CHAPTER 1087: CHAPTER 1037: FATHER AND DAUGHTER REUNION

If one were to speak of the most outstanding Emperor in the history of the Ning Dynasty, the first name to be mentioned would naturally be Great Ancestor Ning.

Great Ancestor Ning was born during a time of chaos.

At the end of the Xi Dynasty, a great drought descended, people lived in hardship, various rebellions arose, proclaiming kingship, and the Shenzhou Land Continent was fragmented.

It was against this backdrop that Great Ancestor Ning, with a commoner’s status, won this realm.

Founded the Daning, established the Tianqi Era.

The first year of Tianqi represented one of the most powerful dynasties in Shenzhou’s history—the Ning Dynasty, finally had its curtain raised officially.

As the founding emperor of the Ning Dynasty, the achievements of Great Ancestor Ning are indisputable.

And after the Great Ancestor, the only emperor who could stand shoulder to shoulder with him would be Ning Zhaozong.

The historical records say that Ning Zhaozong’s accession was unjust, simply because he was not the Crown Prince at the time.

He not only killed his brother but also his father.

The previous emperor was fatuous, the Crown Prince incompetent.

Everyone knew that if these two did not die, within a few years, the Ning Dynasty would face extinction, just like the fate of the Xi Dynasty.

Yet no one dared take on the eternal infamy of patricide and fratricide.

Fail, and one is infamous for eternity.

Win, and one’s reputation is tarnished.

But Ning Zhaozong bore it; after his righteous act of exterminating , he killed many treacherous ministers, then summoned the remaining pillar ministers to reshape the Ning Dynasty.

Once the internal and external foreign tribes were thoroughly eradicated, Ning Zhaozong moved the capital to Fengyuan, changing the national title to "Qianhe."

This also became the famous "Emperor guarding the gate of the nation" in Shenzhou’s history.

And precisely because of too much warfare, Zhaozong’s physical foundation was ruined, leading to a dwindling of his offspring.

Yet dwindling as it was, none of his children turned out to be wastrels; instead, each surpassed the other in excellence.

Years ago, Zhaozong faced opposition and established Princess Yongning as the Crown Prince’s successor, enduring much slander.

After all, at that time, Princess Yongning was still young, and there had never been a woman emperor in Shenzhou’s history.

Countless people said Zhaozong was blind and would lose his remaining dignity.

Many ministers also submitted petitions urging Zhaozong to abolish Princess Yongning’s position as Crown Prince and instead establish King of Yan.

But Ning Zhaozong did not change.

At the very beginning, he bore all the pressure and let Princess Yongning reside in the East Palace.

Later, he also formed an unprecedentedly strong teaching team based on the entire civil and military officials of the Ning Dynasty, to educate Princess Yongning.

Eventually, everyone had to admit that Ning Zhaozong’s vision was indeed excellent, and Princess Yongning indeed became the rare genius Crown Prince of her generation.

Yet, since ancient times, beauties often have an ill fate, forbidden to grow old in the human world.

No one expected Ning Zhaozong would see his black-haired daughter off with his white hair.

He never managed to see his carefully nurtured daughter ascend the supreme throne.

When Princess Yongning passed away, the realm was draped in mourning garb, and Zhaozong was in grief.

Adding to the injuries and illness he sustained in his youth, he followed her in less than two years.

In Ye Wanlan’s heart, Zhaozong was firstly her strict father, then a wise ruler.

She respected him, admired him, and aspired to become him, surpass him.

But time is indeed merciless and cruel, destiny inherently unruly, liking to shatter beautiful things for people to see.

Two days before she died, she was too exhausted to speak.

She knew Zhaozong stayed by her side after leaving court, yet she was unable to share her feelings with him.

And now, an exceptionally rare opportunity lay before her.

"I want..." Ye Wanlan exhaled, speaking softly, "to take Prince Brother, Little Chen, and Little Ke to meet them."

"Then let’s meet them." Si Fqing nodded, "Though it will take a considerable amount of effort, as long as it can fulfill Sister’s regrets, it’s worth it."

"Ah Lan, some things, I must be direct." Jun Muqian spoke slowly, "Your father emperor died peacefully of old age; he wasn’t killed by invaders, he perished from physical ailments and mental afflictions."

Upon hearing this, Ye Wanlan’s eyelashes trembled: "I know."

"We can preserve your Prince Brother and others’ souls because this Battle of Ten Thousand Armies should never have happened." Jun Muqian sighed, "Yet, even so, it must be based on not altering history in the slightest."

Si Fqing was somewhat worried: "Sister..."

"Hmm, I know." Ye Wanlan spoke again, smiling unexpectedly, "It’s rare to find perfect things in the world; I only need to do my best."

"Seems I’ve been overthinking." Jun Muqian breathed a sigh of relief, "I fear you’ll feel distressed inside, matters still need to be spoken openly so everyone can pool their wisdom, but must never mimic Ying Zijin by harboring things inside."

The words had not yet finished, from behind came a cool remark: "Jun Muqian."

"Oh—" Jun Muqian readily complied, immediately correcting, "I meant, not like Ying Zijin, who is lazy to talk."

Yan Tingfeng showed a slight movement of expression: "Xiao Wan, may I also join?"

"Of course." Ye Wanlan turned back, lifting her brow, "You are mine; it’s only right I take you to meet the family."

The phrase "you are mine" made Yan Tingfeng’s expression visibly delighted.

Si Fqing immediately appeared pitiful: "I am also Sister’s person."

Ye Wanlan patted her head: "Then let’s go meet together."

"Great!" Si Fqing was happy.

She turned, making a face at Yan Tingfeng.

Yan Tingfeng: "..."

Yu Xiheng also: "..."

He smiled, grasping Si Fqing’s hand, telling her: "Qingqing, I’m jealous."

Si Fqing patted her chest: "Don’t be jealous, Ah Jiu, I can split myself in halves, one half kept for Sister, the other half for you."

Yu Xiheng helplessly pressed his brow.

No need to go that far.

"Then let us begin." Jun Muqian said, "Everyone ready, take your positions, do not relax!"

"Swoosh—"

Time retreats, back to the year 1717 in Shenzhou.

At this point in time, Princess Yongning had just passed away, and the realm was still covered in the white of mourning.

In the once splendid Imperial Palace, wherever one looked, all was in white.

The palace had become quite silent, everyone steeped in grief.

Even the stars in the night sky had dimmed considerably, the bright moon nowhere to be seen.

In the sleeping quarters, incense was renewed once again.

The emperor, hair graying, sat beneath the lamp, flipping through a book.

This book relates to supernatural matters.

If word got out, no one would believe that Ning Zhaozong would actually have faith in such things.

The Chief Eunuch approached and advised softly, "Your Majesty, it’s late, time to rest."

He knew the death of Princess Yongning dealt a great blow to Zhaozong.

Two days ago, Zhaozong had drawn his heart’s blood; these past days, as he continued attending court, his body was exceedingly fragile.

Zhaozong closed the book, but did not lie down, instead asking, "Shouzhong, do you think Yongning is living well in another world?"

Zhao Shouzhong remained silent.

He didn’t know how to reply, dared not reply.

"I hope she has a healthy body, free from the torment of illness." Zhaozong mused to himself, "I owe her."

If it were not for the chaos in the palace at that time, his wife wouldn’t have given birth prematurely, his daughter wouldn’t have been left with lingering ailments.

Zhao Shouzhong opened his mouth, eagerly saying, "Your Majesty, how could it be you..."

His words had not yet finished, another voice had already sounded.

Resolute, earnest, undeniable.

"Father Emperor, you were never wrong."

Ning Zhaozong suddenly opened his eyes, brilliant light in them shining greatly.