Shang Mian laughed, “If you don’t want to, that’s fine. But you’ll still have to do it. I have no one else.”
That afternoon, Shang Mian agreed to ascend the throne and established Ruan Ning as empress. Following this announcement, several noble daughters were executed by Shang Mian for disrespecting the future empress, shocking the entire capital.
Ruan Ning, with an unremarkable background and previously divorced, faced outrage from many families hoping to send their daughters to the palace. Those who had mocked her were both angry and fearful, causing an uproar. Annoyed by the chaos, Shang Mian punished some, imprisoned others, and some fled to support Shang Mingsi’s provinces.
Despite the turmoil outside, Ruan Ning remained unaware as Shang Mian had sealed off information to prevent her worry. The coronation ceremony was set for three days later. While Ruan Ning was being fitted for her ceremonial dress and listening to endless instructions, she nearly fell asleep. Shang Mian walked in and carried her away, saying, “Let her do as she wishes. She doesn’t need to observe these formalities.”
Lying in bed that night, Ruan Ning realized they had only been sleeping together recently, without intimacy. She felt something was amiss but couldn’t pinpoint it.
Shang Mian stroked her hair with his eyes closed when she asked, “Why is Xie San angry? Isn’t your sword wound healed? Why did he say you’re seriously injured?”
Shang Mian remained silent. Xie Rong was indeed angry. Blood poison, a leg injury, parasitic poison, and past torment had taken a toll on his body. He had tried to stabilize Shang Mian, but the recent events—a sudden uprising, an emergency blood transfusion, using true qi to save her, and suffering an arrow wound—had worsened his condition.
“A-Mian, if you don’t use true qi and recuperate properly, you have about ten years left. But if you use true qi rashly again, not even a divine immortal could save you…” Xie Rong warned while delivering medicine.
His life might be short, but he lived without regret, wishing only to see her respected and powerful in his absence.
“He’s always like this. Don’t mind him,” Shang Mian reassured her, holding her tightly and kissing her. “Sleep.”
