sbdcsierra Chapter 219
Chapter 219
In the twentieth year of the Jiaming Era, after celebrating her sixty-sixth birthday, Yun Wan’s health could no longer hold, and she took to her sickbed, leaving the entire Imperial Academy of Medicine helpless.
Before her bedside, Sui and Mingyang, now of grandparent age themselves, wept like children, pleading with their mother not to leave them.
Gazing at her two children, Yun Wan smiled faintly and raised her hand with difficulty to wipe away their tears. “Good children, don’t cry.”
Hearing this, they sobbed even louder, like three-year-olds.
Yun Wan had no choice but to turn her eyes to the man who held her hand tightly before her, and said softly, “My husband, life has its birth, aging, sickness, and death. Do not blame them.”
By “them,” she meant the imperial physicians. Her body was already spent; even if the legendary physician Huatuo could be reborn, nothing could save her—only perhaps prolong her suffering for a few more days.
But Yun Wan did not wish for that.
His temples now streaked with gray, his eyes red-rimmed, Emperor Jingxuan looked at her in silence. He wanted to say no, wanted to say that if she dared to die, he would order all the physicians be killed.
Yet even so, he knew he could not keep his beloved wife, his lady.
Having shared a bed and grown old together for decades, Yun Wan understood that he had silently agreed.
Her soft, cold hand brushed his cheek as scalding tears fell from his eyes into her palm. In her final moments, Yun Wan looked into his eyes and said:
“My husband, I wish to meet you again in my next life.”
In this life of hers, the first twenty years had been bitter and sweet, but after meeting him, she had been treasured like a jewel, and the rest of her days were all sweetness.
Yun Wan did not regret meeting him.
As he felt her life slipping away, Emperor Jingxuan’s eyes burned red, tears streaming down. “I feel the same.”
Hearing this, Yun Wan closed her eyes, a gentle smile lingering on her lips.
The funeral bell tolled across the heavens, and within and outside the palace, cries of grief shook the skies.
Three months later, the retired emperor who had ushered in the glorious Jīngtài Era of the Great Qí Dynasty passed away at the Qiyun Palace. The emperor and empress were buried together.
But Sui and Mingyang knew that after their mother’s death, their father had harbored a wish to die.
He had only lingered for three months to arrange their mother’s funeral rites and personally oversee the construction of her mausoleum, ensuring that every detail matched her tastes in life and left no flaw.
…
With the striking of a golden bell, the man on the dragon bed abruptly woke, blurting out, “My lady!”
The room was thick with the bitter scent of medicine. The eunuch by the bed trembled, then cried out in joyful surprise: “Your Majesty, you’re awake?!”
Seeing the person before him clearly, Emperor Jingxuan frowned deeply. “Jiang Fusheng?”
He remembered this wretched servant had died before him and his lady. Could he have come back to life? And grown younger?
Jiang Fusheng nodded frantically. “It’s this servant!”
Whether it was his imagination, he felt that since the emperor woke, his entire aura had become even more commanding and intimidating.
Emperor Jingxuan paid no mind to his thoughts, scanning the room for the person he cared about most: “Where is my lady?”
“My lady?” Jiang Fusheng faltered, confusion spreading across his youthful, steamed-bun-like face. “What lady, Your Majesty? You have not yet married or taken any consorts!”
Hearing this, Emperor Jingxuan was stunned. He looked down at his own hands.
There were thick calluses on his palms, but not a trace of aging.
What’s more, he could feel that he was in a young body, brimming with the vitality and strength of his youth.
A bold thought surged in Emperor Jingxuan’s mind. He asked Jiang Fusheng, “What year is this?”
Jiang Fusheng replied, “Your Majesty, it is now the first year of the Jingxuan Era. Three months ago, the late emperor died, and traitors seized the throne. You led the army into the capital, slaughtered the usurpers, and ascended the throne. Do you not recall?”
At the thought that the emperor might have lost his memory upon waking, Jiang Fusheng trembled with fear, on the verge of tears.
Emperor Jingxuan shot him a glance, his tone cold and stern. “Of course I have not forgotten. My head merely aches. What is the situation now?”
He had not missed the medicinal scent lingering in the hall, nor the eunuch’s tense demeanor, which told him something must have happened to him.
Seeing this, Jiang Fusheng breathed a sigh of relief and reported truthfully: “Three days ago, you collapsed without warning. The imperial physicians tried every method, but you merely remained in a state of unconsciousness, with no identifiable ailment.”
Emperor Jingxuan now confirmed it: after his lady had passed peacefully at the end of her lifespan and he had been determined to follow her, he had awoken to find himself back in the year he ascended the throne at eighteen.
But he had no memory of a three-day coma in his original past, so this event must have been the turning point.
Call it a rebirth after death—did that mean his lady had also returned?
But then he remembered that his lady was fully eight years younger than him. At this moment, she would be only a ten-year-old girl, perhaps still in Yangzhou. The thought struck him like a bucket of cold water, grounding him back to reality.
He suppressed his burning desire to see his lady at once and calmly ordered: “Summon Master Liaochen to the palace.”
Back when his lady had died, to ensure her rebirth into a good fate, he had sought out Master Liaochen, a renowned high monk of the Great Qí, to chant sutras for her, and thus they had some connection.
If his lady had also returned, he needed to plan ahead—to remove all obstacles from her path and welcome her arrival.
Jiang Fusheng hesitated: “Your Majesty, it is said that Master Liaochen came down from the mountains several days ago, and his whereabouts are now unknown.”
Ever since the emperor suddenly fell unconscious, he had suspected something supernatural at play. He had sent men to find Master Liaochen, but the monk had left early, and they had missed him.
As he finished speaking, a palace attendant reported: “Your Majesty, outside the palace gates, a Buddhist monk calling himself Master Liaochen requests an audience!”
Jiang Fusheng paused, then burst into elation. “Quickly, invite him in! His Majesty was seeking him!”
…
No one knew what was said between the two men, but the next day, Emperor Jingxuan announced the cancellation of the imperial consort selection.
The reason given was a decree from Master Liaochen’s divination: that the emperor was plagued by malevolent energy, and his recent coma had been the result of its eruption. To dispel this energy, Master Liaochen stated that the emperor should keep his distance from women and cultivate purity, while seeking a person of noble destiny—a “star of fortune”—to accompany him and help vanquish the malign force.
The officials were skeptical, not truly believing the story. Many resented losing the chance to send their daughters into the palace, and thus they raised objections, suggesting that while a full selection might be canceled, a smaller one could still be held.
Emperor Jingxuan made no response. Instead, before the entire court, he suddenly coughed up a mouthful of blood and collapsed in a faint.
That coma lasted seven days.
During that time, the troops stationed around the capital remained on high alert, arresting any sign of turmoil and eliminating many rebel factions. Among those swept away were the most vocal opponents at court, who were thrown into prison.
Such ruthless action silenced any dissent.
When Emperor Jingxuan “awoke” once more, the atmosphere in the court had been thoroughly cleansed, and all began to search earnestly for the so-called “star of fortune.”
But despite searching the whole capital based on Master Liaochen’s conditions, they found no such woman. Some began to wonder if she even existed—or if the emperor had been deceived.
Jiang Fusheng was equally puzzled.
It was not until several days later, when the Xuanlong Guard delivered news, that he was overjoyed, rushing to report: “Your Majesty! Your star of fortune has been found! It is the eldest daughter of Vice Minister Yun, just returned from Yangzhou!”
Emperor Jingxuan feigned surprise. “There truly is such a woman?”
Jiang Fusheng nodded eagerly. “A thousand times true! She matches Master Liaochen’s description perfectly!”
Hearing this, Emperor Jingxuan clapped his hands and laughed heartily. “Excellent. Prepare the carriage. I shall go see my little star of fortune!”
…
At the Yun Mansion in the capital.
A sharp cry broke the silence of the meal, where tradition dictated no words at table.
“Why is she sitting in my seat?”
Yun Shiyue glared at Yun Wan, her face full of grievances. “Father, Mother, that’s my seat! Why does she get to take it just because she’s back?”
“Yue’er, don’t be disrespectful. She’s your sister, the legitimate eldest daughter of the Yun family.”
Madam Yun scolded her, but there was little blame in her tone.
Yun Shiyue grew even more dissatisfied. She set down her chopsticks and said sulkily, “I’m a legitimate daughter of the Yun family too! And I’m her younger sister—why won’t she give in to me?”
What grated on her most was that this sister, the moment she returned, had usurped her status as the eldest legitimate daughter of the Yun family. Yun Shiyue hated Yun Wan and couldn’t understand why she couldn’t just stay in Yangzhou forever. Why did she have to come back?
Seated at the head of the table, Yun’s father furrowed his brow. “Shiyue, stop making a scene.”
Yun Shiyue looked at him incredulously. “Father, when have I ever made a scene? I’ve always sat in that seat before. If I change seats now, I won’t be able to eat!”
Yun’s father had a headache from her fussing, but knowing her willfulness was his own doing, he reluctantly turned to Yun Wan. “Wan’er, your sister doesn’t know better. Don’t take it to heart. She’s been spoiled. How about you give in to her this once?”
Yun Wan, who had remained unmoved by Yun Shiyue’s complaints from start to finish, looked up and said in a cold tone, “I didn’t spoil her, so why should I give in?”
Hearing this, Yun’s father frowned even more deeply. “You’re her older sister. What harm is there in giving in to her?”
Yun Wan replied, “Since this family doesn’t welcome me, Father, why did you bother bringing me back? My uncle and aunt never made me suffer like this.”
From the moment she had returned to the Yun residence yesterday, ten-year-old Yun Wan could sense that no one in this household truly welcomed her.
By the same token, she didn’t like this home either. She had hated everything about it ever since her mother died when she was five.
Yun’s father’s face darkened, and his tone turned displeased. “Your surname is Yun. You’re a daughter of the Yun family. What would it look like if you kept staying in Yangzhou? People would think the Yun family couldn’t afford to raise a daughter.”
Beside them, Yun Shiyue watched with glee. As for the others at the table, they kept their heads down as if they hadn’t heard a thing.
Seeing this, a flicker of disgust crossed Yun Wan’s eyes. She set down her chopsticks, turned to Yun Shiyue, and said expressionlessly, “If that’s the case, then I’ll give this seat back to you.”
With that, she got up from the table and walked toward the door.
Behind her, Yun’s father barked, “Where are you going?”
Yun Wan said, “I’m not eating!”
Yun’s father fumed, “This is rebellion! What nonsense is this?”
He was about to scold her further when the steward hurried in and whispered something in his ear. His face changed instantly.
...
After leaving, Yun Wan was overwhelmed with grievance.
She wanted to go back to Yangzhou. She missed her uncle and aunt.
She hated this place. Her father had told her to give in to Yun Shiyue, but why should she? She was only two years older. Why wasn’t the younger sister expected to yield to the elder?
The more she thought about it, the more wronged she felt. Big teardrops welled up and rolled down her cheeks, blurring her vision.
Not wanting anyone to see her in such a sorry state, she walked faster and faster—so fast that she didn’t see where she was going and collided with someone, the impact nearly sending her stumbling backward.
“Where did this little crybaby come from?”
Her shoulder was steadied, and a deep, pleasant voice came from above her head.
Yun Wan looked up. The man was extremely tall, so she had to step back to see his face—and found it strikingly handsome.
“I’m sorry. Who are you?” she asked, staring blankly at him, tears still clinging to her face.
Emperor Jingxuan paused briefly, then a playful glint appeared in his eyes. “I am the Great Qi Emperor.”
Yun Wan looked at him as if he were crazy.
Seeing that she truly didn’t recognize him and had no memory of her past life, a fleeting disappointment passed through Emperor Jingxuan’s eyes.
He shook his head to himself, having anticipated this, hadn’t he?
His gaze fell on her reddened eyes. He wanted to reach out and wipe away her tears but stopped himself. Instead, he handed her a handkerchief. “Who bullied you?”
Yun Wan didn’t take it. She casually wiped her face with her hand and said brusquely, “None of your business.”
At ten, freshly back from Yangzhou, Yun Wan had a temper of her own. Her delicate little face had a touch of baby fat, making it slightly round, and her hair was styled into two bunches like rabbit ears, adorned with pretty beaded flowers.
Emperor Jingxuan raised an eyebrow. His ten-year-old wife was like a little firecracker, but when wronged, she could only run off.
He couldn’t help recalling his daughter Mingyang at ten: confident, bold, utterly unruly—no one dared provoke her, and no one could make her suffer, let alone make her cry.
So this is what his lady was like in her youth.
His heart suddenly ached.
Yun Wan found it strange. This tall man before her seemed to know her, and the look in his eyes appeared to hold deep sympathy?
But she was certain she didn’t know him, so she frowned and said, “Can you move? I need to leave.”
“Wan’er, how dare you be so rude!”
Yun’s father, who had rushed over, was so frightened by her words that he nearly stumbled, scolding her sharply.
Emperor Jingxuan looked up at the arriving man, his expression displeased.
Yun’s father’s heart tightened. He quickly led his family in a bow. “We did not know Your Majesty would honor us with your presence. Please forgive our negligence!”
“Rise,” Emperor Jingxuan said flatly.
Yun Wan was stunned. She looked up at him, disbelief in her eyes.
He really was the emperor?
Meeting her shocked gaze, Emperor Jingxuan’s expression softened.
Meanwhile, Yun’s father, uneasy, took the initiative to speak. “This is no place for conversation, Your Majesty. Please, allow me to escort you inside.”
Emperor Jingxuan waved a hand. “No need. I’ve come to fetch someone today.”
Yun’s father’s heart leaped. He asked cautiously, “May I ask whom Your Majesty is here to collect?”
Emperor Jingxuan said, “My lucky star is right here in your residence—your daughter.”
“Lucky star?”
Yun’s father immediately recalled Master Liaochen’s prophecy and the recent covert search among the capital’s noble families for the fabled lucky star maiden.
He hadn’t expected her to be in his own house—and to be his own daughter!
Suppressing his excitement, he asked nervously, “I have four daughters. May I ask which of them is Your Majesty’s lucky star?”
Upon learning that the person before them was none other than the most honored sovereign in the realm and that the lucky star he sought was in the Yun family, Madam Yun and Yun Shiyue’s hearts raced.
Though Yun Shiyue was only eight, she understood what this meant. If she were the lucky star, her status would soar overnight.
Yun’s father said, “Steward, summon the third and fourth young ladies!”
Emperor Jingxuan said, “No need. I’ve already found her.”
At this, Yun Shiyue was elated. The lucky star the emperor spoke of must be her!
Who else in this household could be worthy of being called a lucky star?
Emperor Jingxuan stopped beating around the bush. “She is the lucky star I seek.”
He turned his head and looked toward one spot.
Everyone followed his gaze, and found that the lucky star he spoke of was none other than Yun Wan, who had just returned from Yangzhou!
Yun Shiyue blurted out, “How could it be her? She’s a jinx! She killed her own mother!”