Chapter 130 – Resolution

Chapter 130 - Resolution

In the seventh year of Jingwu.

The citizens of the Eastern Capital still vividly recalled the day the Tongtian Terrace was destroyed, as they had been in a state of panic and fear like startled birds. Fortunately, no rebellion occurred, nor was there widespread destruction. It took several days for the thick smoke that blotted out the sky to dissipate.

As the smoke cleared, rumors spread like wild grass. Some said it was the wrath of heaven, while others believed Gongye Chu sought to undermine the Ling Dynasty's destiny to seize power. For a time, the air was filled with conflicting opinions and speculations.

Eventually, the imperial court stepped forward to clarify the situation, openly discussing the reason behind the explosion at the Tongtian Terrace and the actions of the Cheng family in the past. Upon learning that the disaster was caused by the remnants of Duke Yan's household, the people heaped scorn upon them.

The Cheng family, once heroes who contributed to the founding of the dynasty, were revealed to have harbored disloyal intentions from the start. They secretly constructed an underground palace to hide their treasures, deceiving successive emperors and the entire nation.

What loyal ministers? The Grand Marshal truly hadn't made a mistake in executing them.

Public opinion can forge gold or melt bones. In the past, people feared Gongye Chu's ruthless tactics and used all manner of words to vilify him. Now that he had turned against them, some still spoke in his defense.

Nonetheless, whether the world praised or condemned him, he cared not.

It took over a month to clear the ruins of the Tongtian Terrace. The melted gold and silver were salvaged, reforged, and returned to the national treasury. Later, the first academy was built on the site, with Master Xie appointed as its headmaster.

Three years have passed, and the nation enjoys peace and prosperity.

Initially, there were concerns among the people that the destruction of the Tongtian Terrace might have disrupted the country's fortune. However, as time went by, the days became even more tranquil, and such discussions gradually faded away.

Nowadays, in the Eastern Capital City, establishments bearing the title "First" abound - the First Music Pavilion, First Publishing House, First Stationery Shop, and First Supermarket. Whenever the familiar "First" prefix is seen, it inevitably prompts talk of the relationship between Gongye Chu and Shangxing, his loyal subject.

Speaking of their relationship, one cannot help but mention Pei Yuanxi. Some say she possesses boundless virtue, while others praise her exceptional skills. To be able to win over both a formidable man like Gongye Chu and the young emperor, this woman must be extraordinary.

Some even remark that if they were to have a daughter, they would wish for her to be like Pei Yuanxi, for even a fool can have good fortune. Because of this, some families who have daughters with mental disabilities no longer mistreat, scold, or abandon them as they once did.

The tales of the Marquis Xuanping's estate were embellished with mystique, and her own story was recounted in a manner as fantastical as a fiction novel. Rumors had it that she was blessed with virtues from a past life, thus encountering divine enlightenment from immortals, or that she was a fallen goddess sent to earth to alleviate the suffering of mortals.

Upon hearing these rumors, she could not help but find them both amusing and distressing.

"I am a fairy," she told Gongye Chu.

Gongye Chu, upon hearing this, seemed to smile gently. "Indeed, you are a fairy."

To him, she was nothing less than an enchantress sent from the heavens to rescue him. Without her, he had no idea what kind of person he would have become, perhaps even the tyrant Ye Ling warned of.

He has gradually relinquished control of state affairs, spending more and more time at home. Nowadays, his aura is much more subdued, yet the air of authority he projects has become all the more profound.

They have been married for three years, but have yet to be blessed with an heir.

Many in the city fear him, yet whispers of concealed truths persist. Some say his early days were marked by excessive bloodshed, invoking divine retribution that would curse him to have no offspring. Others speculate that she was raised by a concubine, perhaps even subjected to malicious potions by the wicked Aunt Li.

The latter suggestion was the one that caused the greatest concern among the residents of Marquis Xuanping's residence. During Pei Yuanxi's last visit to the marquisate, her grandmother had inquired about it, hinting that she should consult with several imperial physicians.

She had married Gongye Chu, a match that was considered an elevation for her in the eyes of society. For a woman to secure her footing in her husband's family, nothing was more crucial than bearing a son.

Madam Kang was well aware that her granddaughter was an assertive young woman, but even the most headstrong of women would be deemed futile if unable to bear children. Hong Baozhu and Pei Yuanruo, who had married after her, had already given birth, while she remained childless.

Last year, Hong Baozhu had given birth to the Marquis Xuanping's firstborn grandson, and now she was pregnant again. In the same vein, last month, Pei Yuanruo had delivered a daughter with Zheng Qinshe.

Observing her second granddaughter playing with her nephew, Madam Kang felt an indescribable pain in her heart.

Pei Yuanxi claimed that neither she nor Gongye Chu were in a rush, but such words could hardly soothe Madam Kang and Madam Shen. While Madam Kang was still at an age where she could afford to be patient, what about Gongye Chu?

Gongye Chu was approaching his thirties, watching as peers were on the verge of becoming grandfathers, yet he had no children of his own. Though Madam Kang and Madam Shen concealed their anxiety, the Marquis Xuanping's concerns were deeply rooted, albeit not visibly expressed.

As Marquis Xuanping was a man, he naturally wouldn't discuss such matters with his daughter. Moreover, as a subject, it was impossible for him to mention a single word about it in front of Gongye Chu. Every time he hesitated to speak to Pei Yuanxi, she could easily read his intentions.

"I'm already a fairy, so it's normal that I don't bear children," she joked, casting a playful glance at Gongye Chu. "Besides, I have given birth before – they just don't know about it."

A moment of silence followed, and she seemed lost in thought.

"At the morning court session today, someone suggested the establishment of an empress and concubines again," Gongye Chu said with a slight frown. Chong'er was already nineteen, and it was indeed unusual not to have an empress or concubines at this age.

"Poor child... It's been so difficult for him," she said, her heart aching.

When would this endless cycle end?

She sighed softly and decided to visit the kitchen herself. Apart from paying more attention to his clothing and food, there wasn't much else she could do for her son.

Some things were better left untouched, allowing for peaceful days. The deeper one delved, the more inexplicable the situation became. Rather than bothering herself unnecessarily, it was best to live in the present and make the most of each day.

After arranging the noon meal with carefully selected ingredients, the servants were no longer surprised by the harmonious relationship between His Majesty and Lord. Lady Pei Yuanxi's efforts in fostering this unity were greatly appreciated.

Not long after leaving the kitchen, Pei Yuanxi encountered her son head-on.

Nineteen-year-old Shangxing already carried the demeanor of a mature young man, with an innate air of majesty and distinction. Despite his appearance being entirely different from that of his parents, his every gesture bore a striking resemblance to Gongye Chu.

The mother-son duo shared a love for food and often explored culinary delights together. Apart from the royal gardens with their greenhouses, their residence now also boasted one, nurturing a variety of crops unknown in the Ling Dynasty.

These seeds were sourced by Meng Huai from overseas. The high-yielding, Ling Dynasty-suited crops were disseminated from the Governor's mansion, eventually becoming staples on the people's tables.

Speaking of Meng Huai, one couldn't help but mention Zhang Yinyin.

The two were Pei Yuanxi's right and left hands, one managing provisions while the other handled business. It was due to their efforts that she could, as in her previous life, become a formidable support for the national treasury.

In her previous life, she had attempted to matchmake the pair, but in this life, Zhang Yinyin had taken it upon herself to marry. Her husband turned out to be Jia Jinbao - a dark-skinned, robust man of simple intellect who was illiterate. He fulfilled all of Zhang Yinyin's criteria.

Fate, indeed, was unpredictable.

In the vegetable garden, fresh sprouts emerged from freshly tilled beds. She exclaimed, "They've really grown! Looks like we'll have a fresh dish within a few months."

Shangxing crouched down, observing the new shoots with enthusiasm. "The sight of life springing forth brings such joy. Yesterday, Master Zheng mentioned his newborn daughter with a face full of delight."

Pei Yuanxi's gaze softened. "Chong'er, you..."

He was nearing the age of majority and should have long taken a wife and sired children.

"Mother, I never entertained the thought of crowning a queen or taking concubines," Shangxing's voice had deepened significantly, losing the youthful clarity it once held, now imbued with the maturity befitting his age.

Despite his calm delivery, Pei Yuanxi's heart ached upon hearing his words. He was, after all, a vibrant young emperor, yet he insisted on denying himself love in the prime of his life.

"Chong'er, if there's a woman you hold dear..."

"It won't happen," Shangxing met her gaze with unwavering determination. "In life, one cannot have it all. I came here to reunite with Father and Mother. Now that my wish has been fulfilled, I dare not entertain any further desires."

Tears welled up in Pei Yuanxi's eyes in an instant. When children are naive, parents worry; when they are overly understanding, parents do not necessarily rejoice. The clearer his perception and the deeper his understanding, the more it pained her.

"Chong'er..."

"Mother, I am not saddened. Every day spent with you and Father brings me immense joy. I have no desire to be anyone's husband or anyone's father. I am content with being your and Father's son."

When one gains something, there is always something one must let go.

He neither takes a wife nor sires children; his heart's desire is for both parents to live to see old age.

Yet fate is fickle, and he has no way of knowing when his time will come. If he were to depart this world before he could care for his parents in their old age, how heartbroken they would be. Should that day ever arrive, he wishes for a blood relative to step in and bring joy to their lives in his stead.

If the heavens were merciful and allowed him to remain here indefinitely, this matter would require even more careful consideration. The throne cannot be left unattended; without a wife or children, how could the imperial lineage continue?

That's why he wants siblings – he would be an excellent older brother. He would teach his younger brother the ways of kingship, ensuring a stable reign. He would dote on his sister, securing a life of prosperity and peace for her.

"Should you worry about my loneliness, my boredom, perhaps you could give me a younger brother or sister to play with."

Pei Yuanxi forced a smile, "Your father and I believe that having you is more than enough."

A tear rolled down Shangxing's cheek, landing in the fresh soil of the vegetable patch. "Having Father and Mother is enough for me. But sometimes, Tai Ling Palace feels too vast and empty. I also want to know what it's like to be an older brother."

He stood up, tugging on Pei Yuanxi's sleeve as he had done in the past, pleading, "Mother, please grant my wish."

Pei Yuanxi felt like crying; she was well aware of her child's intentions. It was precisely because she knew his thoughts that she felt even more pained. He was so mature, kind, thoughtful, and compassionate.

She trusted Master Diviner Ye's words – he would become a virtuous and wise ruler.

"Your father..."

"My father would still listen to you," Shangxing said playfully, and Pei Yuanxi's mood improved slightly. He was right; Gongye Chu did indeed cater to her wishes in everything.

When she mentioned this to Gongye Chu that night, the usually decisive man remained silent. His large hand held hers tightly, with an alarming strength.

They could rely on each other as husband and wife, but their son was left alone in the deserted Tai Ling Palace. While he was in the prime of his youth, he had no companions. They could provide him with so little, and as he grew older, they felt increasingly helpless.

"I know you're worried about me, that you fear I'll meet the same end as in my past life. If that is my destiny, no amount of caution can escape it."

Death may come tomorrow, yet they remain entangled in today's affairs.

"I've made up my mind." With those words, she flipped over and straddled Gongye Chu.

No more words were needed. The gauzy curtains settled from their gentle swaying into stillness. As she drifted into a deep slumber, she was acutely aware of his arms wrapped tightly around her. In the realm of her fading consciousness, she seemed to hear a soft sigh escape his lips.

Days flow like gentle water, with dawn giving way to dusk, day after day. It seems as if time passes serenely, just as it always has, filled with warmth, composure, and peaceful tranquility.

As the frosty wind rose again, Hong Baozhu gave birth to the first-born granddaughter of the Marquis's estate.

The Marquis Xuanping's residence was bustling with guests for the joyous celebration, filled with an atmosphere of merriment. As a daughter who had married out from the household, Pei Yuanxi made sure to arrive early to extend her congratulations.

Hong Baozhu had gained some plumpness since her marriage, and with her recent childbirth, her figure still hadn't fully recovered, giving her an even more prosperous and festive appearance. When it came to her relationship with Lady Shen, one could say that it was relatively harmonious.

She wasn't the type to nitpick, and as long as Lady Shen didn't create trouble or put her in an awkward position openly, she wouldn't provoke any unnecessary conflicts. Besides, the Marquis's household had a simple structure, with only her in Pei Ji's harem. Thus, she wouldn't be foolish enough to seek discomfort with her legitimate mother-in-law.

In the entire Eastern Capital City, every lady and young miss envied her fortunate life. Even Madam Hong was content with this marriage, as she laughed and chatted amicably with Lady Shen, showing no signs of tension.

After her marriage, Pei Yuanruo purchased a mansion not far from the Marquis's residence with her husband, Zheng Qinshe. Her reputation for talent and grace had preceded her marriage, earning her high praise. After tying the knot, the couple enjoyed a loving and harmonious life, with their shared passion for music adding to their bliss. Pei Yuanruo maintained the same gentle and refined demeanor as when she was a maiden.

Aunt Zhao, though a concubine, was permitted to receive guests due to her status as the birth mother of the Marquis's heir. In all her dealings, she was impeccable, ensuring not a single misstep in word or action, adhering strictly to the bounds of her station.

A four-generation family under one roof brings the greatest joy to Madam Kang.

Lady Kang delighted in seeing her grandchildren, whether they were grandsons or granddaughters, and took equal joy in her great-grandchildren, both boys and girls. Her son had increasingly become more favored, and his wife's complexion had improved significantly over the past few years.

The sole cause for concern was that her second granddaughter, married into the Duke's residence for three years, had yet to bear a child. On this matter, she could not intervene and could only fret helplessly. Countless times, she had sighed in the still of the night, observing Er Niang's unruffled demeanor.

How could Pei Yuanxi fail to sense her grandmother's gaze, or the veiled looks from the other ladies? She pretended not to notice and continued her conversation with Hong Baozhu and Pei Yuanruo.

The evening's revelry showed no sign of abating, and the banquet continued until the moon hung high in the sky. After Marquis Xuanping and the Kang and Shen families bid farewell to the last of their guests, Gongye Chu came to escort Pei Yuanxi back home.

He moved with an otherworldly grace under the stars and moon, his figure appearing even more dashing and handsome in the moonlight.

As Pei Yuanxi leaned on his arm, preparing to climb into the carriage, she felt a sudden bout of dizziness. The crescent moon before her eyes doubled, then gradually blurred into darkness.

"Gongye Chu..."

"Sparrow!" Gongye Chu's stern expression transformed drastically, a tide of inexplicable panic washing over him. He caught her in his arms, a man who had never cared about life or death now gripped by fear.

He was afraid that this life would resemble the previous one, where she would die in his embrace once more.

"You can't leave me. If anything happens to you, I'll slaughter everyone in this world. I'll ensure your eternal reincarnation..."

"Don't..." As she slipped into unconsciousness, she regretted that her sudden departure left her without the chance to say her final words. There were still so many things she had yet to settle.

What a profound regret.