FIMA Ch134: The End

Under the pressure of the army.

The Wu family army, known for its bold and fierce advances, suddenly turned into turtles, always staying holed up in Ezhou city.

Ezhou was the most easily defensible and hard-to-attack place in the central region, surrounded by the natural defense of the Yangtze River. The imperial army and the reinforcements from several noble families were always at a disadvantage.

They could only try to besiege Ezhou heavily, cutting off its supplies, intending to starve them inside the city.

Although it took time, the oldest methods were often the most effective.

Sure enough, a month later, Ezhou was in dire need of provisions.

By early March, Gu Siyuan and the three major noble families received news that the Wu family’s base in Yuezhou city was recruiting soldiers and gathering large amounts of provisions to support Ezhou.

This was a heaven-sent opportunity.

After discussing with everyone, Gu Siyuan and the others unanimously decided to set up an ambush at Shitou Gorge outside Ezhou, to kill the reinforcements and seize the supplies, completely cutting off the hopes of the Ezhou rebels.

After several rounds of discussion.

The Zhao, Shen, and Qian families eagerly volunteered to be the vanguard in this ambush at Shitou Gorge.

Because of the Xuanqing Mountain incident, they had deep-seated hatred against the Wu family army.

Gu Siyuan waved his hand and agreed.

But who could have anticipated that human plans were no match for divine will.

The news about the provisions was true, and the ambush was real.

As soon as the coalition army formed by the three major noble families entered Shitou Gorge, they were immediately surrounded by the Wu family’s reinforcements from Yuezhou and the main forces from Ezhou.

That entire gorge became a meat grinder.

The nearly thirty thousand coalition forces from the three major noble families were reduced to just over seven thousand who were captured and surrendered. Only a small team of over two hundred barely escaped back to Huangzhou city, reporting this extremely tragic defeat to Gu Siyuan and the others.

In the previous Xuanqing Mountain incident, the major noble families had already lost half their main forces. This time, they came to Huangzhou seeking revenge and to restore their family’s reputation.

Who would have thought that not only did they fail to avenge, but they also lost their remaining forces in the Shitou Gorge battle.

The news spread.

The entire country was shocked.

And the headquarters of the three major noble families quickly fell into chaos, with everyone grabbing what they could and fleeing.

Everyone knew that the three major noble families were a fat sheep. Now that the sheep were dead and the shepherd was gone, if they didn’t take what they could quickly, they’d be left with nothing as others picked the bones clean.

The three major noble families, which had existed for hundreds of years since the previous dynasty and through the chaotic eras, were thus wiped out in one stroke.

At the top of Shitou Gorge, an ancient peach tree was blooming magnificently in the spring, showing off its beauty.

It seemed oblivious to the blood flowing like rivers and the corpses scattered below.

Xie Chenyun waved his hand, instantly burning a few buzzing flies around him to ashes.

He turned to the long-silent man: “Your Majesty…”

Gu Siyuan stood at the edge of the cliff, his grand dark gold robe billowing in the wind.

Looking at the scene below, his expression remained calm and unruffled.

After a long time.

He spoke faintly: “Hopefully, fewer people will die next time.”

After saying this, he turned and walked down the mountain without looking back.

“…”

Xie Chenyun watched his tall figure, slightly raising his delicate eyebrows.

Fewer people?

Last time at Xuanqing Mountain, two to three thousand people died, and he said the same thing.

Now, in Shitou Gorge, twenty to thirty thousand died, and he still says the same.

What about next time…

Xie Chenyun caught up and grabbed Gu Siyuan’s hand: “Your Majesty is extremely clever, always achieving the greatest results with the least sacrifice.”

Gu Siyuan glanced at him sideways: “Is Chenyun comforting me?”

Xie Chenyun blinked: “Did Your Majesty see through me?”

Gu Siyuan gently squeezed his soft, white fingers, speaking calmly: “I’m not sad.”

Xie Chenyun: “…”

Then were you just trying to scare people?

Gu Siyuan, after squeezing his fingers, pinched his soft cheeks before holding his hand and continuing forward: “If I don’t do this, then these piles of corpses and seas of blood will be behind me, involving the soldiers I inspected a few days ago…”

“Since someone has to die, let it be the enemy!”

Xie Chenyun pondered for a moment and nodded: “Your Majesty is right.”

This person could be enraged by the death of a lowly servant; yet he could also be indifferent to the death of thousands.

What benevolence.

What cruelty.

However, this was already the best outcome.

If these three major noble families had grown stronger and rebelled, plunging the entire country into chaos, the number of deaths in a real battle between two armies would far exceed twenty to thirty thousand, with most likely being their own people.

In the spring of that year.

The Wu family army, having won a great victory against the coalition forces at Shitou Gorge, was in high spirits.

But the young emperor of the Great Zhou, on his first personal campaign, was extremely furious, issuing one decree after another.

Armies stationed throughout the country gathered here, determined to avenge the souls of the deceased and make the Wu family army pay for their blood debt.

However, starting from the end of March, the Jiangnan and Jingdi regions began a nearly month-long rainy season.

The water levels of the river upstream of Ezhou surged, and there was no harvest of grain in the city.

Already tormented by insufficient provisions, the Wu family rebels experienced small-scale riots within their ranks.

At this moment, the imperial army arrived at the city gates and cruelly declared: if the Wu family army did not surrender, they would destroy the upstream dam and flood Ezhou.

As soon as this news spread.

Although some cursed the young emperor for his cruelty and tyranny, everyone in Ezhou city was terrified.

Many civilians tried to flee, and mutinies among the soldiers broke out one after another.

After about ten days, the once valiant and victorious Wu family army became a scattered force due to internal strife.

At the end of April, the gates of Ezhou city opened.

One of the two dragons of Jiangzhou, Yang Tai, crawled out on his knees to accept the imperial surrender on behalf of his foster father, the commander of the Wu family army.

Thus, in a manner seemingly like a fairy tale.

Although the court lost the coalition forces of three major noble families, they ultimately seized Ezhou without expending a single soldier.

After this, the imperial army pressed forward, reclaiming Yuezhou, Chongyang, Xianning, and Xiling, all previously occupied by the Wu family.

However, this was not the end.

With one command from the young emperor of the Great Zhou, Duke Song and other generals seized the opportunity of their great victory to split their forces and simultaneously attack the rebel forces in Jianghuai, Shandong, and Taiyuan.

For a time, people were in a state of panic.

…

Meanwhile, Gu Siyuan himself was preparing for his return to the capital in Huangzhou city.

This time, he was not returning to the southern Nanjing palace, but was planning to take a group of civil officials back to the northern capital.

The spring was bright and beautiful, and the garden was filled with blossoming flowers, presenting a scene of spring prosperity.

Gu Siyuan and Xie Chenyun sat opposite each other in the courtyard, enjoying tea and incense.

Xie Chenyun let a bit of internal energy flow from his palm, turning a secret letter into ashes.

He turned to the person leisurely drinking tea beside him and said, “The development of events is becoming clearer. People are not fools; they might gradually notice the oddities in the Xuanqing Mountain and Shitou Gorge incidents.”

Since coming to this chaotic world of high martial arts.

Gu Siyuan, as the emperor, had two main goals: first, to quell the rebel forces and noble factions across the land, aiming to restore a peaceful and prosperous era; this goal was nearly achieved;

The second was to deal with those martial artists who defied bans and caused chaos. This effort had been ongoing, with dozens of cities and towns across the country establishing the Jingwu Division to monitor the martial world and gather information. This task was overseen by Xie Chenyun.

This time, the secret letter Xie Chenyun received indicated that rumors were spreading everywhere, with some even covertly claiming that the young emperor of the Great Zhou was using others to do his dirty work.

The Jingwu Division was investigating the source of these rumors.

“So what if they find out? In today’s world, everything is at my command,” Gu Siyuan said lightly, putting down his tea cup.

No one could refuse or stop him.

“…” Xie Chenyun.

Although it was true, the tone was really arrogant.

Xie Chenyun poked Gu Siyuan’s face lightly, saying seriously, “Oh wow, our emperor is so amazing!”

Gu Siyuan grabbed the delicate fingers on his face, kissed them a few times, and said blandly, “Naughty, Chenyun, you dare to be so insolent because you rely on my favor.”

“…” Xie Chenyun couldn’t help but roll his eyes adorably.

You, a cold and ruthless person who makes others tremble with fear at a glance, really look awkward acting like a great lover…

Gu Siyuan pulled him into his arms and kissed his thin eyelids, saying indifferently, “Even when rolling your eyes, Chenyun looks very cute.”

“…”

Xie Chenyun completely didn’t want to deal with this guy anymore.

He thought of something and asked, “When I was packing for the journey to the capital, I found out that after you captured Tang Sheng and Xiao Hanxin at Xuanqing Mountain, you didn’t kill them. You just crippled their martial arts and imprisoned them. Do you have some other sinister plan?”

“…” Gu Siyuan was silent.

Why did his pillow companion have such an image of him? Wasn’t he a benevolent and kind emperor, as well as a good person?

Unconvinced, he retorted, “Chenyun, why don’t you think it’s because I couldn’t bear it and didn’t want to kill more?”

Xie Chenyun sneered, “It’s broad daylight, Your Majesty, stop telling ghost stories!”

The sarcasm in his words and laughter was profound.

Gu Siyuan: “…”

After a moment of silence, he slowly explained, “So many people died at Shitou Gorge; someone has to bear the brunt of this anger. But Yang Tai and the Wu family army have already surrendered to me. I have always been lenient, and I can’t treat them unfairly. So, I can only let Tang Sheng, one of the former dragons of Jiangdong, take the blame.”

“…” Xie Chenyun.

Take back the words “lenient,” but the rest is a reasonable explanation.

However…

Given that this guy always plans three steps ahead, Xie Chenyun asked further, “Is that all? Nothing more…”

“Chenyun knows me well,” Gu Siyuan coughed lightly and continued calmly, “Actually, there’s another reason. I’m curious whether the martial arts holy land Tianwai Hall, knowing that their current heir and chosen destined one are both in my hands, will be interested in coming to me voluntarily?”

“My actions always aim to root out troubles; under my rule, no so-called holy land is allowed to exist.”

Xie Chenyun stared at him: “…”

Such a deeply calculating and ruthless person, he had never seen or heard of before in his life.

Gu Siyuan hugged his slender waist and gently pinched his soft cheeks: “Chenyun, why are you looking at me like that?”

Xie Chenyun lazily leaned against him, quite dejectedly saying, “If one day, Your Majesty uses these methods and schemes against me, I will surely have no power to resist.”

Gu Siyuan slightly raised his eyes and chuckled, “Chenyun, you’re wrong on two counts.”

Xie Chenyun looked up and glared at him, “Just one sentence, and I can be wrong in two places?”

“First, those are just some random ideas I came up with, they hardly count as methods or schemes; second, it’s not just you, if I genuinely wanted to deal with someone, no one would have any power to resist.”

Gu Siyuan’s attitude was extremely casual and carefree.

Xie Chenyun: “…”

Why are you so good at bragging!

Gu Siyuan’s lips slightly curved up, very keen on teasing Xie Chenyun.

He continued, “Chenyun, you really don’t need to worry about this. My heart towards you is sincere, as clear as the heavens and earth. I have always moved you with emotions and have never used any schemes or tricks.”

“…” Xie Chenyun.

Xie Chenyun was utterly confused and puzzled.

“Then a few days ago, when Your Majesty had people watch me, forbade me from leaving the other courtyard, and repeatedly sealed my acupoints and inner strength, what do you call that?”

Gu Siyuan calmly said, “That’s called power oppression and force suppression.”

Xie Chenyun: “…”

Xie Chenyun turned over and pounced on him, biting his broad shoulder through his outer garment: “Awooo!”

He couldn’t stand this anymore; he was going to bite this shameless guy to death.

Feeling the warmth on his shoulder, Gu Siyuan couldn’t help but chuckle, his chest vibrating slightly.

This little lion was so dumb yet cute.

The white pigeon on the window sill looked at these two foolish humans piled together, its tiny pea-sized eyes full of confusion.

Are humans always like this, going crazy at the drop of a hat?

After biting, Xie Chenyun looked up and met that teasing gaze, feeling very complicated.

However, seeing the message tube on the pigeon’s leg, he immediately reached out and grabbed the chubby fellow.

It was news from Jingwu Division.

He pulled out the slender rolled paper, opened it, and his expression turned subtle.

Gu Siyuan raised an eyebrow, “What’s wrong?”

“It’s from the Tianwai Hall.” Xie Chenyun squinted, “The source of those rumors is the Tianwai Hall., and it’s said that the mysterious master of the hall has personally descended the mountain and is currently on the way to Huangzhou. Your Majesty truly has divine foresight.”

At this moment, Gu Siyuan suddenly raised his sword-like eyebrows and shook his head, “No, he’s not on the way, he’s already here.”

Saying this, he gazed straight out the window.

Xie Chenyun followed his gaze and then his eyes narrowed.

On the roof to the west of them, at some unknown time, stood a middle-aged Daoist.

This Daoist was dressed in a white robe, with a youthful face and white hair, looking remarkably spirited and his age and martial arts level were indiscernible.

However, upon meeting Gu Siyuan’s extremely cold and imposing gaze, the Daoist’s aura slightly diminished, and his expression became indescribably complex.

This was the person who had destroyed his hall’s century-old reputation overnight!

But, there was still time…

He moved slightly, crossing tens of meters in an instant, landing in front of Gu Siyuan, and with a palm full of inner strength, he roared, “Tyrant, die!”

The moment Gu Siyuan saw him, he had already prepared for battle. His gaze sharpened, and he met the attack head-on with a palm filled with his own inner strength.

“Boom… boom…”

As their palms clashed, it was like two mountains colliding, creating terrifying explosive sounds in the air.

A ring of invisible energy ripples spread outward from their bodies, seemingly trying to shatter the very sky and earth.

In an instant, tables and chairs in the courtyard shattered, flowers and trees tilted, and dust and rocks flew.

Xie Chenyun narrowed his eyes, his body glowing with red inner strength, about to rush forward to help.

However, in the next moment, he saw a figure shoot out from the flying debris, falling straight to the ground.

He focused and saw that the person’s bones were shattered, blood gushing from his mouth, and his previously neatly combed white hair was now a mess.

Relieved, he smiled.

At this moment, Gu Siyuan also landed, looking calm, standing with hands behind his back, as if strolling in a garden.

One must know, this person on the ground was once the legendary top martial artist, but now, he was defeated with one palm strike, gravely injured and on the brink of death.

Xie Chenyun’s heart skipped a beat, utterly captivated by Gu Siyuan’s strong and cold demeanor.

Wang Tan and the guards, hearing the commotion, rushed in, and upon seeing the scene in the courtyard, immediately knelt and pleaded for forgiveness, “Your servant deserves death, your subordinate deserves death!”

Gu Siyuan waved his hand, “This person is beyond your capability to handle, withdraw!”

After everyone left, Xie Chenyun stepped forward and checked Gu Siyuan from top to bottom, “Your Majesty, are you hurt?”

Gu Siyuan looked down at him and said indifferently, “I only exchanged one palm with him, yet you have checked me all over, making it hard for me not to suspect if you have some other intentions?”

“Your Majesty, don’t falsely accuse people.” Xie Chenyun tilted his head, extending his red tongue, and licked the fingers he just used to touch Gu Siyuan.

“…” Gu Siyuan.

What a cunning little lion.

He immediately picked him up horizontally and strode into the room.

Spring has arrived, and moderate exercise is beneficial to health.

As for the almost dead old man on the ground, who cares about him?

“Report—”

At this moment, urgent reports came from outside the courtyard.

“Congratulations, Your Majesty, the leader of the Jianghuai rebels has been killed.”

“Congratulations, Your Majesty, the Taiyuan rebels have been scattered and fled north.”

“Congratulations, Your Majesty, the Shandong rebels have been completely subdued by our army!”

Upon hearing this news, the previously conscious master of the Tianwai Hall. completely fainted.

His century-old Tianwai Hall was about to decline.

Why did this tyrant have such luck!

…

When Gu Siyuan finally returned to the capital, it was already June, and the summer heat was starting to rise.

As the imperial carriage passed through Central Street, the citizens of the capital were all watching.

Although the citizens didn’t know what had happened, the little emperor’s inspection tour this time not only didn’t waste resources but also achieved significant results.

Firstly, the great menace of Wei Zhengping’s faction in the court was completely eliminated;

Secondly, the aristocratic families that had existed for hundreds of years were dismantled;

Thirdly, the various rebel armies across the land were almost entirely exterminated.

Of course, fourthly, they heard that this foolish little emperor had actually made a man his empress and even abolished the entire harem for this male empress.

Tsk tsk, this little emperor…

It turns out his wisdom was just a facade; being foolish was his true nature.

The citizens didn’t understand much about politics, but they were very curious about gossip.

Their eyes shone as they crowded together, spitting as they talked.

“Hey, hey, did you see that? Inside that golden carriage, it’s really two men!”

“It really is a man, a man became the empress, and the emperor still doesn’t have a son, right? Then who will inherit the throne in the future?”

“Anyway, that’s not something we should worry about. Hey, when the wind lifted the curtain just now, did you see clearly? That male empress is really tsk tsk…”

“Hey, did you see it? What did you see?” Someone in the crowd curiously asked.

“Hehe, the little emperor and the male empress were actually… having fun inside. That male empress is truly a worldly beauty. No wonder the little emperor has fallen for him. If it were me… I would…”

“Oh… is that so? So real men should be with men!”

…

The imperial carriage turned onto Central Street.

There was a sound of cups breaking, and an angry cold male voice clearly came from inside the carriage.

“Is there something wrong with the citizens of this capital?”

Gu Siyuan put down the tea cup in his hand, reached out to hold the fair hand that had just slammed on the table, gently rubbed it in his palm, and casually asked, “Why? I see the citizens are very lively and sincere!”

“…” Xie Chenyun.

Ha ha!

Full of dirty thoughts, and you call that lively and sincere!

Gu Siyuan pretended not to understand the sarcasm, his expression unchanged as he lifted the carriage curtain and looked out the window at the red walls and black tiles.

He turned his head and said, “Chenyun, we’ve arrived at the palace gate. I will carry you down.”

Xie Chenyun quickly shook his head; he didn’t want that.

He was a seven-foot-tall man with legs; he could walk by himself.

Now that no one in the court could obstruct Gu Siyuan, the show of the flamboyant debauchee could come to an end.

However, before he could stand up, Gu Siyuan’s hand gently brushed his knee.

Xie Chenyun felt a tremor in his meridians, and his legs became incredibly weak.

In the next moment, he was already lying in Gu Siyuan’s arms.

Gu Siyuan lowered his head and smiled at him, then contentedly picked him up horizontally and leaped off the golden carriage.

The main gate of the palace, Chongtian Gate, was already wide open.

Gu Siyuan carried him and strode forward.

Chongtian Gate was the main gate of the palace, only opened during major national ceremonies or the emperor and empress’s wedding. Normally, people used the side gates.

Wang Tan, standing beside, immediately shouted, “The emperor and the empress have returned to the palace!”

Following that, from the palace gate to the court, there were waves of greetings and cheers.

“The emperor and the empress have returned to the palace!”

“The emperor and the empress have returned to the palace!”

In this grand celebration, Xie Chenyun couldn’t help but feel his chest lighten, and he wrapped his arms around Gu Siyuan’s neck, accepting the blessings of the people together.

They would be together forever.