Chapter 2, The Breach of the City

The noble descendants of the imperial family have finally not fallen into the mire

It is, as I travel to the imperial capital, a long journey of a thousand miles. Since my sister Yu Ran is frail, it would be better for me to take her place... There are people waiting outside the city to assist, and they will surely ensure her safety

All has passed away

The Li family child, short-sighted as a mouse

She spoke with deep sorrow, word by word, "My sister is dead, and Gu Mo is also destined to fall into their hands. Is this truly the decree of fate?"

She gritted her teeth and spoke resolutely; although her voice was low, it carried the weight of a thousand pounds, as if shattering gold and splitting jade. She raised her eyes to look at King Gumo.

He recalled the queen who had passed away years ago, and then thought of his daughter who had died last night, his face revealing an infinite sorrow as he spoke softly

Her future son-in-law unexpectedly acted as an accomplice for the enemy, opening the city gates. She already suffered from a coughing blood condition, and after a night of startling cries, she...

Baojin exerted all her strength to refrain from shouting out loud; she gritted her teeth, allowing the blood to flow out in a winding manner, completely oblivious to it.

Upon hearing this, the King of Gumo understood, "In our Gumo customs, unmarried women must cover their faces with a silk scarf and must not be seen by others—except for their fathers and brothers, no one in this world has ever seen Yuyan."

He called out loudly, and in no time, a palace maid arrived.

At this moment, she recalled her sister who had died tragically in the capital, with her remains difficult to find, and then thought of her long-deceased father and mother, feeling a profound sorrow for all things, as if everything was desolate and left without a trace

He gently pushed the door, and the intricately carved jade-inlaid palace door emitted a soft creaking sound. Inside the palace, a small lamp flickered gently on the desk.

Their family has reunited, how wonderful

He said resentfully, according to his past temperament, he would certainly want to take up arms and punish the guilty, but considering his own situation, he felt even more despondent and pained

I want to enter the capital as the sister of Yu Ran. After the fall of Gumo City, these royal relatives will all be taken to the imperial capital

His thick eyebrows were slightly raised, and the majesty he usually exuded was restored in that moment

He sighed deeply, feeling the emptiness as the evening breeze rustled his garments, revealing the frost-like white at his temples, which accentuated his desolation

How outrageous! He dares to humiliate you like this while witnessing the decline of the royal family!

With trembling hands, she and Ji Xin struggled to drag the corpse towards the beaded curtain.

Bao Jin stood quietly, the carved beams and painted rafters before her seemed to be collapsing as well. The world she was familiar with, filled with joy and tranquility, faded to its last hue in her eyes, shattering into dust.

Why has it come to this

A trace of a calm smile appeared on his resolute and lean face

As night falls, the flickering palace lanterns sway gently under the eaves, the iron horse clinks in the wind, and the vast hall is immersed in darkness

Aren't you marrying far away in Goryeo?

Do you allow them to act so recklessly

He gently swirled the blood-red liquid in his hand and softly recited a famous line from the Celestial Empire

Bao Jin gazed deeply at him, recalling the times in her childhood when she and her sister rode on his shoulders, laughing and playing atop the mountain peaks. She also remembered how this uncle had once led over a thousand noble cavalry to their aid, his remarkable prestige still celebrated in tales around the North Gate to this day

That unparalleled elegance and the commanding presence that could rally thousands have now been obscured by the passage of time. Who still remembers this measure of dregs of wine

Yuyuan, my most beloved daughter, passed away last night

The voice is serene and calm, without the slightest hint of fear

My aunt's family has been established for several hundred years; although it may not be considered particularly illustrious, it is still a local power. Yet now, it is about to be buried in my hands

This wine is what remains from the wedding night. At that time, he led three thousand nobles to assist the Heavenly Dynasty, and under the great delight of the emperor, he was thus granted the imperial princess in marriage

He did not humiliate me much; he simply called off the marriage without seeing me—there is still a glimmer of fortune amidst misfortune, for there was no real marital relationship between him and me

With a thunderous roar, akin to a fierce thunderclap ringing in one's ears, the sound emanated from the front court's Jade Pavilion

that's all

At this moment, dusk is approaching, and a cold breeze gently wafts in through the half-open palace doors. A row of dim lamps flickers within the hall, casting heavy shadows on the lapis lazuli floor.

What is it

This is Ji Xin, the personal maid of Yu Ran, who has grown up alongside her since childhood and is well-acquainted with her affairs

He handed each of the two girls a cup, while he himself took out a red pill the size of a yellow bean from another compartment, placed it into the cup, and then drank it all in one go

Gently pressing the mechanism, the floor of the back hall split in two, revealing the icy abyss beneath, where three jade coffins floated; two belonged to the queen and Princess Yuran, while the other was completely empty

In this moment, Baojin's eyes narrowed and focused intensely.

You do not walk far underground, and wait for me to come along

King Gumo was startled, trembling at the mention of his beloved daughter's name

In the next moment, his gaze began to drift; he sat upright and, after pointing with his finger at the beaded curtain, he breathed his last.

You child

He could not help but reveal a joyful smile, and the gloom between his brows dissipated considerably at that moment

So good

The beautiful wine in the luminous cup, wishing to drink, the pipa urges on the horse...

As Yun Shi gently knocked on the palace door, just as he was about to call out his name in a clear voice, he heard a melodious and gentle female voice say: "Come in!"

It is you, Baojin

Baojin forced a smile as she met the surprised gaze of King Gumo, and continued, "Four years ago, when I married into Goryeo, I was only fifteen. The Queen Dowager, fearing that I would usurp her power, used the excuse of the late king's mourning to only allow the two of us to perform the ceremonial greetings, yet we were kept in separate palaces. After three years of mourning, such a major incident occurred—she sent people to pursue and kill me, causing me no small amount of trouble."

The body of King Gumo was gently placed inside, and the three jade coffins floated lightly, gradually sinking into the abyss of ten thousand fathoms. The ground closed up, leaving no trace.

The outer robe is made of four layers of extremely thin light sky blue fabric, while the inner lining is crafted from luxurious shark silk brocade, adorned with a four-clawed soaring dragon at the hem—such a grand attire is what he wore on the day of his great ceremony, yet now, it is to be put to its final use

King Gumo let out a low laugh, his voice filled with sorrow and indignation

The identity of Sister Yu Ran

The ethereal sound resembled pearls and jade falling to the ground, as if someone had quietly opened the door and entered. A cold breeze swept into the hall, and Gu Mo Wang turned in confusion, only to see the visitor clad in ten layers of black gauze, yet still exuding a graceful and delicate charm

Uncertain how much time had passed, she still kept her head down, murmuring: "Please, uncle, grant your consent"

You are late, child

Have you arrived

Bao Jin gazed at this scene, feeling an unexpected sadness, yet experiencing an unparalleled sense of tranquility and appropriateness

He sighed softly, lightly flicked his robe sleeves, took out a crystal-clear glass bottle from the upper Eight Treasures compartment, and poured a little into each of the three cups

A tremendous clamor approached from afar, as the King of Gumo stood in the hall, quietly observing the palace servants who were in a state of panic and running about in the courtyard

I have come this time to borrow an item

After the King of Gumo felt relieved, he sighed and said: "Since you have safely escaped, why have you come here? The city of Gumo is now under siege, and it is in imminent danger!"

Uncle-in-law ... ... !

A delicate figure sat at the desk, lightly laughing as she asked him, the crimson flames casting a glow on her face, making her appearance quite hazy

One year later

Has the city fallen

Yun Shi passed through the vast square and palace pathways, then traversed the numerous corridors, arriving before the grand hall

King Gumo could not help but feel great anger and was about to reprimand her, but after looking into her eyes, he let out a long sigh of sorrow

Are we really going to level this place to the ground

When Yun Shi looked up, he couldn't help but gasp in shock the next moment

No! I do not believe in fate!

What?

After the surprise, there came confusion. He could not help but ask, yet upon seeing the hint of sorrow in the corners of Baojin's brows and eyes, he instantly understood

In this small territory of mine, I have surprisingly held my ground for over 100 days, which is certainly worthy of commendation by future generations