BMN : Chapter 48

 

In the countryside outside the capital, Fu Ming’s small courtyard was still intact. Before leaving for the battlefield, Jin Yi had paid a nearby farmer’s wife to clean the place regularly. Though unoccupied for a long time, the inside and outside remained relatively clean, with flowers and plants flourishing. Jin Yi unlocked the courtyard gate, entered, and was greeted by familiar sights that gave him a surreal feeling, as if waking from a dream. He tied his horse under a garden tree, drew water from the well in the backyard to water the plants, drank a few sips, and then left.

 

This year had favorable weather, and the crops in the fields were growing well. As Jin Yi walked along the paths between the fields, he encountered a few farmers working. These farmers recognized him as a close relative of the former owner of the estate. Although they were curious why he, who used to visit frequently, had been absent for so long, they were also intimidated by the natural authority he exuded. After exchanging a few greetings, they went their separate ways.

 

Jin Yi continued along the path, his pace quickening. When he was about to turn into the mountain pass, he hesitated, as if apprehensive about returning to a familiar place. After standing for a long while, he finally resumed walking and soon reached the grave that had once shattered his heart.

 

This time, he did not linger to touch the gravestone. Instead, he drew his sword and began digging into the grave’s soil. He worked tirelessly, not stopping until he exposed the coffin within. He planted his sword in the pile of yellow earth beside him, caught his breath, and then, with all his strength, pried open the stone coffin and removed the nails from the wooden coffin lid. After completing these tasks, he paused again, gently placing his hand on the coffin.

 

After steeling himself, he closed his eyes and opened the coffin. As the lid was lifted, he opened his eyes.

 

Inside the coffin, there was no body, only a broken stringed qin.

 

Jin Yi let out a long sigh of relief and picked up the qin. He recognized it as the instrument he had once sought from the then Third Prince for Fu Ming in Cuiwei Mountain. Although the qin was valuable, it had never been named. After receiving it, Fu Ming named it “Shixin,” to pair with Jin Yi’s “Suiri” sword. Seeing the qin, Jin Yi recalled the days when they had played the qin and sword together.

 

Now, with the strings broken, had Fu Ming buried it here as a way to say goodbye to the past and start anew?

 

Jin Yi tried to imagine Fu Ming’s feelings when the strings broke and the resolve he had when burying the qin. Though he knew Fu Ming was still alive, he couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of regret and fear.

 

He took off his outer robe, spread it on the nearby grass, carefully placed the qin on it, and then refitted the coffin lid and filled the grave with soil. By the time he finished, it was past noon. He took the qin back to the small courtyard, freshened up, and rode into the city.

 

After inquiring about the best qin craftsman in the city, Jin Yi hurried to the workshop. The old craftsman, upon seeing the qin, was delighted. However, when Jin Yi asked if he could be taught to repair the broken strings himself, the craftsman quickly changed his demeanor. With an angry glare, he chastised Jin Yi for not cherishing such a fine instrument and for thinking of further damaging it. Embarrassed by the craftsman’s reprimand, Jin Yi abandoned the idea of repairing it himself and entrusted the task to the craftsman, agreeing on a date to pick up the repaired qin.

 

After leaving the craftsman’s workshop, Jin Yi did not return home immediately but instead went to the Tao family residence.

 

Years ago, when Fu Ming left, Ren Lan had been unaware of the situation. Later, even though she remained uninformed about the details, she was still concerned. Tao Yang, too, regarded Fu Ming as both a friend and benefactor, and they tried to gather news. They eventually heard the false news of Fu Ming’s death, which greatly distressed Ren Lan, who was pregnant at the time. The news caused her to experience complications. Since then, Fu Ming’s situation had been a source of regret for the couple. Now that Jin Yi had returned triumphant, Ren Lan had come to her family home to visit her ill grandmother and father and to congratulate her brother on his new title. She had also asked about Jin Yi, wondering if he had visited Fu Ming’s grave to inform him of his safe return.

 

Jin Yi knew that it wasn’t just him who hadn’t forgotten Fu Ming; those who had received his kindness also remembered him.

 

When Jin Yi arrived at the Tao residence, Ren Lan was teaching her child how to use chopsticks with the help of a wet nurse. Hearing the servant announce that her brother had arrived and knowing that her husband, Tao Yang, was still out inspecting the shops, she quickly handed the child to the wet nurse and went to the main hall to greet Jin Yi.

 

After they exchanged greetings, Ren Lan asked, “Elder brother, what brings you here at this time? Is there something urgent?”

 

Jin Yi nodded, paused, and then said, “There’s something I came to tell you.”

 

“What is it?” Ren Lan saw the serious expression on Jin Yi’s face and felt a bit anxious.

 

Jin Yi said, “Your brother, Ming, is still alive.”

 

Ren Lan shivered at the words, unable to believe it, but couldn’t suppress her joy. “Brother, you said… you said Ming is still alive? Is it true? Absolutely true?”

 

“Yes, absolutely true.” Only when he said these words did Jin Yi feel the surge of emotions welling up inside him. His eyes reddened, holding back tears as he recounted everything he knew to Ren Lan.

 

Without realizing it, Ren Lan’s face was covered in tears, yet she was smiling. “Ming is still alive, living well. That’s wonderful, wonderful!” Ren Lan said, covering her face with a handkerchief and bursting into tears. Since getting married, she had rarely lost her composure, but at this moment, she couldn’t control her emotions.

 

After calming down, Ren Lan asked Jin Yi what his plans were now that he knew Fu Ming, as Fang Fan, was alive in Liangzhou.

 

Jin Yi said, “You know about Grandmother’s condition. After fulfilling my duty to her, I plan to request permission from the Emperor to guard the frontier for three years.”

 

Ren Lan wanted to ask why Jin Yi, in such a favorable position, would request to go to a remote border area, potentially missing a great opportunity. But she quickly realized that after all they had been through, her brother surely understood what was most important and could make the right decision without hesitation.

 

In the end, Ren Lan didn’t try to dissuade him. She simply said, “When the day comes that you and Ming return together, I will prepare fine wine, and we’ll all have a good reunion.”

 

Jin Yi smiled gratefully.

 

As predicted by the doctors, Madam Jin did not survive to see the autumn leaves fall. She passed away peacefully.

 

After handling his grandmother’s funeral, Jin Yi requested permission from the Emperor to guard the frontier. The Emperor received the request but did not immediately approve or reject it. Instead, he summoned Jin Yi to the palace.

 

Having served the Emperor since his days as a prince, Jin Yi had saved the lives of many people and had been a valuable aide. The Emperor, who had a rare affection for Jin Yi, not only valued his abilities but also had a special bond with him. Hearing that Jin Yi wished to go to the desolate frontier, the Emperor felt both confusion and reluctance, wanting to keep him in the capital for further assistance. He suggested that Jin Yi stay and continue to support him, and only send him to the front lines if another war arose.

 

Jin Yi, resolute in his decision, was unmoved by the Emperor’s kind words. However, he knew that without revealing the truth, the Emperor would be reluctant to let him go, and any rumors about a loyal general requesting to leave without reason could lead to gossip and speculation. Thus, Jin Yi explained his reunion with Fu Ming in Liangzhou.

 

The Emperor, moved by the story, said, “I remember at Cuiwei Mountain, the Empress remarked how you were initially forced to marry a man but it turned out to be a blessing in disguise. You two were truly enviable, sharing everything harmoniously. After you were imprisoned, he tried to save you, showing his deep affection. I thought that after such trials, your love would only grow stronger. Yet fate was unkind… But now, it seems there’s a new beginning. I’m happy for you! The Empress, too, would be overjoyed if she knew, for she lamented your situation often.”

 

Jin Yi replied, “I thank Your Majesty and the Empress for your concern.”

 

The Emperor patted his shoulder, “I trust you. If that’s the case, then I grant your request to guard the frontier. But remember to return to the capital once you’ve reunited with your beloved.”

 

Jin Yi knelt in gratitude.

 

After the Double Ninth Festival, Jin Yi left the capital with the Emperor’s command to guard the border.

 

Before leaving, Zhao Yan, who had learned the full story, wanted to accompany him. However, the family members of generals had to stay in the capital. Jin Yi, though eager to bring Zhao Yan along—thinking that seeing his beloved child might soften Fu Ming’s heart—had no choice but to leave Zhao Yan behind. Zhao Yan escorted his father for a long distance, even beyond the city gates. Jin Yi sent him back, giving final instructions, “Take good care of the family, study hard, and train diligently. Wait for my return!”

 

Zhao Yan solemnly agreed and added, “I hope both fathers will return together.”

 

“Good!” Jin Yi laughed heartily, his laughter echoing to the skies.


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Clara
16 days ago

Obrigada pelos capítulos!🥰

LicoLico
LicoLico
16 days ago

Thank You for the new chapter (*’∀’人)♥

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