After My Demise - Chapter 19
Chapter 19
The plan was proceeding smoothly.
As more and more news arrived from the Wei State, Che’er became increasingly radiant and high-spirited.
With a face full of excitement, he described the chaos in the Wei State to me.
“Hahaha, Zhou Ke is truly something. He’s turned the Wei State court into an absolute mess.”
“At this rate, it won’t be long before the Wei State collapses on its own. We won’t even need to fight.”
“Imperial Father, when that time comes, I will take you to see the water towns of the south in the Wei State.”
I felt very gratified.
But there were some things that had to be faced sooner or later.
“Unfortunately, I likely will not see the day Great Xia emerges victorious.”
Che’er froze, his expression turning frantic. “Imperial Father… you…”
It was time for me to go.
In truth, I had sensed it long ago.
My consciousness was growing weaker and weaker.
The intervals between my awakenings had stretched from three to five days to once every ten days or half a month, and the duration I could maintain each time grew shorter.
“On the day you are victorious, light a stick of incense for me. I will know.”
He remained silent for a long time before speaking with great difficulty: “…Alright.”
“Tell Chancellor Cui to see more of the world for me after Great Xia unites the realm. Tell him not to be in such a hurry to come down and find me.”
“Alright.”
“Look after your younger siblings, especially Prince An. If he dares to cause trouble, give him a sound thrashing.”
“Alright.”
“Your Imperial Mother is getting older. When you are free, persuade her not to always be brandishing swords and spears; it is easy to injure herself.”
“Alright.”
“Che’er,” I looked at him one last time, “I have always believed that you will be the best of sovereigns.”
In the next moment.
The entire hall fell into an instantaneous silence.
The young Emperor sat upright upon the high dais, his eyes filled with sorrow.
From this moment forward, across the silent rivers and mountains and the long journey ahead, he would have to walk alone.
(Zong Che’s Side Story)
I lied to Imperial Father.
From the moment his soul entered my body, I knew.
I had been awake the entire time.
I watched in silence as Imperial Father handled government affairs in my stead using my identity, watching him anxiously search everywhere for any trace of me.
There were many times I almost couldn’t resist telling him that I was right here.
But I held out.
I knew Imperial Father too well.
If he found out, he would have tried every possible means to return the body to me.
But I couldn’t bear for him to leave yet.
Imperial Father was always wise and could always handle things perfectly.
I felt that if things continued like that, it would be quite wonderful.
When the news of Imperial Father’s passing first arrived, my primary reaction was terror.
I was afraid.
I feared the path of an Emperor was too lonely, that I would have no one to accompany me from then on, a solitary man.
I feared I wouldn’t be a good Emperor, that I would fail Imperial Father and fail the people.
With Imperial Father there, I felt I had someone to rely on; I felt at peace.
Therefore, I was unwilling for him to leave.
It wasn’t until Imperial Father summoned those with extraordinary talents to wake me through the method of the so-called Blood Curse.
He thought I was inside his body, so he used ice crystals to seal and preserve his own remains.
The moment the blade was suspended over his wrist, I finally couldn’t help but speak out to stop him.
“Don’t.”
I “returned.”
Imperial Father was very happy.
But I couldn’t feel happy at all.
I knew that the moment I spoke, everything was set in stone.
Later, I used a bit of cleverness to find ways to let Imperial Father take control of the body more often, strengthening his soul.
As I expected, as he grew stronger, I grew weaker.
The moment my consciousness sank into slumber, I made a wish-I hoped I would never wake up again.
I was at peace leaving the throne for Imperial Father to sit upon; he would surely do a better job than I could.
But my wish went unfulfilled.
The moment I woke up, I noticed the difference. I could no longer hand over control of the body to Imperial Father.
As expected of Imperial Father.
He was always one step ahead.
Even though I knew the outcome from the start, I still wanted to try.
What if?
What if I succeeded?
What if Imperial Father wanted to stay?
But there were no “what ifs.”
In the end, Imperial Father still abandoned me and left.
He said he always believed I would be the best of sovereigns.
Then, no matter what, I will make it so.
