Empress Yuancheng

"Ningshuang, as long as you're all right, I'll give you anything. My heart too."

A mighty emperor knelt beside the bed, clutching his beloved consort's hand so tightly that even his voice trembled.

Just moments ago, at the palace banquet, he had rebuked her for breaking courtly rules.

If only he had known...

He would never have tried to reason with her again.

Wasn't it this spark of life and boundless vitality in her that had first drawn him to her?

He regretted it. He truly regretted it.

He held Chu Ningshuang's hand against his cheek.

"Meeting Your Majesty... was the greatest blessing... of Ningshuang's life."

Chu Ningshuang struggled to curl her lips into a smile. Her eyes held regret and joy, but not a trace of remorse.

An emperor's love is a fleeting illusion. What I longed for was always just a dream.

But even if you don't love me, I am still glad I met you.

She had never regretted meeting him or falling in love with him.

"Ningshuang, don't leave me. I have no one but you."

Watching her pupils slowly lose their focus, Li Yun could no longer maintain the dignity of an emperor. His eyes brimmed with tears.

"Your Majesty..."

I'm sorry, Ningshuang must leave before you.

I'm sorry I can't stay by your side until our hair turns white.

I'm sorry to leave you alone here, to suffer through this mortal world.