Chapter 78: The Great Thief (III)

With the Yang family’s extensive influence, it wasn’t difficult to find some clues in this case. A few days later, officials from Wannian County reported that the rope used to bind Young Master Yang Xuan was of military origin, leading them to suspect that someone from the army was behind it. Yang Zhao suppressed his anger, rewarded the officials, and ordered them to investigate thoroughly. The officials, being mere messengers, nodded obediently and agreed eagerly.

As soon as they left, Yang Zhao lost his temper. Which military official had he ever had a feud with? It was obvious—Li Kuo must have resented his cold treatment and taken revenge. Who would have thought such a young man could be so cruel?

Well, if you’re unkind, don’t blame me for being ruthless!

Though born from humble origins, Yang Zhao valued reputation greatly. Once he determined it was Li Kuo’s doing, he wouldn’t let it go. Of course, the Yang family was currently in crisis, making it inconvenient for them to act openly, but that didn’t mean he couldn’t take covert action.

What was he but a lowly military officer? With a mere gesture from Yang Zhao, he could be destroyed beyond recognition!

But for now, he had to focus on planning for the Empress Consort’s accidental encounter with the Emperor—a matter crucial to the Yang family’s fate. He couldn’t afford to be distracted…

The date was set for the 23rd day of the 12th lunar month, the Eve of the Little New Year. Ten days was enough time for Yang Zhao to make arrangements. He knew well the Empress Consort’s status in the Emperor’s heart, though the Emperor himself lacked the courage to take the initiative. On the Eve of the Little New Year, at Yang Zhao’s recommendation, the Emperor went to Furong Garden with his attendants.

Since they took a side route, it didn’t draw much attention. When the Emperor’s luxurious carriage stopped at the entrance of Furong Garden, even the officials in Qujiang Fang were unaware of his arrival.

Li Longji had been in a melancholic mood these days. He thought he’d be relieved after sending the Empress Consort away, but instead, he became even more troubled. He was completely dependent on her—unable to live without her!

Yang Zhao said it was the Eve of the Little New Year and that he had a gift for him. Well, it was a good chance to clear his mind. Yang Zhao was always good at reading people’s thoughts, so the gift probably wouldn’t be bad.

With that thought, Li Longji strode into the garden. Furong Garden was Yu Huan’s favorite place, but now she was probably still at the Yang residence.

Things had changed—everything had changed!

Sighing inwardly, Li Longji felt completely disinterested.

“Yang Qing, where is the surprise you said you’d give me?”

Li Longji glanced at Yang Zhao impatiently, his voice revealing a hint of dissatisfaction. Out of resentment, ever since Yu Huan was sent back to her palace, his attitude toward Yang Zhao had also become much colder.
“Your Majesty, the surprise is by the Spring Pond. Please this way!”
Yang Zhao bowed slightly and extended one arm.
Li Longji cleared his throat and stepped forward, leading the way toward the Spring Pond.
The Spring Pond was a somewhat larger pond, its water sourced from the Qujiang River. In spring, a gentle breeze would scatter colorful fallen petals across its surface, giving it a vibrant spring atmosphere, hence the name Spring Pond.
But it was now deep winter, and there were obviously no fallen petals, nor any trace of spring. The dark pond was covered in ice, and the barren branches stretched across the vast sky.
Li Longji frowned. What was Yang Zhao up to? Such a desolate scene—what surprise could there be? Still filled with doubt, he continued walking and was suddenly stunned as he rounded a bend in the pond.
On the stone bridge rising above the ice, red candles were lit all along it. The crimson flames illuminated the sky, turning the night into day. At the center of the bridge stood a woman dressed in a goose-yellow palace robe, plump in figure and graceful in demeanor, dancing gracefully.
Yu Huan!
Li Longji felt his chest tighten, his mind going blank in an instant.
This scene seemed eerily familiar. He remembered meeting Yu Huan on this very bridge when she came to the Furong Garden with him. It was spring, with blooming flowers, singing birds, and a beautiful woman… Back then, Yu Huan had been dancing on this bridge—ethereal? Illusory? Divine? Fated?
The same red candles lighting the sky, the same beautiful woman singing. Only then it was spring, while now it was winter; their emotions must surely be different now.
For some reason, Li Longji suddenly felt a sense of sadness—perhaps reflecting on how time flies, or perhaps on how beauty fades. In this world, what truly deserves to be cherished in one’s life? Power, wealth, or the desire to be admired by all?
Having ruled as an emperor for over forty years, possessing vast lands, why did he still feel so lonely? Having been the supreme ruler for over forty years, rich in resources, why did he still feel so helpless?
To be a ruler means to steal from the country.
He still remembered these words Ying’er said before dying. Back then, he had mocked her for being ignorant. Now, who was truly ignorant? Who was truly foolish?
Was it the king who stole the country’s wealth, or was it the country that stole the king’s heart?
Family, kinship, morality—everything he had been robbed of. Now, perhaps all that remained was power!
No, he still had Yu Huan!

Li Longji suddenly realized that all power, status, and fame paled in comparison to the deep affection of family. Indeed, without the support of loved ones, what use was power? Without sharing joys and sorrows with them, what meaning did fame and wealth hold?

“Yuhuan!”

A warm breeze finally blew across Li Longji’s frozen cheeks, bringing warmth to his dry skin.

Li Longji strode toward the stone bridge, just as he had when he first met Yuhuan ten years ago.

Yang Yuhuan finally stopped dancing and gazed affectionately at this man who held the world in his hands.

“Yuhuan!”

Li Longji stepped onto the bridge and wrapped his arms around her. “Why are you so cold? Put on this coat quickly.”

With that, he took off his own coat and draped it over her.

“Sanlang, I…”

Yuhuan’s eyes were filled with tears as she bit her teeth, struggling to hold back her emotions.

“Don’t say anything. I understand.”

Li Longji’s large hand stroked her delicate cheeks as he spoke in a low voice, “It’s all my fault. I blame you.”

His voice was so soft that no one else could hear it. Yuhuan, annoyed that he still cared so much about appearances at such a time, turned away and said, “If Sanlang doesn’t trust Yuhuan, then why come to me?”

Li Longji gently turned her around and said, “Isn’t it because Yuhuan has made me lose my appetite and sleep? Besides, when have I ever said I don’t trust you? It’s just some villains spreading rumors. I’ll find out who did it and clear your name!”

“Sanlang is so mean!”

Yuhuan cast a resentful glance at Li Longji, her voice filled with sorrow. How could he speak such sweet words now, when she had gone through so much over the past month?

“What punishment does Yuhuan want to impose on me?”

Li Longji was now completely trapped in the web of affection she had woven around him, unable to escape.

“Do you really want to punish me?”

“Of course!”

“Then fine. I’ll punish Sanlang by making him sing with me!”

Yuhuan leaned against his arm, speaking in a coquettish tone.

This request was rather unreasonable. As the ruler of a nation, how could Li Longji behave like a performer, singing songs? Though he often played drums and danced for her in the palace, that was out of sheer enjoyment. Being forced to sing like this was truly the first time in his life.

“Does Sanlang refuse?”

Yuhuan’s voice carried a hint of annoyance as she frowned slightly.

“Of course not! I agree!”

Li Longji cleared his throat and asked, “What song shall we sing?”

“Let’s sing the little song we composed together,” she said softly, biting her lip.

Li Longji certainly knew that short poem was a verse they had composed for the “Rainbow Skirts and Feather Robes” melody. Though somewhat surprised, he still nodded.
That poem had never been made public; aside from the two of them, no one else knew of it.
“In this prosperous era, fragrance lingers—a tale of deep affection between lovers. Rainbow Skirts and Feather Robes stir the capital; holding hands, they express their profound love!”
Li Longji gently took Yang Yuhuan’s arm and recited slowly.
“A fleeting shadow like a swan—the Qixi moon like gauze. Outside the Palace of Eternal Life, their fate binds them for three lifetimes, never to part!”
Yang Yuhuan quickly continued the second line before Li Longji, her eyes filled with deep affection.
“Flowers scatter their fragrance—too beautiful to be described. Even when flowers wither on the path and turn to mud, we must still hold each other close…”
A familiar melody emerged from their mouths, filled with tenderness and grace. Yet without the accompaniment of musical instruments or the dancers of the palace, it no longer carried the grandeur of its performance in the main hall. Under the pale moonlight, the tune seemed even more melancholic and subdued.
“A page of prosperity, a thread of past fate, a wisp of smoke… A few strands of bright red, like sharp swords against the cold winter. Men raise their weapons, vowing to serve their country—never returning until Loulan is conquered!” (Note 1)
At that moment, the gentle melody suddenly changed tone; the swallows and sparrows fluttering among the twisted branches transformed into a giant roc, soaring high into the heavens. It seemed as though Li Longji understood something then.
The great thief stole the country—and thus, the country also harbored the heart of a thief.
On the night of December 23rd, the eighth year of the Tianbao era, the evening wind by the Spring Pond in the Lotus Garden was extremely cold.
Note 1: Quoted from “Ode to the Beauties of the Tang Dynasty.” Some lyrics have been slightly altered; this is noted for clarity.
Volume 4: Yangguan Repeated