General, you should rest now; the lady is even more ruthless.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

Inside the room, Prime Minister Lü sat upright in a grand chair, his eyes closed, and slowly recounted this period of history.

Decades have passed, but looking back—

The clash of swords and the blood-soaked sky that day seemed to be right before his eyes.

It's as if this just happened yesterday.

The late emperor originally had a crown prince, but he became a monk because he was too heartbroken after the death of his crown princess.

But a country cannot be without a ruler. In order to compete for the vacant position of crown prince, the current emperor and his brothers have been fighting openly and secretly for more than three years.

Until the emperor issued an edict appointing an incompetent prince, whom no one expected, as the crown prince.

After the emperor's health deteriorated, the crown prince assumed personal rule. His first act was to execute a group of officials who had spoken frankly and offered advice. His second act was to listen to the advice of sycophants and prepare to submit to the Northern Ming.

It was at that time that Lü Yixing found the current emperor.

"Your Highness, if my Nanyue is truly to bow down to the Northern Ming, then I will have no face to live on in this world."

The then-Prince Yuan, now the Emperor, helped him up:

“Lord Lü, that’s what I think too. Over the years, regardless of the strength of our military or the size of our population, Nanyue has always been an independent country with dignity. If we were to truly submit to the Northern Ming, not only you, but I would have no face to meet my ancestors.”

"In that case, I wonder if Your Highness Prince Yuan would dare to join me in doing something great to save Nanyue from its dire straits?"

The Prince looked into his eyes, which were filled with a willingness to die for his cause.

He gritted his teeth and said, "As the ancients said, 'Is it better to die for one's country than to wait for death?' Today, I, the king, will be one of those who die for their country!"

The two hit it off immediately. With the emperor aging and the crown prince incompetent, expanding their power was as easy as eating for them.

In just six months, they subtly gained control of the two major military branches in the capital.

Then, they launched a coup on a day when the whole country was celebrating and everyone was most relaxed in their defenses.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

Prime Minister Lü sighed.

Over the years, the emperor has had both merits and demerits, and so has he.

He could not, and was not qualified to, judge whether the current emperor was right or wrong.

After their coup succeeded, the Yuan King ascended the throne. He did not submit to the Northern Ming as he had previously agreed, but instead signed an agreement with them not to go to war.

However, he became even more wary of military generals because of the coup.

As a result, he continued to suppress military generals throughout his decades-long reign.

The military strength of Nanyue was already weak, and it has become increasingly weaker in recent decades.

Until ten years ago, when General Shen died on the battlefield, the entire Nanyue Kingdom had no other generals available.

Despite the ceasefire agreement, the Northern Ming Dynasty harbors wolfish ambitions and has been constantly probing Nanyue over the years.

While General Shen was alive, they still had some reservations. But after his death, the Northern Ming unilaterally broke the ceasefire agreement and began attacking Nanyue City.

It's easy to imagine that with no generals available in Nanyue, war broke out suddenly.

It is certain that the Northern Ming will launch successive attacks, while the Southern Yue will suffer successive defeats.

In three years, they lost thirteen cities and more than a hundred counties.

......

Those were the years in which both Lü Yixing and the emperor aged rapidly.

Lu Yixing didn't know if they were grasping at straws in desperation or trying anything desperate.

They had been searching for new generals and had offered a large reward to those in the martial arts world for their help. They had also tried to promote former generals back to lead troops in battle.

But all failed.

At that time, Mount Heng was like a rapidly falling iron ball, and the strength of an ordinary person, as small as an ant, was simply not enough to save it.

The Northern Ming Dynasty always valued military prowess over civil affairs, while the Southern Yue Dynasty did the opposite, valuing civil affairs over military affairs.

In addition, the emperor's suppression of military generals over the years has resulted in the death of almost every general they find.

During that time, they sat together to discuss ways to save the country, sometimes talking for an entire night.

However, those methods could only slow down the decline of Nanyue, but could not break the deadlock.

Even so, they clung to their last line: they would never bow down to the Northern Ming!

The emperor even issued an edict: Anyone who dares to propose surrender, no matter who they are, will have their entire family wiped out and be executed without mercy!

......

The Kingdom of Nanyue struggled to survive for three years.

Over the course of three years, the Northern Ming Dynasty was invincible, and its morale grew stronger with each battle, eventually reaching a point a hundred miles outside the capital.

At that time, many ordinary people, and even timid princes and nobles, had already packed their bags and fled the capital.

Only Lü Yixing and the Emperor remained calm.

He only appeared calm; in reality, he had already prepared a white silk ribbon in the Prime Minister's residence.

On the day the gates of the capital are breached, he will hang himself at home.

Presumably, that's what the Emperor intends to do as well.

Ironically, before they came to power, their plans were so grand—

We must attack the Northern Ming and reclaim all the dignity that Nanyue has lost over the years.

But now, not only have they failed to do so, the country is also on the verge of destruction in their hands.

It was autumn that day, and Lü Yixing was on his way to the palace.

The withered yellow leaves were blown down by the wind, as if proclaiming that the fate of this country was beyond saving.

The carriage sped along the deserted streets, and he sat inside.

He knew why the emperor had summoned him to the palace; the Northern Ming had officially established a camp a hundred miles outside the capital.

But he had no other choice.

In just three years, both he and the emperor had grayed temples, having tried every method they could think of.

"Prime Minister Lü," the Emperor said, sitting on his dragon throne, his voice mournful, "all the generals have been summoned, but none dare to lead troops into battle."

"I have already posted the notice. Have someone keep an eye on it. If anyone answers the question, bring them here."

After decades of working together, Prime Minister Lü noticed something was amiss—

"Your Majesty, you mean—"

The Emperor nodded: "If there are no generals available after three days, I will personally take to the field!"

Prime Minister Lü lowered his head, and after a long while, he slowly knelt down and performed a grand salute.

He kowtowed to the ground and didn't get up for a long time.

Both of them knew in their hearts that this was just a last-ditch effort and would not change the outcome.

Only the emperor and his minister remained in the vast palace, their suppressed sobs echoing through the air.

As the last rays of autumn shone down, they illuminated a corner of the palace with a brilliant golden hue, but this golden glow was fleeting, as boundless darkness quickly enveloped it, and no one remembered how bright that corner had once been.

Suddenly, an autumn leaf was swept into the house by the wind and landed on the golden floor by the door.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

Lu Yixing did not believe the ancient saying, "When you think you have no way out, a new village appears amidst the willows and flowers."

But a turning point actually appeared.

The following evening, Lü Yixing was polishing his armor in the mansion—

He also decided to follow the emperor to the battlefield.

The armor was polished to a gleaming shine and placed on an armor rack.

Lu Yixing touched the armor; the smooth, cold feel made him feel unfamiliar and uncomfortable.

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw a map of the Southern Yue Kingdom hanging on the wall next to him.

That was a map of the Southern Yue during its heyday, a city that had not yet been swallowed up by the Northern Ming.

He couldn't help but reach out and touch every city, every mountain range, every river...

"Your Majesty, Prime Minister, Your Majesty, Prime Minister."

Lu Yixing composed himself: "Go in!"

The guards outside rushed in, their excitement visibly palpable.

"Your Excellency, the notice has been received!"

He suddenly looked up: "Who is it?!"

The guard lowered his voice: "It's a child named Shen Luo."

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

The light in Lü Yixing's eyes went out again.

He was just an arrogant child who didn't know his own limitations.

But I'll still go take a look; it'll only be a waste of a little time at most.

He thought so.

Lu Yixing was still pleased that his child dared to answer the imperial edict and recommend himself at such a young age.

It's a pity this child was born at the wrong time. If he had been born five years earlier, with this ambition, he might have really become a great general in Nanyue.

However, all his worries and regrets vanished the moment he saw his child.

He could hardly believe his own eyes.

Lu Yixing recognized the sword in his hand as the one General Shen used to carry.

"You are General Shen's...grandson?" he asked incredulously.

The fifteen-year-old boy opposite him nodded: "That's right. Junior Shen Luo greets Prime Minister Lü."

"You, you," Lu Yixing exclaimed with indescribable joy and excitement upon seeing the descendant of his deceased friend.

More importantly, he was well aware of General Shen's abilities; if it were his grandson, he might actually be able to lead troops on the battlefield.

"Xiao Luo, come with me to the palace!"

Prime Minister Lü didn't waste a moment and took Shen Luo straight into the palace.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

In the Qianqing Palace, the Emperor, upon hearing that this was General Shen's grandson, displayed the same shocked expression as the Prime Minister.

“It’s the Shen family,” he murmured. “The Shen family is full of loyal and righteous men. Over the years, they have devoted themselves to our Nanyue.”

“Your Majesty,” Prime Minister Lü began, “this child may truly be capable.”

The Emperor stepped down from the dragon throne and carefully examined Shen Luo.

She didn't say anything, just watched and walked around him a few times.

Suddenly, the Emperor turned around and picked up the token on the table: "Shen Luo, listen to my command!"

Shen Luo immediately knelt down: "This humble subject, Shen Luo, will obey Your Majesty's orders!"

"You, a commoner..." the Emperor murmured, "from this moment on, you are no longer a commoner. I hereby appoint you as the General Who Conquers the North, with the authority to command all troops within the Southern Yue Kingdom!"

This is an unprecedented and unparalleled right; in fact, Shen Luo could easily overthrow the emperor and establish his own dynasty.

Shen Luo raised her head, looking at the Emperor in disbelief.

Prime Minister Lü smiled and patted his head: "Hurry up and thank the Emperor for his great favor."

Shen Luo belatedly realized: "Your subject Shen Luo thanks Your Majesty for your great favor. Long live the Emperor!"

He kowtowed to the ground, and when he raised his head again, there was no other emotion in Shen Luo's eyes, only a resolute determination to die for his cause.

......

"Unexpectedly... the army that General Shen led three years ago has returned to his grandson's hands three years later."

After Shen Luo left, Prime Minister Lü couldn't help but sigh. Although he was still uneasy, he also had a glimmer of hope.

"Yes, I didn't expect that either." The emperor's reply revealed no emotion.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

Thinking back to this, a smile appeared on Lü Yixing's lips.

This may be the most correct decision he ever made, and also the most correct decision the emperor ever made.

They appointed Shen Luo, who was only fifteen years old, to turn the tide and pull Nanyue back from the brink of destruction.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

The emperor also recalled that period of history.

But compared to the crises that followed, he was more impressed by the coup.

He seized power through a coup.

Knowing how he obtained his throne, the emperor was extremely vigilant about it.

He would not allow anyone, especially the princes, to show any sign of recruiting or raising soldiers.

......

Chen Chengfeng was so overwhelmed by the emperor's imposing presence that he could hardly breathe: "Father, I came here because I'm worried about my wife and children. If the people from the Jingzhao Prefecture get involved, it will cause too much of a commotion. I'm afraid that if it causes panic, they might suffer some mishap."

"Secondly," Chen Chengfeng said, his head bowed low, appearing fearful and respectful, but also concealing the ruthlessness in his eyes.

"Secondly, I also want to personally apprehend the villain and see who is so audacious as to commit such a crime under the emperor's nose."

"Father, I have no other intentions whatsoever. My innocence is as clear as heaven and earth! As clear as the sun and moon!"

The Emperor nodded and said, "You may rise."

Having said all that, he couldn't say anything more, since he had no evidence to prove whether it was true or false.

Besides, there are more important things to do now.

"Let's not talk about that now, finding the person is the priority."

The Emperor ordered: "Xiao Wu, you are to take the Prefect of the Capital and search every household in the capital carefully."

"Shen Luo, you and the capital garrison will block all roads leading in and out of the capital. From this moment on, no one is allowed to leave the city. At the same time, some people will be sent out to search outside the city."

Chen Chengfeng stood to the side, waiting to be assigned a task.

The Emperor's gaze shifted over.

Chen Chengfeng quietly straightened up.

The Emperor's gaze shifted over.

"Alright, that's all for now. Report back to me as soon as there's any progress."

"Yes!" the two answered in unison.

As the meeting was about to end, Chen Chengfeng quickly spoke up to remind him, "Father, what about me?"

He pointed to himself, his face full of anticipation: "What should I do?"

The Emperor seemed to have just remembered: "Oh, and you too... Tell the Imperial Hospital to brew me another bowl of calming medicine."

"Heh." Although it was inappropriate, Chen Chengwu couldn't help but laugh out loud.

Chen Chengfeng: "......"

Everyone received their tasks and left.

The emperor rubbed his temples wearily and muttered to himself, "Xiao Feng, did you really do this?"