Yu Mingyue left the Taiji Hall only after Emperor Yong'an breathed his last. The wind blew against her face, and she reached out as if to grasp something, but her fingers closed on nothing. She finally lowered her arm gently.
Even if she were accused of regicide, she would not fear it. He had lived too long. For every day he remained alive, the sky was like dark clouds obscuring the sun, preventing the world from being clear and bright.
As she descended the steps, she saw guards approaching her. "Please inform the Crown Princess that I thank her for her assistance today."
"This subordinate is dispatched by the Crown Princess to escort you out of the palace."
Luo Lingyi had indeed been thoughtful. Leaving the palace late at night could easily lead to gossip. Having an escort would naturally make the journey smoother.
When Yu Mingyue arrived at the Mo Residence, Zhan Qing had already surrounded it with the Chiyan Army. Upon seeing Yu Mingyue approach, he cupped his hands and said, "Master!"
"How is Prime Minister Mo?"
"He is waiting for you in the main hall."
As Yu Mingyue entered, Prime Minister Mo, clad in the first-rank official robes of the Great Wei, sat solemnly in a grand armchair.
Yu Mingyue spoke directly, "I have come today to inform Prime Minister Mo that His Majesty passed away half an hour ago."
Prime Minister Mo looked at Yu Mingyue and set down the teacup in his hand. "Duke Zhenguo lived his life by the rules, never expecting to have a daughter full of defiance."
Yu Mingyue sat down beside him. "Prime Minister Mo, you need not say such things. You have rendered great service to the Great Wei, and I once admired you, Madam. But you are old, and when one is old, one should enjoy their twilight years."
Prime Minister Mo chuckled. "You resent me for suggesting that Xie Jia'an should seek peace, don't you? Even if I hadn't suggested it, he would have gone."
"Therefore, I say you are old, Prime Minister. This court should be handed over to capable individuals, not to those who manipulate power and hold positions without fulfilling their duties. The moment you sent Yu Xi into the palace, you should have known that you no longer possessed the wisdom to govern or the ability to assist an emperor. The Mo family has no successors, and can only rely on its women to strive for advancement. I, Yu Liu Niang, will never harm those who have served the nation. It would be best for you, Prime Minister Mo, to submit your resignation and retire to your hometown, leaving the capital."
Yu Mingyue finished speaking and stood up. As she reached the doorway, she suddenly remembered something and paused. "I forgot to tell you, Prime Minister, Yu Xi asked me for one thing before she died: that her body not be interred in the imperial mausoleum. I promised her and fulfilled her last wish."
With that, she strode away.
Prime Minister Mo sat in the armchair, the candlelight casting a long shadow. As the flame flickered, it seemed as if he saw his granddaughter's figure. When he tried to look again, she was gone.
After an unknown period, he slowly rose, his steps faltering, as if he had aged suddenly.
...
Spring of Yong'an twenty-fourth year. Emperor Yong'an passed away. Crown Prince Xiao Che ascended the throne, changing the era name to Jiarui, known historically as Emperor Gaozong of Wei.
The Yu family was rewarded for their meritorious service in quelling the rebellion. The Chiyan Army was honored as a loyal and brave force, forever recorded in history. Yu Mingyue was promoted to Minister of Dali Temple, with the additional title of Grand Tutor to the Crown Prince.
In the third year of Jiarui, Emperor Gaozong summoned Di Yiming back to the capital and appointed him Tong Pingzhangshi. In the fifth year of Jiarui, he was promoted to Neishi Ling.
In the thirteenth year of Jiarui, Emperor Gaozong passed away. Before his death, he appointed Di Yiming, Yu Mingyue, and Yu Mingjing as regents.
Emperor Jiarui reigned for thirteen years. He diligently managed state affairs, fostered good relations with neighboring countries, and the people lived in peace and harmony, ushering in an era of great prosperity.
For these thirteen years, Yu Mingyue dared not relax for a single day. After the morning court, she deliberately took a detour to the Imperial Academy. The sound of learning was loud, a scene of vibrant new beginnings.
These young children were full of spirit, and she saw herself as she was in those years.
Brother Jia'an, dressed in a blue scholar's robe, was elegant and handsome. He smiled and told her, "To establish the heart for heaven and earth, to secure the lifeblood of the people, to continue the lost teachings of the past sages, and to open the peace for all generations. Though millions stand in the way, I will go!"
Brother Jia'an, we have achieved it.
This era of peace and prosperity is as you wished!
The End