Chapter 4: 3

CHAPTER 3: THIRD NIGHT

Translator: LIN
Editor: Meow Meow

Early next morning, Ye Zijue waited at the Ting Feng pagoda in accordance with the instructions given by Su Yuanan. After a short time, a man in a green gown appeared opposite her. With a shallow smile on his face, he lightly shook the small fan in his hand, seeming as though he was a son of nobility out on a leisure walk. However, he did not have the look of an accomplished youth, due to that extra air of shrewd calmness.

Without speaking, he turned his head to look outside the pagoda. There were all kinds of people there, those who were noble and righteous, and those who would even sell their own sons and daughters. They were the ones who made up the foundation of this country. He smiled lightly: "We haven't gone out for many years." 

He looked after the affairs of the country without rest, it was only natural he would not have the time for entertainment. She also did not speak, only silently sipping her tea. Su Yuanan glanced at her, smiled and said: "Zijue, let’s drink today." 

Subsequently, without waiting for her opposition, he shouted loudly: "Give me two jars of Nu Er Hong" 

Ye Zijue frowned discontentedly: "Why must you drink?" 

"It’s alright." Su Yuanan smiled, lightly fanning himself: "Zijue, I want to drink with you at least once. In the past, I told you that one day, we would have a bout of unrestrained drinking. However, for so many years, I have neglected this promise." 

Ye Zijue did not speak, only quietly looking at him. Then, the corners of her mouth curved upwards, and she nodded: "Okay." 

He remembered his promise, for them to fall drunk together. However, she could not fulfil her promise. 

Even though she distinctly remembered, the her of the past had said such bold words, as a show of false friendship, while painstakingly trying to gain his favor. To govern this country with him, assisting him until the common people could peacefully settle down, before roaming the world together. 

When she had originally said these words, she did not take it seriously, after all, it was only said in a joking manner. However, now that she reminisced those words, they felt like steel needles, piercing her heart.

The two did not speak, only knowing to pour wine, clink their cups, and drink. 

He continuously laughed, she also laughed, not saying a single word, feeling the wine scorching her heart. After a long time, he suddenly said: “If I do not dispatch any troops to fight the people of Liao, my name will be in infamy for all eternity. However... the rebel army, regardless of whether they send troops or not, will still be the teacher of righteousness. In fact, I know….."

Seemingly drunk, he supported his forehead with one hand, bitterly smiled and said: "Everyone under the heaven believes them to be righteous, while everything done by the imperial court is wrong. The imperial court fighting the Liao people is also natural, after all, it is their obligation. If the rebels send troops to fight the Liao people, it is a deed that should be passed down for eternity. When the imperial court was attacked by the rebel army while fighting against the Liao people, they were not colluding with foreign countries, and it could only be said to be following the Heaven’s will. Speaking of this... Zijue, I really am not willing. For what reason... should I be cursed by the world as an incapable ruler, despite doing so much for them?”

As he was speaking, he took another sip of wine and lightly laughed: “Yang Yuan proclaimed himself as a righteous person, but when the country was facing imminent danger, he refused to call for a ceasefire. "Zijue, ah Zijue...." He looked up at her, his eyes filled with exhaustion. "You tell me, what should I do? It is impossible for me to abdicate. Yang Yuan is not a person of benevolence, he will become an imitation of my father emperor when he sits on the throne someday. How can I hand over the world to such a man? To send troops… how do I send them? How do I send them?" 

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As he spoke, he shook his head again: "Zijue, I am drunk."

"Yes." Ye Zijue gently sighed: "You are drunk."

Su Yuanan lightly laughed, the laughter was stifling, carrying both ridicule and sorrow. Ye Zijue secretly clenched her clothing, finding that breathing had become more and more difficult. 

Yang Yuan refused to send troops. 

The military advisor who was trusted by all, to care for the country, its citizens, and the common people, unexpectedly did this out of his own personal benefit, regardless of the state of the country! 

Ha, how ridiculous. 

Seeing the person who helplessly and sorrowfully smiled in front of her eyes, Ye Zijue’s heart cooled down inch by inch. Su Yuanan gently closed his eyes and let out a long sigh: "Zijue, in fact, I have always thought, if I were not born in such troubled times, if I were not the emperor, if I were just an ordinary passerby, and you were just an ordinary woman. If that were the case, then I would be able to say these words out loud..." 

"What words?" Ye Zijue’s heart suddenly palpitated. Su Yuanan stood up and shook his head: "I heard that Jiangnan’s waterways are very beautiful. If there is an opportunity, Zijue, there’s no harm in taking a look." 

After he finished speaking, he slowly walked out. 

Just outside the doorway, he suddenly paused and turned to look at the woman by the table who continued to drink. He gave a bitter laugh.

She should understand. 

Go.

This country, he will not be able to keep. Then, he must be able to at least keep her. 

"Zijue..." Remembering this name, and he turned around, no longer looking back.

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