"My brother-in-law and Achilles fought fiercely for three hundred rounds, with no victor declared. The next day..."
"The people of Jiaozhou flocked to Panyu just to catch a glimpse of my brother-in-law; the place was packed..."
"My brother-in-law decided to personally go to Daliang..."
That night, Zhuo Zifang listened to Zhuo Ying recount Liang Xiao's stories, a smile always gracing his lips.
But everyone knew, it was beyond recovery...
Luo Qingxue, as Zhuo Zifang's last disciple, often brought the children to visit. She waited by his side, her eyes red, daring not to weep for fear of disturbing him.
As Zhuo Ying narrated, Zhuo Zifang suddenly spoke, "Let the children go play."
Understanding dawned on them. Luo Qingxue immediately entrusted Liang Mingyu to escort the children back to the West Palace Villa. Zhuo Xiong and Zhuo Ying also had their wives take their children away.
He knew his time was short. Even in his final moments, he did not wish for the children to witness the fading of life, finding it too cruel for their young hearts.
Xiao Qing, upon learning of Zhuo Zifang's condition, couldn't help but feel worried.
The Medical Sage Mu Xueqin and the couple Hua Xiong, who treated him daily, also declared it was beyond help.
Zhuo Zifang was nearly eighty, frail and old. Both his coughing and spitting blood were severe.
Yet, people hoped that heaven would at least allow Liang Xiao to arrive in time to bid Zhuo Zifang farewell.
Liang Xiao reached Zhongzhou and met Ding Wuyi, who had been waiting for him.
Ding Wuyi's face was etched with anxiety. "Marquis, the Master said that after you return to the capital, you are to see Lord Zhuo first, and not to rush into the palace..."
Liang Xiao discerned the unspoken meaning and his expression changed drastically. He merely left a hurried "Understood," changed to a fresh horse, and galloped away.
It was late autumn, and the bleak autumn wind whispered past his ears, a sound that could normally refresh the spirit.
But at this moment, Liang Xiao was consumed by worry, wishing he could fly to the capital.
At night, Liang Xiao's wives' carriages also arrived.
Their carriages were changed repeatedly, akin to a six-hundred-li urgent dispatch. Countless horses had already died on the journey...
The next morning, a rider on a swift horse charged into the city.
The city gate guards recognized Liang Xiao, surprised and overjoyed. "Marquis An Guo is back!"
The response to the city gate guards was the sound of rapidly receding hoofbeats.
The surrounding commoners were initially ecstatic, bowing to Liang Xiao. Then, as if remembering something, they lowered their heads, their expressions filled with sorrow.
The elder who had, against all odds, shown Liang Xiao kindness all those years ago was now like a candle in the wind, waiting for him at home...
"Marquis An Guo has arrived! Marquis An Guo!!"
The excited roars of the Zhuo Residence guards startled everyone in the mansion.
Liang Xiao went straight to the deep courtyard of the Zhuo Residence. Xiao Qing, who had been waiting, led everyone out to welcome him.
"Brother Xiao, hurry..." Xiao Qing urged anxiously.
Liang Xiao, his heart pounding with urgency, strode to Zhuo Zifang's door and then tiptoed into the room.
Zhuo Wulue and others were present. Zhuo Ying was still recounting Liang Xiao's stories of conquering Jiaozhou and Daliang to Zhuo Zifang.
Zuo Wushang knelt by Zhuo Zifang's bedside, his expression grief-stricken.
Tears welled in everyone's eyes, and they dared not make a sound.
"Grandfather? Grandfather..." Zhuo Ying called out repeatedly, but there was no response.
Only when he noticed Liang Xiao's arrival did Zhuo Ying anxiously say, "Grandfather, Liang Xiao is here..."
Liang Xiao immediately approached Zhuo Zifang's bedside and softly said, "Lord Zhuo?"
"Lord Zhuo..." Liang Xiao's grief overwhelmed him, his voice trembling as he clasped Zhuo Zifang's withered hand.
After an unknown period, Zhuo Zifang slowly woke up, as if a final resurgence of spirit.
"Liang Xiao is back? Liang Xiao..."
Liang Xiao nodded repeatedly. "Yes! I have reclaimed Jiaozhou and Daliang for Da Qian! The two nations are united. From this day forth, for all generations, all soldiers and civilians will be subjects of the Qian clan. The lives of the people will become better and better, with everyone living in peace and contentment! Lord Zhuo, I also..."
"Are you injured? Are you ill?"
Zhuo Zifang's sudden question stunned Liang Xiao and the others. Finally, unable to hold back, tears streamed down their faces.
The world often marveled at his great achievements, yet he, like his family, cared most about his safety and well-being...
Liang Xiao sighed. "I am very healthy! Lord Zhuo..."
"One is rarely over seventy, let alone nearing eighty. You should be happy for me," Zhuo Zifang comforted him.
Liang Xiao immediately wiped his tears, forcing a smile. "But I hope Lord Zhuo lives for a hundred years!"
"With the unification of the two nations, I can rest easy in the afterlife, having appeased my ancestors. Most importantly, I have seen you achieve greatness and be admired by millions. That is enough," Zhuo Zifang said with satisfaction.
Liang Xiao understood and asked, "Lord Zhuo, do you have any unfulfilled wishes?"
"From now on, you cannot take such risks, for you now bear the responsibility of billions of Qian clan citizens."
"Alright..."
Zhuo Zifang then gave a slight smile and slowly closed his eyes.
"Liang Xiao?"
"I am here, Lord Zhuo."
"Liang Xiao..."
"Lord Zhuo, I am always here..."
Liang Xiao answered patiently no matter how many times Zhuo Zifang called his name.
After a long pause, Zhuo Zifang asked again, "Is Qin Feng doing well?"
"He has resolved to serve the nation and is on his way to the capital with his wife and child."
"Liang Xiao, are the people of Jiaozhou and Daliang still hungry?"
"We have opened the granaries, distributed land and money. There will no longer be widespread famine, Lord Zhuo."
"Liang Xiao, what is the situation with border threats?"
"They are no match for us. Wherever our army sweeps, it is all Da Qian territory. They enter but do not exit."
"Liang Xiao, are the soldiers working hard?"
"It is their duty. Everyone strives to be first, eager to serve the country. Jiaozhou and the northern pastures raise countless cattle, sheep, and horses. It is much easier to form cavalry than before. The soldiers can afford to eat meat now. Da Qian's elite cavalry and the white-robed soldiers are invincible under heaven."
"Good, good..." Zhuo Zifang murmured repeatedly, then softly said, "Congratulations, Your Majesty..."
Xiao Qing, standing nearby, quickly responded, "Thank you, Lord Zhuo! The court will certainly show more favor to the Zhuo family from now on!"
"Thank you, Your Majesty, but absolutely no special privileges should be granted. Treat us as you always have."
After receiving Xiao Qing's affirmative reply, Zhuo Zifang said to Zhuo Wulue, "After I am gone, you will be the head of the Zhuo family. I have repeatedly instructed you on how to conduct yourself."
Zhuo Wulue solemnly replied, "Father, please be at ease. I will certainly uphold the family traditions. The disciples of the Zhuo family will serve the nation and the people with utmost loyalty!"
Zhuo Zifang finally let out a long sigh, drank the medicine fed to him by Old Madam Zhuo with a spoon, and said, "Liang Xiao, I want to hear about your journey south."
"Alright..." Liang Xiao readily agreed and then narrated his experiences, from morning until noon.
Today, Zhuo Zifang did not heed Mu Xueqin's advice for a midday nap. Instead, he said, "I cannot fall asleep again, Medical Sage."
Mu Xueqin understood and pulled Liang Xiao aside, whispering, "Talk more with Lord Zhuo. His time is running out..."
Liang Xiao immediately returned to Zhuo Zifang's bedside and continued to recount his experiences.
In the afternoon, Zhuo Xun finally returned to the Zhuo Residence.
"Grandfather..."
"Little Xun, you and your wife must cherish each other from now on."
After Zhuo Xun tearfully agreed, Zhuo Zifang finally concluded all his affairs and requested, "Your Majesty, I have a few words I wish to speak with him alone..."
Xiao Qing immediately led everyone away, leaving only Liang Xiao.
Zhuo Zifang gazed at Liang Xiao and smiled, "You are just as you were back then. You have truly never changed."
"Lord Zhuo, are you not the same as ever? You must have more to say. Just ask, and I will answer truthfully," Liang Xiao replied with a smile.
Zhuo Zifang hesitated for a moment and said, "I heard you speak of the divine realm in your dreams, and my heart yearned for it. Liang Xiao, did you descend from the divine realm to save this land?"