WNST - EPILOGUE

In the autumn of Qianding Year 1, the handwritten memorial of former Chancellor Shen Zhizhong resurfaced, finally bringing resolution to the tumultuous “Xie Queshan Treason Case” that had rocked the nation for half a year. The truth of Xie Queshan’s sacrifice to save Lidu Prefecture in its darkest hour was revealed. Emperor Zhao personally erected a monument in his honor, posthumously granting him the title of Grand Master of Light and Justice, with the posthumous name Wenzheng, proclaiming it to the world. 

Simultaneously, the case of the Zhang family’s alleged negligence during wartime was reopened, clearing their names. 

Zhang Yuehui and his family were laid to rest in their hometown. 

Even after some time had passed, Nan Yi often dreamed of the day Zhang Yuehui died. When she and Song Muchuan found him, his body was already cold, his hand clutching a torn money pouch, unresponsive to their calls. 

Stubbornly, Nan Yi pressed her hands against his wounds, insisting that Zhang Yuehui couldn’t be dead. Clutching his body, she cried and asked Song Muchuan if this cunning merchant had taken some fake-death potion to fool her. 

Song Muchuan had arrived just moments too late. 

Nan Yi hadn’t appeared as planned, and realizing something was wrong, he had pursued her alone on horseback. By the time he found the abandoned prisoner cart, they had escaped not long before. 

But he hadn’t found them on the road to Yanlu City. Turning back, he searched in the opposite direction and finally discovered Nan Yi. 

For much of the journey, Nan Yi had insisted on carrying Zhang Yuehui’s body, seeking doctors and remedies for him. It wasn’t until the first fly landed on his body that she suddenly realized he was gone. Such a dignified man—how could he allow those insects near him?

That man, who had seemed invincible to all poisons, had truly left her in a manner so absurd it bordered on mockery. 

She buried him and walked the path paved with bones, bringing the memorial back to Jinling with Song Muchuan, revealing it to the world. 

After those responsible began to fall one by one, everything started to go smoothly. But faced with honors, praise, and adoration, Nan Yi grew increasingly numb. 

She merely existed—living for them. She couldn’t afford to die. 

Once everything settled, perhaps sensing Nan Yi’s emptiness, Song Muchuan made an unexpected suggestion: “Why not visit Shu?” 

It was already winter by then. Nan Yi inexplicably agreed. She wanted to see the Wangchuan Valley Zhang Yuehui had spoken of. 

She wondered if witnessing the golden light piercing through the stone’s hole would grant the legendary wish that was said to come true. 

Though she hadn’t decided what to wish for. She was filled with too many regrets, yet could do nothing about them. Her body and soul were gradually separating, and she was becoming little more than a walking corpse. 

Shu was often overcast. After waiting several days, she hadn’t seen even a glimpse of sunlight, let alone the golden rays piercing the stone. Sitting in the cold little boat, she gazed at the river winding around the jagged rock, calm yet cruel. There were no myths in this world—the abrupt hole in the stone merely resembled hollowed-out entrails. 

She thought, perhaps Heaven was deliberately opposing her. 

Her life had always been bitter and tumultuous; everything she sought and loved slipped through her fingers. 

To thwart her fantasies, even the celestial maiden couldn’t meet her lover. How cruel Heaven was. 

Closing her eyes, she imagined herself turning into a stone—needing no food or drink, free from joy or sorrow. She wasn’t waiting, nor did she need to hope. She was just an ordinary rock. 

Then the wind picked up. 

After an indeterminate amount of time, she felt a sliver of sunset warmth on her face—blinding, scorching. 

Afraid it might be an illusion, she hesitated but eventually opened her eyes. To her astonishment, she witnessed the clouds parting to reveal the sun. 

The setting sun blazed brilliantly, its golden light dancing across the river’s surface. 

The light slowly crept toward the rugged stone. 

Nan Yi held her breath. This insignificant miracle felt like a sign, giving her a strange premonition. She heard footsteps behind her, followed by a voice she knew all too well. 

“Do you know how to row? Will you ferry me across?” 

Nan Yi turned abruptly. The golden light pierced through the stone’s hole as the small boat sailed past countless mountains. 

--- (End of Main Story) ---