Chapter 180: When the Dream Awakens

These past few days, Fang Chongyong has felt that life is unusually boring. Perhaps it's because he is someone who can never be idle, but Ji Ge is completely the opposite.

Ji Ge is truly idle, his mind is full of thoughts, and he finds life very uninteresting.

Even from a great distance, Fang Chongyong can sense the idle, decadent aura surrounding Ji Ge.

"Alas!"

In front of Qinzhengwubenlou, Fang Chongyong couldn't help sighing, waiting for someone to relieve him. Such idle, time‑wasting days are practically a slow suicide!

During last night's conjugal affairs, he only "slightly" went a bit wild, and in the morning Wang Yunxiu scolded him harshly for being unprofessional, saying he spends his days running back and forth between Xingqing Palace and its back gate, with all his idle thoughts devoted to women.

Fang Chongyong also feels helpless; while on duty inside Xingqing Palace there truly is nothing to do, his energy has nowhere to be released, and he cannot even train his subordinates.

After a day of idleness, returning home at night without playing any intimate games with his wife, what else is there to do?

Even if he were to read military treatises now, it would be of little use to him; it's just killing time.

Fang Chongyong can now only improve his command skills on the battlefield.

The basic knowledge required to lead troops in the Tang army was already thoroughly mastered and practiced by him when he served as Governor of Shazhou.

Fang Chongyong also knows his current state is useless, but he has few ways to break the deadlock. Ji Ge had him stand guard, so he must stand guard, unable to take a single step away. With no idle time, all actions are merely like flowers in a mirror and moon in water.

Just as he was muttering to himself, Gao Lishi hurried out of Qinzhengwubenlou, saw Fang Chongyong looking utterly bored, and smiled lightly:

"Chen Xuanli has held his post for decades, gaining a layer of flab, yet when given a chance to go out, he refuses. Do you know why?"

"Soldier does not know; please, General Gao, enlighten me."

Fang Chongyong crossed his arms, saluted, and said.

"Hehe, just follow me, and you'll understand once you go."

General Gao waved lightly, telling Fang Chongyong to ready the carriage; the two left through the north gate of Xingqing Palace and headed straight for the Ten King Residence on the northeast side of Chang'an.

Within each prince's courtyard in the Ten King Residence, there are four hundred eunuchs and palace maids. The entire compound has a Ten King Residence Envoy who handles all matters, big and small.

Below the princes, everything depends on the Envoy's mood; often even a princess can be sidelined, which is commonplace.

Chang'an is like that—the closer one is to the Sage, the greater the power. Just as General Gao, just as the many princes of the Ten King Residence.

Gao Lishi, deeply moved, said to Fang Chongyong, who was driving the carriage.

"Thank you, General Gao, for your teaching."

Fang Chongyong said without turning his head.

"Remember, in Chang'an the Sage is the heavens; everything else is unimportant, nothing matters."

General Gao seemed to be chatting casually with Fang Chongyong, yet also persuading himself.

In fact, Fang Chongyong had heard about many matters of the Ten King Residence from Wang Yunxiu. In short, the princes' current situation is akin to imprisonment, with their treatment even worse than that of the distant branches of the Li clan.

A distant branch like Prince Xin'an Li Yi can still be appointed as a governor, even lead troops into battle, let alone establish a prefecture. Their descendants can live freely and happily within the mansion, unrestricted in coming and going. There are also court‑appointed staff, such as the adoptive father of Anaye and other trusted aides.

But Ji Ge's filial sons and virtuous grandsons can only live confined within the Ten King Residence.

"I forgot to mention, on the south side of the Ten King Residence, directly opposite Xingqing Palace, lies the Hundred Grandsons Courtyard, where the Sage's grandchildren reside; each hall houses only about thirty palace staff."

Life there is even worse than that of a seventh‑rank official.

"Being born into the imperial family is not always a blessing."

General Gao added another barb.

Hearing this, Fang Chongyong actually wanted to ask, "Ji Ge's sons really don't want to give their father a blow? They probably dream about it every night, right?"

Yet every time they proactively request an audience with the Sage, every time Ji Ge summons them or holds an event, these people must put on a smiling face, never allowing outsiders to see their true thoughts.

That truly is exhausting!

With chaotic thoughts swirling, the carriage quickly reached the gate of the Ten King Residence. The round‑faced eunuch they had met earlier, upon seeing General Gao, eagerly stepped forward, knelt on the ground, supporting himself with both hands, signaling that General Gao should step onto his back.

"Li Jingzhong, stop fiddling with these fancy things. Only the Sage may enjoy such privileges."

General Gao scolded Li Jingzhong in a harsh tone.

Fang Chongyong, observing from the side, suddenly understood why General Gao could stand unshaken beside Ji Ge; it was this meticulous caution that ordinary people could not match.

If he were to ride the carriage over Li Jingzhong's back, how would Ji Ge, after hearing rumors embellished, feel about it later?

One must know that 'three men make a tiger' is a terrifying thing! And when serving the ruler as if serving a tiger, can one ever be without constant vigilance?

"Go, summon the Princess Consort of Prince Shou."

General Gao said to Li Jingzhong without any courtesy.

Seeing the other party still seemed about to speak, General Gao immediately snapped, "Don't bring up things that shouldn't be asked. You've been a dog slave for so long, still can't fix this flaw?"

"General Gao's reprimand is apt; I was just taken aback. I will go, I will go."

Li Jingzhong bowed his head and left, and after turning away, a flash of resentment crossed his eyes!

After he walked away, Fang Chongyong whispered, "General Gao, is it okay to scold the Ten King Residence Envoy like that? Might he later take revenge on you?"

"Hehe!"

General Gao let out a cold laugh, not answering Fang Chongyong's question; the answer was self‑evident.

Soon, Wei Sanniang was called out, accompanied by Prince Shou Li Chang.

"The Sage wishes the Princess Consort of Prince Shou to serve a meal; please accompany me into Xingqing Palace."

General Gao looked at Wei Sanniang, expressionless, and said.

"General Gao, the Sage has so many palace maids; is it truly impossible to find even one to serve a meal?"

Prince Shou Li Chang stepped forward, stopped General Gao, and asked.

"The Sage has been in a bad mood lately, so I pretended the prince said nothing just now.

Princess Consort of Prince Shou, please proceed."

General Gao was too lazy to waste words with Li Chang, and directly addressed Wei Sanniang.

"I forbid it; I demand an audience with the Sage!"

Li Chang said through clenched teeth.

The Sage has already said, if the Longevity King insists on following, then break this unfilial son's leg.

Gao Lishi said coldly.

"Ah Lang, the Sage's words cannot be refused, right?"

Wei Sanniang suddenly stood in front of Li Chang, looked at Gao Lishi, and said calmly, "General Gao, lead the way."

Her composed demeanor made Gao Lishi click his tongue in amazement, and he couldn't help to feel a fondness for this teenage young lady.

Gao Lishi turned his head to Fang Chongyong and said, "Stop the Longevity King; if he follows, break his leg. This is the Sage's golden‑tongued decree, not a joke."

At that moment, Li Jingzhong held the Longevity King's arm tightly, preventing him from moving forward.

"Apologies, it's my duty."

Fang Chongyong stepped in front of Longevity King Li Chang, separating him from Wei Sanniang. In that instant, he felt like a hound, knowing right from wrong yet forced to bow to the pressure of reality.

Because he also had Wang Yunxiu and Anaye as his women.

Before absolute imperial power, he was tiny, powerless, lacking the extra strength to pull Li Chang aside.

As Wei Sanniang boarded the carriage, Fang Chongyong followed, driving back to Xingqing Palace. Longevity King Li Chang again watched helplessly as his lover departed.

This time seemed a bit different, yet nothing appeared to have changed.

The sky at that moment was gloomy, thick with dark clouds.

……

"Wait, whatever the Sage does, you must not resist."

Before entering Qinzhengwubenlou, Gao Lishi grabbed Wei Sanniang's arm and whispered a warning.

"Like Yang Yuhuan of old?"

Wei Sanniang suddenly turned her head and asked a question that made Gao Lishi's scalp tingle.

"Fool! If you don't think of yourself, think of the Wei clan. Your family's wealth lasts a hundred years—can you withstand the Sage's thunderous wrath...?"

Gao Lishi grew impatient, climbing the stairs while urging Wei Sanniang.

However, the young lady gave no reply, yet her steps never faltered. Today she wore a bright red robe, looking elegant and generous, and, as always, her words and actions brimmed with vigor.

Fang Chongyong stood downstairs, watching Wei Sanniang ascend, feeling as if a stone pressed on his heart, impossible to lift.

In the study of Qinzhengwubenlou, Ji Ge saw the poised Wei Sanniang and, for some reason, his lower half instantly stirred, a surge of unvented anger swelling inside him!

Gao Lishi swiftly exited the study and closed the door.

"Take off your clothes and come to me; not a single garment may remain!"

Li Longji's eyes glowed crimson as he stared at Wei Sanniang's slender figure, roaring in a deep voice like a predatory beast.

He even unfastened his own belt.

"Sage, I am your daughter‑in‑law; I cannot do such a thing."

Wei Sanniang remained very calm, respectfully crossing her arms and bowing to Ji Ge.

"No, from today you are no longer my daughter‑in‑law. If you strip and come to me, you become my consort; I can separate you from the Longevity King and then ennoble you as Empress! Whatever you desire, I can fulfill!"

Ji Ge untied the clasp of his robe while walking slowly and steadily toward Wei Sanniang.

"Sage, please restrain yourself!"

Wei Sanniang shouted at Li Longji.

"What have I done wrong! Can't you obey me? Come, into my arms!"

Li Longji advanced step by step, while Wei Sanniang retreated in the study, reaching the edge of the railing with nowhere left to flee!

"Sage, do not think every woman is like Yang Yuhuan! All you can touch at will!"

"I have always only wanted to be a proper woman; what fault have I committed?"

Wei Sanniang rebuked Ji Ge with righteous words.

But at this critical moment, Ji Ge would not heed any loyalty or filial piety! He only wanted to possess this beautiful woman, tear her apart, and utterly destroy the happiness between her and the Longevity King!

As long as this woman crawls beneath his feet like a dog, his heart would be satisfied.

I have no damn love at all, and that turtle‑son of the Longevity King shouldn't have any either! I will trample this beauty to the ground, crazily!

"Wretch! You'd better think clearly! If you don't comply, I will annihilate your entire clan! Yes, I say that if you seize the chance to assassinate me, not only you but the Longevity King must die!"

"Quickly, strip your clothes! I don't want to say it a third time!"

"What does the Longevity King have that's better? I rule the four seas, I am all‑powerful! Nothing surpasses the Longevity King?"

Li Longji was already within a meter of Wei Sanniang; a single lunge could snatch the frail beauty into his arms for pleasure!

"The Longevity King is human; you are not!"

Wei Sanniang spat out hot tears, cursing.

"Yes, I am not human; I am a deity!"

"This great Tang realm spans beyond ten thousand li, its countless resources belong to me; whatever I desire, I can have. If I favor you, it's your honor—why don't you come into my arms?"

Li Longji gasped, his throat clenched, and demanded.

He clenched his fists, ready to pounce.

"My ancestors include Wei Shuyu, who defended Yubi City back then, styled Xiaokuan.

He led thousands of troops to guard the city for months, unafraid of Gao Huan's two hundred thousand elite soldiers, safeguarding the Guanzhong region.

I come today with a death‑ready heart, upholding all virtue, never disgracing my ancestors.

This is to let you, the deluded emperor, a lone tyrant, a waste, see that not everything can bend to your will!

You are an immortal dog emperor! Yet you claim to be an all‑powerful deity! Bah!

I will go ahead, waiting at Yellow Spring Ferry for your deserved end!

Wei Sanniang spat at Ji Ge, then leapt, vaulting over the waist‑high railing and jumping down from the building!

Bang!

With a muffled sound, Fang Chongyong, who was on duty downstairs, rushed at top speed to catch her, but he was still two steps too slow and didn't even grab Wei Sanniang's sleeve!

He looked up toward the railing of the study in Qinzhengwubenlou, and at that moment met Ji Ge's gaze. That gloomy look, as if solid, swept over him; Fang Chongyong hurriedly performed the crossed‑hand salute, bowing his head and daring not to look at the enraged Ji Ge!

Soon, Gao Lishi ran over, panting, waved at Fang Chongyong, and when he reached his side, lowered his voice and asked, "Is the person completely dead?"

Fang Chongyong turned his head to look at Wei Sanniang, whose state was uncertain, and slowly shook his head. He did not state whether the shake meant "almost gone" or "still alive".

Fortunately, Gao Lishi did not intend to probe further; he wiped the cold sweat from his forehead and continued to instruct:

"Drive the carriage to return the person to Ten King Residence, and say that the Prince's Consort was unaware of etiquette and weight, was restless and invisible in Xingqing Palace, and accidentally fell from the upper floor."

"The Prince's discipline is lax; he orders her to do wall‑facing reflection within Ten King Residence, forbidding her from leaving the estate for a month!"

Having said that, he hurried upstairs, perhaps to soothe Ji Ge.

Fang Chongyong had no choice but to lift the unusually lucid yet clearly breath‑thin, weak‑pulse Wei Sanniang onto the carriage and head toward Ten King Residence.

……

"I, the concubine, have not… done anything to betray you, my lord."

In front of the main gate of Ten King Residence, Prince Li Chang held Wei Sanniang in his arms; hearing the foolish woman in his embrace still babble idle words, he hurriedly, with tears choking him, comforted, "I know, I have always known. It will get better, you will be fine."

"I wish I could accompany you on a spring outing again… Being with you has always been so joyful, but unfortunately there is no time left."

Wei Sanniang murmured her final words of life, then softly collapsed in Li Chang's embrace, completely silent.

Prince Li Chang seemed to have lost track of time, holding Wei Sanniang's corpse for a long while. Having perhaps made a decision, he placed Wei Sanniang on the ground, walked to Fang Chongyong, who had never left, and asked in a deep voice:

"General Fang, can you tell me how the Princess died?"

"She was ignorant and fearless, climbed the building and accidentally fell to her death."

Fang Chongyong said expressionlessly.

"Even you have become this shameless!"

Li Chang grabbed the clothing on Fang Chongyong's chest and demanded.

"It is my duty, some can say so. How the Princess, how the sage—doesn't the Prince know better than I?"

"I have official duties, I must take my leave."

Fang Chongyong performed a clasped‑hands salute to Li Chang, then turned and left, taking the carriage away.

"Sanniang, wait for me a few days first."

Li Chang lifted Wei Sanniang's corpse, murmuring softly, his voice barely audible.

Thus the grand curtain of this volume is drawn.

(End of chapter)