FYM - 68

…… She seemed to still be living in the past, trapped in that moment from a year ago.

The scene of the former emperor publicly pushing their father’s coffin had become her nightmare. After returning to the Eastern Palace from the memorial hall, she couldn’t help but recall the time before everything happened—when her father had tried to see her. Now, looking back, she realized he had come to say goodbye. But she had coldly refused, slamming down her chopsticks and saying, “I won’t see him.” From that moment on, they were forever separated by death.

“He died for you and me.”

Wei Qin had once told her this.

“Indeed, my ascension to the throne cost Lord Fang his life, but he also endured humiliation to protect your honor. Do you think he valued me more than he loved you? Yet he would never do anything wrong for my sake…”

“He never made a mistake in his entire life, except for you. He erred only for you… He concealed those ambiguous affairs of yours, leaving him speechless under the former emperor’s questioning. Ranjun… it was you who stripped your father of his dignity.”

… He was right.

Their father had indeed never made a mistake. He had worked tirelessly day and night, dedicating himself to the nation with relentless campaigns and meticulous governance. Every matter he handled was done with care, every soldier under his command treated with compassion. He could have stood tall and proud before the reckless and incompetent former emperor, but because of her… he was forced to bow his head.

—Was she really so unable to let go of Su Jin?

That youthful dream, though tender and unforgettable, was ultimately just a fleeting romance. They hadn’t faced life-and-death trials together, so how could it leave such an indelible mark? Like morning dew that gathers and then dissipates, over time, it left no trace.

—Did she truly hate her father so much?

Hate enough to say such cruel words, to refuse even a final meeting? Perhaps she was simply too weak, thinking that by blaming him, by hating him, she could avoid self-reflection and regret.

He was right… “In life, who can do as they please?” Every person’s life is one of sacrifice. The hardest path is often the most rewarding, and she had made a mistake. From that moment on, her life was destined to be devoid of joy.

“Yi Zhi, I’ve made a mistake…”

Now she confessed her sins before her younger brother, but it was already too late to undo them.

“… I didn’t know… I couldn’t afford to make a mistake…”

… That scene stayed with Fang Xianting for many years.

The palace walls stretched endlessly into the sky, effortlessly trapping a woman’s entire life within. She couldn’t escape, couldn’t seek help, and eventually withered away in obscurity. The flowerless palace mourned their late father, and that bleak landscape mirrored her own life. He remembered her words—a single word, “mistake,” weighed heavier than a thousand burdens, like a sword hanging over his neck, warning him of the consequences of error. Even the smallest misstep could lead to irreversible ruin.

She couldn’t afford to make a mistake.

Neither could he.

… In truth, no one in this world could afford to make a mistake.

Heading south from Chang’an’s Changle Gate, the Ministry of War lay east of the Ministry of Agriculture, west of the Water Conservancy Office, and near the Ministry of Imperial Sacrifices. Except for the Ministry of Rites’ Southern Academy and the Ministry of Personnel’s Selection Bureau, all other government offices were located there, making it the central hub of external administration.

After receiving his imperial orders, General Lou Xiao headed straight to the Ministry of War to discuss the western campaign. Accompanying him was his son, Lou Feng, a young general. As soon as they entered, officials came forward to greet them respectfully. Lou Xiao waved them off casually, saying urgently, “I’ve been ordered by His Majesty to deliberate on the details of the western campaign. Please summon your Minister for an audience.”

The Minister of War was none other than Fang Xianting’s uncle, Fang Lian. Since the fall of the Zhong faction, both vice ministers and two of the four department heads under the ministry were now from the Fang family. Hearing this, the official bowed deeply, but his expression revealed some difficulty. “Minister Fang and several senior officials have yet to return to the office. I’m afraid you’ll have to wait a moment…”

Not returned yet?

Lou Xiao frowned. “Why the delay?”

“The Marquis Fang has just returned to the capital, and all members of the Fang family are expected to visit their lord at home,” the official replied humbly. “They likely won’t return until after noon.”

This…

Lou Xiao’s frown deepened. Beside him, Lou Feng sensed his father’s growing dissatisfaction and opened his mouth to say something when a commotion outside caught their attention. Turning, they saw Wang Mu, the chief eunuch serving the emperor, arriving personally.

The father and son greeted the eunuch politely, then asked, “Does Your Excellency bring additional orders from His Majesty?”

Wang Mu smiled and shook his head, his demeanor warm. “General Lou, there’s no need for concern. I’ve merely been sent to relay a message from His Majesty. Marquis Fang has not been to Chang’an for over a year and is currently catching up with Her Majesty the Empress in the palace. It will take some time before he leaves the palace for the outer ministries. You may return home to rest for now and come back to the Ministry of War later to continue discussions.”

As a close confidant of the emperor, Wang Mu had served him since his days in the Eastern Palace. Now, his personal visit to deliver a message on behalf of the new head of the Fang family spoke volumes about the imperial favor bestowed upon them. Lou Xiao’s outward expression remained unchanged, but his eyes darkened with an unusual depth. Nodding, he replied with a smile, “Thank you for your trouble, Your Excellency.”

On the way back to the Lou residence from the Ministry of War, Father remained unusually silent. Lou Feng kept his gaze lowered, not daring to interrupt recklessly. Upon entering the house, however, his younger brother Lou Wei was in high spirits. Seeing his father and brother return, he immediately asked if they had met the third brother of the Fang family today, adding wistfully, “It’s a pity I wasn’t on duty at the Northern Guard today; otherwise, I’d have been the first to greet him!”

It was amusing. This young master had once planned to take the military examination with Song Er alongside him, hoping to join the Imperial Guard. However, Song Er had been embroiled in the Lishan Golden Eagle scandal and remained a commoner, while Lou Wei had passed the exam and been assigned to the Northern Guard by his father. Feeling closer to the rank of general held by the third brother of the Fang family, he had long dreamed of showing off in front of the Fangs.

But clearly, his father had no interest in these trivial matters now. Without stopping, he walked past Lou Wei. Lou Feng sighed inwardly and followed. After settling into the main hall and dismissing the servants, he personally poured tea for his father and cautiously asked, “Father, do you feel that the current emperor relies too heavily on the Fang family?”

—How could it not be considered excessive?

The Fang family of Yingchuan was already unparalleled, yet now they had reached new heights. Why was such a grand reception necessary for the return of a mere subject? Official ships escorted them, hundreds of officials welcomed them, and even private conversations between their sister and the empress required a eunuch to relay messages. Even acknowledging their contributions to the throne, this level of favoritism was excessive…

Observing his father’s expression, the answer was clear. After a moment’s hesitation, Lou Feng added, “However, the emperor has appointed Yi Zhi as your deputy for this rebellion. Clearly, he still values our family.”

This was perhaps the only thing that brought Lou Xiao some comfort recently.

In the past, Fang He and Lou Xiao had referred to each other as brothers. Now that Fang He was gone, his son had become his peer. Yi Zhi had grown up under Lou Xiao’s watchful eye, and he knew well that his talents and character were no less than his father’s. But they were still a generation apart. To serve as a subordinate under him would make this old face…

“Yi Zhi is still young. Though he is now the new head of the Fang family, his reputation in the military cannot yet match his father’s,” Lou Xiao said gravely, his gaze penetrating. “His Majesty’s decision to appoint me as the chief commander is likely aimed at ensuring stability and paving the way for this new leader of the Fang family…”

Paving the way?

Lou Feng was momentarily stunned, but after some thought, he understood. If this battle was won, Yi Zhi, as the deputy, would naturally share in the glory. If it was lost, the blame would fall solely on the Lou family of Guannei. The Fang family’s prestige would remain untarnished…

He fell silent, his expression growing slightly heavy. Lou Xiao glanced at him, then patted his son’s shoulder, sighing, “Talents emerge with each generation. One day, I too will grow too old to ride a horse or fight. The world belongs to the young—Yuanjing, keep this in mind.”

The meaning behind these words ran deep. It was clear he wanted his son to compete with Yi Zhi. But why shouldn’t he? Centuries ago, when the Zhou dynasty was founded, the Lou family had also made immense contributions. During the turmoil of succession and factional struggles, the Lou family had never made the wrong choice. Lou Feng and Yi Zhi were of the same generation, and he was even a few years older. Why shouldn’t he compete with him?

But…

“The new emperor clearly favors the Fang family and has even formed marital ties with them,” Lou Feng said, his brow furrowing with a hint of resignation. “If the Empress bears a legitimate heir, then…”

Lou Xiao waved his hand, seemingly unconcerned. “Her Majesty has always been estranged from the emperor, and her health is frail. She is unlikely to bear such blessings…”

Pausing briefly, he sighed again. “If your sister could understand, we should send her to the palace as well. At least then she wouldn’t cause trouble at home every day.”

He was referring to the eldest daughter of the third branch, Lou Tong, who had once been betrothed to the Crown Prince of Yinping, Wei Lin. However, after a quarrel between the young couple ended with her physically assaulting the prince, the engagement was called off, straining relations between the Lou family and the Yinping household. Worse still, the incident earned her a reputation throughout Chang’an as a fierce and unruly woman—any nobleman who dared marry her would surely suffer. Now seventeen, she remained unmarried, yet she showed no distress, happily declaring her intention to join her brothers in quelling the rebellion in Longyou.

… What nonsense!

Even thinking about this sister gave Lou Feng a headache. After a sigh, he fell silent. A moment later, he heard his father say, “The most pressing matter now is the rebellion. We cannot afford to lose, but victory must also be achieved wisely and elegantly. The Fang family is already at the peak of its power—they don’t need any more embellishment for Yi Zhi.”

The meaning behind these words was clear.

The Lou family, like the Fangs, were illustrious military families whose ancestors had shed blood and sacrificed their lives for the nation. Yet history only remembered the Fang family of Yingchuan. The former emperor had even openly stated that the Lou family had become dogs at the Fangs’ beck and call. No one wanted to accept such a fate, and now, with the Fang family in a transitional phase, it was clearly the Lou family’s chance to turn the tables.

“Our family does not stoop to treachery, but neither must we be overly virtuous,” Lou Xiao said, taking a deep breath. His expression was calm and resolute. “When the time comes, you must give it your all. I will ensure the greatest achievement falls into your hands.”

The battle in Longyou was of utmost importance. Capturing the rebel king and Zhong He would bring fame, promotions, and honors. As Yi Zhi was his deputy, he would naturally have to follow orders without overstepping. The Lou family would not resort to immoral acts or harm their comrades, but they would also not allow the Fang family to steal the spotlight. The one who secured the realm for the emperor would come from the Lou family. It was time for the world to realize that they were not protected solely by the swords and spears of the Fang family of Yingchuan.

Beside him, Lou Feng had already understood. After a brief hesitation, he bowed deeply to his father, his resolute eyes filled with a fervent desire for glory. Then, in a respectful tone, he replied, “Your son thanks you, Father—”