bookrandom Chapter 2303 Can't Hold On Anymore
Chapter 2303 Can't Hold On Anymore
"According to the order!"
Zhao Yu solemnly accepted the order.
Chu Ning turned his gaze towards the northern capital, his tone becoming more solemn, even carrying a hint of undeniable authority:
"At the same time, an imperial edict was issued: All officials in circuits, prefectures, and states throughout the country, except those who have extremely urgent military affairs or disasters that they cannot get away from, must submit a memorial to the cabinet for approval."
"All other officials of the fourth rank and above shall, upon receiving this decree, immediately arrange their official duties and arrive in the capital within one month!"
"We gather in the capital to pay our respects to General Han Xing, the Duke of Zhongguo!"
"I want them all to see how my Great Chu treats its meritorious officials! How it remembers its loyal souls!"
This order undoubtedly elevated Han Xing's funeral to a level close to the highest national ceremony.
The requirement for all major national officials to travel to Beijing to offer condolences is not only the highest honor bestowed upon Han Xing personally.
Furthermore, Chu Ning used this opportunity to demonstrate the court's attitude towards meritorious officials to the people, to unite the people, and to deter potential troublemakers.
At the same time, it may also imply that this opportunity is used to gather these local officials in the capital, so as to make observations, give them a warning, and even make some personnel adjustments.
"Your Majesty... this is to turn General Han's funeral into a grand affair..." Xue Huaide was slightly moved, but hesitated to speak.
"good."
Chu Ning interrupted him, her voice cold and firm: "Han Qing deserves this honor!"
"I also want the whole world to remember that those who are loyal to the Great Chu will be honored even in death, and their kindness will extend to their descendants!"
"We must also show those who are hiding and harboring ulterior motives what happens to those who betray their country and fail to live up to the emperor's expectations, just like Chu Xuan."
"And those who are loyal to their country and die for it are the kind of posthumous honors bestowed upon Minister Han!"
He took one last look at the silent carriage, in which Han Xing's body lay quietly.
Then, he mounted his horse, his black cloak billowing in the morning breeze.
"Give the order to the entire army!"
Chu Ning's voice suddenly rose, carrying a resolute determination to sever all hesitation and sorrow.
"Speed up the march! Travel day and night, and return to Kyoto at the fastest speed!"
"Han Qing's spirit must return to the capital to rest in peace as soon as possible! I too must return quickly to personally send him off on his final journey! And at the same time—"
His gaze sharpened like an eagle's: "Stabilize the court, rectify internal affairs, and accumulate strength! In preparation for next spring, we will fulfill Han Qing's unfinished ambition, launch a northern expedition against the Tang Dynasty, and unify the world!"
"All troops, accelerate! Return to Beijing!"
The orders were relayed down the chain of command, and the team, which had been deliberately slowed down due to Han Xing's critical illness, suddenly sprang into action and noticeably quickened its pace.
With rolling wheels, thundering hooves, and fluttering banners, the train sped off towards the northern capital with a sense of solemnity and urgency.
The carriage carrying Han Xing's coffin was more closely guarded at the heart of the procession, embarking on the final and most urgent leg of the journey back to the capital with the army.
Chu Ning rode ahead, his face calm, but deep in his eyes, the flame that had ignited because of Han Xing's death and the heavy promise he made burned ever more intensely and firmly.
The order to accelerate the march was like a boulder thrown into a calm lake, quickly triggering a chain reaction.
The atmosphere of the entire returning army suddenly changed.
The rhythm, which had been slightly relaxed due to the triumphant return, tightened up, and the sound of wheels rolling over the official road became dense and rapid.
The sound of horses' hooves merged into an even more surging wave. Although the soldiers were exhausted, they still rallied their spirits and quickened their pace under the emperor's clear orders.
The carriage carrying Han Xing's remains was surrounded by the most elite guard battalion, moving swiftly alongside the procession, appearing exceptionally solemn and urgent.
Chu Ning rode at the forefront of the central army, his black cloak fluttering in the wind that grew stronger with each acceleration.
He stood upright, his gaze fixed on the official road leading to the capital. His face was calm and serene, as if the immense grief of the separation from his loved ones had been buried deep within his heart, transforming into an unwavering willpower that propelled him forward.
The king's majesty and decisiveness were fully embodied in him.
However, only his closest bodyguards might be able to vaguely sense it.
His Majesty's fingers, gripping the reins, were slightly white from excessive force; his straight back also seemed to carry a hint of barely perceptible stiffness.
Sunlight illuminated his sharply defined profile, but it couldn't penetrate the depths of his deep, pool-like eyes, where a turbulent undercurrent, unseen by outsiders, surged.
After traveling at a brisk pace for about half an hour, the group arrived at a wide riverbank where they could take a short rest.
Chu Ning reined in his horse and raised his hand to give the order: "Rest here for a moment, water the horses, and feed them. Do not delay!"
The order was given, and the army halted in an orderly fashion, each going about their own business.
Chu Ning also dismounted and handed the reins to the guards, but did not discuss matters with the generals or inspect the troops as usual.
Alone, his steps seemed steady, yet carried an indescribable heaviness as he walked straight to the most magnificent phoenix palanquin in the center of the procession, the one symbolizing the imperial concubine's carriage.
The palace maids and eunuchs guarding the imperial carriage immediately knelt down silently upon seeing the emperor's sudden arrival.
Chu Ning waved his hand, signaling them to step back, and then personally lifted the brocade curtain of the carriage, bowing as he stepped inside.
The interior of the carriage was spacious and comfortable, covered with thick velvet carpets, furnished with soft couches and low tables, and filled with a faint, calming incense.
Feng Mulan sat upright, holding a military report in her hand as if reviewing it, her brows furrowed with a lingering solemnity and grief over Han Xing's death.
Seeing Chu Ning suddenly enter, she was taken aback at first, then immediately put down what she was holding and stood up to greet him:
"Your Majesty..."
Before she finished speaking, Chu Ning stepped into this relatively private space, isolated from all outside gazes and noise.
The string that had been forcibly held up and stretched to its limit seemed to snap instantly.
A muffled "thump" was heard.
This person had just calmly and authoritatively issued countless orders in front of thousands of troops.
The emperor, who had posthumously honored his meritorious officials, arranged a state funeral, and ordered a swift return to the capital, suddenly seemed to have all his strength drained away. His knees buckled, and he collapsed straight forward!
"His Majesty!"
Feng Mulan's face paled, she cried out in alarm, and swiftly dodged away.
Before Chu Ning could fall completely, she rushed forward, stretched out her arms, and caught him steadily yet gently, supporting him as she helped him sit down beside the soft couch.
Chu Ning felt completely exhausted; fine beads of cold sweat instantly appeared on his forehead, and his face appeared unusually pale in the soft light inside the carriage.
His eyes were tightly closed, his chest heaving violently, and his breathing heavy and unsteady. The imperial majesty he had just maintained in front of others had vanished completely.
What was revealed at this moment was a deep weariness, an uncontrollable grief, and a certain... almost fragile expression.
Feng Mulan's heart clenched suddenly.
She knelt beside Chu Ning, one hand supporting his shoulder and back, the other hand frantically touching his forehead, which felt cold and damp.
"Your Majesty! What's wrong? Are you feeling unwell? I'll summon the imperial physician right away!"
Feng Mulan's voice was filled with unprecedented anxiety and worry, and she made as if to call for help.
"No...no need..."
Chu Ning finally spoke, his voice hoarse and dry, filled with exhaustion. He slowly raised one hand and waved it weakly to stop Feng Mulan.
"I...I'm fine...I'm just...just a little tired..."
He said "I'm fine," but his body trembled slightly uncontrollably, as if he was resisting some huge emotional shock within him.
Feng Mulan immediately understood that this was by no means a simple case of exhaustion. The death of Han Xing was a far more devastating blow to His Majesty than it appeared on the surface.
That was not only a loss of a meritorious official, but it may also have touched upon some complex emotions deep within His Majesty's heart regarding responsibility, the deceased, and unfinished business.
In particular, Han Xing's tearful dying words weighed heavily on His Majesty's heart like the heaviest shackles.
"His Majesty……"
Feng Mulan's voice was extremely soft, full of understanding and comfort.
She didn't mention calling the imperial physician again. Instead, while half-kneeling, she gently placed Chu Ning's head on her shoulder, as if comforting an injured child.
Her hand rhythmically and gently patted Chu Ning's back, while her other hand tightly held his cold hand, trying to convey some warmth and strength.
"Your Majesty, General Han... he attained what he sought, passed away peacefully, and had no regrets."
Feng Mulan offered her words of comfort in a low voice, which was particularly clear in the quiet carriage.
"Although I did not witness his final smile, from Zhao Yu's description, I know that General Han was at peace."
"He dedicated his entire life to the Great Chu and to His Majesty. Even on his deathbed, his greatest concern was still the affairs of the state and His Majesty's legacy."
"His Majesty's willingness to heed his advice and promise to stabilize the country and wait for the right time is the greatest comfort to him."
She paused, sensing that Chu Ning's trembling seemed to have subsided somewhat and his breathing had gradually become steady, before continuing:
"Your Majesty is the ruler of a nation, shouldering the responsibility of the country and its people. You have the power to act decisively, but you are not immune to moments when you cannot control your emotions."
"The departure of General Han has also broken my heart."
"But Your Majesty, the dead are gone, but the living remain. General Han used the last flame of his life to illuminate the road ahead and point out the direction."
"His Majesty's grief and promises at this moment are the best comfort to him."
"If Your Majesty suffers from excessive grief, harming your health or losing your composure, wouldn't that be a betrayal of General Han's sincere heart?"
Feng Mulan's words, like a gentle stream, flowed slowly into Chu Ning's chaotic and sorrowful heart, carrying both rational calm and emotional care.
She acknowledged that Chu Ning's grief for Han Xing was only natural and a reflection of the deep bond between ruler and subject, while also steering the conversation toward the national affairs that Han Xing cared about most, reminding Chu Ning to pull himself together and fulfill the deceased's last wishes.
Time slipped away quietly, little by little.
Outside the carriage, one could faintly hear the sounds of soldiers watering their horses, talking in hushed tones, and the fluttering of banners in the wind.
Inside the carriage, only the soft breathing of the two people and Feng Mulan's gentle whispers could be heard.