Chapter 49: Lingering Affection in Yu, Capital Grudges Awaiting Vengeance

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He had intended to spend a leisurely moment with Xiao Feng in the tranquil realm of Yu County, savoring two cups of tea, before setting off on the journey back to the capital. The gentle breeze of Yu County was like delicate silk, softly brushing against his cheek, carrying faint traces of longing, as if reluctant to let go of this fleeting peace.

The streets and alleys were alive with the calls of vendors, children laughing and chasing each other, and the pervasive scent of daily life weaving a warm, embracing atmosphere over the land. Xiao Feng’s laughter rang out like silver bells, joyfully echoing in the air. Li Chengyin gazed at her, feeling a rare moment of ease, as though he had found a harbor of tranquility amid the chaos of the world.

Yet fate’s relentless gears began to turn mercilessly at that moment. The news of the death of the Bright Moon and the imprisonment of the deposed empress struck his world like a lightning bolt tearing across the sky, arriving with urgent speed. Li Chengyin’s heart shuddered violently; in an instant, a torrent of emotions surged within him, a tumult so intense he could not discern sorrow from joy.

That joy was like a faint dawn light flickering in the dark night—fragile yet tenacious, spreading slowly within his heart. He seemed to see the wronged spirit of his birth mother finally finding peace beneath the earth, the blood feud that had weighed heavily upon him for so long now glimmering with the dawn of vengeance. The immense stone pressing upon his heart seemed to loosen just a little in silence.

But this joy was like a candle’s dying flame in the wind, wavering uncertainly amid the storm of grief.

Looking back, ever since his earliest memories, the empress had stood by him under the guise of nurturing. Countless nights, in the stillness, he wove dreams of maternal love in his heart, yearning for even the faintest warmth from the empress. As a child in the vast, cold palace, he was like a lost fawn—lonely and helpless. The towering, frigid walls of the palace seemed determined to isolate his small body from any warmth outside.

Every time he looked at the empress with hopeful eyes shimmering with desire for motherly love, he was pierced and wounded by her cold, calculating gaze. Her harsh discipline was like merciless blades; each scolding, every punishment of kneeling, etched deep scars into his fragile heart, crushing his illusions of familial affection bit by bit.

Upon learning the news, Li Chengyin’s heart burned with urgency; he longed to sprout wings and fly back to the capital at once.

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He paced anxiously in the courtyard, the leaves stirred by the breeze from his hurried steps rustling softly, as if mourning the tense atmosphere. His gaze fell upon Xiao Feng, who was curiously peering nearby, and a complex mixture of emotions flashed in his eyes.

He knew all too well that returning to the capital was like entering a den of dragons and tigers, fraught with danger. How could he allow Xiao Feng, as pure and warm as the spring sun, to be caught up in this bloody struggle?

Hurriedly, he summoned his most loyal and steady guard, his voice urgent yet commanding: “You must protect the crown princess with utmost care, slow the journey, and ensure she suffers no hardship or grievance. Bring her safely back to the capital.”

The guard knelt on one knee, saluted with clasped fists, his eyes filled with resolve and determination, then took his leave.

Li Chengyin turned and strode swiftly toward the stables, leading out the fine horse already prepared. The horses in the stable seemed to sense the heavy atmosphere, pawing nervously and neighing softly.

He vaulted onto the horse; the steed, sensing his owner’s turbulent emotions, pawed restlessly. With a sharp crack of his whip, the horse let out a long neigh and dashed forward like an arrow loosed from a bow, kicking up a cloud of dust behind.

The wind howled past his ears, as if narrating the fickleness of fate. His gaze was steady, fixed ahead, where the road stretched endlessly—a ribbon leading to the abyss of destiny.

The trees lining the path swayed violently in the gusts, their leaves rustling like a solemn farewell song played in his honor.

His heart churned with mixed emotions. Throughout his youth, he had been like a devout believer, striving to appear obedient and clever before the empress, studying the ways of rulership and governance with all his might, hoping to earn even a fleeting warmth or affirmation from her.

On countless cold nights, he had studied alone by candlelight; the flickering flame illuminated his lonely yet resolute face, while he recalled the empress’s stern yet awe-inspiring mien, longing to one day become her pride.

Yet the truth was a surgeon’s scalpel, cruelly stripping away all facades.

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The empress’s greed and cruelty were like a primordial beast lurking in the shadows, opening its bloodthirsty maw to devour his birth mother—and scheming to crush him as well, to serve as a stepping stone for her insatiable lust for power.

The pounding of hooves echoed like rapid drumbeats on the empty road, each strike reverberating within his heart.

Li Chengyin’s thoughts ran wild like a wild horse unbridled.

He recalled the joyous times in Yu County; every moment with Xiao Feng felt like a precious gift from fate. Her radiant smile blossomed like spring flowers—brilliant and enchanting; her kindness and innocence were like a clear spring, gently flowing into his long-parched heart, nourishing his soul swallowed by darkness.

Yet now he must part from her—a separation that tore at his heart like a cruel hook.

But for vengeance, for uncovering the truth shrouded in dense fog, he had no choice but to embark alone on this perilous journey back to the capital.

As the outline of the capital gradually came into view, its towering, imposing walls stood like a slumbering giant, exuding a suffocating sense of oppression.

A layer of gloom hung over the city, as if foretelling the coming storm.

Li Chengyin gazed upon all before him, a resolute and determined light flickering in his eyes.

He knew awaiting him was a heart-stopping, bloody and ruthless power struggle.

Every inch of the capital’s land would become a battlefield where he would clash with fate.

He drew a deep breath, gripping the reins tightly, as if clutching his destiny itself.

No matter how thorny the path, even if it meant perishing alongside demons, he would neither falter nor regret.