Ma嵬

The news of Chang'an's fall arrived on the second evening.

At that time, the group was resting at a roadside pavilion ten li away from the Mawei Post Station. Shi Nian, forced to ride horses for two days, was reaching the limit of her endurance, silently praying for this torture to end quickly. Then, Brice walked over and said, "An Lushan's army entered Chang'an City two hours ago."

Nie Cheng lifted his water skin and took a casual sip. "As expected. An Lushan's movements were even a bit slower than I anticipated."

Shi Nian, however, was not as calm as he was. Although she had anticipated this when they left, actually hearing the news still left her with complicated feelings.

That peerless, majestic city had already fallen into the hands of the rebels...

She raised her gaze toward the direction of Chang'an, but all that met her eyes were lush green mountains; Chang'an was nowhere to be seen.

With a sense of desolation, she turned her head back, only to meet Nie Cheng's scrutinizing gaze. She was startled. "What is it?"

Nie Cheng withdrew his gaze. "Nothing. Just tell me, is there any result regarding the matter I entrusted to you last night?"

Subconsciously, Shi Nian thought of the previous night. Beneath a sky full of starlight, she had been thrown into complete disarray by Yang Guang's words and had practically fled in panic, let alone made any further attempts.

Not only that, but she had spent the entire day today dodging Yang Guang, intentionally or not, simply because she felt a deep sense of guilt...

Nie Cheng was still looking at her. Shi Nian thought for a moment and probed tentatively, "Captain, do we really have to erase his memory? Can we... not erase it?"

Nie Cheng frowned and retorted, "What do you think?"

Shi Nian's shoulders slumped, knowing she had asked a foolish question. Of course they couldn't. As long as Yang Guang retained these memories, given his personality, he would never willingly resign himself to fate, and their mission would be a total failure.

Unconsciously, she looked beyond the pavilion. Yang Guang, dressed in flowing azure robes and with his hands clasped behind his back, was gazing into the distant mountains and rivers. His demeanor was ethereal, reminding Shi Nian of the Mid-Autumn night before the Hanyuan Hall, when the man stood in flowing azure robes, playing a bamboo flute.

At that moment, he did not look like a crown prince of the golden palace manipulating statecraft, but rather like a carefree, unrestrained swordsman walking the path alone.

The more she interacted with him, the more Shi Nian discovered facets of Yang Guang that differed from her initial imagination. Much like the historical figure himself, who could clearly compose elegant and delicate poetry like lotus blossoms emerging from the water, yet was obsessed with power, fond of luxury, and would stop at nothing to ascend the throne.

Such contradictions. They made one unable to resist probing deeper.

An attendant whispered something nearby, and Yang Guang nodded casually, turning his head to catch Shi Nian's gaze.

Coming back to her senses, she hurriedly looked away in tension, but the man raised an eyebrow and smiled.

He waved a hand to signal the attendant to withdraw, then walked over to Shi Nian. Nie Cheng was still standing to one side; the two men exchanged glances, and after a moment, Nie Cheng shrugged and retreated with Brice to the other side.

Only then did Yang Guang leisurely turn to Shi Nian. Feeling the man's burning, smiling gaze, Shi Nian forced herself to remain calm. "S-something the matter?"

"Are you hungry?"

Shi Nian hadn't expected him to bring this up first. She froze for a moment before replying, "Not really, I just ate something."

"We are traveling now, and there's only some simple dry rations. Eat a little even if you don't like it. Once this matter is over, we'll be able to go back."

Shi Nian was somewhat surprised. The man's tone was considerate—not the hypocritical tenderness he used when flirting with her earlier, but revealing a genuine concern. In fact, Shi Nian had noticed today that although she had ignored Yang Guang, he had kept his attention on her the whole time. Seeing that she was tired from riding, he had ordered a rest; during meals, he had instructed his attendants to bring the best portion of the rations to her, and now he was saying this.

It was as if overnight, the man had become gentle and patient.

She stared at him, a faint guess fluttering in her heart like a feather, though she didn't quite know what it was. Just as she felt she was about to grasp it, he suddenly pressed down on her head with a mischievous smile, "After all, if you starve and fall ill, it will be very troublesome for me to drag you along."

Shi Nian: ...I knew it!

She hummed in sullen anger, only to hear Yang Guang say, "Ahead of us is the Mawei Post Station."

"Yes..."

"Li Longji and his people are resting there tonight."

"Mmm..." This was news gathered by Yang Guang's attendants. The emperor's carriage had stopped at the Mawei Post Station half an hour ago, which was why they had chosen to rest here as well.

"Want to go watch the commotion?"

"Mmm... Mmm? What commotion???"

Yang Guang's gaze was clear, as if seeing right through her. "Did you forget what I told you? Something is bound to happen along this journey. Calculating the time, it should be right about now."

Of course she knew something would happen at Mawei Post Station because she knew history. Yet Yang Guang had been able to guess it as well.

If he hadn't made prior arrangements, then this man's political acumen was simply terrifyingly high...

An hour later, they arrived at Mawei Post Station.

This was a small post station a little over a hundred and ten li away from Chang'an City. The sky had grown dark, and a large army was stationed outside the post station, torches stretching as far as the eye could see, guarding it heavily. Although they were fleeing, it was after all the emperor's carriage and horses, and the formation was quite impressive.

Yang Guang stood in a nearby grove of trees, gazing fixedly in that direction. Shi Nian nervously tugged at his sleeve. "What on earth do you want to see?"

Yang Guang pulled her hand down and gripped it within his palm. "Keep your voice down. Do you want to get caught?"

Of course she didn't want to get caught, but who on earth was the one who had run a massive risk to come here in the first place? Besides, if you want to talk, talk—why are you holding my hand again!

Shi Nian lowered her eyelids, trying to break free from his hand. Yang Guang noticed, and seeing the faint embarrassment on the girl's face, a smile flashed in his eyes.

He gripped her hand tighter. "The army fled Chang'an yesterday at dawn. By tonight, it has been two days. Hunger and fatigue will inevitably breed resentment. Tell me, who will they vent this resentment on?"

Vent it on whom? A middle-aged man's face flashed through Shi Nian's mind. According to historical records, after the army arrived at Mawei Post Station, a mutiny broke out. The furious soldiers first executed Prime Minister Yang Guozhong, hacked his body to pieces, and displayed his head outside the western gate.

At this thought, Shi Nian covered her mouth, feeling a slight urge to vomit.

She didn't voice it, but deep down, she didn't want to come to Mawei Post Station at all. Although the An Lushan Rebellion had broken out half a year early, aside from that, almost everything else was developing according to historical trajectory. Therefore, if nothing changed, that massive upheaval would happen here tonight.

Yang Guozhong was a traitorous villain and deserved to die, but thinking of the true victim of this mutiny, Shi Nian felt her heart sink straight down.

As expected, clamor soon rose from outside the post station, growing louder and louder before echoing inside the station as well. Torches danced like flickering fire dragons, illuminating every agitated face. Finally, Shi Nian heard the earth-shaking roar: "Yang Guozhong and the barbarians are plotting a rebellion! We subjects shall slay them! Yang Guozhong and the barbarians are plotting a rebellion! We subjects shall slay them! Yang Guozhong and the barbarians are plotting a rebellion! We subjects shall slay them!"

The soldiers surrounded the post station tightly. However, unlike before, the posture now did not look like protection, but rather like a siege.

"Let's go." Yang Guang suddenly grabbed Shi Nian and pulled her along. Terrified out of her wits, Shi Nian didn't dare to struggle too hard for fear of drawing attention. She could only jog along behind him while lowering her voice to say, "You're insane!"

"What are you afraid of? Everyone's attention is on the emperor right now; no one is looking at us. Besides, didn't we change our clothes?"

Before arriving at Mawei Post Station, Yang Guang had somehow managed to procure several sets of Tang military uniforms for them to change into. Shi Nian had found it a bit novel at the time, seeing as it was her first time wearing men's clothing, let alone military attire. She had thought it was just a precaution against any eventuality, never imagining that this man actually harbored the intention of sneaking in!

But it was too late to say anything now. With a heart as dead as ash, Shi Nian followed Yang Guang and blended into the ranks, with Nie Cheng and the others following closely behind. Fortunately, no one around them seemed to pay them any mind, as all eyes were fixed in the same direction.

The shouting continued for the space of a burning incense stick before the gates of the post station finally swung open. Amidst the flickering firelight, Shi Nian once again laid eyes on Emperor Xuanzong, Li Longji.

Though only a month had passed, he looked ten years older. His hair, which had been mixed with grey, was now entirely white, and his face was etched with deep wrinkles. Yet he still struggled to maintain the dignity of an emperor, leaning heavily on a cane with his spine held straight, gazing calmly ahead.

A white-haired general clad in full armor bowed and prostrated himself—it was General Chen Xuanli, who had led the troops to escort Xuanzong on his flight. He shouted out the words that had already been repeated countless times by the crowd: "Your Majesty, Yang Guozhong and the barbarians were plotting a rebellion. We subjects discovered it and have already executed him!"

Li Longji tightened his grip on his cane, staring fixedly at Chen Xuanli. For a fleeting moment, it seemed he wanted to say something, but Gao Lishi, standing right beside him, abruptly pulled him back. The aged eunuch, who had served him for many years, gave him an imperceptible shake of his head. Understanding dawned on him then: even if these men had merely used a random pretext to kill Yang Guozhong, he had only one path left to walk.

The monarch drew a deep breath and forced a reassuring smile. "What General Chen has said, We are aware of. All of you lords have rendered meritorious service in slaying the rebels and have worked hard; there will certainly be heavy rewards in days to come! However, now that the traitor has been brought to justice, it is unfitting for you all to continue surrounding the post station. Withdraw, every one of you."

He issued his command, but the soldiers refused to obey. Chen Xuanli prostrated himself once more, his voice ringing with resolute clangor: "Yang Guozhong has been executed for treason. As his sister, the Imperial Consort is no longer fit to serve Your Majesty. We beseech Your Majesty to prioritize the greater good of the state and put the Consort to death!"

All the soldiers joined in the cry: "We beseech Your Majesty to prioritize the greater good of the state and put the Consort to death!"

As expected, it had come after all.

Shi Nian closed her eyes. Throughout the entire An Lushan Rebellion, the most widely circulated episode—the one most relished by later generations and lamented by poets in elegies and verses—was not the bloody battles and contests of men, but this very night at Mawei Post Station.

The most legendary beauty of the Tang Dynasty was forced by enraged soldiers to hang herself here, sounding the first mournful note for the decline of the Great Tang.

The story was far too famous; even Shi Nian, who had previously known nothing about history, knew it crystal clear through various film and television dramas. Therefore, watching the sudden pallor on Li Longji's face amidst the firelight, she understood clearly in her heart that no matter how heartbroken and reluctant he felt at this moment, he ultimately could not save her.

No one could save her.

She suddenly turned and walked outside, as if she could no longer bear to stay in that boiling cauldron of a crowd. Seeing this, Yang Guang followed her, walking out into the open air. Shi Nian gazed at the overlapping shadows of the trees ahead, and after a long silence, said softly, "Being his consort was not something she desired of her own accord."

Historical records stated that Yang Yuhuan was originally the primary consort of Li Mao, the Prince of Shou, but had caught Li Longji's eye shortly after her marriage. An imperial edict forced her to leave her husband and become a Daoist nun, after which she was naturally drawn into his inner palace. Perhaps they had developed feelings for each other during their later years together, but the very beginning of this romance was an act of forced seizure by a man.

"She was forced to become his consort, and now that he has committed a wrong, she is the one who must bear the harshest consequence. Is that fair?"

Yang Guang said indifferently, "Unwilling or not, she still enjoyed the supreme glory of being an imperial consort, and her kinsmen relied on her to acquire power, throwing the imperial court into chaos and preying upon the common people. What is happening now is merely the wheel of karma coming full circle, the repayment of a debt."

"That is still the fault of you men! Not a single history book has ever recorded Yang Guozhong actively interfering in state affairs. It was Li Longji who favored her and therefore wanted to give her everything; when he couldn't give it to her, he gave it to her family. What did she understand? She was merely a romantic, innocent little woman!"

Shi Nian knew she was taking her anger out on him, but simply thinking of Yang Yuhuan that night made it impossible for her to calm down. She had been so beautiful and gentle; even when facing a lowly maidservant, she had appreciated their talents from the bottom of her heart. She had even given her a pipa...

The girl glared at him as if he were some mortal enemy, her eye rims slightly reddening. Yang Guang suspected she was about to cry in the next second. Sighing inwardly, he softened his tone. "Alright, alright, it's the fault of us men. It's Yang Guozhong and Li Longji's fault, not Yang Yuhuan's. Happy now? Stop being angry."

"It is your fault." Shi Nian sniffled and repeated.

"Mmm, it's our fault."

His tone was practically that of coaxing a child. Recovering her senses, Shi Nian felt a bit embarrassed, only to hear him say, "Still, Li Longji is truly useless. Unable to protect the woman he loves, being an emperor like that has no meaning at all. I would never be like that."

He looked at Shi Nian. In the firelight, the girl's cheeks were flushed pink. He said, "If I favor someone, even if I die, I won't let her die. Little fox, do you believe me?"

He was asking her to believe him again. She hadn't answered him last night, and now she had no idea how to reply.

She wanted very much to say: Li Longji at least managed to save his own skin, but you even managed to die at the hands of your own generals, making you worse than him. If you're already dead, how could you possibly protect the woman you love?

Yet looking into Yang Guang's pitch-black eyes, those words simply refused to leave her mouth.

Yang Guang chuckled softly. He tightened his grip on Shi Nian's wrist, pressing so hard it felt as though he wanted to sink into her bones. "I know what you want to say, which is why I had to come here. Taizong Emperor of the Great Tang once said: By using history as a mirror, one can understand the rise and fall of states; by using people as a mirror, one can discern gains and losses. I want to see clearly how Li Longji meets his end, and how this prosperous Tang Dynasty meets its end. Only by doing so can I constantly remind myself never to repeat the same mistakes!"

Shi Nian's heart gave a violent shudder.

The noise behind them abruptly died down. Turning her head, she saw that Li Longji was still standing atop the steps, but a tall figure had appeared beside him. She wore a ruby-red chest-high ruqun with a translucent white wide-sleeved outer garment. Having likely just retouched her makeup, she showed no trace of the dust and grime from days of travel; her lips were a vivid red, her brows and eyes exquisitely painted. With a gentle, graceful smile, she remained none other than the imperial consort whose single dance had shaken the capital and whose brilliant radiance illuminated Chang'an.

"Your Majesty, all the officers and men are acting for the sake of state affairs out of utmost loyalty. Do not argue with them."

Li Longji clasped her hand tightly, his voice trembling. "Yuhuan, you don't know, you don't know what they want of Me... what they want of you..."

"Yuhuan knows." Yang Yuhuan clasped his hand in return, smiling gently. "General Chen speaks with reason. My kinsman committed a grave wrong, and I should rightly share in the punishment. This is state law; Your Majesty must on no account violate it."

"Yuhuan..."

"Sanlang." Yang Yuhuan interrupted him. As if she finally lacked the strength to go on, she closed her eyes. "Yuhuan is embarking on a long journey; let us not waste any more time. Accompany me inside, and let us speak a few final words together, all right?"

A droplet of moisture landed on her forehead. Shi Nian looked up to see beads of water falling in a fine drizzle from the pitch-black night sky. It was raining.

The rain grew steadily heavier. Through the vast curtain of water, Emperor Xuanzong Li Longji gazed at the woman beside him. She raised her face and smiled at him, just as captivating as when they had first met. This was the woman he loved, who had accompanied him for a full sixteen years. He had once sworn to be with her for life after life, uttering endless vows in the Hall of Longevity—to be birds flying wing to wing in heaven, and trees with intertwined branches on earth. Yet turning his head, he saw the soldiers kneeling densely below the steps—his subjects, who had escorted him in flight through the chaos of war. They were the hope of the Great Tang, and his sole remaining prop.

His desperate struggle just moments ago had merely been an unwillingness to face reality; in truth, the moment they knelt before him, he had known he had no other choice.

As if a massive mountain were crushing down upon him, Li Longji's gaze dimmed inch by inch, his spine bending a fraction at a time. The confident radiance in his expression vanished without a trace, replaced by a despondent, withered dejection.

At this moment, this monarch who had ruled the Great Tang for forty years retained not a shred of the dashing, debonair charm of a romantic emperor. He was now entirely an old man.

The doors of the post station closed. Shi Nian knew that Li Longji and Yang Yuhuan were making their final farewell. Though she did not know what they said to each other, she could guess most of it.

The rain above abruptly stopped. Turning her head, she saw that Yang Guang was holding an umbrella over her. Yet he was not looking at her; his dark eyes were fixed unwaveringly on the tightly closed doors of the post station, swirling with dark currents. "How tragic. Tell you what, when I was defeated last time, was I just as tragic?"

Shi Nian did not dare to answer.

After the span of a burning incense stick, the doors of the post station reopened. Gao Lishi stood there, his voice trembling as he announced, "His Majesty has issued a decree ordering the Imperial Consort to hang herself and ascend to heaven in the Buddhist hall on the western side of the post station..."

Attired in formal robes and heavy makeup, Yang Yuhuan emerged from behind him. Gao Lishi hurriedly held an umbrella over her. Raindrops pelted the oiled-paper umbrella, scattering and splashing against the hem of her skirt, but she paid them no mind. In truth, there was nothing left that warranted her attention. With a tranquil expression and even a hint of a smile at the corners of her lips, she walked slowly down the steps.

Despite having forced this outcome, the officers and troops of the Six Armies involuntarily lowered their heads as she truly passed by them. As if scorched by such beauty, they automatically parted a path for her.

Amidst the torrential downpour, Imperial Consort Yang Yuhuan thus walked with poised demeanor and steady strides toward the Buddhist hall opposite—and toward her predetermined destiny.

"There ought to be a pear tree over there," Shi Nian suddenly said.

"What?" Yang Guang asked.

Shi Nian did not reply, only gazing at the high courtyard walls of the Buddhist hall, knowing that a pear tree should stand within that courtyard—the very place where Yang Yuhuan would hang herself.

In this season, there were no pear blossoms blanketing the trees like snow. She wondered if she would feel lonely on her journey.

Time seemed to lose all meaning. Everyone stood there in silent waiting. Finally, Chen Xuanli, who had been summoned to inspect the consort's remains, appeared outside the Buddhist hall.

The white-haired old general gazed down the steps for a long moment before finally speaking: "Imperial Consort... has ascended to heaven."

All the soldiers dropped to their knees in a thunderous movement.

Amidst the torrential rain, they prostrated themselves in unison—not for the dead consort, but facing the direction of the imperial carriage, shouting with a voice so earth-shaking it seemed capable of moving mountains: "Long live Your Majesty! May Your Majesty live for ten thousand, ten thousand, ten thousand years! Wise is Your Majesty! May Your Majesty live for ten thousand, ten thousand, ten thousand years! Wise is Your Majesty! May Your Majesty live for ten thousand, ten thousand, ten thousand years!"

Within the high walls, a woman died beneath a pear tree.

Outside the high walls, men prostrated themselves three times and knocked their heads nine times, chanting praises to holy grace.

Because of her death, his ultimate glory and sage-like virtue were made complete.

How utterly absurd. How profoundly ironic.

Shi Nian suddenly clutched her chest.

Before her eyes flashed that night once more: before the Hanyuan Hall, Xuanzong beat the drum while the Consort danced, officials and envoys from a thousand states gathered in one place—what a magnificent and romantic golden age that was. Yet in the blink of an eye, a fragrant soul vanished before Mawei Slope. Hairpins and ornaments fell to the ground, unclaimed; kingfishers' feathers and jade hair-scratchers lay scattered. The monarch covered his face, unable to save her, as he looked back amidst a mix of blood and tears.

She had not felt a visceral shock when Chang'an fell, but at this very moment, having witnessed Yang Yuhuan's death with her own eyes, she finally felt with absolute certainty: the curtain had fallen on the prosperous age.