The End)

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LP: Main text is now done! One more chapter tomorrow~

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