Chapter 43: Spare a Life

Sinorsang had her own thoughts and considerations. If there truly came a day when she could return, perhaps she too would risk everything for a chance. Though she feared her own era, starting anew in an unfamiliar time was no easy feat. Sinorsang ran her fingers through her hair, feeling lost and uncertain. She had no idea what the future held, and the fear and apprehension she felt were her most genuine emotions now.

Meanwhile, Xuanyuan Juesi went to face the emperor; word had already arrived from Fusang. The emperor was furious, though he did not direct his anger at Xuanyuan Juesi.

“What are you saying? Is this Fifth Leaf a false one?”

“Yes, a false one, but already dead,” replied Xuanyuan Juesi, watching the emperor and wondering how he might be dealt with.

“The current Fifth Leaf is a fake. I’m sorry, Your Majesty. Please punish me as you see fit.”

Xuanyuan Juesi knelt, following the expected protocol. He knew the emperor might use this as an excuse to strike against him, but he did not fear death. He only wished to resolve the matter quickly so Sinorsang could leave if she wished.

At the moment her life was about to slip away, he realized how much she meant to him. She already occupied such an important place in his heart. Xuanyuan Juesi’s heart belonged to her, even though she herself did not believe it.

“This matter isn’t your fault. You didn’t know the Fifth Leaf was a fake, nor the truth back then. Finding a substitute was the only option.”

“Thank you for your mercy, Your Majesty.”

“But you did deceive me. I cannot let it go unpunished. I will dock your salary for three years and send you to guard the frontier for one year. What do you say?”

As expected, though he was spared his life, he was still punished. Guarding the frontier for a year was tantamount to stripping him of much of his power. Yet, there was no other way—it had come to this. What else could he do? Die?

“Thank you, Your Majesty.”

Xuanyuan Juesi said no more, nor did he notice the emperor’s satisfied smile.

“You may go! Depart in ten days. Use this time to prepare.”

Only ten days—clearly the emperor wished him gone as soon as possible. What an opportunity!

“By the way, who is that woman?”

“Her name is Sinorsang. She has already left.”

“Already left?”

“Yes, already gone. I let her go yesterday at dusk.”

Xuanyuan Juesi looked at the emperor, knowing he was interested in Sinorsang. So he could not reveal that she was still here.

“It’s just as well she’s gone. Afraid I’d punish her, aren’t you?”

The emperor regarded Xuanyuan Juesi with skepticism, but he had achieved his aim. As for the woman, she was no longer important.

“Perhaps,” Xuanyuan Juesi neither denied nor affirmed. Some matters required greater caution; a single misstep could ruin everything.

“You may go.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Xuanyuan Juesi left the palace, seeing no one—not even the Empress Dowager, who would always side with the emperor. After all, they were mother and son. Perhaps this was just what the Empress Dowager desired.

Xuanyuan Juesi returned to where Sinorsang was kept and took out a stack of silver notes.

“This is for you.”

“What is this?”

She opened it and found it was a note for one hundred thousand taels of silver.

“Why are you giving me so much silver?”

Sinorsang looked at him, sensing something was different. Had something happened at the palace?

“Go. Change your identity. Just make sure the emperor doesn’t see you. You probably won’t have another chance to meet him again.”

Looking at her, Xuanyuan Juesi’s first priority was her. Perhaps he just couldn’t let her go.

“What’s wrong? Did something happen? I can’t accept this money,” she said, handing the note back.

“Take it. It’s yours by right.”

Xuanyuan Juesi’s gaze brooked no refusal. She had no choice but to take the hundred thousand taels.

“What happened? Did the emperor make things hard for you?”

“Why worry about it? Now you can leave. Shouldn’t you be happy?”

He looked at Sinorsang—she had what she wanted, and was free to leave. She ought to be happy, so why the fuss? This wasn’t like her at all.

“Yes, I am happy. But my happiness isn’t built on your suffering.”

“Ha, since when did you become so magnanimous? Hard to believe—what have you ever had that wasn’t built on my pain? Hurry up and go. Don’t linger before me. You may take Yiyi with you.”

Xuanyuan Juesi knew exactly what she wanted most. She’d been considering Yiyi as a problem, but he had already arranged everything, planned her escape.

This made Sinorsang feel things were different. Had something happened to Xuanyuan Juesi? It must be related to Fifth Leaf. Though it had nothing to do with her, if something happened to him, she’d feel deeply guilty. It was she who made him choose so quickly.

“Is it about Fifth Leaf? What did the emperor do to you?”

“Nothing. You’re overthinking it! I am his brother. He won’t do anything to me. You should worry about yourself, not meddle in my affairs. My affairs are none of your concern.”

Xuanyuan Juesi’s hawk-like eyes bore down on her, imposing immense pressure. Sinorsang was not one to back down, so she walked up to him.

“What’s really happened to you?”

Xuanyuan Juesi ignored her, turning toward the door. Seeing him refuse to answer, Sinorsang hurried after him, running ahead to block his path with her arms.

“Xuanyuan Juesi!”

For the first time, she shouted his name, staring at the man. After all this time, was there anything he could not say?

Xuanyuan Juesi said nothing, turning to go in the opposite direction. Sinorsang, unwilling to give up, grabbed his hand.

“Stop.”

She was determined to get an answer.

“Don’t worry, I won’t die! No need for guilt. As you said, this is my affair, nothing to do with you.”

Xuanyuan Juesi tried to shake off her hand, but she held tight. Had she done this sooner, perhaps things would have been different.

“What do you mean, you won’t die?”

“It means I’m to guard the frontier, effectively surrendering everything. Do you understand?”

Xuanyuan Juesi wasn’t trying to hide, but neither did he wish to explain.

“He’s truly despicable.”

Sinorsang had never expected that, even though Xuanyuan Juesi’s life was spared...