Lan Nian ultimately failed to take Yang Qingge away.
She stood in place, watching as You Xuanyao carried Yang Qingge's body down the streets of Chang'an City.
Everyone saw it.
The Young General, who returned to Chang'an and struck fear into the hearts of people, was covered in blood. He seemed like a soulless body, holding onto the most precious treasure in the world for him. No one dared to disturb him, even holding their breath unconsciously. You Xuanyao carried Yang Qingge back to You mansion.
He gently placed her on his own bed, personally brought a basin of hot water, and used a silk cloth to carefully wipe away the dried bloodstains on her body. His hands traced her eyes, her lips, and everything about her. Finally, he held her hand, pressed it to his lips, and tears streamed down his face.
" A ge, I'm sorry..."
Lan Nian is right, it's his fault that Yang Qingge has become like this, he doesn't deserve her.
From the beginning, he doesn't deserve her.
She was supposed to live a noble life as the Chancellor's daughter, but if it weren't for him, this disaster, she wouldn't have ended up with a lifelong illness, wouldn't have been punished by her father, tormented by Gu Su, and ultimately ended up in such a state. It's his fault, all his fault. He resents her for breaking her promise that day, for marrying someone else, for causing his mother's death. But ultimately, it's not her fault, it's his incompetence.
It's his selfishness, not even giving her a chance to explain.
It's his cowardice, leaving her alone to suffer in the turbulent city of Chang'an.
But now, no matter what he does, he can't get her back.
You Xuanyao bowed deeply, burying his face in Yang Qingge's cold fingers, crying bitterly.
After some time had passed, a cautious voice came from outside the door: "General... The Emperor has sent someone to summon you to the palace."
There was no response from inside the room for a long time.
Just as House servant was hesitating whether to report the life-threatening situation again, the door suddenly opened. You Xuanyao looked indifferent, with only the lingering bloodshot eyes proving that he had cried not long ago. "Have everyone in the mansion surround the courtyard and not allow anyone in. If I come back and can't find A ge, you will all be buried with him."
House servant shivered and said, "Yes, General."
You Xuanyao glanced at Yang Qingge and left with his sword.
In the vast palace, only the emperor sat on the dragon throne waiting for him.
You Xuanyao knelt on one knee: "Your Majesty, I pay my respects."
The Emperor looked weary: "This morning, Minister Gu found his son's body in an alley. Someone saw you kill him, is that true?"
You Xuanyao: "Yes."
The emperor sighed, "Didn't I say not to act so hastily with The Office of the Grand Secretariat? Your impulsiveness makes it difficult for me to protect you. Minister Gu just caused a commotion, and this time I must convict you."
"Gu Su has been doing as he pleases in Chang'an in recent years, and his death is not regrettable," You Xuanyao's eyes were cold, "Your Majesty need not worry about me, I am willing to take the blame."
The emperor furrowed his brow, as if seeing a young version of his father, You Yan, in You Xuanyao.
"You really are just like your father." You Xuanyao has no memory of his father. His father died in battle when he was just a hundred days old. He remained silent, waiting quietly for the emperor's decision.
After a while, the emperor slowly rose and said, "Minister Gu is getting old. We originally intended to spare his life considering his many years of service to the country. However, we have received information that he has secretly trained a private army."
His eagle-like gaze fell on You Xuanyao: "Take care of it for me, do it cleanly. Afterwards, I will give you a charge and send you back to the frontier. Can you bear this injustice?"
You Xuanyao replied without hesitation: "Your Majesty jests. Serving Your Majesty is no injustice."
The emperor laughed and said, "Good, come back in five years, and I will appoint you as the Grand Marshal. In the future, you will have to protect the country for me and for the crown prince."
"I obey your command!" You Xuanyao bowed, but did not rise again. "I... also want to ask Your Majesty for a reward."
"Oh?" This surprised the emperor. You Xuanyao had never asked for anything, not even showing any interest when given gold as a reward. "Tell me what you want."
You Xuanyao stood up straight and spoke firmly: "Your Majesty, please grant me marriage to the daughter of Prime Minister Yang, Yang Qingge."
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