[Family, Country, and the World] [A United Couple] [Angst]
He is the fifth son born to a concubine of Emperor Jingzong, a carefree prince who wants for nothing, with children, a mother, and a beloved woman at his side.
The nations are locked in constant conflict. Not long after the new emperor’s coronation, he grows impatient for success and, against his court officials’ advice, insists on leading an army north.
In a single night, a mighty army is buried in foreign soil. The northern enemy advances with overwhelming force, intent on attacking the capital of Great Qi.
With the nation in peril, Prince Cheng falls from his horse and breaks his leg, while Prince Chu is assassinated in the middle of the night.
With no one to lead the court, the officials want to make him emperor, but he has his misgivings. The woman he loves most kneels before him. “I beg Your Highness to ascend the throne and protect the lands of Great Qi!”
He accepts the burden in the nation’s hour of crisis and is crowned emperor. From atop the city wall, the soldiers cry out in unison: “We ask the Retired Emperor to die!”
With the war over, how can he restore a realm left in ruins? How can he comfort a people who have suffered beyond words? How can he keep the restless nations in check?
He gives everything he has, spending his days poring over memorials stacked like mountains. His carefree days are over.
She is his empress, kindhearted and skilled in healing. Knowing she cannot learn the art of court intrigue, he considers her in everything. But he never imagined that fate had already set a price on everything. He is the supreme emperor, yet he cannot make Heaven show mercy.
Bei Tang Yunmeng: “I’m sorry. I can’t stay by your side any longer.”
Years later, after reclaiming their lost lands, he abdicates and lets out a long sigh.
After the new emperor ascends the throne, he too abdicates. “Father, An’er wants to go back to Prince Jin’s residence.”
The father and son leave the palace, feeling as though they have just awoken from a long dream.
Actually, I don't like reading tragedies, but I was drawn in by a small part of the plot at the end. I skipped the beginning and went straight to the ending, and the last few chapters made me cry. Even if you haven't read the beginning, you can still understand some of it just by reading the ending. The author's writing is excellent, but it's just too heartbreaking. It made my heart ache, and my heart is still aching after I finished reading it. Highly recommended!
It's actually quite pretty.