Chapter 265
If audio player doesn't work, press Stop then Play button again
Chapter 265
Staring out into the distance, Yuzhen watched the Wall grow larger as she rode towards it, the thundering hooves of the mounts belonging to her eight guards drowning out all other sounds. It was all so strange, as if she were living a bizarre, dreamlike experience which began the moment she heard the news. From that point on, nothing felt real, her mind and body going through the motions as she set out for the Bridge, where her badge of office lay waiting for her to accept it.
Though she expected to wake from this living nightmare at any moment, she handled all her affairs in a calm, efficient manner. Years of meticulous instruction and attentive guidance combined with months of detailed planning meant she was well prepared and able to work without thinking. Before leaving Sanshu, she sent her pre-written messages to every Magistrate and Lieutenant Marshal in the north, demanding their support in her bid for office while mentioning the power she held over them. Then she picked her most loyal elite warriors and set out for the Wall, ready to face whatever may come.
Chu Tongzu offered his support before she even asked, which wasnt unexpected considering the circumstances. With Sanshu teetering on the precipice of a possible Purge and Yuzhen firmly in control of the citys mercantile enterprises, Tongzu couldnt afford to oppose her, openly or otherwise. She didnt think he would even if circumstances were different. They had a good working relationship and the capable veteran-turned-politician could be counted among her staunchest supporters.
Chu Tongzus glowing endorsement came as no surprise to anyone who knew anything. It was the overwhelming support from the other Magistrates and Lieutenant Marshals which confounded Yuzhen. Though she wasted no time sending her letters out, their responses arrived much too quickly, her travel party intercepted by numerous military couriers bearing stamped and sealed letters of endorsement from all across the province. Most of these letters wouldve had to been sealed and sent out before she even learned of her... promotion. Magistrate Situ Jia Ying even personally presented her letter of endorsement to Yuzhen at the gates of Shen Yun, an unexpected twist considering the woman was Yuzhens most dangerous rival for the office.
Thats how she knew she was dreaming. Real life was never so simple. Her enemies defeated without a fight, her position secured with ease, were this a play she'd scoff at the unrealistic turn of events. The various nobles and merchants of the north would never offer such overwhelming support for a half-beast Marshal of the North, no, they would fight her tooth and nail to keep her from taking office.
Using her new authority, Yuzhen appropriated fresh horses whenever necessary as she travelled day and night without rest. A journey which had taken more than three weeks by carriage was covered in a measly six days, not bad considering it took multiple couriers riding non-stop for three full days to bring her that first fateful message. Even though common sense dictated she should be exhausted, she felt no different from when she set out. What did it matter? Soon, she would wake from this meaningless dream and find herself back in Sanshu, having fallen asleep at her desk once again as she worked to both save Sanshu and secure it as her base of power once she took office. This was nothing more than the fevered dream of an overworked official, brought about by poor diet and too much stress.
Arriving with little fanfare in the late afternoon, Yuzhen brought her party to wait in line at the final checkpoint. Only five kilometres separated her from the Wall and her new Token of Office, having already received more than enough support to take it unopposed. All her carefully laid plans were for naught as the highest Office in the Northern Province fell into her lap. It was too fanciful even for a dream. Her true rise to power would be far more tumultuous, an epic struggle filled with hidden assassins and open conflict, coinciding with a concentrated effort to smear her name and unite the nobles of the North against her. Only after defeating her opponents through guile or force would she earn her place as the first demi-human Marshal of the North, the office hers until she slipped up or no longer wanted it.
Thats how things should be, not like this...
The line moved slowly but even then, her turn came sooner than expected. Papers and identification. The soldier stood before Yuzhen with his hand held out, bored by the rote repetition.
What papers? Yuzhen only had her token, denoting her as a Major, which she held up for inspection.
The soldier rolled his eyes without glancing at her token. Papers of authority. Either your military orders or a merchant license authorizing you to travel to the Bridge. No one passes without papers. The soldier waved her off. Come back in the morning and you can pay someone to send a message to the Bridge. Next!
Smart to keep civilians away from the Wall, it wouldnt do to have the people spreading word of its current state. Though her guards would appreciate an early break, she couldnt stop here. Keeping an eye on her surroundings for danger, she said, I have been summoned to the Bridge.
The soldier sneered. If that were true, then youd have papers. Next!
Troubling. I have no papers. Still holding up her token, she added, Im here to take office. So strange to hear it out loud. Take office. She didn't even want it.
Now listen here, move out or Ill... the soldiers eyes went wide with shock as he registered the name on her token, his jaw dropping in surprise. Clasping his hands in a salute, he dropped to his knees and the other soldiers followed suit. Forgiveness, this lowly one has eyes but could not see.
No need for forgiveness, you were carrying out your duties. Yuzhen chewed her lip, though it went unnoticed by the kneeling soldiers. May I pass now?
Arriving at a field on the edge of the city, Yuzhen noted the gathered Bekhai. A few familiar faces stood out, Tenjin, Tursinai, Rain, young magistrate Fung, Mei Lin, Medical Saint Taduk and other warriors who took part in the Battle for Sanshu all stood waiting to greet her. Sweet Sumila ran into her embrace without a word, hugging her too tightly as Akanai strode up to meet her. Leave her be girl, Akanai said, pulling Sumila off and gesturing for Yuzhen to follow. The Bekhai parted as she followed behind Akanai, unable to see past the towering woman as they strode through the crowd. Her guards stayed behind at Dagens order, and were it any other faction, then this day next year would be the anniversary of her death, but she had nothing to fear from the Bekhai.
Even if they did kill her, would it really be so bad?
Moving aside, Akanai patted Yuzhens shoulder and Sent, Whatever may come, know I stand at your side. Nodding in reply, Yuzhens breath caught in her throat as she spotted Gerel ahead. His normally clean-shaven head and face bore a weeks worth of stubble and he carried three lit sticks of incense in hand as he knelt in the cold, hard dirt. An innocuous roadside shrine sat directly before him, housing a beautiful unmarked white-jade urn. Inscribed into the shrine was a tribute to the unknown, nameless father laying within, a true hero who died saving his daughter.
Reality struck her like a hammer and she couldnt deny it any longer.
This wasnt a dream or a nightmare. This was real.
Her old man died. He died to keep her safe.
Never again would he sip the tea she brewed or eat the food she cooked, grumbling as he finished every last drop and scrap.
Never again would she hear his voice instructing her on proper etiquette or see him smile when she succeeded using the skills he taught her.
Never again would he stroke her hair, hold her hand, or hear him call her his little girl and tell her how much he loved her.
He gave his life to eradicate his clan as an example to the Northern powers, letting each faction know just how far he was willing to go. As his appointed successor and privy to all their dirty secrets, the title of Marshal of the Northern Province was hers for the asking. She only needed to hold her hand out and accept it thanks to his sacrifice. She never wanted this, never expected to hold office for more than a day, and thought him delusional for believing otherwise, yet still she devoted the past year to working towards this goal, ready to accept death to make his dreams a reality.
Turns out, he was willing to do the same.
Sobbing in anguish, she staggered forwards to join Gerel on her knees, wailing as she kowtowed before the shrine. She couldnt give her papa a proper funeral, not after what happened. Though his admission of guilt earned him a clean, painless death, every member of the Shing Clan had been executed for the crime of regicide, and she couldnt afford to be seen sympathizing with a traitor. Even so, here Gerel knelt as a proper son-in-law should, giving her the means to publicly grieve and mourn her loss. Neither shrine nor urn bore papas name, but everyone present knew this to be the final resting place of Shing Du Yi, even though theyd deny it should anyone ask.
With her future husband beside her, she grieved her loss. Tomorrow, despite her reservations, she would take up her father's mantle as Marshal of the North and become the highest ranking demi-human in the history of the Empire. Between papas blackmail materials and Sanshus resources, she would be in a position of strength like no other Marshal before her. All the arrogant nobles, greedy merchants, and bloodthirsty generals of the North were but fish upon the chopping block if she so desired, and she would use this to unify the province like never before. Even if the Emperor abandoned the North, she would follow in her fathers footsteps and defend these lands until her dying breath.
Because even though she didn't care for it, Papa loved this country so she would protect it in his absence. Someone had to keep the Empire from turning on itself and thats precisely what Papa did. Though hed been labelled traitor for his efforts and had his titles stripped away, his most important title remained untouched.
Shing Du Yi, beloved father of Yuzhen.
Rest well, papa. Your little girl will make you proud.
Chapter Meme
Please report us if you find any errors so we can fix it asap!
Chapter 265
Staring out into the distance, Yuzhen watched the Wall grow larger as she rode towards it, the thundering hooves of the mounts belonging to her eight guards drowning out all other sounds. It was all so strange, as if she were living a bizarre, dreamlike experience which began the moment she heard the news. From that point on, nothing felt real, her mind and body going through the motions as she set out for the Bridge, where her badge of office lay waiting for her to accept it.
Though she expected to wake from this living nightmare at any moment, she handled all her affairs in a calm, efficient manner. Years of meticulous instruction and attentive guidance combined with months of detailed planning meant she was well prepared and able to work without thinking. Before leaving Sanshu, she sent her pre-written messages to every Magistrate and Lieutenant Marshal in the north, demanding their support in her bid for office while mentioning the power she held over them. Then she picked her most loyal elite warriors and set out for the Wall, ready to face whatever may come.
Chu Tongzu offered his support before she even asked, which wasnt unexpected considering the circumstances. With Sanshu teetering on the precipice of a possible Purge and Yuzhen firmly in control of the citys mercantile enterprises, Tongzu couldnt afford to oppose her, openly or otherwise. She didnt think he would even if circumstances were different. They had a good working relationship and the capable veteran-turned-politician could be counted among her staunchest supporters.
Chu Tongzus glowing endorsement came as no surprise to anyone who knew anything. It was the overwhelming support from the other Magistrates and Lieutenant Marshals which confounded Yuzhen. Though she wasted no time sending her letters out, their responses arrived much too quickly, her travel party intercepted by numerous military couriers bearing stamped and sealed letters of endorsement from all across the province. Most of these letters wouldve had to been sealed and sent out before she even learned of her... promotion. Magistrate Situ Jia Ying even personally presented her letter of endorsement to Yuzhen at the gates of Shen Yun, an unexpected twist considering the woman was Yuzhens most dangerous rival for the office.
Thats how she knew she was dreaming. Real life was never so simple. Her enemies defeated without a fight, her position secured with ease, were this a play she'd scoff at the unrealistic turn of events. The various nobles and merchants of the north would never offer such overwhelming support for a half-beast Marshal of the North, no, they would fight her tooth and nail to keep her from taking office.
Using her new authority, Yuzhen appropriated fresh horses whenever necessary as she travelled day and night without rest. A journey which had taken more than three weeks by carriage was covered in a measly six days, not bad considering it took multiple couriers riding non-stop for three full days to bring her that first fateful message. Even though common sense dictated she should be exhausted, she felt no different from when she set out. What did it matter? Soon, she would wake from this meaningless dream and find herself back in Sanshu, having fallen asleep at her desk once again as she worked to both save Sanshu and secure it as her base of power once she took office. This was nothing more than the fevered dream of an overworked official, brought about by poor diet and too much stress.
Arriving with little fanfare in the late afternoon, Yuzhen brought her party to wait in line at the final checkpoint. Only five kilometres separated her from the Wall and her new Token of Office, having already received more than enough support to take it unopposed. All her carefully laid plans were for naught as the highest Office in the Northern Province fell into her lap. It was too fanciful even for a dream. Her true rise to power would be far more tumultuous, an epic struggle filled with hidden assassins and open conflict, coinciding with a concentrated effort to smear her name and unite the nobles of the North against her. Only after defeating her opponents through guile or force would she earn her place as the first demi-human Marshal of the North, the office hers until she slipped up or no longer wanted it.
Thats how things should be, not like this...
The line moved slowly but even then, her turn came sooner than expected. Papers and identification. The soldier stood before Yuzhen with his hand held out, bored by the rote repetition.
What papers? Yuzhen only had her token, denoting her as a Major, which she held up for inspection.
The soldier rolled his eyes without glancing at her token. Papers of authority. Either your military orders or a merchant license authorizing you to travel to the Bridge. No one passes without papers. The soldier waved her off. Come back in the morning and you can pay someone to send a message to the Bridge. Next!
Smart to keep civilians away from the Wall, it wouldnt do to have the people spreading word of its current state. Though her guards would appreciate an early break, she couldnt stop here. Keeping an eye on her surroundings for danger, she said, I have been summoned to the Bridge.
The soldier sneered. If that were true, then youd have papers. Next!
Troubling. I have no papers. Still holding up her token, she added, Im here to take office. So strange to hear it out loud. Take office. She didn't even want it.
Now listen here, move out or Ill... the soldiers eyes went wide with shock as he registered the name on her token, his jaw dropping in surprise. Clasping his hands in a salute, he dropped to his knees and the other soldiers followed suit. Forgiveness, this lowly one has eyes but could not see.
No need for forgiveness, you were carrying out your duties. Yuzhen chewed her lip, though it went unnoticed by the kneeling soldiers. May I pass now?
Arriving at a field on the edge of the city, Yuzhen noted the gathered Bekhai. A few familiar faces stood out, Tenjin, Tursinai, Rain, young magistrate Fung, Mei Lin, Medical Saint Taduk and other warriors who took part in the Battle for Sanshu all stood waiting to greet her. Sweet Sumila ran into her embrace without a word, hugging her too tightly as Akanai strode up to meet her. Leave her be girl, Akanai said, pulling Sumila off and gesturing for Yuzhen to follow. The Bekhai parted as she followed behind Akanai, unable to see past the towering woman as they strode through the crowd. Her guards stayed behind at Dagens order, and were it any other faction, then this day next year would be the anniversary of her death, but she had nothing to fear from the Bekhai.
Even if they did kill her, would it really be so bad?
Moving aside, Akanai patted Yuzhens shoulder and Sent, Whatever may come, know I stand at your side. Nodding in reply, Yuzhens breath caught in her throat as she spotted Gerel ahead. His normally clean-shaven head and face bore a weeks worth of stubble and he carried three lit sticks of incense in hand as he knelt in the cold, hard dirt. An innocuous roadside shrine sat directly before him, housing a beautiful unmarked white-jade urn. Inscribed into the shrine was a tribute to the unknown, nameless father laying within, a true hero who died saving his daughter.
Reality struck her like a hammer and she couldnt deny it any longer.
This wasnt a dream or a nightmare. This was real.
Her old man died. He died to keep her safe.
Never again would he sip the tea she brewed or eat the food she cooked, grumbling as he finished every last drop and scrap.
Never again would she hear his voice instructing her on proper etiquette or see him smile when she succeeded using the skills he taught her.
Never again would he stroke her hair, hold her hand, or hear him call her his little girl and tell her how much he loved her.
He gave his life to eradicate his clan as an example to the Northern powers, letting each faction know just how far he was willing to go. As his appointed successor and privy to all their dirty secrets, the title of Marshal of the Northern Province was hers for the asking. She only needed to hold her hand out and accept it thanks to his sacrifice. She never wanted this, never expected to hold office for more than a day, and thought him delusional for believing otherwise, yet still she devoted the past year to working towards this goal, ready to accept death to make his dreams a reality.
Turns out, he was willing to do the same.
Sobbing in anguish, she staggered forwards to join Gerel on her knees, wailing as she kowtowed before the shrine. She couldnt give her papa a proper funeral, not after what happened. Though his admission of guilt earned him a clean, painless death, every member of the Shing Clan had been executed for the crime of regicide, and she couldnt afford to be seen sympathizing with a traitor. Even so, here Gerel knelt as a proper son-in-law should, giving her the means to publicly grieve and mourn her loss. Neither shrine nor urn bore papas name, but everyone present knew this to be the final resting place of Shing Du Yi, even though theyd deny it should anyone ask.
With her future husband beside her, she grieved her loss. Tomorrow, despite her reservations, she would take up her father's mantle as Marshal of the North and become the highest ranking demi-human in the history of the Empire. Between papas blackmail materials and Sanshus resources, she would be in a position of strength like no other Marshal before her. All the arrogant nobles, greedy merchants, and bloodthirsty generals of the North were but fish upon the chopping block if she so desired, and she would use this to unify the province like never before. Even if the Emperor abandoned the North, she would follow in her fathers footsteps and defend these lands until her dying breath.
Because even though she didn't care for it, Papa loved this country so she would protect it in his absence. Someone had to keep the Empire from turning on itself and thats precisely what Papa did. Though hed been labelled traitor for his efforts and had his titles stripped away, his most important title remained untouched.
Shing Du Yi, beloved father of Yuzhen.
Rest well, papa. Your little girl will make you proud.
Chapter Meme
Chapter 265Staring out into the distance, Yuzhen watched the Wall grow larger as she rode towards it, the thundering hooves of the mounts belonging to her eight guards drowning out all other sounds. It was all so strange, as if she were living a bizarre, dreamlike experience which began the moment she heard the news. From that point on, nothing felt real, her mind and body going through the motions as she set out for the Bridge, where her badge of office lay waiting for her to accept it.Though she expected to wake from this living nightmare at any moment, she handled all her affairs in a calm, efficient manner. Years of meticulous instruction and attentive guidance combined with months of detailed planning meant she was well prepared and able to work without thinking. Before leaving Sanshu, she sent her pre-written messages to every Magistrate and Lieutenant Marshal in the north, demanding their support in her bid for office while mentioning the power she held over them. Then she picked her most loyal elite warriors and set out for the Wall, ready to face whatever may come.Chu Tongzu offered his support before she even asked, which wasnt unexpected considering the circumstances. With Sanshu teetering on the precipice of a possible Purge and Yuzhen firmly in control of the citys mercantile enterprises, Tongzu couldnt afford to oppose her, openly or otherwise. She didnt think he would even if circumstances were different. They had a good working relationship and the capable veteran-turned-politician could be counted among her staunchest supporters.Chu Tongzus glowing endorsement came as no surprise to anyone who knew anything. It was the overwhelming support from the other Magistrates and Lieutenant Marshals which confounded Yuzhen. Though she wasted no time sending her letters out, their responses arrived much too quickly, her travel party intercepted by numerous military couriers bearing stamped and sealed letters of endorsement from all across the province. Most of these letters wouldve had to been sealed and sent out before she even learned of her... promotion. Magistrate Situ Jia Ying even personally presented her letter of endorsement to Yuzhen at the gates of Shen Yun, an unexpected twist considering the woman was Yuzhens most dangerous rival for the office.Thats how she knew she was dreaming. Real life was never so simple. Her enemies defeated without a fight, her position secured with ease, were this a play she'd scoff at the unrealistic turn of events. The various nobles and merchants of the north would never offer such overwhelming support for a half-beast Marshal of the North, no, they would fight her tooth and nail to keep her from taking office.Using her new authority, Yuzhen appropriated fresh horses whenever necessary as she travelled day and night without rest. A journey which had taken more than three weeks by carriage was covered in a measly six days, not bad considering it took multiple couriers riding non-stop for three full days to bring her that first fateful message. Even though common sense dictated she should be exhausted, she felt no different from when she set out. What did it matter? Soon, she would wake from this meaningless dream and find herself back in Sanshu, having fallen asleep at her desk once again as she worked to both save Sanshu and secure it as her base of power once she took office. This was nothing more than the fevered dream of an overworked official, brought about by poor diet and too much stress.Arriving with little fanfare in the late afternoon, Yuzhen brought her party to wait in line at the final checkpoint. Only five kilometres separated her from the Wall and her new Token of Office, having already received more than enough support to take it unopposed. All her carefully laid plans were for naught as the highest Office in the Northern Province fell into her lap. It was too fanciful even for a dream. Her true rise to power would be far more tumultuous, an epic struggle filled with hidden assassins and open conflict, coinciding with a concentrated effort to smear her name and unite the nobles of the North against her. Only after defeating her opponents through guile or force would she earn her place as the first demi-human Marshal of the North, the office hers until she slipped up or no longer wanted it.Thats how things should be, not like this...The line moved slowly but even then, her turn came sooner than expected. Papers and identification. The soldier stood before Yuzhen with his hand held out, bored by the rote repetition.What papers? Yuzhen only had her token, denoting her as a Major, which she held up for inspection.The soldier rolled his eyes without glancing at her token. Papers of authority. Either your military orders or a merchant license authorizing you to travel to the Bridge. No one passes without papers. The soldier waved her off. Come back in the morning and you can pay someone to send a message to the Bridge. Next!Smart to keep civilians away from the Wall, it wouldnt do to have the people spreading word of its current state. Though her guards would appreciate an early break, she couldnt stop here. Keeping an eye on her surroundings for danger, she said, I have been summoned to the Bridge.The soldier sneered. If that were true, then youd have papers. Next!Troubling. I have no papers. Still holding up her token, she added, Im here to take office. So strange to hear it out loud. Take office. She didn't even want it.Now listen here, move out or Ill... the soldiers eyes went wide with shock as he registered the name on her token, his jaw dropping in surprise. Clasping his hands in a salute, he dropped to his knees and the other soldiers followed suit. Forgiveness, this lowly one has eyes but could not see.No need for forgiveness, you were carrying out your duties. Yuzhen chewed her lip, though it went unnoticed by the kneeling soldiers. May I pass now?Arriving at a field on the edge of the city, Yuzhen noted the gathered Bekhai. A few familiar faces stood out, Tenjin, Tursinai, Rain, young magistrate Fung, Mei Lin, Medical Saint Taduk and other warriors who took part in the Battle for Sanshu all stood waiting to greet her. Sweet Sumila ran into her embrace without a word, hugging her too tightly as Akanai strode up to meet her. Leave her be girl, Akanai said, pulling Sumila off and gesturing for Yuzhen to follow. The Bekhai parted as she followed behind Akanai, unable to see past the towering woman as they strode through the crowd. Her guards stayed behind at Dagens order, and were it any other faction, then this day next year would be the anniversary of her death, but she had nothing to fear from the Bekhai.Even if they did kill her, would it really be so bad?Moving aside, Akanai patted Yuzhens shoulder and Sent, Whatever may come, know I stand at your side. Nodding in reply, Yuzhens breath caught in her throat as she spotted Gerel ahead. His normally clean-shaven head and face bore a weeks worth of stubble and he carried three lit sticks of incense in hand as he knelt in the cold, hard dirt. An innocuous roadside shrine sat directly before him, housing a beautiful unmarked white-jade urn. Inscribed into the shrine was a tribute to the unknown, nameless father laying within, a true hero who died saving his daughter.Reality struck her like a hammer and she couldnt deny it any longer.This wasnt a dream or a nightmare. This was real.Her old man died. He died to keep her safe.Never again would he sip the tea she brewed or eat the food she cooked, grumbling as he finished every last drop and scrap.Never again would she hear his voice instructing her on proper etiquette or see him smile when she succeeded using the skills he taught her.Never again would he stroke her hair, hold her hand, or hear him call her his little girl and tell her how much he loved her.He gave his life to eradicate his clan as an example to the Northern powers, letting each faction know just how far he was willing to go. As his appointed successor and privy to all their dirty secrets, the title of Marshal of the Northern Province was hers for the asking. She only needed to hold her hand out and accept it thanks to his sacrifice. She never wanted this, never expected to hold office for more than a day, and thought him delusional for believing otherwise, yet still she devoted the past year to working towards this goal, ready to accept death to make his dreams a reality.Turns out, he was willing to do the same.Sobbing in anguish, she staggered forwards to join Gerel on her knees, wailing as she kowtowed before the shrine. She couldnt give her papa a proper funeral, not after what happened. Though his admission of guilt earned him a clean, painless death, every member of the Shing Clan had been executed for the crime of regicide, and she couldnt afford to be seen sympathizing with a traitor. Even so, here Gerel knelt as a proper son-in-law should, giving her the means to publicly grieve and mourn her loss. Neither shrine nor urn bore papas name, but everyone present knew this to be the final resting place of Shing Du Yi, even though theyd deny it should anyone ask.With her future husband beside her, she grieved her loss. Tomorrow, despite her reservations, she would take up her father's mantle as Marshal of the North and become the highest ranking demi-human in the history of the Empire. Between papas blackmail materials and Sanshus resources, she would be in a position of strength like no other Marshal before her. All the arrogant nobles, greedy merchants, and bloodthirsty generals of the North were but fish upon the chopping block if she so desired, and she would use this to unify the province like never before. Even if the Emperor abandoned the North, she would follow in her fathers footsteps and defend these lands until her dying breath.Because even though she didn't care for it, Papa loved this country so she would protect it in his absence. Someone had to keep the Empire from turning on itself and thats precisely what Papa did. Though hed been labelled traitor for his efforts and had his titles stripped away, his most important title remained untouched.Shing Du Yi, beloved father of Yuzhen.Rest well, papa. Your little girl will make you proud.Chapter Meme
