CHAPTER 566: CHAPTER 548: FAMILY

Fengyu stared at him in astonishment. The rippling reflections on the lake highlighted Xie Xun’s gentle features. She could sense the urgency and fear in his tone. Clearly, it was a proposal, something they had long awaited, yet it carried a hint of sorrow. Ever since learning about the parasite in her body, Xie Xun’s emotions had been even worse than hers. Perhaps she had already come to terms with her fate—there was regret, but also tranquility. Yet Xie Xun could not accept it.

She and Xie Xun had discussed the wedding before. A rushed marriage would make Xie Xun fear wronging her, and she wished for the wars in Jiangnan to subside first. If not, she feared the soldiers might express dissatisfaction. In any case, six days from now would not be an appropriate time for a grand wedding.

"General Gao entered the palace to pay respect today. The proclamations for several nearby towns around the Capital City have also been dispatched. Various state mansions have gradually adapted to the new dynasty, and the transition of power will not result in major upheaval. Although the implementation of new policies might face resistance, with my cousin and Zhang Boju managing the cabinet and overseeing their respective duties, the reforms will soon take root in Beining. I’ve also dispatched messages for the civil officials in Ningzhou to arrive in Shangjing. Once the conflicts in Jiangnan are settled, the Grand Marshal will have no power left to obstruct the court and can only accept the reality of the new dynasty peacefully. I can’t wait for Jiangnan’s wars to conclude, Ayu, marry me."

Fengyu understood Xie Xun’s turmoil. They had discussed this matter, and she, too, wished to avoid a hasty marriage, knowing it would provoke gossip.

"Zhixu, I know—the matter of the parasite troubles and frightens you. Let’s wait for Master Miao Yun to wake up before making a decision, all right? There’s no rush right now. My health is still considered stable, and I don’t show signs of a shortened lifespan. Master Miao Yun’s prophecy may not necessarily be accurate, so don’t panic, Zhixu. Both you and I understand that six days from now will be your ascension ceremony, yet it’s not the best time for us to marry." Fengyu held his hand tightly within hers.

Her hands were perpetually cold, as cool as water even on deep summer nights. Xie Xun was the opposite; his palms were warm year-round. She loved holding his hand for that very reason and was now doing her best to soothe his anxiety.

Xie Xun was already the ruler of a nation, yet their conversations bore no change. "I want to marry you soon, too. But I want to marry you in health and purity. I hope everyone in Beining blesses our union, not whispering doubts while your foundation as emperor is still unsteady, the court in disarray, and wars unresolved. Zhixu, I simply cannot."

"The greater good, the greater good—have I not sacrificed enough for the greater good? Years ago, I left the Capital City in rebellion for the sake of the greater good. I retreated to Ningzhou out of necessity. If I had directly fought back at the time, even if it brought turmoil to the court, perhaps today’s predicament would never have arisen. Yuwen Jing wouldn’t have had the time to strengthen his forces, and Chen Mo wouldn’t have had the opportunity to harm you. Perhaps even my sister-in-law wouldn’t have had to die."

"Yes, maybe I would’ve been safe. Maybe your elder sister wouldn’t have suffered. But tens of thousands would have died instead. I understand you’re lamenting, but you don’t regret it. Waiting those few years was the right choice. Taking the Capital City like this minimized the damage. The resolution is good; it wasn’t in vain that you waited all those years. Zhixu, let’s wait a little longer. After waiting for so many years, what’s the rush now?" Fengyu leaned gently against him, wrapping her arms around his waist. Her voice was light and soft, capable of calming all of Xie Xun’s agitation and unease. He was nearly persuaded by her, but once he was set on something, his resolve was hard to change.

"You don’t even want to marry me now?"

"Mm!"

Fengyu tilted her head and kissed his chin. "I want to marry you. But... can’t we wait a little longer?"

If her health were to fail and she truly didn’t live past eighteen... what would become of Zhixu? How many lonely years would he have to endure before he forgot her? She still wanted to witness Xie Xun’s reign in Beining, where peace reigned under clear skies.

The two embraced, like two wounded beasts nursing each other’s scars. Even Nuanyang, watching from the shore, felt a pang of sorrow. When would his master and the Third Miss finally achieve the happiness they deserved?

Lin Residence.

Lin Hongyuan and Lin Hongcheng had completed the three years of mourning and returned to the mansion that very night. They had already heard news of the dynastic change on their journey. The ancestral Lin home was not far from the Capital City. Lin Hongyuan had originally planned to stay a little while longer after the mourning period, but hearing of the transition compelled the two to hurry home.

Yuwen Jing was imprisoned. But what of Lin Yushu and Abao?

Even though the new emperor was Xie Xun, would he spare Lin Yushu and Abao? How should the Lin Family position itself in the future? These were the concerns weighing on Lin Hongyuan’s mind as the Family Head.

Lin Hongcheng, however, was far more emotionally volatile, struggling to accept such a drastic upheaval.

In his heart, Abao was destined to become the next emperor.

The Lin Family should have remained the royal in-laws.

But now, everything was ruined.

Overwhelmed with rage, Lin Hongcheng ordered Lin Helin to kneel in the ancestral hall upon his return. Furious and livid, he shouted, "Bai Qing, how dare you defy the ancestral code and support Xie Xun’s ascension! If not for your covert assistance, he’d never have taken control of the Forbidden Army. Without the Forbidden Army, he couldn’t have taken the Capital City. By doing this, what position have you left our Lin Family in? For three years, while my elder brother and I were away from the Capital, you acted as Family Head in our stead. But it wasn’t for you to hand over our great lands to someone else! How will we face the ancestors of the Yuwen Clan and the Lin Family when we die?"

Inside the Lin Family ancestral hall, only Lin Hongyuan, Lin Helin, and Lin Hongcheng were present. The other descendants of the Lin Family kept their distance, knowing better than to meddle in such matters. No one dared venture close to the hall.

Kneeling before the family altar, Lin Helin gazed at Elder Lin’s memorial plaque. Remembering his father’s final words, he muttered under his breath, "Father, second uncle, isn’t the outcome now a good one?"