Chapter 3: Epilogue · The Blossoms on the Path (Complete)

Epilogue · The Blossoms on the Path (Complete)

Wen Qingyu turned slowly, facing Yan Daiqing, who approached holding scrolls, his expression unaltered, full of sincere confusion: “Your Majesty? Isn’t Your Majesty inside, reviewing the scrolls?”

Yan Daiqing held the scrolls and said: “I went there just now, but didn’t see him.”

“Were you here, and didn’t see Your Majesty at all?”

Wen Qingyu replied: “No.”

Yan Daiqing frowned: “Truly not?”

Wen Qingyu answered frankly:

“Of course not. Do you really doubt me so much?”

Yan Daiqing stared into Wen Qingyu’s open eyes, then let out a cold chuckle:

“Of course I doubt you! If you hadn’t seen His Majesty, you’d have claimed you did—and spun some elaborate lie. But now you’re so certain, so honest, that you saw nothing.”

“That’s the real problem!”

“Tell me—where did His Majesty go?!”

Wen Qingyu’s temple twitched. He looked at this friend who knew him too well, and simply said: “I don’t know.”

Yan Daiqing flew into a rage, swinging the scrolls like a club: “His Majesty has state affairs to attend today, and tomorrow is his wedding! Where did he go, and what are you hiding?!”

The Left Chancellor resorted to brute interrogation.

After a brief struggle, Wen Qingyu realized that Bojun, Fang Ziqiao, Zhou Pinglu, and others had all arrived. After weighing the odds, he decisively revealed the truth: “It was the Changfeng Lady who invited His Majesty out.”

Everyone exchanged glances.

Yan Daiqing’s expression softened: “If the Changfeng Lady invited His Majesty out, it’s perfectly reasonable. Why didn’t you say so sooner?”

Wen Qingyu, his left eye blackened and swollen, remained expressionless:

“You didn’t give me a chance to speak.”

Yan Daiqing rubbed his own right eye socket and sneered:

“As if you’d answer honestly without force.”

Wen Lingjun said: “These official matters are now reduced to trivialities—these can be handled without His Majesty. But tomorrow’s wedding, the rites to Heaven and Earth, the court’s audience, the joy of all four seas—what if His Majesty is absent?”

This gentle gentleman spoke calmly, yet his eyes fixed on Wen Qingyu.

The first great event of the Great Qin’s founding.

The Emperor and Empress’s wedding.

Officials from all directions arrive, rites to Heaven and Earth, the people rejoice together.

And yet both Emperor and Empress are gone.

Then what’s there to celebrate?

Merely imagining it sent chills down the spines of these warlords and schemers. All eyes turned to Wen Qingyu, who smiled faintly, confident: “His Majesty will return on time.”

“If he doesn’t…”

Wen Lingjun and Fang Ziqiao exchanged glances and asked:

“If he doesn’t, then what?”

Wen Qingyu straightened his chest, lifted his head, exuding the calm dignity of a true scholar:

“I, Yan Daiqing of Jiangnan, shall bear full responsibility!”

For a moment, no one realized what was wrong.

Only after three breaths did Yan Daiqing erupt:

“Wen Qingyu!!!”

“You son of a bitch!!!”

He swung his fists again, beating him once more. The strategist circle descended into its usual chaos. Wen Qingyu, watching from afar, smiled with satisfaction.

My Lord. My Lady.

I’ve done my best.

Wen Qingyu was dragged away.

“Tomorrow’s wedding—don’t hit his face!”

……………………

Li Guanyi changed clothes, swapping his crimson qilin-patterned brocade robe for a gray-blue traveling martialist’s outfit, tying his hair with a jade pin, and slipped out with Xue Shuangtao. As they left, faint laughter and cheers still drifted from behind.

“Hahaha, drink, drink!”

“Fan Qing, how’d you pass out already?!”

Li Guanyi smirked—he recognized Yue Qianfeng’s voice. The elder brother was in high spirits, utterly exhilarated. Li Guanyi held his breath, slowed his steps: “We mustn’t be discovered.”

“If the Yue Marshal and the others notice, we won’t get away.”

Xue Shuangtao smiled lightly.

Li Guanyi’s martial prowess was already supreme; he easily slipped past Jiangnan’s revelry. The noise and laughter faded behind them. All that remained was spring willows swaying in the wind, and the gentle murmur of flowing water. Their expressions grew calm as they followed the current.

Li Guanyi asked: “So, Miss Xue, where would you like to go?”

Xue Shuangtao wore a faint smile.

Escaping from that grand ceremony, which seemed to encompass the entire world, carried an indescribable thrill. Her cheeks flushed slightly as she exhaled: “I don’t know.”

Li Guanyi laughed: “A perfect ‘I don’t know.’”

He thought a moment: “Then let’s go everywhere.”

Li Guanyi whistled.

The divine intent of martial arts surged skyward; clouds churned. Suddenly, a long cry pierced the air—a golden streak tore through the clouds, and a golden divine eagle appeared overhead.

The steppe’s auspicious omen lowered its head, gazing at the Qin Emperor. Li Guanyi laughed aloud: “O Auspicious One, lend me your speed today—I owe you.”

The divine eagle rolled its eyes.

It no longer carried the arrogance it had when first meeting the Qin Emperor.

The proud omen of the steppe.

After its intimate, friendly exchange with the Ancient Crimson Dragon.

It had never misbehaved since.

Li Guanyi wrapped his arm around Xue Shuangtao’s waist, stepped lightly on the ground, qi swirling around them, forming a gentle wind that lifted them. In an instant, they landed on the eagle’s back.

The auspicious omen circled in the wind, then flapped its wings and soared away.

Since Xue Shuangtao hadn’t specified a destination, Li Guanyi followed his youthful wish: head to the frozen north, where the long winds swirl and snow blankets the earth, even in spring.

To the highest sacred mountain in the west, to see where the Qin Emperor once broke cities and cast the cauldrons.

To reach out and touch with his own hand that ancient, rugged, imposing western cauldron.

Then, at the border between steppe and west, to watch the desert stretch like a great river, the red sun sinking, steaming the clouds into boiling chaos. After sunset, the full moon rose, bathing the desert in a cool, silvery glow.

Until finally,

Riding the divine eagle across the sky’s clouds, they witnessed the sun rise, its radiant light blazing in splendor. Within a single day, they had glimpsed nearly all the splendor of the realm. Xue Shuangtao’s spirit was high, yet now she grew slightly weary.

Li Guanyi smiled gently: “Shall we return?”

With a thought, the divine eagle sensed his intent, folded its wings, and plunged like an arrow through the clouds. When it steadied, they saw the gates of Guanyi City.

The flying eagle couldn’t land openly—it was too terrifying a sight, a colossal divine beast that would frighten the people. They landed on a hill outside the city, then walked leisurely into Guanyi City.

Guanyi City lay far from the original Eighteen Provinces of Jiangnan.

Today’s wedding rites were held in Jiangnan; many of the Xue family had already gone to their Jiangnan estate to wait. Here, they needn’t fear running into familiar faces. Li Guanyi and Xue Shuangtao strolled forward.

The woman in blue-green robes smiled softly as she walked.

Li Guanyi asked: “What are you laughing at?”

Xue Shuangtao replied: “You should ask what I’m thinking.”

Li Guanyi smiled: “Then, Miss Xue, what are you thinking?”

Xue Shuangtao clasped her hands behind her back, her pale fingers lightly brushing the green branches hanging over the path: “I thought of over ten years ago, when Brother Yue and the others tried to rescue Marshal Yue—they needed Grandmaster Shi to enter the city.”

“Brother Yue gathered many escaped convicts and forced them to storm the defenses.”

“That was when Master Wenzhong was taking in his inner disciples. All the young nobles from nearby clans were gathered here for literary and martial contests. Yet only you dared to step forward.”

“You hadn’t even entered the Foundation Establishment yet—and you had that courage.”

Li Guanyi said: “Grandmaster Shi and Brother Yue treated me well. I knew their conflict was a misunderstanding—there was no reason for them to kill each other. I couldn’t just watch.”

Xue Shuangtao laughed: “You always have your reasons.”

“And last time…”

The spring light was faint, just at dawn.

Villagers from outside the city walked toward Guanyi City, dew still clinging to the grass, the air cool. The woman in blue-green robes and the blue-clad martialist walked side by side, chatting about their youth.

Once inside the city, the woman suddenly smiled: “Right here—those noble ladies invited me to a ladies’ literary gathering. But you? You just grabbed my hand and dragged me away.”

“I remember there was a small market then—merchants selling western jujubes, children, artisans, performers. Ah, since that day, over ten years have passed. I’ve never seen such a lively market again, nor drunk such delicious hot soup.”

Li Guanyi smiled: “If you miss it, then let’s go see it today.”

They walked slowly, idly, like an ordinary pair of wandering martial artists.

At the tree, though no rain had fallen, a small market still existed—a spontaneous fair organized by the people. Since the founding of Great Qin, such activities were not harshly suppressed, but encouraged as long as order was maintained.

Today was not a major market day—only an ordinary one.

There were no more than a dozen stalls, mostly selling trinkets or everyday tools. Yet even this ordinary market in Guanyi City featured specialties from the north, the west, and the southwest.

Leather from the west and the steppe. Brocade from the southwest.

Pottery from the central plains and the north.

There were also other delicate trinkets from distant lands, and teas unique to various regions—only after listening to conversations did one learn that a caravan had arrived in Guanyi City, bringing with it such a variety of exotic goods.

Today, the leader of that caravan had set up his stall here.

Li Guanyi gazed at a buffalo-horn comb, polished smooth with excellent texture, and was about to ask the caravan leader—when he paused slightly, noticing a young man seated cross-legged beside the largest stall. His features were not particularly handsome, yet carried an air of quiet resolve and familiar warmth.

He wore a brown martial suit, iron bracers, and carried two swords at his waist. He was no more than early twenties, already at the Third Heaven of martial cultivation—a remarkable achievement for a wandering swordsman of his age.

“Sir, would you like to buy this comb? It’s made by nomads of the Western Regions, crafted in ancient style, and uniquely effective against dandruff—if you wish—”

The caravan leader spoke with a smile, then also froze slightly.

The young man blinked, glanced at Li Guanyi, then at the green-robed woman beside him—as if a Mozi mechanism had been triggered beneath his buttocks, he leapt up instinctively: “Master Li! Madam Xue?!!”

Xue Shuangtao recognized the young man too.

He was the son of a traveling merchant she had met years ago, before her journey to the Imperial Academy—she smiled: “Is it… Little Stone?”

Shi Yisong had traveled with his father as a boy. Back then, he first encountered Li Guanyi, who was journeying to the Central Plains with the Sword Madman. Later, upon leaving the Central Plains, he met the Xue family caravan—then headed toward the Central Plains—and formed goodwill with both Li Guanyi and Xue Shuangtao.

Now reunited, Shi Yisong was overjoyed: “It’s you two! Hahaha! I thought I’d never see you again. Come, come, sit down!”

Shi Yisong rose to fetch two stools, then summoned a vendor from the caravan selling snacks. He spread oil paper on the table and laid out the food upon it.

They chatted of old times, recounting past deeds.

During casual talk, Shi Yisong briefly recounted his life: hardship during the war years, survival against all odds. Now that the realm was unified, he used his martial skill to resume trade—and with no wars left across the land, he had surpassed even his father’s generation.

He asked after the old man who had once given him slight guidance in swordplay—was he well?

He learned the green-robed elder had passed away, and his face darkened: “My martial skill was taught by that elder and Master Li. Back then, I didn’t realize its value. Only later, as I trained and grew stronger, did I understand how great a fortune I had received.”

“I should burn incense for the elder.”

He looked again at Xue Shuangtao and Li Guanyi, puzzled: “What are you two…?”

His gaze swept over them, then a knowing smile surfaced.

“Back then, Madam Xue led her caravan to seek out Master Li.”

“Now it seems, after more than ten years, Madam Xue’s caravan has finally caught up with Master Li.”

Xue Shuangtao was startled, about to speak.

Li Guanyi gently clasped the woman’s wrist, smiling:

“Yes.”

Shi Yisong laughed loudly. Though barely of age, he had walked through chaos and carried the boldness of a wandering swordsman. At this simple stall, he drank freely, then suddenly remembered something—he drew both swords from his waist and placed them on the table.

One was a wooden sword, carved with a single character: Li.

The other was a finely forged blade, engraved with a character: Xue.

Shi Yisong smiled: “These are the swords you two gave me when I was young. After more than ten years apart, now that we’ve met again, let these two swords be my gift.”

“Back then, Madam Xue had not yet met Master Li.”

“Today, you two come together.”

“Even this humble merchant feels joy and exhilaration—only today, seeing old friends again, do I believe the tales of peace after so many years of chaos.”

Li Guanyi and Xue Shuangtao exchanged glances.

Each took one sword.

Li Guanyi held the fine steel blade with the Xue character—the one gifted by the young female merchant of old.

Xue Shuangtao took the willow-wood sword with the Li character—carved by the wandering Daoist of that time.

Over ten years of misty rain and wandering roads, it felt as if they had received back, from an old friend, the gifts they once gave each other. Shi Yisong rose, drank, smiled, clasped his hands in a grand bow, and laughed: “Today, to old friends!”

“Master Li, Madam Li—may your love run deep as oceans, may you live a hundred years in harmony!”

“Next time we meet, I hope to see your children.”

“And I hope my martial skill has improved enough to carve a wooden sword for them—not a treasure, just a token of old friendship.”

A round of fine wine.

Old friends of the Jianghu, met by chance, parted with ease.

Xue Shuangtao drank.

The wine was coarse, yet wine does not intoxicate—the heart does.

Suddenly, youthful thoughts stirred. She leapt into the trees, and as the wind scattered the clouds above, she spread her arms, her green robes fluttering like a childhood kite. She stood on a slender branch, turning to look down at the young man below.

“Hey, Li Guanyi.”

And so, the young lady of old called out:

“When will you marry me?”

And the young herbalist looked up, solemn and earnest:

“Today is perfect.”

Xue Shuangtao smiled lightly. This time, not because rain had made the ground slippery—but she spread her arms and leapt down, her robes fluttering like a butterfly. Li Guanyi opened his arms and caught her.

Their hair brushed against each other.

Cheek to cheek.

The woman smiled, kissed gently beside his temple, her breath sweet as orchid:

“Husband.”

Li Guanyi held her, his expression tender. But Xue Shuangtao, as if suddenly awakened by the beauty of the moment, said: “...The hour is late. We must return to the palace. Are we already too late?”

Li Guanyi smiled faintly: “We’re not late.”

Xue Shuangtao tilted her head.

Li Guanyi said: “There’s still one other ‘old friend’ who owes me a promise.”

With a sweep of his sleeve, a sword appeared in his hand. Chixiao roared several times, then shot upward as a crimson-gold streak, shaking the heavens—distant dragon roars echoed faintly.

…………………

Qin Palace—

Lanterns blazed bright, the entire palace alive with festivity. Court officials and heroes of the realm gathered here—not merely a reunion, but to celebrate His Majesty’s wedding, the imperial marriage contract.

All rites and ceremonies were prepared.

Solemn and grand, it was the most important event since the founding of the dynasty.

Guests sat in order, all mighty lords; treasures arrayed, imperial protocol observed; bells rang, tripods steamed, the air thick with solemn majesty. Historians stood by, ritual masters solemn—yet! Yet!

His Majesty was gone!

Nan Hanwen suddenly understood how Qu Hanxiu must have felt, witnessing His Majesty declare that all under heaven must die.

His stomach now felt as if trampled by a Steel-Eating Beast—twisting in agony.

Where is His Majesty?!

The entire realm’s heroes, all the great lords, are here.

You cannot let this realm be mocked by such a farce.

Master Qu.

Am I doomed to eternal infamy?

After quarreling with the Ministry of Rites, His Majesty decided the wedding rites would follow the order of when he first met each bride. But if the first one already collapses like this—what of the rest? Do we even need the rest?

Might as well drown myself in a lake!

Nan Hanwen wore a smile.

He appeared calm—but his mind had wandered off long ago.

Yue Qianfeng nearly bulged his eyes, gripping Xue Changqing by the neck, nearly shaking the boy’s stomach acid out: “Where’s your sister? Where’s His Majesty? Where did they go?!”

“Ran away together?!”

Xue Changqing was bewildered.

It felt like being a child again, when his sister had slipped out to play and Grandfather had interrogated him.

Why is this happening again?

Why did I say “again”?

As the entire palace and southern lands teetered on chaos, a thunderclap split the sky. Everyone instinctively looked up—the clouds churned, crimson-gold clouds unfolding layer upon layer.

A colossal ancient dragon glided slowly.

The Ancient Crimson Dragon gazed upon the mortal world’s splendor, seeing all awaiting him, and felt profound satisfaction.

Look! Look!

What is a true omen?

This is what an omen looks like!

But just as he prepared to make a grand display, the two figures above him descended unceremoniously. The crowd fell silent as the Qin Emperor and Empress descended upon the dragon. Xue Changqing, whose head was pinned under Yue Qianfeng’s elbow, felt himself transported back to childhood.

Li Guanyi held Xue Shuangtao’s hand, stepping down through empty air before the assembled ministers and heroes.

Step by step.

All fell silent—even the music ceased. Li Guanyi’s gaze swept over them. Nan Hanwen wanted to urge His Majesty to change into proper ceremonial robes—but the Emperor smiled, surveying all: “What I declare is the law.”

“Why bind today’s people by the rites of past lords?”

He pulled the woman forward, his voice ringing clear: “Today, Li Guanyi, with the jade gui and cangbi, the sacrificial ox and grain offerings, proclaims before Heaven, Earth, and the altars of soil and grain—”

“I, by Heaven’s Mandate, rule the world; by the people’s will, soothe the masses.”

“On this auspicious day, the great wedding shall take place.”

“The sun and moon illuminate virtue; our vow to the mountains and rivers shall stand eternal.”

“The people’s hearts protect us; the empire’s fortune shall endure.”

Li Guanyi recited the ritual text written by the Ministry of Rites—but found it dull, dreadfully dull. His voice paused. His eyes swept over old friends, comrades, allies—and rested on the woman beside him, who had walked beside him since she was thirteen. He smiled.

[201] What need is there for flowery pretense?

He cast these matters aside and swept the young mistress into his arms.

He shouted:

“Li Guanyi today takes Xue Shuangtao as his wife!”

“Friends, drink!”

“See today—who can drink me down!”

Nan Hanwen raised a hand to his forehead, Yue Qianfeng grinned, and Yue Pengwu smiled helplessly.

The soldiers of the Qilin Army once more saw the boy from beyond Zhenbeixiongcheng.

After a moment of deathly silence.

A thunderous roar of celebration surged through the entire Tianque, lights blazing as if in eternal day.

This day, an auspicious hour.

May victory endure from this day forward.

Great fortune! Great fortune!

?? As promised, I burned the midnight oil.

? Here’s your digital snack.

? Happy New Year to all!

? Today’s event—eternal victory!!!

? Other side stories will be updated slowly (peacefully).