CHAPTER 1078: CHAPTER 1028: THE IMPERIAL ELDER SISTER IS PROUD OF YOU

Thousands of miles of prosperity, the glittering lights of the Capital Fengyuan, all fell into ruin overnight.

White bones are everywhere, bodies piled like mountains.

Screams and wails spread across the land, chilling the heart.

This is purgatory on earth.

Xiang Chen indeed never thought there would be such a day.

Just like when he was ten years old, he never imagined Princess Yongning would die.

At that time, Xiang Chen thought, with his Imperial Elder Sister gone, who would sit on the Emperor’s throne?

Yan Wang Hejia was actually the most suitable candidate, but if he left the Northwest, the Barbarians would certainly become restless.

Moreover, he personally had no interest in the throne.

Coupled with the dwindling offspring of Zhaozong, in the end, only he was left.

Xiang Chen was placed on the position of the supreme ruler.

Ning Zhaozong, during the final brief period of his life, turned him into a qualified successor.

But Xiang Chen knew, in governance, he was not as capable as Princess Yongning Xiang Lan.

In military strategy, he was not as proficient as Yan Wang Hejia.

In decisiveness, he wasn’t as ruthless as Princess Jingan Xiang Mingyu.

Let alone his ancestors, where Grand Ancestor Ning of the Daning Dynasty seized the world in plain clothes.

He seemed to be inferior to everyone, perhaps the weakest among the Xiang Imperial Family.

But since he became the Emperor, he had to shoulder the responsibilities of an Emperor.

To die for the nation and the people, this should be an Emperor’s greatest honor.

He accepted it gladly.

On the ramparts, Xiang Chen suddenly drew his sword, startling the other five besides Ye Wanlan.

Si Fqing’s expression changed, nearly losing her voice: "Elder Sister, could it be he..."

"Yes." Ye Wanlan whispered, "The history records, in the Shenzhou Calendar year 1723, Emperor Yongshun committed suicide to protect the city’s inhabitants."

Yan Tingfeng’s voice was also soft: "Before his death, Emperor Yongshun left a bloody inscription on the wall."

Before heading out, he went to find Yue Zheng and Xing Yun, ultimately having never been to Fengyuan City.

How Emperor Yongshun died, even he only knew from reading the history books.

But in these seven days, too many people died in Shenzhou, making history almost fragmented.

So even the last emperor of the Ning Dynasty left only a single line in the historical records.

Yet, how could a single line easily capture Xiang Chen’s current feelings, and the shock they witnessed?

Ying Zijin glanced over, also softly asking: "What is written in the blood letter?"

"I am ashamed to face my ancestors; with my death, I exchange for the lives of my people, never to let Xiang’s proud spirit falter. While I live, I carry on Zhaozong’s legacy, defending the nation’s gates; when I am gone, I shall not fail Grand Ancestor’s virtue, the King dies for the state." Ye Wanlan’s voice slowly conveyed the final eight words, "Sun and moon above, forever illuminate Shenzhou."

What a phrase "defending the nation’s gates, the King dies for the state."

What a phrase "sun and moon above, forever illuminate Shenzhou."

Yu Xiheng’s eyes changed dramatically.

Perhaps only an Emperor can truly empathize.

"He..." even Jun Muqian remained silent for a moment, hoarsely speaking, "He is still just a child."

Perhaps it’s because both Xiang Chen and her son Rong Chen have the word "Chen" in their names, and because Xiang Chen is still very young, she is somewhat reluctant to watch the events that are about to unfold.

The established history can’t be changed; they can only watch Xiang Chen commit suicide, his head falling to the ground.

As the blood splattered, the old ministers who remained alive knelt down, respectfully sending off this young Emperor.

The wind wailed, extending the long lament.

Xiang Chen’s consciousness gradually returned, and he was a bit dazed.

Hadn’t he already died?

Where was this?

Could it be the Eighteen Layers of Hell?

Xiang Chen did not know, but he had heard some folk tales suggesting that those who commit suicide bear the gravest sins and are cast into the animal realm after death.

Xiang Chen let out a bitter laugh: "I am still not capable."

The Ning Dynasty ended in his hands, even if he died, how could he face the ancestors of Xiang’s family?

"No, Little Chen." A gentle and firm voice arose, "There was never anyone who said you were not capable."

Xiang Chen paused again, his mouth open.

This voice...

This name...

"Little Chen, you did very well." Ye Wanlan gently embraced him, repeating over and over, "Grand Ancestor would be proud of you, Father would be proud of you, and your Imperial Elder Sister is proud of you too."

After all, Xiang Chen was only sixteen years old, and in the first ten years of his life, he grew up without worry.

Six years was enough time for a pure child to grow into an Emperor who cares for the world.

But being the eldest sister, of course, Ye Wanlan felt the pain.

Xiang Chen was completely stunned.

At this moment, he was in a spirit state without any physical sensation, yet he felt as if enveloped by sunlight, feeling an unprecedented warmth.

He had never seen Ye Wanlan’s face.

But the only person who could allow him to call her Imperial Elder Sister was Princess Yongning.

Xiang Chen stared at the girl in disbelief, managing to speak with a hoarse throat: "Imperial... Imperial Elder Sister?"

He really had died, and unexpectedly saw his Imperial Elder Sister who had passed away six years ago.

Doesn’t this mean he hadn’t gone to hell, that he was a good Emperor?

"Little Chen, the fall of the Ning Dynasty was never your fault." Ye Wanlan smiled slightly, again saying, "You did really well, no one will blame you."

Upon hearing these words, Xiang Chen could no longer control his emotions, crying out, "Imperial Elder Sister! No, if it were you, you certainly wouldn’t be like me, you would have a better solution."

Ye Wanlan raised her hand and gently touched his head, speaking softly: "Your Imperial Elder Sister is not a deity; she couldn’t have done better than you."

Xiang Chen was dazed again, clumsily rubbing his eyes: "Really?"

"When has your Imperial Elder Sister ever lied to you?" Ye Wanlan said, "You stay here with Uncle Wang and the others first, while I bring Yongle over."

Xiang Chen didn’t have time to speak before his vision plunged into darkness once more.

When his sight cleared, several familiar faces appeared before him.

Xiang Chen was almost scared out of his wits: "Aunt? Uncle Wang... and Prince Brother?"

His way of dying surely was incorrect.

He closed his eyes.

Maybe he should die once more.

"Snap out of it, boy." Xiang Qingtian pulled him up, "You’re not in hell."

"Little Chen, what happened?" Xiang Mingyu was urgent, "What did you do?"

Xiang Chen pursed his lips, shamefacedly recounting what had occurred earlier.

"Shush—"

Everyone looked at him with respect, making him feel awkward.

Among those before him, not one wasn’t a renowned figure, dragons among men in both Jianghu and the temple.

"Hahaha, splendid!" Xiang Qingtian suddenly laughed, "Worthy of being my nephew, and worthy of being your father’s son!"

Xiang Mingyu choked: "Prince Brother, don’t use such vulgar language before Little Chen, pay attention to your image."

"Imperial Elder Sister said she went to fetch Yongle." Xiang Chen suddenly realized, "But Yongle..."

Hadn’t he ordered her to be escorted away?