Thousand Verdant Mountains – Chapter 161
Chapter 161
The emperor ordered that he be buried beside the Zhaode Mausoleum, and the mourning period was shortened—completed in three days instead of the customary month. Officials and civilians in Chang’an were allowed to release their mourning clothes three days after the funeral, and were not prohibited from getting married, drinking alcohol, and eating meat. The same principle was applied throughout the realm: regional governors and military commissioners were to observe mourning only within their administrative seats, and for just three days, without disturbing the lives of the people under their rule.
The final words of the late emperor’s testament read: “Having fulfilled the Mandate, Zhen now reflect upon one’s failings. All unresolved matters are to be decided by the Crown Prince upon his ascension. Zhen shall offer no objection.”
In accordance with the rules, Crown Prince Li Hui received the court’s obeisance in the Spirit Hall and formally ascended the throne as the new emperor.
The new emperor led the officials in informing the princess and earnestly requested to hold full state mourning rites according to proper funeral rites. Though grief-stricken, the princess insisted that the late emperor’s wishes be honored and that no deviations be made. The new emperor tearfully obeyed.
After the grand funeral, the new dynasty began and the reign title was set as ‘Jiye’, which would be implemented from the next year.
On the first day of the new emperor’s court session in the Golden Hall, an unusual event occurred. While all the ministers were presenting their congratulatory messages, the Grand Imperial Censor Zheng Song stepped out and presented a memorial, requesting the court to restore the reputation of the old Shenhu Army, which had been wronged in the past and had not yet received the due honor.
In his memorial, there was another letter attached. The letter was old and yellowed, but it was actually the petition that Cui shi had presented with her son kneeling outside the palace gate, asking for a pardon for the mutinous soldiers. To this day, the fingerprints left by Cui in blood at the end of the letter, although they have changed color due to the passage of time, were still clearly visible.
Zheng Song said that submitting this memorial at this time was not a disrespect to the late emperor. On the contrary, it was to show loyalty and filial piety, to uphold the late emperor’s original intention, to promote the flourishing of the ancestral temple and the prosperity of the country, and to inspire officials and commoners alike to share in the fate of the nation. He also urged all ministers, noble officials, and loyal generals to unite in support, setting aside factionalism and favoritism, so that henceforth, all might together safeguard the world, bringing balance to heaven and peace to earth.
When Cui shi‘s old letter was passed from one minister to another, the court immediately responded with great resonance, and all the ministers requested it.
Finally, the petition reached the hands of the young emperor. After reading it, he burst into tears, stepped down from the throne, and knelt down in the direction of the Imperial Ancestral Temple, weeping.
The young emperor, in harmony with the will of the people, issued the first imperial edict of his reign, posthumously honoring the late Grand General of the Shenhu Army, Pei Gu, with the title , Duke of Weiguo, and elevated him to the rank of Minister of the Masses. He was also granted the rare honor of enshrinement in the Imperial Ancestral Temple. Cui shi was posthumously conferred the title Yishou County Lady, while Pei Huaiguang was named Marquis of Yunhui and General Guide. Furthermore, all eight hundred soldiers who had followed Pei Gu beyond the borders and perished in sacrifice were posthumously granted noble ranks. Their families and descendants were to receive doubled compensation and aid, and the noble titles bestowed would be hereditary, passed down in perpetuity.
Not only that, the young emperor issued another decree to build a shrine for Pei Gu and the eight hundred fallen heroes, as well as all the soldiers who had died for their country in the past, next to the long scroll of Celestial Being and The Capital in Zhenguo Tower. This was to eternally commemorate their loyalty and valor, ensuring their spirits would be worshipped with unending incense offerings and remembered for a thousand generations.
On the day of the shrine’s founding, the young emperor led hundreds of officials to the site, and invited the former members of the Shenhu Army, veteran soldiers, and the families of the eight hundred martyrs to attend and receive the above courtesy. Together with the masses of citizens who had rushed from all corners of Chang’an upon hearing the news, they gathered to witness the establishment of the shrine.
The Rites Officer solemnly recited the funeral oration personally composed by the young emperor. When the line “Drawing sword and raising spear, braving fire and boiling water; bodies buried in the wild, righteous names endure forever“, was read aloud, tears welled in every eye. When he recited “Valuing honor over life, using the brevity of one lifetime to illuminate the justice of a thousand years“, it ignited a wave of stirred hearts, filling the crowd with fiery resolve and patriotic fervor. The final chorus—“As heaven and earth endure, so too shall the rivers and mountains never fade”—was chanted in unison by the entire assembly, a thunderous sound that shook the great bell above the shrine.
After the shrine was built, the court announced that since the invaders were now vanquished, and the empire at peace, starting today, except those who plotted treason, spread rumors to confuse the people, killed their lords and rebelled against authority, and officials who violated the law and accepted bribes, a general amnesty would be granted to the entire world. Furthermore, policies would be reformed to ease the burdens of the people—labor conscription reduced, agriculture encouraged, and all efforts made to help the people restore their livelihoods and recover in peace, so as not to betray the sacrifice of the fallen heroes who gave their lives for the nation and the people.
As soon as the imperial decrees were announced, the news spread rapidly throughout the land. The gathered masses, following the lead of the court officials, prostrated themselves in reverence toward the new emperor. In that moment, a cry of “Long live the emperor!” rose from the grounds of Zhenguo Tower, resounding far and wide, echoing through the city, lingering long in the air.
…..
“Let’s go look at the paintings! Let’s go look at the paintings!”
A little child was walking on the street, holding his family member’s hands, shouting non-stop, jumping happily.
All around them, there were people moving in the same direction, heading to the same place, the Zhenguo Tower.
After the grand funeral, a shrine for loyal martyrs was built.
Although the new emperor was young, he took a series of actions immediately after ascending the throne, demonstrating benevolence and wisdom, truly showcasing that he was truly a monarch chosen by heaven. The court was completely revitalized, all officials were pleased and devoted, the military and civilians were grateful, the whole country was united and invigorated.
Amid the public’s eager anticipation, Zhenguo Tower was finally opened, allowing people to enter in order to view the long scroll of Celestial Being and The Capital. After the news spread, the whole city was buzzing with excitement. In the early morning, as soon as the city gates were opened, many people could not wait to come out and rush to Kaiyuan Gate to be the first to see the long-awaited legendary masterpiece.
On the bustling street, an ordinary-looking carriage drove out of the city gate in the opposite direction of the onlookers, and finally stopped in front of a quiet Taoist temple.
Xuyu got out of the carriage. The old abbot welcomed her in, and attentively led her to a quiet courtyard at the back, and then stopped.
This was the Taoist temple where Wang Zhenfeng became a nun and devoted herself to Taoism.
Xuyu went in alone. Wang Zhenfeng was brewing tea and copying scriptures under a pine tree in the courtyard. Suddenly seeing Xuyu arrived, she hurriedly put down her brush and came to greet her.
She had been practicing here for about a year or two. A few days ago, because her father, who was once a subordinate of Pei Gu, was posthumously honored, and her younger brother received some benefits, her family had been inundated with people seeking marriage, almost breaking down the door. Among them, there were many young talents, which caused some disturbances in her life.
Xuyu exchanged a few pleasantries with her and asked her how she was doing.
Wang Zhenfeng smiled and said, “Thank you, Grand Princess, for your concern. My late father relied on Grand General Shenhu and entered the shrine, enjoying the incense offerings. From now on, my brother will have a worry-free future and I have nothing else to be concerned about. Everything is fine.”
Xuyu also smiled and nodded: “Where is my sister, how is her health recently?”
After Wei Yinniang came back from Cangshan that day, she also came here and lived with Wang Zhenfeng.
Wang Zhenfeng said, “She has gotten much better. She went to the back hills today with her incense basket. I will take Grand Princess there.”
About one to two from the back door of the Taoist temple, by the bank of a wild river, Wei Yinniang scooped up some soil, lit two incense sticks, then placed two water lanterns into the river one by one. After closing her eyes and praying for a while, she sat on a patch of grass by the water, staring at the water lanterns floating away. Her expression seemed sad, but also slowly showed some relief.
Xuyu didn’t dare to disturb her and stopped quietly behind her.
“Don’t worry, Sister.”
After a moment, her gaze moved away from the two lights swirling in the water. She turned her head and gave Xuyu a faint smile.
“I’m not clinging to the past. These two people are not worth such sentiments from me. It’s just that no matter what happened in lives, they once share a bed and a bond with me. Today is convenient, so I light a water lantern for each of them, as my final gesture of remembrance.”
Xuyu walked over quickly and helped her up from the water.
She had been bedridden for some time, but now, upon closer look, her brows had smoothed out, and her complexion had clearly improved.
Xuyu felt somewhat relieved. She took her arm, and the two of them walked slowly back, side by side.
“Sister, are you and Marquis Jingbei going to leave the capital soon?” Wei Yinniang asked.
Linghu Gong, who was Pei Ji’s successor, concluded his many years of service in the provinces and was now reassigned back to Chang’an. Ganliang lost two veteran ministers at the same time, leaving the border town empty. That frontier region oversaw the Jade Gate, bordered the northern vassals, and neighbored the western tribes—a strategic outpost of critical importance, not one that could be entrusted to just any ordinary commander. Looking at the court, few were suited for the task—none more than the emperor’s master, Pei Xiaoyuan.
He grew up in Ganliang, and was familiar with local customs and folkways. Steadfast in character, exceptional in talent, and held in high esteem, he was perfectly suited to oversee the northern frontier and pacify the people in the border.
Thus, the young emperor issued an edict to confer a title on his aunt, the former Princess Shouchang, as the Supreme Grand Princess. Her prince consort, Commandant Pei Xiaoyuan, was promoted to Marquis of Jingbei for his merits, and was given the military power of eight states as the Governor of Liangzhou, the Commander-in-chief and concurrently Military Commisioner of Hexi, combining three posts in one person. Soon, he would leave the capital and head north to take up his post.
Xuyu nodded: “Yes. This is exactly what my husband and I wish for. I came here today to visit you, Sister, and say goodbye.”
Wei Yinniang’s gaze shifted, landing on Xuyu’s face.
As the period of mourning had only recently passed, she was still in plain mourning attire, without any decorations—yet this in no way diminished her radiance. Compared to the cold, aloof girl she had been a few years ago, she was now not only more beautiful, as if adorned with the luster of jade and the glow of spring blossoms, but her eyes also shone with light and her lips curved with a quiet smile. This serene grace, like a goddess descending from the clouds, was hard to describe and incomparable.
Wei Yinniang gazed at her intently. Though she felt a pang of shame at her own appearance, her heart brimmed even more with joy. In her mind surfaced the image of that playful little princess from long ago. Her eyes suddenly turned red, and with a soft smile, she said, “I just remembered a place—if I could visit it once more with you, Sister, there would be no regrets left in this life.”
At the end of the alley in Fuxing Lane, the sesame cake shop was still there. The cake lady looked older than when Xuyu first came to Chang’an—her ears were dull, barely able to catch a sound; her eyes clouded, unable to make out faces. The stall was now tended by a young orphan girl she had taken in, while she herself leaned against a wall in the corner, an old yellow dog dozing at her feet. Sensing someone’s arrival, she cracked open her bleary eyes and vaguely made out the figures of two young women. At once, she began mumbling instructions again—how to make sesame cakes that were crisp and fragrant. If no one came, so be it—but if someone did, she insisted, once they had tasted her cakes, no matter how many years had passed, the aroma would linger in their memories, unforgettable.
“…My shop still makes the most delicious sesame in Chang’an! Back then, the little princess of Prince Ding Mansion and the young lady of the Wei family all loved to eat it! It can’t be compared with that Hu girl in the West Market who only drew customers with her looks!” The old woman muttered proudly again.
The little girl was about twelve or thirteen years old, dressed neatly and moved swiftly. Last year, when she was about to be sold to a brothel, she came here instead. Surprised to see two fairy-like beautiful girls coming, she hurriedly wiped the seats for them. When she heard the old woman say this, she blushed and hurriedly explained in a low voice that the old woman was old and always liked to brag like this, so she asked them not to take it seriously.
Wei Yinniang said nothing. She looked at the toothless, hunchbacked old woman, and her eyes slowly turned red again. Xuyu smiled and asked how business was. Seeing her friendly attitude, the young girl settled her nerves and said cheerfully while doing her work, “Amu once told me, back then she almost couldn’t keep going. Then one day, a young gentleman showed up, ate a cake, and praised how good it was. After that—no one knows how it happened—but the soldiers and guards patrolling nearby would come by whenever they were hungry, buying cakes without ever owing money. Slowly, more and more people came to eat, and Amu saved up some coin. Then she bought me, and from then on, I started selling cakes and taking care of her in her old age.
“Amu always said that the gentleman must be a deity who came down to earth to bless people. That’s why the family’s fortune has changed for the better!”
“Put more sesame seeds,” Wei Yinniang said, glancing once at Xuyu before turning away to quietly wipe her tears, then smiling as she gave the instruction.
The girl responded and pulled the bellows to increase the fire. The sesame cakes swelled up and bursts of burnt aroma filled the air.
Wei Yinniang gently pushed the cake she had just served to Xuyu, and Xuyu took a big bite of it, just like she did when she was a child.
“Sister, you eat too.” She said with a smile.
Wei Yinniang wiped the sesame seeds from her lips, just like she did when she was little, and then she took the cake and took a bite. While chewing, the two of them looked at each other slowly, and suddenly, their eyes turned slightly red.
“What’s wrong? Is it not tasty?”
The young girl asked anxiously.
Xuyu and Wei Yinniang looked at each other again, this time, with tears in their eyes, they both smiled.
“Tasty.”
The two said in unison.
After leaving the money, Xuyu and Wei Yinniang took a carriage back to the Taoist temple.
She closed her eyes and leaned lazily in Wei Yinniang’s soft bosom, letting her arms hold her and smelling the faint fragrance emanating from her collar. In a trance, it felt as if she had returned to her childhood. She had finished eating the fragrant freshly-baked sesame cake and was on her way back to the prince mansion, feeling satisfied.
However, in her heart, she knew clearly that just like the sesame cake lady who was no longer young, the old days she reminisced about were gone forever.
At the end of this carriage journey, what was waiting for her was no longer her father and mother, but the son of the Pei family, her prince consort and husband.
“Sister, what are your plans for the future?” Xuyu closed her eyes and asked softly.
Wei Yinniang lowered her head, smiling faintly as she gently smoothed a stray lock of hair that had slipped loose from Xuyu’s hairpin. Casually, she replied, “I will stay on and keep the Wang family lady company. Chang’an will have one more Taoist nun.”
“But the Wang family lady… she too may have another fate awaiting her someday.
“Sister, Yuan Zhi is going to Qinzhou. Don’t you have any intention of going with him?”
After a pause, Xuyu opened her eyes and asked again.