A Shocking Dream

"Gee, gee, gee!" Qin Rongchen swung the whip vigorously, and the horse galloped out like an arrow. The horse's hooves hit the ground violently, raising billowing dust. Qin Rongchen held the reins tightly, his body rising and falling with the horse's gallop. His eyes were firm and fiery, and there was only one thought in his mind, that is, to get to Qiuluo Mountain as soon as possible. The wind whistled past his ears, ruffling his hair, but it could not blow away the obsession in his heart. He seemed to have forgotten all the fatigue and difficulties, and only focused on the road ahead. The horse galloped across the wilderness, faster and faster, and the scenery behind it receded like a tide. Qin Rongchen's heart was like this galloping horse, eager to see the person who had made him care about it for five years.

The wind whistled past his ears, and Qin Rongchen's eyes were firm and persistent. He seemed to see that familiar figure, the woman who had haunted his dreams. He didn't know why she appeared in Qiuluo Mountain, nor did he know what she had experienced over the years, but he knew that he had to find her and ask her everything.

As he hurried on, Qin Rongchen had only one thought in his mind: to find her. There was no trace of fatigue on his face, only longing and desire for her. He knew that this might be his last chance, and he couldn't miss it.

During this long journey, Qin Rongchen recalled every moment of their past. Those beautiful memories unfolded before his eyes like a scroll, filling his heart with warmth. He remembered strolling through a sea of ​​flowers, reciting poems under the moonlight, and watching the sunrise from atop a mountain. Those moments were so beautiful that he could never forget them.

Now, he wanted to find her and recapture those good times. He believed that as long as she was alive, he would find her. No matter how many difficulties and challenges lay ahead, he would not back down. Because he knew that she was the most important person in his life and the one he cared about all his life.

At the beginning of the Mao hour, Ninghua Palace.

The sky was just beginning to turn pale. Qin Ruoyu had been awake all night, waiting for this moment, the empress dowager, to rise and pay her respects. He stood outside the palace gate, waiting quietly, his heart filled with doubt and anticipation. Finally, the palace gate slowly opened. Qin Ruoyu straightened his clothes and walked into the palace with steady steps.

"Grandson Qin Ruoyu pays his respects to the Empress Dowager." Qin Ruoyu saluted respectfully, his voice clear and firm.

"It's Yu'er! Come, come and sit beside me," said Queen Mother Kou Jing with a smile. Though nearing old age and her appearance faded, the Queen Mother remained radiant with energy. Her eyes shone with wisdom and kindness, a warmth that filled one's heart. It was clear she had been a peerless beauty in her youth, and even with the passage of time, her features still shone with her former splendor. Qin Ruoyu followed her instructions and sat beside the Queen Mother, but his doubts only intensified. He looked at the Queen Mother, wanting to speak but stopping himself.

"Did the Empress Dowager sleep well last night? Is there anything wrong with her health? Should we call the imperial physician to come and see her?" Qin Ruoyu asked with concern. Yes, Qin Ruoyu was asking questions. He was afraid of the questions he would ask later, fearing that the Empress Dowager was feigning illness and not telling him.

The Queen Mother shook her head slightly and said with a smile, "All is well, as long as you are healthy, I will be fine. By the way, when you have time, go visit your cousin Yurou. She will be your wife in the future. You should spend more time with her and grow your affection."

Qin Ruoyu's heart tightened. He wasn't enthusiastic about this marriage, but he couldn't directly disobey the Queen Mother. "Grandmother, marriage is a serious matter, and I think it's best to be cautious. Besides, I have many things to deal with right now, so let's talk about it later," Qin Ruoyu said tactfully.

The Queen Mother frowned. "Yu'er, Yurou is a good child. She is gentle, kind, well-educated and well-mannered. She is a perfect match for you. Don't keep putting her off. Go meet her as soon as possible."

Qin Ruoyu nodded helplessly, "Grandson understands, Grandmother, don't worry. I will go to visit my cousin after I finish the things at hand." But his mind was not on this at all. He was still thinking about how to find out from the Grandmother about the emperor's uncle and the mysterious woman.

Kou Yurou, the most beautiful woman in the capital, was about to reach adulthood. Qin Ruoyu's impression of her was that she was delicate and frail, prone to tears, living up to her name. Every time he saw her, her delicate appearance always left Qin Ruoyu feeling a sense of helplessness. Although she was beautiful and charming, and she was stunning at first sight, the longer he looked at her, the more he felt that she was just so-so.

Qin Ruoyu couldn't understand why she was called the most beautiful woman in the capital. It seemed to him like a bunch of flattery. In contrast, what did the woman in the Emperor's uncle's painting actually look like? The Emperor's uncle had always had very high taste, and any woman who caught his eye was likely good. Qin Ruoyu's mind raced with various images. Perhaps that mysterious woman possessed an otherworldly aura, perhaps sparkling eyes, perhaps a gentle yet resolute smile. His curiosity grew, and he longed to uncover the mystery of that woman.

"Yu'er, what are you thinking about?" Seeing that Qin Ruoyu did not respond, the Queen Mother interrupted his thoughts.

Qin Ruoyu was slightly startled, and quickly replied: "Nothing, grandson was just thinking about what gift to give to cousin Yurou, who is about to come of age."

"You are the crown prince, she will like any gift you give her, so remember to strengthen your relationship with her. As for Yu Rou, don't be fooled by her petite and weak appearance. In fact, she is talented and strong-willed." The Queen Mother said with a smile.

Is that so? How come I can't see it? Qin Ruoyu thought to himself and smiled, "Grandson knows." However, his mind was not on Kou Yurou. His mind was full of things about the emperor's uncle and that mysterious woman. He really couldn't muster much interest in this cousin who was about to become his wife. But he also knew that he couldn't disobey the empress dowager's wishes, so he could only perfunctorily deal with it for the time being. Qin Ruoyu secretly decided that when he found an opportunity, he must find out the secret about the emperor's uncle from the empress dowager. As for Kou Yurou, he could only take it one step at a time.

"I'm glad you know, Cuiyun. Go and tell the imperial kitchen to serve breakfast. Prepare more so that Yu'er can eat well here with me." The Queen Mother ordered.

"Yes." The palace maid Cuiyun took the order and left.

"Yu'er, how are your performance in the academy recently? If I don't ask, you won't tell me." The Queen Mother looked at Qin Ruoyu, her eyes full of expectation.

Qin Ruoyu bowed his head slightly and replied respectfully, "Grandmother, everything is going well for me in the academy. I am diligently studying what the teachers have taught me."

The Queen Mother nodded with satisfaction. "That's good. As the Crown Prince, you will inherit the throne in the future. You must not slack off."

Qin Ruoyu replied solemnly, "Grandson understands. I will study hard and live up to the expectations of the Royal Grandmother."

At this moment, the palace maids entered one after another, carrying breakfast and placing it on the table. The aroma filled the air, but Qin Ruoyu was distracted, still preoccupied with how to get the Empress Dowager to tell him about the Emperor's uncle. But he also knew he couldn't rush things, so he could only deal with the Empress Dowager's inquiries and wait for the right moment to speak.

Qin Ruoyu studied at the Qinglian Academy, founded by the imperial family. Qinglian Academy, an institution steeped in history and culture, was founded during the reign of Emperor Taizu and has since then welcomed students from all over the world.

Entering Qinglian Academy, the vermilion gate is solemn and majestic. The four characters "Qinglian Academy" gleam brilliantly on the plaque above, as if to speak of its past glory. Stepping into the courtyard, towering ancient trees lushly green, sunlight filtering through the leaves, casting patches of light. Winding bluestone paths connect the classrooms and study rooms.

The academy's architecture is simple and elegant, with overhanging eaves, brackets, carved beams, and painted buildings. The classrooms are spacious and bright, with neatly arranged desks and chairs, emitting a faint scent of ink. The walls are covered with calligraphy, paintings, and poems by famous figures, inspiring students to strive for progress.

At Qinglian Academy, Qin Ruoyu studied and interacted with students from all over the country. These students, driven by a thirst for knowledge and a vision for the future, diligently pursued their dreams. Here, knowledgeable teachers patiently taught them classics, history, poetry, etiquette, and morality. Qin Ruoyu was diligent and eager to learn, humbly seeking advice and constantly absorbing the nourishment of knowledge.

Qin Ruoyu hesitated, wanting to speak but not daring to. His eyes revealed a tangle of hesitation, and his fingers unconsciously stroked the corner of his clothes.

"What do you want to say?" Queen Mother Kou Jing looked at Qin Ruoyu and asked softly.

Qin Ruoyu took a deep breath and mustered up the courage to speak: "Grandmother, why did the Emperor's uncle give up his status and power and be willing to become a commoner?"

Upon hearing this, Kou Jing's face changed slightly. Although she was Qin Rongchen's biological mother, she had never understood him. He had been a solitary person since childhood, disliking conversation and even preferring to eat, read, and write alone. A legitimate prince, he had actually given up his status and power to become a commoner. Kou Jing could not see through or guess what Qin Rongchen had done over the years.

The Queen Mother was silent for a moment, and said slowly: "Yu'er, your uncle's thoughts are hard for me to understand. He has been different since he was a child. Perhaps he has his own pursuits and ideas. I can't see through what your uncle is thinking or what he wants to do. Your uncle has been a solitary person since he was a child. If he doesn't say it, no one else will know." Queen Mother Kou Jing sighed slightly, with helplessness and confusion in her eyes.

Qin Ruoyu listened quietly, his curiosity about the Emperor's uncle growing stronger. He imagined what the Emperor's uncle looked like when he was young, a lonely figure wandering alone in his own world. What kind of experience had made the Emperor's uncle become what he is today?

"Then, did the Imperial Grandmother and the Imperial Uncle really have a loved one who left?" Qin Ruoyu asked cautiously, his eyes full of curiosity and inquiry.

"How did you know?" The Queen Mother was slightly startled, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes.

"Many people outside say so. My grandson just asked casually." Qin Ruoyu explained hurriedly, looking a little nervous.

"They are right. Seven years ago, when your uncle was the same age as you, he fell in love with her. That woman was not from our country. She was an ugly female general from the Snow Country. She was older than your uncle and had been fighting on the battlefield for five years. She was also a famous female general. Although the woman was not stunning in appearance, she had extraordinary courage and wisdom. When she met and got to know your uncle, they gradually fell in love. However, what happened afterwards, I don't know. Until five years ago, your uncle was in the position of civil and military officials. "In front of all the officials in the court, they requested your royal grandfather to remove his status and power. Your royal grandfather refused, and after that, your royal uncle fell into a state of despair, drowning his sorrows in alcohol and even contemplating suicide. Your royal grandfather had no choice but to agree to release him from the palace, but his status and power could not be removed. Your royal uncle then moved out of the palace and left the capital. Your royal grandfather was furious because of your royal uncle's affairs. You also know what happened later." The Queen Mother narrated slowly, her tone full of emotion and helplessness.

Afterwards, the emperor's grandfather passed away. Before his death, he announced to the world that Qin Rongchen would be crowned as the Sage King and his title would never be removed.

Qin Ruoyu fell into deep thought. What had the Emperor's uncle experienced during those two years? Was the female general, rumored to be ugly, really the one who had given him the jade pendant that day? Qin Ruoyu's heart was filled with doubts. He couldn't help but blame himself. He had been traveling around the world with his father at the time, so how could he not know about the Emperor's uncle's situation?

He recalled his uncle's current appearance, lonely and aloof, a stark contrast to the high-spirited prince he once was. What kind of magical power did that female general possess that made his uncle so obsessed? Qin Ruoyu's desire for answers grew stronger. He wanted to understand his uncle's past and solve the mystery that had troubled him for so long.

In this silent palace, Qin Ruoyu's thoughts drifted far away. He seemed to see the scene when his uncle met the female general when he was young. The picture was full of mystery and unknown.

"Grandmother, what is the name of that ugly female general?" Qin Ruoyu asked anxiously.

"Her name is Lin Bingshuang. This name once frightened the border troops of various countries. She was a brave and resourceful female general. Yu'er, let's stop talking and have our meal." The Queen Mother sighed slightly, with a hint of emotion in her tone.

The palace servants had already prepared breakfast, the exquisite dishes emitting an alluring aroma, yet Qin Ruoyu found the meal tasteless. His mind kept replaying the image of that mysterious woman and his uncle's deep affection for her. Was the person he had met that day truly Lin Bingshuang? If so, then his uncle would surely return home disappointed. Qiuluo Mountain was no longer the same Qiuluo Mountain.