pdf-ebookys Chapter 476 Farewell
Chapter 476 Farewell
When the Marquis of Zhenbei and Shen Tianjiao appeared, Shen Tingzhi had already checked all the supplies that were going to Xirong again.
As Shen Tianjiao watched Shen Tingzhi's busy figure, a surge of guilt welled up in her heart.
Since her second brother returned from northern Xinjiang, he has become noticeably haggard and thinner.
Others who have a sister who is an empress only think about how to benefit their own family and let them enjoy the benefits with them.
However, when it came to her, she was still the Empress Regent, and not only did she not bring any benefits or privileges to her family, but she also made them suffer and toil with her.
Thinking of this, Shen Tianjiao's mood couldn't help but sink.
After explaining everything, Shen Tingzhi turned around and saw his father and sister.
He turned around and quickened his pace, walking up to the Marquis of Zhenbei and Shen Tianjiao.
"Father, Jiaojiao, everything is ready here, and they can set off at any time."
Looking at Shen Tingzhi, who was unshaven and unkempt, Shen Tianjiao felt another pang of sadness.
Her second brother, who is usually very particular about his appearance, is now so busy that he doesn't even shave or tidy his clothes.
"Yes, thank you for your hard work, Second Brother."
Shen Tianjiao reached out to help Shen Tingzhi straighten his clothes and said, "Let's go, let's see them off together."
"They are all warriors of Yunli. What they are doing today is related to the future of Yunli for generations to come."
"Yes, we should give them a proper send-off."
The Marquis of Zhenbei turned to the people around him and ordered, "Go and bring that jar of wine."
"Today I will use that jar of wine to send off our heroes."
The jar of fine wine that Marquis Zhenbei mentioned was one of the batches of wine he and Li Xian personally brewed when he came to report the good news to Li Xian after Shen Tianjiao's birth.
The two had originally agreed that when Shen Tianjiao got married, the Marquis of Zhenbei and Li Xian would open a jar of wine and drink to their hearts' content to celebrate.
Every year thereafter, at the agreed time, they would open a jar to wish Shen Tianjiao well.
However, because neither the Marquis of Zhenbei nor Li Xian were satisfied with Shen Tianjiao's marriage, these wines were stored in the wine cellar and never taken out.
Until a few days ago, the Marquis of Zhenbei finally opened his heart and realized that Shen Tianjiao's marriage to Li Rui was all ordained by fate, something that no one could change.
The Marquis of Zhenbei was not in the same mood as before, so he had someone bring out the jar of wine that had been reserved for Shen Tianjiao's wedding.
I was planning to find an opportunity to let Shen Tianjiao and Shen Tingzhi drink together.
But now that the opportunity has arisen, it seems like a good idea to take out this jar of wine and drink it.
While waiting for the servants to bring the wine, Su Wenhao arrived.
"The Queen."
Su Wenhao walked over and bowed to Shen Tianjiao.
"Ah."
Shen Tianjiao looked at Su Wenhao, her feelings were actually quite conflicted.
The situation in the Western Rong was actually no better than that in the Southern Chu. Once Su Wenhao went there, it was as if he had one foot in the grave.
If even the slightest error occurs in their plans, Su Wenhao will have no chance of escaping unscathed.
Even so, Su Wenhao was still willing to risk his life to complete this mission.
Such loyalty and courage were admirable, even to Shen Tianjiao.
Who would have thought that the Su family, which was rotten to the core, would produce such a loyal and courageous person who shares the burdens of the country? It is truly rare.
Although Su Wenhao and the Su family have completely broken apart, Su Chang was still his grandfather. Now that Su Chang is dead, Shen Tianjiao still has to give Su Wenhao an explanation.
Of course, telling the truth is impossible, but what needs to be said still needs to be said.
"Your grandfather passed away not long ago because his condition suddenly worsened."
"Although the Su family was involved in Li Zhaohui's rebellion, I will consider that your grandfather, the mastermind, is dead, and that you are determined to serve the country."
"We will no longer pursue the Su family's crimes. Those Su family members who are guilty have been detained in the Censorate, while those who are innocent have been released from the Su residence and are free to make their own way in the world."
"I have already ordered that your grandfather be properly buried."
Su Wenhao immediately knelt down and thanked Shen Tianjiao for her kindness.
"I will always remember the Empress's kindness and never forget it. I will repay her even at the cost of my own life."
"Okay, get up."
Thinking of Su Chang's tragic death, Shen Tianjiao felt somewhat guilty towards Su Wenhao.
Although Su Chang deserved his tragic death, it was Shen Tianjiao who facilitated Su Chang's death by providing Ruan Yuhu with the necessary conditions.
If Su Wenhao knew the truth about his grandfather's tragic death, I wonder what he would think.
"The dangers you face on your journey to the Western Rong are nothing compared to the real dangers that await you when you arrive safely and begin to implement your plans."
"Once you set foot on the territory of the Western Rong, the dangers you will face are unimaginable."
"You are isolated and helpless, and you have to face many things alone. I understand the hardships you face without anyone else having to tell you."
"Now that you are about to lead your people away from your homeland to the Western Rong, please tell me if you have any unfinished wishes or things to do."
"As long as it is within my power, I will definitely help you accomplish it."
The journey to Xirong was extremely dangerous. Now that we part ways, who knows if we will ever have the chance to meet again?
No matter what requests Su Wenhao makes to her today, Shen Tianjiao will agree to them.
"This trip to the Western Rong is simply what I, Su Wenhao, should do as a subject."
"How could we dare to ask the Empress for any favors?"
Shen Tianjiao did not pursue the matter of the Su family's treason, for which Su Wenhao was already extremely grateful.
Otherwise, for the next five generations, the Su family would be burdened with the name of treasonous officials. They would not be able to revive their family through the imperial examinations, let alone hold their heads high in this world.
Such a blessing is already more than enough; what more could Su Wenhao possibly hope for?
Now he is only thinking about how to handle the Xirong matter well, help Yunli get rid of this major threat, and ensure that Shen Tianjiao's grand plan can proceed smoothly.
"Don't worry, I promised you I would take good care of your family, and I will."
"I won't say anything more."
"Then I wish you a safe journey, Lord Su, and a safe and successful return after you have finished your business in Xirong."
"When you return, I will lead all the officials out of the capital to welcome you."
"At that time, I will also announce to the world that you have long severed ties with the Su family, and that the mistakes Su Chang made have nothing to do with you."
"We will also rebuild the family temple and genealogy for your lineage, creating a brand new beginning for the Su family."
The favor that Shen Tianjiao personally promised was an immense blessing not only for Su Wenhao, but also for Su Yang's entire lineage.
Su Yang came from a poor background; he was the son of Su Chang's mistress. This identity destined him to live in the shadows for the rest of his life.
No matter how capable or talented he is, his abilities and talents will not be recognized; they will only become stepping stones for paving the way for the Su family.
How could someone who isn't even allowed to appear in the light possibly enter the family temple, open the family genealogy, and begin a new chapter in the Su family's history?
Now, the Empress Dowager of Yunli has personally promised that those who cannot see the light of day will not only be able to stand in public, but will also stand in public with full glory. What grace could be greater than this?
"Your Majesty, I, Su Wenhao, kowtow to express my deepest gratitude for Your Majesty's great kindness."
Su Wenhao knelt down again and kowtowed deeply to Shen Tianjiao to express his gratitude.
Shen Tianjiao's promise today is undoubtedly the greatest reassurance she could give him.
This way, regardless of whether he can come back alive in the future, his parents, wife, children, younger brother and sister, and his whole family will have security.
"Alright, get up. This is the reward you deserve. You risked your own safety for Yun Li and were willing to share the burden of the country. Naturally, I must thank you on Yun Li's behalf."
After Su Wenhao got up, the servants brought the wine that the Marquis of Zhenbei had requested.
The Marquis of Zhenbei instructed his men to pour the wine, and then personally picked up a bowl and handed it to Su Wenhao.
"Drink up, this is a farewell drink for you, and also a toast to your triumphant return."
"Drink this bowl of wine, and you'll have the courage to go on the road ahead."
"When you return victorious, I will invite you to my manor, where we will drink wine and discuss heroes until we are drunk."
Su Wenhao looked down at the wine in his hand and said, "Su Wenhao thanks the Marquis for his kindness. When Su Wenhao returns victorious, he will definitely visit the Marquis's residence."
After saying this, Su Wenhao downed the wine in his hand in one gulp.
It must be said that this wine, which has been stored for more than 20 years, is not only a rare aged wine, but also quite strong.
He took a sip, which choked Su Wenhao, causing him to cough violently.
Seeing Su Wenhao's predicament, the Marquis of Zhenbei couldn't help but laugh. He then picked up his wine bowl and drank the wine in one gulp.
Then he said with a smile, "Good wine, good wine, this is truly a rare find."
After the Marquis of Zhenbei put down his wine bowl, he looked up at Su Wenhao and said, "Alright, let's set off."
"Su Wenhao bids farewell to Her Majesty the Empress, the Marquis, and Lord Shen."
"Let's meet again when Su Wenhao returns victorious."
After saying this, Su Wenhao got into the carriage without looking back.
Watching Su Wenhao's resolute back, Shen Tianjiao, the Marquis of Zhenbei, and Shen Tingzhi were all filled with emotion.
"Your Majesty, Lord Marquis, Your Highness, Yu Sheng is also leaving."
"I hope you all take good care of yourselves and stay in good health."
Yu Sheng's mood became somber because of the impending separation.
"Get up quickly."
Shen Tingshang stepped forward and helped Yu Sheng up. This was probably the longest time he and Yu Sheng had ever been apart in their lives.
As he looked at Yu Sheng, a wave of sorrowful emotions welled up in his heart, and he suddenly felt a little sad.
Yu Sheng was a brother who grew up with him, but it seemed that he always put Yu Sheng in danger and made him do dangerous things.
Yu Sheng looked at Shen Tingzhi, smiled and said, "After this matter with Xirong is over, I will be back. Second Young Master, you must give me a long vacation."
"I want to see all the beautiful landscapes of Yunli, taste all the delicacies of the world, and drink all the fine wines of the world."
"Okay, okay, okay. As long as you come back safe and sound, I won't give you a long vacation. I'll let you retire and enjoy your retirement."
"You can go wherever you want, I'll pay for it. You can eat whatever you want and drink whatever you want."
As long as Yu Sheng can return safely and unharmed, Shen Tingzhi is truly willing to let him become a carefree wanderer, traveling around and not knowing when to go home until he's had his fill of fun.
"You'll pay?"
Yu Sheng smiled, revealing a mouthful of bright white teeth, "Your meager salary isn't enough, is it?"
"It seems you'll have to become a corrupt official and make a fortune."
"It's alright. If our second young master doesn't have the money, I will pay for it myself."
Before Shen Tingzhi could say anything more, Shen Tianjiao chimed in.
"Well then, I thank Your Majesty for the reward."
Yu Sheng turned around and thanked Shen Tianjiao.
His actions earned him a disdainful look from Shen Tingzhi.
Yu Sheng accepted Shen Tingzhi's disdain calmly, without feeling uncomfortable at all.
After all, the two of them grew up together, and Yu Sheng had seen so many of Shen Tingzhi's disdainful looks that she was already immune to them.
"What's wrong? I didn't say anything wrong. Her Majesty the Empress is much richer than the Second Young Master. She is the richest person in the world, no, the richest person in Yunli."
Despite Shen Tingzhi's dissatisfaction, Yu Sheng was not afraid at all, as she had Shen Tianjiao backing her up.
"Yes, that's right. Young man, you have good taste and a bright future ahead of you."
Shen Tianjiao's joke made everyone laugh, making the heavy atmosphere caused by parting much more harmonious.
"Young man, come, drink this bowl of wine, and then you'll be setting off."
"A foreign country is a foreign country after all; you won't find such good wine to drink there."
Marquis Zhenbei offered wine to Yusheng, a child he had watched grow up. Yusheng was about to embark on a long journey to do something very dangerous, and Marquis Zhenbei couldn't help but worry.
"Thank you, Lord Marquis."
Yu Sheng raised the bowl in her hand and drank the wine inside in one gulp.
He has an excellent alcohol tolerance, unlike Su Wenhao, who couldn't handle such good wine.
After finishing the wine in her bowl, Yu Sheng looked at the Marquis of Zhenbei with shining eyes and asked, "My lord, may I have another bowl?"
This wine is indeed a rare find; it has even stirred up Yu Sheng's craving for alcohol.
"You kid."
Marquis Zhenbei looked at Yu Sheng and shook his head with a smile, "No matter how good this wine is, you can't overindulge. Getting drunk will lead to trouble."
Despite saying that, the Marquis of Zhenbei still gave the bowl of wine in his hand to Yusheng.
"You can't drink anymore after you finish this bowl of wine. When you come back after you've finished your business, you can drink as much wine as you want from our cellar."