Sunrise, moonset, ti flies by.
The twentieth year of Kangping, under the governance of Emperor Kangping, Da Feng has transford from a war-torn land into a prosperous, thriving country where the people live in peace and happiness.
When ntioning Emperor Kangping, public opinion is complex, with noble families fearing him more than respecting him. During his twenty years as Emperor, the national policies he established largely benefited the middle and poor classes, which inevitably hard the interests of the noble families, causing dissatisfaction. However, Emperor Kangping was not one to employ conciliatory policies; his approaches were tough, and he had the courage to weaken and confront noble families.
He had the confidence to do so because of the support from Da Feng’s powerful army of a million troops. Yes, Emperor Kangping was the only emperor since the founding of Da Feng who didn’t fully control the military power, yet could command the armies to wage battles as he wished. Noble families were indeed formidable, but could they truly challenge such military might?
Because of this, though noble families were discontent, they dared not openly oppose imperial power. Thus, Emperor Kangping could implent his plans fully, governing Da Feng efficiently and making it a major nation that was respected by others.
Though he ruled with strength, he loved his people, naturally earning their admiration and hope for such a good Emperor to live forever.
However, things often don’t go as one wishes.
In the deep autumn of the twentieth year of Kangping, Emperor Kangping fell seriously ill, and Da Feng faced the prospect of an impending change of dynasty.
In fact, many noble families secretly anticipated this because, after ascending the throne, Emperor Kangping used mourning as an excuse to avoid selecting concubines, and even after the mourning period passed, he claid he was too busy with national affairs and was not in good health to select concubines.
When the Crown Prince turned fifteen, Emperor Kangping decided on a Crown Princess Consort and two Second Attendants for him. Once the Crown Prince’s grand wedding took place at sixteen, Emperor Kangping announced he would never select concubines again. Therefore, his harem consisted only of the late Empress Jingmin and two childless concubines.
Courtiers had already guessed that Emperor Kangping was solely focused on governance, never wasting effort on romantic affairs, so they diligently produced daughters.
Even if Emperor Kangping abstained from indulging in the harem, the Crown Prince surely wouldn’t, hence the relief once the Crown Prince married, had a concubine and two Second Attendants, and later, the Imperial Grandson was born, adding new arrivals to the Eastern Palace.
As long as the Crown Prince didn’t follow his father’s example.
At present, as Emperor Kangping nears the end, outwardly, everyone appears deeply saddened, but, in truth, how many rejoice secretly in their hearts is hard to say.
Teng Zhao also appeared in the Imperial Palace, specifically to bid farewell to Emperor Kangping and simultaneously to receive his destined disciple.
Although Emperor Kangping had been on the throne for twenty years, he had not yet reached the age of fifty, but because of the injuries to his Primordial Qi during the battle against Evil, even with years of careful nourishnt, it had not fully healed, and the continuous exertion over national affairs had naturally shortened his lifespan.
In fact, Emperor Kangping was well aware of this, and as the end approached, he remained calm and even managed a smile upon seeing Teng Zhao.
"Having you to accompany on my last journey is a great blessing," Emperor Kangping, appearing older than his years, said gratefully.
Teng Zhao offered a Jade Bottle, saying, "This ginseng pill, made from thousand-year-old ginseng, can extend your life by a year."
Emperor Kangping paused and then shook his head, "No need. I know my own body best. I can’t hold on anymore. I’ve been an emperor for twenty years, and Da Feng is now prosperous and peaceful, which lives up to the trust placed in by your master back then, fulfilling her efforts in forming such a powerful regi for the world."
Years ago, Qin Liuxi approached, offering him imnse wealth, which he accepted, and soon beca the ruler of the country without any hindrance. Indeed, it was imnse wealth, yet she also warned there was a significant deficiency, a ssy situation.
The reality was just as she said; this wealth was indeed leaking. The first few years, he was constantly on edge, learning to govern while pondering how to revitalize the situation—truly exhausting and taxing.
It was all to live up to Qin Liuxi’s trust.
Yes, later he realized, it was less about Qin Liuxi sending imnse wealth his way and more about entrusting the world to him. If not, many others could have been chosen, so why him specifically?
Fortunately, he did not fail that person’s trust.
He could leave without worry.
Even though he didn’t accept it, Teng Zhao still placed the ginseng pill at his bedside, saying, "It’s said that no emperor wishes to die. Aren’t you afraid of death? And this country, aren’t you worried your descendants may not safeguard it?"
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