SWHCBB 108 End

Chapter 108: Final Chapter [The End]

A journey that should’ve taken half a month ended up taking them a whole month to return.

By the time they reached the imperial capital, news had already spread of the Third Prince’s suicide. Before dying, he even set fire to his own residence, years of scheming reduced to ash.

At first hearing, both Jiang Chuang and Wen Jue were briefly stunned, then set the matter aside.

Victory writes the history. The outcome was already decided. Dying this way, at least, preserved some dignity.

Ever since the former emperor fell ill, Wen Yan had acted as regent. Two years of regency had not only kept Daling stable, but even strengthened it. This alone was enough to prove her capability.

After the emperor’s death, the court waited for Wen Yan to reveal the edict appointing the new ruler.

Once the burial was complete, Wen Yan did reveal the edict, but the new emperor was herself.

For a time, not just the officials but the entire country was in uproar. They cried that it defied the will of Heaven and was utterly absurd. Some ministers began to protest, only to find their homes surrounded by Jiang Chuang’s soldiers, accused of treason.

Half the court immediately aligned themselves with Wen Yan, voicing support for a woman’s rule as Heaven’s will. Even the most unyielding noble houses began to swear loyalty. Only then did everyone realize, this power struggle had started long, long ago.

Everyone knew that dying for one’s ideals meant nothing to Wen Yan. It only hastened your destruction. A supposed martyr could be rewritten as a traitor with just a tweak of the records.

After all, this Grand Princess had once entered court sword in hand and executed a minister. Who would dare oppose her?

And so, Wen Yan’s ascension became unstoppable. She would be Daling’s first female emperor.

What came after, sweeping reforms favoring women, was another story.

On the day of her enthronement, Wen Jue, apart from Wen Yan herself, was the most watched figure. His sudden restored sight and willing abdication shocked many.

But Wen Jue cared little for such things. His eyes saw only Jiang Chuang and his sister. Watching her ascend the steps in full imperial regalia, his lips trembled, and tears fell freely. Yet Jiang Chuang was on guard duty and couldn’t wipe them away.

Once the rituals were complete and the court cried out “Long live the Emperor,” Wen Jue knelt down, already weeping silently. He had waited so long to see this moment, and now he had. Every hardship was worth it. The future would be smooth.

If only their mother could have seen it. But even so, Wen Jue felt fulfilled.

His eyes red and swollen, the normally refined Jue made no attempt to compose himself. When he glanced up, he thought he saw his sister smile helplessly toward him.

Through his daze, he heard the head eunuch calling his name. Changning whispered behind him. Snapping to attention, he quickly stepped forward and knelt.

After regaining composure and receiving the decree, he was stunned by how high the honors were. First, he was granted the title of Qinwang (a prince of the first rank). Then came the imperial brush, to judge right and wrong. Then a treasured sword, to cut through good and evil. Then a twin-dragon jade pendant, those who saw it must treat it as the emperor herself.

There were even more gifts: a fief starting from Raocheng, stretching west to Liangzhou and east to Qizhou. It was practically a third of the entire empire.

This decree clearly meant to split the empire between him and his sister. Whether he wanted it or not, Wen Jue froze and looked up sharply at Wen Yan.

She only smiled, helpless and doting. “Still not thanking me?”

But Wen Jue didn’t want to thank her. He was a man, born of the same mother. Many eyed his status greedily. If anyone sought to harm the Empress, he would be the perfect tool.

How could he share power with his sister? She had worked so hard to reach the throne…

Seeing his hesitation, the court grew curious. No one had expected this.

Just as Wen Jue resolved to refuse the edict, footsteps sounded behind him, and someone knelt beside him.

“I, Jiang Chuang, accept the edict on behalf of my husband Wen Jue. Thank you, Your Majesty, for your great kindness!”

Wen Jue turned in disbelief, only to be helped up by Jiang Chuang.

“It’s alright. Accept it,” Jiang Chuang whispered.

Wen Yan finally gave a satisfied nod. Then Jiang Chuang knelt again, this time, to receive his own title.

He was made an idle prince, title: Xian (Worthy). Jiang Chuang looked himself over and couldn’t see how he matched the word ‘worthy.’ If anything, Zhiyu seemed more deserving. Still, Wen Yan made an exception: Jiang Chuang got a fief, a lifetime’s wealth, and no obligation to attend court.

More importantly, he was made a first-rank Grand General of the empire. For someone who’d spent only half his life in the military, this was legacy-defining, his name would start a new family history.

Jiang Chuang gladly accepted, no complaints.

When all was done, Wen Jue sought out his sister, only to be refused. The head eunuch relayed her words: “His Majesty said she won’t mistreat her own brother. She hopes Prince Jin won’t mistreat her brother either.”

Which meant… nothing, really.

Wen Jue sighed, dragged home by Jiang Chuang, tugging his ear the whole way. “You knew everything, didn’t you? You and my sister plotted this together, didn’t you?”

Jiang Chuang quickly begged for mercy. “She’s the emperor, I can’t defy her! Besides, I have a ridiculously smart, pretty, and gentle little husband at home. I can’t drag him into trouble.”

Wen Jue couldn’t stay angry. He bit his lip to suppress a laugh, let go. “But what now? If she won’t let us go, how can we ever travel? Once you’re tied to the court, you’re never free again!”

Jiang Chuang pulled him close with a proud grin. “Who said that? The Emperor has plenty of capable people. She doesn’t need us. You wait, I promised to take you traveling, and I will!”

Still uneasy, Wen Jue sighed. “I just worry my existence threatens her reign.”

“Do you want the throne?” Jiang Chuang asked.

Wen Jue shook his head. “I used to, before I lost my sight. But not anymore. I’m not suited for it. I’m better as her strategist, her adviser.”

Jiang Chuang smiled and gently patted his back. “That’s exactly why she gave you those honors. She wants the world to know, no one has the right to question your bond. And she wants you to know, she trusts you, always.”

“…I understand.” Wen Jue stopped dwelling. As long as they stayed true, no one could divide them. He couldn’t betray that trust.

“Huh?” He suddenly noticed the carriage bypassed the general’s estate. “Why aren’t we going home?”

Jiang Chuang chuckled proudly. “I checked. The sun’s perfect today, if we hurry to Xiang Lake outside the city, we’ll catch the sunset!”

“Really?” Wen Jue straightened, eyes shining. “Did you prepare a boat? And horses?”

His excitement made Jiang Chuang feel all his secret planning had been worth it. “Everything’s ready. We’ll ride around the lake, boat across it, catch pheasants, fish, and even roast them! But we’ve to get back before dark.”

That was more than enough. Just imagining it made Wen Jue so happy he melted. He immediately climbed into Jiang Chuang’s lap, planting a big kiss on his lips. “My husband is the best~”

Jiang Chuang basked in it, grinning wide. “Cough–again!”

Wen Jue smiled and kissed him again, and this time, there was no pulling back.

____

Two years into Emperor Wen Yan’s reign, her authority was ironclad. No one dared challenge her. But not even an emperor could escape one thing, pressure to marry.

Though many men surrounded her, Han Sheng remained foremost. Everyone assumed she’d name him consort.

Yet Han Sheng calmly rejected the court’s recommendation, even warmly suggesting several promising younger Han family men instead.

Wen Yan’s expression darkened but she praised his magnanimity.

Now realizing Han Sheng would never become consort, nobles grew restless. The consort’s position, even as a male consort, meant unparalleled power. Who wouldn’t covet it?

They dared not pester Wen Yan, so they harassed Wen Jue and Jiang Chuang with letters and “accidental” run-ins. Zhiyu and Jiang Chuang were exhausted, this was the first time they’d seen men compete for favor so openly.

Everyone thought that currying favor with them might gain insight into Wen Yan’s preferences. But not even Zhiyu knew her thoughts.

At a small gathering, he finally wanted to ask: why not Han Sheng? If she wished, Han Sheng wouldn’t refuse.

But then he saw the young man serving her, youthful, handsome, vaguely resembling Han Sheng. Only, this man was livelier, his admiration and passion for Wen Yan worn plainly on his face.

Zhiyu and Jiang Chuang exchanged a glance and said nothing. A consort didn’t need to be clever. He just needed to please her.

Han Sheng couldn’t, and wouldn’t, spend his life buried in the harem.

Even so, Zhiyu never found out who she truly favored. Fed up with the constant pestering, Jiang Chuang finally left a letter at the palace.

By the time Wen Yan read it, the couple had already packed their bags and fled the capital, taking Chen Lin and Changning with them.

As for Zhuge Qing, he’d already taken a post in court. Swift to shift loyalties, he secured a spot as the Emperor’s confidant. With all his cunning, he’d never go to waste.

Bai Yuan disappeared again after Wen Jue recovered, choosing a life of seclusion. Wen Jue knew, they’d only meet again if he was in danger.

But now, at the perfect age, it was finally time. To travel the land. To see the world. To live the rest of their lives in peace.

[The End]