Chapter 4: The Bad News Arrives, Separated by Yin and Yang

I lost my father at a young age, and before I turned thirteen, my mother also passed away, leaving me alone and in hardship. I devoted myself to my studies in hopes of bringing glory to my family name, inheriting the aspirations of my ancestors, and reviving the three hundred years of honor of the Yun family. In the twenty-third year of the Song Baoguang era, I achieved the highest honor in the imperial examination at a young age, becoming a celebrated figure in the capital. I am known for my straightforward nature and do not align with any political factions, which has drawn the ire of many officials, yet I remain unfazed. In that year, the Prime Minister recommended me to the Emperor, and I was appointed as an advisor, gaining considerable prominence. I feel grateful for the Prime Minister's virtue and am dedicated to my duties, but I can only blame my youthful recklessness and inability to restrain myself, which ultimately led to my falling out of favor with the Emperor. At that time, the Prime Minister took the opportunity to strike me when I was down; had it not been for the assistance of my friend, the Marquis of the Northwest, I would have long since become a pile of bones. However, the Marquis suffered because of me, being exiled from the capital to guard the Northwest, which ultimately led to his death.

Liu Lv Zhi saw Yun Bo's true face with a joyful expression as he sent the old man out of the house, yet she could not help but feel a sense of melancholy in her heart. "I have been married to my husband for more than five months, and he rarely shows a smile. Only recently, upon hearing that I am pregnant, has he begun to show such affection today. It seems that what my husband cares about more is the child in my womb," Lv Zhi thought to herself, unable to let go of these thoughts for a long time, to the point that she pricked her finger with the needle before realizing it, hurriedly bringing her finger to her mouth.

"I humbly request the esteemed elders to come today; I truly apologize for the imposition and hope for your forgiveness," Yun Bo said weakly while lying in bed. The elders, seeing the once talented and outstanding figure now transformed, noticed his sunken eyes, murky gaze, hollow cheeks, and pale complexion, and understood that the situation was dire. They all felt a tinge of sadness and could only offer comfort, saying, "If there is anything we can do to help, we will certainly do our utmost."

Yun Bozhen lay at home, unconscious and unresponsive. Green Branch's brother and sister-in-law hurried from the neighboring village to stay by Green Branch's side overnight. Most of the villagers had already dispersed, leaving only Green Branch's brother and sister-in-law beside her. Green Branch's eyes were red and swollen, and she was choked with sobs, constantly wiping her eyes with a handkerchief. Seeing Green Branch so heartbroken, her elder brother recalled what the elderly doctor had just said to him and his wife: "Mr. Yun is suffering from a fit of anger, compounded by a long-standing illness, and it seems there is also old poison lurking within. This recent severe shock may trigger the old illness and poison, I fear... it is better to prepare early!" In that moment, Liu Qing (Green Branch's elder brother) and his wife were at a loss for words, their hearts heavy. Green Branch and her husband had been married for less than a year when this calamity struck, and the tip of their noses felt sour, not knowing how to offer comfort.

The man, seeing that his few words had caused Yun Bozhen to spit blood in anger, felt a sense of secret satisfaction. He then recalled the task assigned to him and said, "Alas, it is pitiful that the Fourth Prince died on the battlefield for the country, yet his wife and children ended up in such a tragic situation. The Emperor is gravely ill, and the Crown Prince is acting on behalf of the court. Some court officials advised the Crown Prince that the Fourth Prince failed to defend the city, leading to the loss of four prefectures in the northwest. The Emperor's law applies equally to commoners and nobles, thus punishment is necessary. The Crown Prince, being his brother, felt reluctant to act against him. Furthermore, other officials reported that during the Fourth Prince's tenure as the Marquis of the Northwest, he neglected his duties, indulged in debauchery, accepted bribes, and lived a life of excess, which resulted in the loss of the four prefectures in the northwest. Ultimately, the Fourth Prince committed suicide out of fear of punishment, rather than dying in battle. Moreover, soldiers presented ample evidence, which alarmed the ailing Emperor. The Emperor decreed the removal of the Fourth Prince from his position as Marquis of the Northwest, and both the Princess and the heir were implicated and exiled a thousand miles away! Alas, I have heard that both the Princess and the heir fell gravely ill during their exile and have since passed away, truly pitiful!" After the man finished speaking, he looked at Yun Bozhen, only to see him trembling all over, his face pale. Upon closer inspection, he had already fainted. The woman beside him was also crying incessantly, and upon seeing Yun Bozhen faint, she became even more flustered, crying out loudly, "Husband..."

Upon hearing the commotion, the villagers hurried over. The thin, dark man, seeing people arrive, remained calm, thinking that his task was accomplished. He leaped onto his horse and galloped away. The crowd, unaware of the situation, saw the urgency and quickly helped Yun Bozhen and Lvzhi back to their residence. One person also ran swiftly to the village chief's house to summon the itinerant doctor, Zhang Bo, who was staying there.

"Master Yun, there is no need to see me off any further; I shall arrive in just a few steps. The fetus of your esteemed wife is doing very well, so there is no need for concern. However, do remember to avoid excessive labor and worry on ordinary days..."

Hmm... Upon hearing this, Yun Bo did not offer any explanation, but thought to himself, "All expressions of scenery are expressions of emotion"

"It has been nearly a day and night without any rice, so let's start with a bowl of porridge." At that moment, Sister Green Branch brought in a bowl of porridge.

The next day, Lü Zhi woke up crying incessantly. After waiting for a long time, the midwife finally arrived. The elderly man and the midwife worked together, and after a day and night of effort, the child was finally born. The elderly man and the others breathed a sigh of relief upon seeing the child safely delivered, but at that moment, they were uncertain whether to feel joy or sorrow.

"Excuse me..." The rider pulled the reins tightly and stopped not far from Yun Bozhen and his wife. At this moment, they could clearly see the visitor, who was a lean man with dark skin and slightly disheveled hair. Before the horse had come to a complete stop, the rider leaped down and bowed to Yun Bozhen, saying, "May I ask if you are the esteemed Grand Counselor Yun Bozhen?"

On this day, an elderly man with white hair and simple clothing stepped out from the home of Yun Bozhen, who followed closely behind him, carrying a medicine box. This elderly man was named Zhang Bo. In his youth, he was a Taoist priest, but for reasons unknown, he became a traveling doctor. He was often seen wandering and residing in various villages. Although he was a traveling doctor, his medical skills were quite good, and he was well-known in the nearby towns. Moreover, he charged very little for his services, which made him greatly beloved by the villagers, who were also very happy to have him stay in their homes.

The northwest marquis's troops were defeated and perished beneath the walls of Gaoyang City. The man spoke again loudly, a hint of amusement evident in his rat-like eyes

Three months have passed in the blink of an eye. At this time, the fetus in Lü Zhi's belly is nearly six months old. In the blink of an eye, it is already the summer season (the sixth month of the lunar calendar). The summer days are scorching, birds seek shade, and the cicadas are increasingly noisy. Lü Zhi sits at home with her belly protruding, her face filled with smiles. Over the past few months, her family has frequently come to visit, and neighbors often come to see Yun Bozhen. Sister Liu visits even more often, sometimes staying for the entire day, and she often talks about child-rearing, raising sons, and supporting husbands, which makes Lü Zhi feel quite shy. Although Yun Bozhen is deeply infatuated with Zhang, he knows how to maintain a sense of propriety. Unlike the initial excitement he felt upon hearing he would become a father, he has been very attentive to Lü Zhi and the child over these past few months. Additionally, feeling a sense of guilt, he spends some time teaching Lü Zhi poetry, songs, and the history of the Yun family, to alleviate her boredom and pass the time. Lü Zhi also finds joy in this, secretly praying in her heart, "If I can live my life this way, I will have no regrets in this life."

The next day, people in the village came to visit one after another. Seeing that Elder Yun was still not awake, they did not disturb him much and left. It was not until noon that there was any movement in Elder Yun's room

Sister, do not be sad, for there is still one inside you! Crying will not help at all; it is better to take care of your health and look after your husband. Even if you disregard your husband and yourself, you must consider the one in your belly! What would happen if your husband wakes up to such a tragic scene?

Yun Bozhen has been ill for ten days, yet there is still no sign of improvement. Instead, he appears even more emaciated and haggard, his spirit is dazed and dispirited. Over the past ten days, he has spoken very little. Those who care for him are deeply worried and distressed, yet they find themselves utterly helpless, unsure of how to offer encouragement.

Madam Yun has been exhausted for several days, burdened with worries, and has already shown signs of labor. It is truly unfortunate that she has managed to hold on for so long by herself. I believe it is best to quickly find a midwife, as the child may need to be induced. Fortunately, the child is already nine months along, so induction should not lead to stillbirth. However, if we delay for a few more days, it is likely that both mother and child will be in danger." The elderly man with white hair said this, startling Wang into another fit of crying. However, Sister Liu remained composed and hurried out to call someone to quickly fetch a midwife from the neighboring village.

Younger sister knows, elder brother and sister-in-law should also rest early! It is nearly midnight. Liu Lvzhi said, and tears flowed like a flood breaching a dam.

Three days later, at dusk, the news of Yun Bozhen's passing spread throughout the village, and the villagers came to assist with the funeral arrangements. Liu Lvzhi, overwhelmed with grief and worry, experienced a miscarriage. Just as Yun Bozhen closed his eyes, she fainted on the spot, which caused great distress to Liu Qing and their neighbors. In a hurry, they called Zhang Bo to take her pulse, and for a moment, the Yun household was in complete disarray

Husband, you have finally awakened!" The swollen-eyed green branch grasped Yun Bozhen's hand, tears streaming down. Liu Qing, hearing the commotion from the room, hurried in from the kitchen.

On this day, several people were called into the room by Green Branch. Upon hearing her husband call her, Green Branch was overwhelmed with joy, believing it to be a good omen. However, her brother and sister-in-law were extremely worried. Yun Bozhen then entrusted the couple to seek out the village elder, and although Liu Qing and his wife were puzzled, they complied with the request.

The winter sun is warm yet passionate, gently caressing the clear flowing streams, touching the half-green mountains, and sweeping across the vast earth

"Master Yun, you have finally awakened," said Liu Qing with joy. Since Yun Bozhen was older than Liu Qing and was a learned man, Liu Qing usually referred to him as Master Yun. "Green Branch has not slept a wink all night! Now that you are awake, she will feel a bit better."

Puh... Upon hearing this, Yun Bozhen rolled his eyes and unexpectedly spat out a mouthful of fresh blood. This frightened Lü Zhi half to death, and she could only support Yun Bozhen while crying, "Husband, don't believe him, don't believe him..." Initially, when Lü Zhi heard the man address her husband as 'Sir', she was already taken aback, not knowing that her husband was actually an extraordinary person. Now, seeing Yun Bozhen spitting blood, she was even more at a loss, and could only advise him in this manner.

"I dare not, as a mere commoner, accept the title of 'Your Excellency.'" Yun Bo truly returned a bow, yet he was filled with great confusion. He thought to himself, "Having lived in seclusion here for many years and not concerning myself with court affairs, although I have many enemies in the court, my withdrawal from the political arena should no longer pose a threat to them. If they truly intended to eliminate me, they should have acted years ago; there is absolutely no reason for them to wait until today. What on earth is going on? Could it be..."

Thank you very much, Doctor! Yun Bo truly bowed his head and said

After that, my wife and I took refuge here, originally thinking that... Yun Bozhen was so overwhelmed that he could not even shed tears. The people in the room were also greatly astonished upon hearing this. Initially, they all knew that Yun Bozhen must not be an ordinary person, but they never expected him to be such an extraordinary figure. Without allowing the others to think too much, Yun Bozhen weakly said, "Soon, the world will inevitably fall into chaos, and I fear that countless common people will be displaced. It is advisable for you all to make early preparations for this matter." The elderly villagers were deeply alarmed upon hearing this, as their ancestors had fled from war and settled here for hundreds of years. Now, hearing that war is approaching again, how could they not be frightened? Yun Bozhen weakly reiterated, "Soon, the world will inevitably fall into chaos, and I fear that countless common people will be displaced. It is advisable for you all to make early preparations for this matter." The elderly villagers were deeply alarmed upon hearing this, as their ancestors had fled from war and settled here for hundreds of years. Now, hearing that war is approaching again, how could they not be frightened?

Northwest Marquis ... Northwest Marquis ... What did you say? Zhao Xiong died in battle? You, say it again. The Northwest Marquis is precisely the title conferred upon Zhao Zhen after he was demoted from the capital to guard the border due to his connection with Yun Bozhen. The Song Emperor has seven sons, but only Zhao Zhen has never been conferred the title of king due to his association with Yun Bozhen. Yun Bozhen's eyes widened in shock, his hands gripping the man's collar tightly, trembling incessantly.

In the southern regions, autumn and winter are not apparent; even now in September, everything remains lush and green, with not a trace of autumn's breath, and the scenery is particularly beautiful. As the sun gradually sets, the clouds and rosy hues fill the sky, painting the ancient paths of the blue mountains. Today, the green branch suddenly took an interest, wishing to go out and admire the beauty of the sunset. Yun Bo truly did not wish to refuse, so he supported the green branch with one hand and stepped out.

"Then I thank you very much." As he spoke, he attempted to rise to express his gratitude, but was hurriedly stopped by the crowd. "I am Yun Bozhen, courtesy name Jide, a native of this capital city, born into an official family. The Yun family has served as officials for three hundred years, with each generation taking it upon themselves to benefit the people and alleviate the concerns of the ruler. However, by the time of my great-grandfather, the family fortunes began to decline, and by the time of my father, the Yun family had become a single line of descent." At this point, Yun Bozhen gasped for breath a few times, his complexion growing increasingly pale. The Yun family has served as officials for three hundred years, with each generation taking it upon themselves to benefit the people and alleviate the concerns of the ruler. However, by the time of my great-grandfather, the family fortunes began to decline, and by the time of my father, the Yun family had become a single line of descent." At this point, Yun Bozhen gasped for breath a few times, his complexion growing increasingly pale

The winter days in the southern country left Yun Bo with endless sighs; there was neither the desolation and solitude mentioned in poetry, nor the vast expanse of ice and snow. Even the cold wind could hardly be described as bone-chilling. In the past, he thought that the saying 'spring-like all year round' was indeed somewhat exaggerated. Now he realizes that one must not only read thousands of books but also travel thousands of miles to avoid being trapped in one's own small world and to truly understand the universe.

I am aware that my time in this world is limited, yet I feel pity for Lu Zhi, who is pregnant. She will have to endure the pain of losing her husband less than a year after entering the Yun family. My heart is deeply unsettled. Lu Zhi has already cried to the point of being unable to speak, and those present are also filled with sorrow. "After I am gone, let me be buried with Shu He. Lu Zhi need not remain faithful to me; she may remarry, but my son..." Yun Bo is truly choked with emotion, "I hope the esteemed elders will take good care of her. When Lu Zhi remarries in the future, I hope the esteemed elders will serve as witnesses, so that she does not suffer from slander and gossip."

Upon hearing these words, all the elders present were deeply moved. The village chief said: "Master Yun, please do not speak such discouraging words. You are in the prime of your life, and your health can surely be restored. We will certainly help take care of this child, so do not worry, Master Yun. Just focus on taking care of your health!"

Liu Qing had nothing more to say to the elders after meeting with Yun Bozhen, so he sent the elders back. The elders in the village also knew that Yun Bozhen truly had little time left, and it was the duty of the village elders to help look after the young son of the Yun family. They also considered the impending war and feared that they needed to make thorough preparations.

As the couple observed the setting sun, they wished to return, but they noticed not far from the village entrance, the sound of galloping hooves. A person was riding a horse, coming towards them with their back to the sunset, the horse bathed in golden light beneath the sun.

"Doctor, can Green Branch still hold on? How did it come to this? The Cloud Master just left, and my sister is in such a situation. What kind of sin has our family committed?" Green Branch's sister-in-law cried as she anxiously pulled at the old man's clothing. Liu Qing was also outside, needing to handle the funeral arrangements for Uncle Yun, leaving only his wife and Sister Liu in the room to care for Green Branch. Sister Liu could only advise Wang, "Sister, don't be anxious. Let's wait for the doctor to explain the situation before we discuss it further." Liu Qing was also outside, needing to handle the funeral arrangements for Uncle Yun, leaving only his wife and Sister Liu in the room to care for Green Branch. Sister Liu could only advise Wang, "Sister, don't be anxious. Let's wait for the doctor to explain the situation before we discuss it further."

The setting sun is infinitely beautiful ..." As Yun Bo truly witnessed the sun setting in the west, with red clouds filling the sky, especially the vastness, he could not help but murmur.

"My husband, the sunset is infinitely beautiful, precisely because it is near dusk; it is the impending departure that makes it all the more precious and lovely." Upon hearing this, Lü Zhi noticed that Yun Bo's face showed a hint of sorrow, and thus interrupted with these lines.

Do not let Yun Bozhen think too much, that man continued, "Lord Yun, I have come here at the behest of others to inform you that the Northern Frontier's Rong Kingdom has secretly allied with the Western Yi Barbarian Kingdom. They have suddenly raised troops to attack and have now occupied the four prefectures of Wu, Luori, Wohu, and Gaocheng in the northwest of the Song Kingdom..." Upon hearing this, even though he had anticipated it, Yun Bozhen was still greatly shocked. He had thought that at least they would wait for the death of the Song Emperor, during the transition of power, before the enemy would make a move. He never expected it to happen so quickly, and he secretly thought to himself that the Song Emperor must be nearing his end. As he contemplated this, he felt a surge of fear. At that moment, he heard the thin, dark man continue, "The enemy has attacked the city, and the Marquis of the Northwest bravely led his troops to resist, but was defeated and died at the foot of Gaoyang City..." Even though he had anticipated it, he was still greatly shocked. He had thought that at least they would wait for the death of the Song Emperor, during the transition of power, before the enemy would make a move. He never expected it to happen so quickly, and he secretly thought to himself that the Song Emperor must be nearing his end. As he contemplated this, he felt a surge of fear. At that moment, he heard the thin, dark man continue, "The enemy has attacked the city, and the Marquis of the Northwest bravely led his troops to resist, but was defeated and died at the foot of Gaoyang City..."

Yun Bozhen drank only half a bowl of porridge before waving his hand to indicate he would not drink anymore. His complexion remained pale, but there was a hint of color compared to before. For a long time, Yun Bozhen simply closed his eyes and said nothing, prompting a few people to let him rest well. Only then did Lu Zhi finally set aside the worry she had been holding for a long time.