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墨書 Inktalez
Inside the Golden Hall, the scent of sandalwood wafted through the air as the Emperor, clad in a bright yellow dragon robe, wore a solemn expression.
The court officials stood in rows, all holding their breath in anticipation.
Though spring's chill lingered, the palace was already adorned with the first blooms of the season. Qin Fenghua entered through the palace doors, her garments flowing like smoke. The azure-hued robe she wore bore ancient cloud patterns that seemed to shift subtly as she moved. Her steps were steady, and her gaze was sharp.
As she reached the center of the hall, she slightly bowed and spoke in a clear yet resonant voice, "Your Majesty, I have evidence that proves the treacherous minister has colluded with enemies to betray our nation and has embezzled from the royal treasury. His crimes are heinous; I implore you to punish him!"
Before her words could settle, an uproar erupted within the hall.
Qin Fenghua raised her hand, and an attending eunuch presented a sealed scroll. Though the wax seal remained intact, one could already sense the danger it contained.
The Emperor furrowed his brow and personally unsealed it. As his eyes darted across the contents, his expression changed dramatically.
The imperial guards presented evidence—a jade dagger stained with blood and correspondence that matched the handwriting of the accused minister.
Caught off guard, the treacherous minister's face shifted from pale to ashen gray as he desperately sought to defend himself but was silenced by Qin Fenghua's firm words: "You have betrayed your country; the evidence is irrefutable. What more do you have to say?"
Those who had allied with him in court saw that the tide had turned. Some knelt in supplication while others turned ashen-faced.
The Emperor slammed his palm on the table, his voice echoing throughout the hall: "Guards, seize him! Investigate his accomplices thoroughly; we must capture them all!" The bells hanging from the eaves of the Golden Hall trembled slightly, and a gust of wind brought rain beneath the eaves, as if even nature was stirred by this impending storm.
All officials cried out in unison, "Your Majesty is wise," their gazes shifting toward Qin Fenghua—some filled with admiration, others tinged with hesitation.
Qin Fenghua maintained her composure, though a barely perceptible weariness flickered in her eyes. She understood that this battle's outcome was already determined; despite any twists and turns ahead, it would ultimately settle into dust.
The case was resolved, the treacherous were executed, and the storm began to settle.
A few days later, the Golden Luan Hall reopened. The ministers lined up, and the Emperor sat in the center, with a golden dragon coiling behind him, as light and shadow danced within the hall.
Qin Fangeng—once a disgraced national scholar—now donned his green robes again and walked steadily into the hall.
The Emperor personally read the edict of vindication, each word ringing clear: “Qin Fangeng, loyal and devoted to the nation, has been wronged by treacherous individuals. Today, we clear your name, restore your official position, and promote you to Grand Tutor.”
All the civil and military officials rose together, clasping their hands in congratulations.
The Qin Family gathered three generations under one roof, young and old dressed in fine attire. Old friends either brought jade vases or held red brushes, all coming to offer their congratulations. The entrance of Qin Manor was bustling with carriages, and red silk hung high above the door.
Qin Fangeng's hair had turned gray at the temples, yet his expression was exceptionally gentle. He looked at his daughter with eyes full of pride and emotion: “Qin Fenghua, if it weren't for your careful planning, how could I have seen this day? It is our Qin Family's fortune.”
Qin Fenghua lowered her gaze and smiled softly. “As children, our hearts are all for the family and country.”
That night, the Emperor summoned Qin Fenghua to the palace, in the Imperial Garden.
Draped in a black silk dragon robe, the Emperor's eyes were filled with appreciation for talent: “I wish to grant you a ministerial position to assist in the new governance. Qin Fenghua, do you accept?”
Behind him, officials and old friends urged her on. Some said, “Qin Fenghua's talent should benefit the world.” Others remarked, “A heroine among women is just what we need to support our nation.” Qin Fenghua smiled slightly, clasped her hands in thanks, and softly recited:
“Unmoved by honor or disgrace, I watch the flowers bloom and fall before me;”
"With no intention to stay or leave, I gaze at the clouds drifting in the sky."
Her voice was calm yet carried an undeniable resolve: "I have no desire for high positions; I only wish to return to the fields and mountains, serve my parents, and enjoy a peaceful life."
The Emperor sighed and finally smiled: "If that is the case, I will not force you to stay. Qin Fenghua, may you find tranquility in the mountains and rivers. Should you ever need anything, the court will always be open to you."
Three days later, Qin Manor was brightly lit. The family gathered together.
Qin Fangeng filled a cup with clear wine and raised it towards Qin Fenghua: "Qin Fenghua, the hardships of the past and the peace of today are all due to your resilience and wisdom. As your father, I have no way to repay you; I can only wish for your happiness in this life."
Qin Mu held Qin Fenghua's hand, tears shimmering in her eyes as she murmured, "I only wish for you to be free from storms and return to a simple life."
Qin Fenghua gently leaned against her mother's shoulder, her heart filled with mixed emotions.
She whispered, "From now on, I only wish to share this piece of land with my parents and brothers, letting worldly fame and disgrace fade away like smoke."
Under the candlelight, family members exchanged smiles, tears mingling with laughter, gentle as the fine rain of a spring night.
The next day, Qin Fenghua donned a robe of ancient cloud-patterned azure silk, adorned with magnolia flowers in her hair, walking lightly.
The Emperor personally led the civil and military officials to see her off at the palace gate. Old friends either recited poetry or brought famous paintings. A former classmate softly recited:
"The green mountains never grow old, the flowing waters endure long,
To return to seclusion has its time; parting brings no sorrow."
With a smile, Qin Fenghua accepted the painting and tucked it into her sleeve.
As they were parting, the Emperor whispered, "Qin Fenghua, if the country faces difficulties, will you come back?"
Qin Fenghua turned back, her gaze deep and distant, and smiled gently. "With just a letter, I would certainly not refuse."
The group slowly exited the imperial city, the spring breeze brushing against their faces, and the mountain flowers blooming vibrantly.
In the secluded valley of Nanshan, amidst bamboo houses and thatched cottages, with birds singing and flowers dancing in the shadows, Qin Fenghua walked side by side with her father. Qin Fangeng smiled and said, "In this landscape of mountains and waters, it surpasses all worldly splendor."
Qin Fenghua brewed a pot of tea.
The father and daughter reminisced about their past trials and tribulations. Qin Fenghua merely smiled lightly and said, "Life is like a game of chess; gains and losses are unpredictable. Father, I seek nothing more; I only wish for peaceful times."
As night fell deeper, Qin Fenghua sat at her desk writing.
She picked up her brush to write a letter to an old friend in the capital:
"In the past, we witnessed the grandeur of the golden hall; today we enjoy the leisurely flow of clouds and water. Life is but a dream, a cycle of comings and goings. I hope that both you and I can find peace in our own ways and not waste this life."
At the end of the letter, Qin Fenghua gently wrote: "Life goes on endlessly through generations; the river moon remains similar year after year. Take care."
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