The first time in history

"Fuck you." Qian Mingduo looked at the people in the mess in front of the palace, then looked at the pale Yang Guifei in his arms, and cursed in his heart: "Damn it, why did you rebel at this time when there are no other good times? You could even rebel tomorrow morning."

"Your Majesty, let's run for our lives!" An old official in his sixties crawled to the imperial desk and said loudly, "An Lushan is a cruel man, and his soldiers are like wolves and beasts. For the sake of your safety, please issue an edict and leave the capital for a while."

"Nonsense!" Qian Mingduo shouted, "You're running away without even a fight? How dare you say that." He stood up, put the thumb and index finger of his right hand into his mouth, and whistled sharply.

The people who were in a mess all quieted down the moment they heard the whistle. Gao Lishi, Yang Guifei, and several palace maids and eunuchs beside Qian Mingduo looked at Qian Mingduo in surprise. They couldn't understand why Emperor Tang Minghuang, who was the emperor, could actually use the things of ordinary people.

"Who is responsible for the defense of the capital?" Qian Mingduo picked up the golden bowl and took a sip slowly.

"Your Majesty!" A burly man came forward, knelt on one knee, and said, "Your Highness, I, Ge Shuhan, will take charge of the guard duty of the capital."

"Tell me, how should we defend ourselves?" Qian Mingduo asked.

"Your Majesty, the defense of the capital is already stretched to its limits," Geshu Han lowered his head, "there are almost no soldiers available."

When the people in the hall heard the general in charge of the defense of the capital say this, they immediately panicked. Everyone was whispering to each other, and the noise was rising and falling. After a short panic, everyone knelt in front of the imperial desk, bowed, and asked Qian Mingduo to make a quick decision.

Qian Mingduo was familiar with this period of history, and he knew that he could not go against history. So he made a decision according to the records in the history books - to flee Chang'an, leave Shaanxi and enter Sichuan, in order to find a glimmer of hope.

"Your Majesty, I am afraid." In the imperial carriage, Yang Guifei snuggled tightly in Qian Mingduo's arms, her voice trembling.

Qian Mingduo held her in his arms and comforted her softly, "Don't be afraid, my beloved concubine. I will definitely protect you."

They traveled all the way, crossing the towering mountains and ridges, crossing the turbulent rivers and lakes, sleeping in the open air and feeling exhausted.

Finally, they arrived at Mawei Slope, the turning point of their destiny.

The army was already exhausted by the days of running around and fierce fighting. The soldiers were filled with resentment towards Yang Guifei's family, like a volcano about to erupt.

"Your Majesty, Yang Guozhong has brought disaster to the country and the people, and Yang Guifei has seduced the emperor. If they are not executed, it will be difficult to quell the public anger, and we are unwilling to work for the Tang Dynasty anymore!" A general shouted at Qian Mingduo with his eyes wide open.

Qian Mingduo's face turned pale, and his body trembled slightly: "What crime has my beloved concubine committed?"

"Your Majesty, the country is now in crisis, and it's all the fault of the Yang brothers and sisters! If they are not eliminated, the Tang Dynasty will be in danger!" The generals and soldiers shouted in unison.

Qian Mingduo looked at Yang Guifei who was shivering beside him, his eyes full of pain and confusion.

"Your Majesty, I am willing to sacrifice myself for the Tang Dynasty. I only ask that Your Majesty take care of your health." Yang Guifei's face was covered with tears, but her eyes were extremely firm.

At the desolate Mawei Slope, the cold wind was as sharp as a knife, whistling mercilessly, and every gust of wind seemed to be telling of endless sorrow. The gloomy sky made it hard to breathe, as if the whole world was immersed in a haze of despair.

Emperor Minghuang of Tang and Yang Guifei, the emperor and concubine who once shared the prosperity of the world, now stood at the crossroads of fate like two fallen leaves swaying in the wind and rain. Surrounding them were a group of solemn and exhausted soldiers, and the air was filled with tension and anxiety.

"Your Majesty, I am fully aware of my grave sins and am willing to die to thank the world." There was a hint of determination in Yang Guifei's voice, but more of it was reluctance and deep affection for Emperor Minghuang of Tang.

Tears flashed in her eyes, but she tried not to let them fall, because she knew that being strong at this moment was the best comfort for Emperor Minghuang of Tang. Her heart was like being eaten by millions of ants, and she was in great pain. She knew that her existence had become the target of public criticism. For the Tang Dynasty and for her beloved Majesty, she was willing to give up her life.

Qian Mingduo held Yang Guifei's hands tightly, his hands trembling slightly, as if he wanted to keep her by his side forever. "My beloved, what have you done wrong? It's because I'm incompetent and can't protect you."

His voice was choked with sobs, and every word seemed to be squeezed out from the bottom of his heart, full of pain and self-blame. His eyes were full of despair and helplessness.

"Your Majesty, I have never regretted meeting, knowing and loving you. However, now that the country is in crisis, I am willing to sacrifice myself in exchange for the peace of the Tang Dynasty and the safety of your Majesty." Yang Guifei gently stroked the face of Emperor Minghuang of Tang, her eyes full of reluctance and tenderness. Her heart was bleeding, she wished so much that she could stay with Emperor Minghuang forever, but she knew that the Tang Dynasty needed sacrifice at this moment, and she was willing to be that sacrifice.

The soldiers around were silent, but their eyes revealed complex emotions towards Yang Guifei - anger and resentment, sympathy and helplessness. A young general couldn't help but speak up: "Madam, we all understand your sacrifice, but please believe that we are also doing this for the future of the Tang Dynasty." There was a tremor in his voice. He knew very well how cruel his request was, but as a general, he shouldered the responsibility of defending the country.

Yang Guifei smiled slightly, and that smile contained too many emotions. "I understand that you are all loyal ministers of the Tang Dynasty. But, His Majesty..." Her words were full of worry and reluctance for Emperor Minghuang. She knew very well how much he loved her, and she was afraid that her departure would make him devastated.

Qian Mingduo took a deep breath and tried to calm himself down. "My beloved, go with peace of mind. I will remember your deep love and sacrifice, revive the Tang Dynasty, and let the people live and work in peace. In the next life, we will continue our relationship." His eyes were firm and resolute, but his heart had already been broken into countless pieces. He knew that he had to make this difficult decision for the sake of the Tang Dynasty.

Yang Guifei nodded, tears finally rolling down her cheeks. She turned to face the soldiers and bowed deeply. "Thank you all for your help and understanding. May the Tang Dynasty prosper and the people live in peace." Her voice sounded particularly desolate in the cold wind, and every word seemed to be the swan song of her life.

Then, she slowly walked towards the white silk that had been prepared. The white silk fluttered in the cold wind, like the shadow of death looming over her. Every step seemed so heavy, and her heart was filled with nostalgia for life and concern for Emperor Minghuang of Tang.

At that moment, time seemed to freeze. Emperor Tang Minghuang, his soldiers, and everyone present held their breath, watching this beautiful and strong woman walk to the end of her life.