This song started circulating among the people shortly after the late Emperor Chu Yin established the Da Ye Dynasty. Later, it was passed down as a prophecy song, said to predict that the dynasty would be replaced after three generations.
This naturally aroused the Emperor’s displeasure.
It is said that at the time, many people named in accordance with the prophecy were implicated. Even Xiao Yuansui, reportedly because of his surname "Xiao", inherited the Marquis Poshan title, fitting the "Xiao Mountain" from the prophecy song, thus he gradually fell under the Emperor’s suspicion and was not heavily relied upon.
After several purges, people named in accordance with the prophecy either died or fell into ruin, and this song gradually disappeared in the hustle and bustle.
But unexpectedly, it was brought up again now.
Looking at the puzzled and bewildered expressions of those around her, Shang Ruyi slightly frowned. Thinking carefully about the lyrics, suddenly she felt a chill rising from her feet.
Phoenix Cry on Xiao Mountain, still watching Mizhou...
Just as her thoughts were in turmoil, Tushere suddenly called out softly at her ear: "Miss!"
Only then did Shang Ruyi feel a warmth on the back of her hand, and upon looking down, she found her hand holding the teacup had inexplicably trembled, spilling all the tea onto her hand. Tushere hurriedly took away the cup and wiped her hand with a handkerchief: "Miss, did it burn?"
Shang Ruyi shook her head: "It’s fine."
The tea was still a bit hot when brought up, but the Shuo Bei wind was cold, so before long it was only warm, and naturally couldn’t burn her. But Tushere was still cautiously holding her hand to inspect it for a while and only relaxed after confirming it was fine.
This small disturbance attracted the attention of the people around.
A tall middle-aged man among them looked at Shang Ruyi for a few moments, and suddenly said: "This lady, looks familiar."
Shang Ruyi looked up at him: "Oh?"
Several others also looked at Shang Ruyi and said: "Yes, it seems like I’ve seen her somewhere."
"Is the lady from Yanmen County?"
Seeing their increasing attention on her, Shang Ruyi became somewhat nervous—she hadn’t forgotten, she was merely a Young Madam of the Duke Mansion, logically not someone many people would notice, and the only notable thing about her coming to Yanmen County was being carried by the Emperor from the city gate to the government office after fainting from an arrow.
And it was in broad daylight.
These people were probably the ones who saw her during that moment.
Thinking of this, she felt cold sweat on her back, forcing a smile as she said: "Everyone probably mistook me for someone else."
After speaking, she put down tea money and got up to leave.
Just as she was about to leave, she heard the old man sitting in the corner speak again: "Lady, have you ever heard the song just now?"
Shang Ruyi paused, stopped her steps, and turned back to glance.
She thought for a moment, smiled lightly, and said: "This song, I indeed have heard of it, but the lyrics are coarse and unclear, truly unable to discern its meaning."
The old man looked at her for a while, also smiling lightly, and said: "Yes, this song, is indeed—quite chaotic."
People around also said: "In such a good time, it is better to sing some pleasant songs."
At this, Shang Ruyi was somewhat surprised, looking at the crowd smiling and nodding, unable to resist saying: "We have just finished a war here. How is it that in everyone’s words, it becomes a ’good time’?"
Several tea guests exchanged glances, then laughed.
Someone said: "This lady might not know, His Majesty the Emperor has already formally decreed to cease the attack on Liaodong!"
Upon hearing this, Shang Ruyi immediately widened her eyes in surprise: "Really?"
Everyone chuckled: "Is there any doubt? The imperial proclamation has been issued!"
"I have brothers working in the government office. It is said that ministers around His Majesty have been pressing for this, so the decree has been sent to both the Eastern Capital and Western Capital. It will soon be announced everywhere!"
"Moreover, this time Yanmen County’s military and civilians have contributed to resisting the Turkic army, allowing us to reduce taxes for two years!"
"Now, we finally have a way to survive!"
"Yes, yes. Speaking of it, we should thank the person who advised His Majesty yesterday, requesting to cease the attack on Liaodong."
While the crowd was rejoicing, someone suddenly recalled something and said: "Wait, the person who advised His Majesty yesterday seems to be—"
Everyone hurriedly looked at the place where Shang Ruyi was sitting, but it was already empty.
Only two hurriedly departing figures were seen in the distance.
Finally leaving the street, Shang Ruyi was holding Tushere’s hand, standing by the roadside panting. The wound on her back faintly hurt, but fortunately, the little run did not cause it to split.
Tushere was still a bit confused: "Miss, what’s wrong?"
Shang Ruyi slowly recovered her breath, waved her hand and said: "It’s nothing. By the way, don’t spread the words you heard today, especially those concerning Yu Wenye..."
Upon hearing this, Tushere immediately rolled her eyes: "I wouldn’t do that."
"Who would boast about him, hmph, so what if he’s heroic? He doesn’t even care for his own wife!"
Seeing her standing up for herself, Shang Ruyi couldn’t help but laugh softly.
Well, people can’t always be so clear-minded, calculating every deal to the penny. Since I can’t find comfort in emotions, having someone who stubbornly supports me unreasonably counts as a small consolation.
Tushere said: "Miss, where are we going now?"
Shang Ruyi looked up at the sky, they had been out for most of the day, and at the moment, the setting sun was casting a golden glow on this little city that had just gone through a war, revealing a sense of defiant splendor amidst the ruin. She smiled and said: "Alright, I’m a bit tired too, let’s head back."
Tushere immediately supported her and the two turned to head back.
Yanmen City wasn’t large, they hadn’t gone far, and before long, they were back at the government office.
The place was still bustling with people, but some recognized them, addressing her as "Lady Ruyi" as Shang Ruyi passed through unobstructed and quickly returned to the little courtyard she was temporarily staying in.
But, just as she stepped inside, she sensed something was amiss about the courtyard’s atmosphere.
Tushere said: "Miss, what’s wrong?"
Shang Ruyi thought for a moment and said: "You go and rest. I’ll go back on my own."
Tushere was somewhat puzzled, it was only a few steps to the doorway, why send her away, but since it was only a few steps, there seemed no need to insist on following inside. She reminded her to rest well after going back, then turned and retreated.
Once Tushere left, Shang Ruyi took a deep breath, stepped forward, and carefully pushed open the door.
With a creak, the setting sun’s glow shone from behind her into the small room.
And at first glance, she saw a familiar, tall figure standing in the middle of the room, hands behind his back, turning slowly to look at her upon hearing the sound.