However, bad news arrived. When the Xiliang team reached the border mountain, the Third Prince Xia Zhichun fell from a cliff, presumably beyond rescue. This news reached Qi Kingdom, instantly adding sorrow to the originally joyful atmosphere. The Qi Emperor grieved deeply, stating that this was not Xiliang’s fault, but the prince’s thin fate, unable to return home before dying in a foreign land. Although sad, the long-prepared competition could not be canceled. The Qi Emperor announced that everything would proceed as planned, with the funeral for the Third Prince to be held after the competition.
When I heard this news, I couldn’t help but feel sad. Although years had passed and the initial feelings had long disappeared, this gentle and humble prince did not deserve such an end.
Our acquaintance was quite dramatic. I tried many methods and finally bribed the steward on the prince’s pleasure boat, sneaking in as a temporary maid.
Unexpectedly, he discovered me.
He was surprised but showed no intention of blaming me. Instead, he kindly let me finish the painting. After our acquaintance, I often sat on his boat, sailing the Yan River together, and learned about his various disappointments in the imperial court. Despite his difficulties, he never complained, instead finding solace in landscapes, hoping to one day break free from the palace. Unexpectedly, a battle sent him far away to Xiliang. Now, having finally had a chance to return home, he fell from a cliff midway.
Truly, fate is cruel. As a prince, he suffered more than ordinary people and ultimately met such an end. When An Jin was not around, I secretly burned some paper money for him, hoping he would have a better life in his next reincarnation.
The chariots of Xiliang and Nanrui entered Yanfeng City.
The new Xiliang Emperor was friendly. After entering the city, he switched to horseback, riding with an upright posture, showing a subtle smile to the observing Yanfeng crowd. His face was delicate, with large blue sapphires adorning his robe, and long tassels hanging from his cloak. Twenty-four guards were distributed around him, wearing light chain mail, with solemn expressions.
Yanfeng people exclaimed, finding the new emperor so young and handsome. The initial hostility towards Xiliang seemed to gradually soften with the emperor’s approachable smile.
I stood in the crowd, in a daze. The new emperor looked good, but…
