Chapter 583: Chapter 583
Xie Jue and Fang Chuning rarely brought up that episode from the past. They both guarded that memory in the deepest recesses of their hearts, secretive yet precious.
After returning from Beiman, they tacitly restrained all emotions and resumed their roles as close confidants. No one knew that, during their half-year in Beiman, they had lived as a genuine married couple.
Everyone spoke in lies, deceiving the person beside them in bed and tricking the spies within their mansions.
If not for Dugu Jing’s keen perception uncovering the truth, they might have continued their act for another half a year in Beiman, until the Beiman Royal Court completely collapsed.
Although Fang Chuning and Xie Jue never discussed those memories, each moment from that time remained vivid and alive, often reappearing in their dreams.
When the topic shifted to their wedding night, Fang Chuning dared not say more, knowing that Xie Jue might settle scores with him later. Wisely, he chose to stay silent and avoided digging deeper.
Xie Jue noted his improved mood and felt a bit relieved.
Fang Chuning, no longer dwelling on the Commander’s harsh reprimands, changed the subject to the current situation. "Xie Xun has ascended to the throne. He should have control over the Capital City by now. Once the Jiangnan battle subsides, everything will settle. My father, the Commander, despises internal strife. He’ll have no choice but to accept reality. You need to tell Xie Xun to kill Yuwen Jing. He must eliminate future threats. If Yuwen Jing doesn’t die, my father may refuse to accept the situation."
"Xie Xun knows what to do; he won’t let Yuwen Jing live," Xie Jue replied calmly. "Though he appears cold, he’s warm-hearted inside. He’ll kill Yuwen Jing but won’t abuse his power by slaughtering innocents. The imperial lineage should remain largely intact. Thankfully, the Princes are still young, Prince Kang is imprisoned in Ningzhou, and Prince Duan... lacks ability. Once the war concludes, the Yuwen Royal Family will likely be on its last legs, and the Commander won’t be able to turn the tide."
Unclear about the state of affairs in the Capital City, Xie Jue refrained from advising Xie Xun directly. He could only hope Xie Xun would stabilize the situation and, when Jiangnan regained peace, they’d have ample time to counter the Commander’s opposition to Xie Xun’s ascension.
He also hoped for some reconciliation between the Commander and Fang Chuning, easing their strained father-son relationship.
The Jiangnan conflict remained intense. The Commander, as the leading general in Jiangnan, couldn’t leave Lanzhou. Despite being aware of upheaval in the Capital City, he was powerless to act until the war was resolved. The source of thɪs content is NovєlFіre.net
In the Capital City, after Xie Xun’s accession, he issued an edict appointing Fengyu as Empress. Due to the ongoing Jiangnan war, it was deemed inappropriate to hold the grand wedding, so the ceremony was postponed until the battle ended.
The new reforms were being implemented rigorously but faced fierce resistance from the noble clans. Xie Xun maintained a firm stance; any officials who continually opposed were forced to resign or exiled, never to be reinstated. After the Lin Family surrendered their land and underwent reasonable planning, the Zhang Family followed suit, marking a shift in support for the new policies and the new ruler. Lin Helin and Zhang Boju, though branded as traitors among the noble clans, persisted unwaveringly in their endorsement of Xie Xun’s reforms.
Amid Xie Xun’s overwhelming busyness, a piece of good news finally arrived: Ruyi had returned to the Capital City.
Zhang Da, along with Qiuxiang and Chunlu, originally intended to escort Ruyi back to the Feng Mansion but couldn’t outmaneuver Xie Xun’s personal guards, who brought Ruyi directly to the palace instead.
After months of separation, Ruyi found Xie Xun somewhat unfamiliar. Staring with wide, curious eyes at the man before him, he couldn’t even recall who he was.
"Ruyi, it’s your uncle! Don’t you recognize me?" Xie Xun pinched his chubby little cheeks.
Ruyi burst into tears on the spot.