This villain has become a ghost

"...No one knows better than me what is happening with the poison in my body. I already knew I wouldn't live for many more years."

Nangong Mingzhu continued, "So, the method you are thinking of is to save me first, and then let her complete the mission. By then, destiny should let her go, and you will restore her damaged soul, and she will naturally be rescued."

Jingtan: [……]

Word for word.

Jing Tan's tone became heavier, and he said:

[You know, she's in a spirit state now. Although there are methods from the previous system, the Soul-Forging Grass is still a mortal object after all. It needs to be absorbed by you and integrated into your bones and blood before it can take effect.]

[With the catalysis of this herb, the toxins in your blood will intensify. You might not even last a month, let alone a few years.]

"I don't want to sacrifice innocent lives. I want to save Miss Yue, but this method will save her and kill you. Tianming and I want to save your life, but using this method will most likely ruin everything we've done."

Nangong Mingzhu said, "This is your choice, not mine. Also, if you really haven't made up your mind, why did you bring the Soul Casting Grass to save people?"

Jingtan said:

[Your Majesty, I am asking for your decision.]

Nangong Mingzhu suddenly raised his lips and smiled, as if talking about a trivial matter, and said: "She can save me, why can't I save her?"

Jingtan was speechless.

Nangong Mingzhu continued, "Besides, if you had just followed your original plan and found a way to detoxify me before I died, wouldn't I have survived?"

"So, don't make it like a life-or-death separation, and don't talk about how great I am and how I'm willing to sacrifice myself for others. That's really too hypocritical."

“It’s just the best approach at the moment.”

Jingtan said:

You are right.

"That was my original plan. I just wanted to explain all the interests involved. I came here with the determination to save people."

[It's just... I didn't expect you to agree so readily.]

Hearing this, Ling Chaomian nodded in agreement. That’s right, he didn’t expect it either.

Nangong Mingzhu sighed and said, "Let's start quickly, I'm afraid..."

...I'm afraid that if I'm late, something unexpected will happen.

She couldn't wait.

Jingtan said:

[Since Your Majesty is ready, let's begin without further delay. Please, Imperial Master, stand guard outside the door and don't let anyone in. Once we're done, please call the Imperial Physician in immediately.]

Ling Chaomian immediately said, "Okay."

The palace servants heaved a sigh of relief when they saw the Imperial Master come out safely.

Shi Xing secretly glanced at Ling Chaomian and saw that although his eyes were a little red, as if he had been crying, he seemed fine otherwise.

...But why is the national teacher crying?

The unpredictable emperor must have frightened him again.

Ling Chaomian said, "Your Majesty is in a bad mood today and feels unwell. Please ask Eunuch Shixing to call the imperial physician. The rest of you may leave first."

"Yes."

The palace servants were just looking forward to it. An emperor in a bad mood was the most difficult to serve, and one could lose his head if not careful.

In Qinghe Palace, Nangong Mingzhu took the soul-casting grass according to Jingtan's instructions.

The effect of the drug lasted only a short time. In an instant, he felt a piercing pain from all his internal organs and muscles, but he endured it without making a sound.

Then, without hesitation, he picked up a dagger and stabbed it into his chest.

The blood soaked the clothes in an instant and spread in the air.

-

Yue Liuyun had another dream.

It was a dark cell.

There were damp drops of water dripping on the walls, cold wind seeped in from the iron bars, dim light shone in through the windows, and the air was filled with a damp and musty smell that was nauseating.

A dim oil lamp hung on the wall, and the flickering flame illuminated every corner of the cell. A familiar figure could be seen sitting on the simple wooden bed.

Outside the cell, Nangong Qianshang was wearing a gorgeous robe embroidered with golden phoenixes and flying dragons, looking extremely noble.

His eyes were red as he stared at the man in the cell and whispered, "Brother, is there really no way to save you?"

Nangong Mingzhu stood up slowly. His face was pale and his originally handsome and tall figure looked a little thinner, but his eyes were as beautiful as ever.

He tried to speak, but coughed up blood due to violent coughing.

After a long moment, he lazily wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth and said, "I knew this day would come, didn't I? Now that the time has come, it's time for me to go to hell."

"According to the agreement, you should be a good emperor."

Nangong Qianshang's peach blossom eyes were filled with tears, and he said in a bitter voice: "Even if I knew it a long time ago, I would also want to... I would also like to bury you with honor, but..."

"...But all the civil and military officials, as well as millions of ordinary people, want you to kill me, right?"

Nangong Mingzhu said for him what he couldn't say, just like he did for him what he couldn't do before.

Nangong Mingzhu said softly, "You have always been very smart. Don't let your emotions get the better of you. I don't have much time left anyway. You know what to do."

"They want to kill a tyrant like me, which means our plan was successful. If they don't want to kill me, then what's the difference between this and the chaotic court before?"

"After death, I will not ask about your life. Let me use my life to help you consolidate your throne. From now on, you can bring blessings to the world, peace to the country, and prosperity to the sea and rivers."

The cell floor was damp, the muddy dirt filled with the smell of decay, and the occasional squeaking of rats added to the eerie feeling.

However, the man in front of him, who was weak and emaciated due to illness and wearing the simplest and thinnest prison uniform, could vaguely see... the shadow of the former emperor.

Tears welled up in Nangong Qianshang's eyes. He took a step forward, staring intently at his brother, and said, "If I had taken the same path you took when we made the plan, would everything have been different..."

Nangong Mingzhu shook his head and said slowly: "This path can only be taken by me. This is my own choice."

"This is... the best ending."

At this moment, a crystal clear snowflake suddenly floated in from outside the window, casting a pure white light in the dark cell, so clean and so beautiful.

Nangong Mingzhu stretched out his hand with long knuckles but covered with chilblains and caught it.

Snowing.

In December of the fourth year of the Qiongyu era, there was heavy snow for three days. The emperor and empress followed the will of the people and beheaded Nangong Mingzhu at Xihua Gate. The people rushed to tell each other, and were very happy.

From then on, the Daying Dynasty truly ushered in a prosperous era of peace and prosperity.

This is already the best ending.

This is the ending he chose.