Chapter 192 Life Comes to an End

Upon hearing this, all the ministers fell silent and expressed their obedience to the imperial decree.

Yunming then looked at Shuliduo and said, "General Shuliduo, after I leave, you must strengthen the defense of the border and not let the barbarians take advantage of the situation."

If necessary, we can take the initiative to teach them a lesson and demonstrate that the dignity of our dynasty is inviolable.

Shuliduo replied, "This subordinate understands. This subordinate will certainly strengthen the border defenses. If the barbarians dare to invade, this subordinate will ensure that they do not return!"

Yunming then looked at Duokuohuo and said, "Duokuohuo, the various forces in the court are now intricately intertwined."

I hope you can assist the new emperor in balancing the various forces and stabilizing the court.

"We must not allow the court to descend into chaos, or our dynasty will be in grave danger."

Dokoho said, "Your Majesty, rest assured, I will do my utmost to assist the new emperor in stabilizing the court."

Yunming then gave some other instructions, his voice growing weaker and his breathing more rapid.

Everyone looked at him, their hearts filled with grief and reluctance.

Finally, Yunming used his last bit of strength and said, "I...I'm going...you...take good care of yourselves..."

After he finished speaking, his hand slowly fell to his sides, and his eyes slowly closed.

"His Majesty!"

The crowd shouted in unison, their voices filled with grief and despair.

Empress Yelü Zhiwu threw herself onto Yunming's body and wept loudly. Her cries echoed in the hall, like a mournful elegy.

Shuliduo knelt on one knee, tears glistening in her eyes, and said silently, "Your Majesty, go in peace. I will certainly fulfill your last wish."

Dokoho lowered his head slightly, a look of sorrow on his face, and silently said in his heart, "Your Majesty, may you have a safe journey."

The ministers all knelt down, their faces filled with grief and sorrow, heartbroken at the loss of such a wise emperor.

In this heavy and oppressive atmosphere, Yunming's life came to an end.

However, his last wishes and instructions, like a heavy mission, fell on the shoulders of everyone.

In this magnificent palace, Yunming, the monarch who had already ascended the throne, sat upright on the dragon throne. Although his face was somewhat pale from a long illness, it still could not hide his innate majesty.

Today, the atmosphere in the Imperial Study is so heavy it seems you could wring water out of it; a momentous plan concerning the fate of the nation is about to unfold here.

Yelü Zhiwu, this extraordinary woman from the grasslands, wore a simple yet elegant Hu-style dress. Her bright eyes were filled with concern and worry for Yunming.

She gently walked to Yunming's side and said softly, "Your Majesty, you are not fully recovered yet, why are you working so hard? If you have any requests, Zhiwu will do her best to fulfill them."

Yunming slightly raised his eyes, his eyes filled with tenderness and gratitude. He gently held Yelü Zhiwu's hand and said, "Zhiwu, all these years, I am so grateful to have you by my side, never leaving me."

Now, I feel my time is drawing near, and there are some things I must arrange as soon as possible.

Upon hearing this, Yelü Zhiwu's eyes instantly reddened. She said urgently, "Your Majesty, please don't say that. You are blessed with good fortune and will surely live to be a hundred years old."

Yunming shook his head with a wry smile, "Zhiwu, life and death are predestined, how could I not know?"

My only worry is Yunying. He is still young and naive. I fear that after I am gone, he will not be able to support the country.

As he spoke, Yunming's eyes were filled with worry and affection.

"Therefore, I would like to earnestly request that you, after my death, act as regent and carefully instruct Yunying, helping him to become a wise and benevolent ruler."

Yunming stared intently into Yelü Zhiwu's eyes, his gaze filled with anticipation.

Yelü Zhiwu was shocked. She knew that the position of regent was a great responsibility, but looking at Yunming's earnest eyes, how could she refuse?

She nodded slightly and said firmly, "Your Majesty, rest assured, Zhiwu will do her utmost to assist Yunying and ensure the stability of our dynasty."

Yunming nodded in satisfaction. "With your words, I am relieved."

Then he shouted loudly, "Summon Duokuohuo to the palace!"

Before long, Dokoho's tall and imposing figure appeared in the imperial study.

He knelt on one knee and said loudly, "Your Majesty, what is the matter that you have summoned me for?"

Yunming's expression instantly turned cold. He said in a deep voice, "Dokoho, I order you to do something. This matter concerns the safety of our dynasty. You must do it well."

Dokoho felt a chill run down his spine and hurriedly replied, "Your Majesty, whatever your command, I will gladly die for!"

"I want you to kill Shuliduo."

Yunming's voice was cold and firm, as if it came from the deepest hell.

Upon hearing this, the Imperial Study fell into an instant silence.

Yelü Zhiwu and Duokuohuo both looked at Yunming in shock, never expecting that Yunming would give such an order.

"Your Majesty, this...this Shuliduo is an important minister in the court and commands a large army. Killing her rashly may cause turmoil in the court."

Yelü Zhiwu was the first to come to her senses, and she anxiously tried to persuade her.

Yunming snorted coldly, "How could I not know?"

But this Shuliduo is ambitious, and if I do not get rid of her, she will surely become a great threat in the future.

She is secretly conspiring with her cronies, plotting to seize the throne. If I continue to tolerate this, the empire may change hands.

Dokoho also frowned and said, "Your Majesty, although I am not afraid of Shuliduo, this matter is of great importance. I hope Your Majesty will reconsider."

Yunming's gaze was firm. "My mind is made up. There is no need for further discussion."

Dokoho, you are my confidant, I trust you.

You must act secretly and decisively, giving her no chance to recover.

Seeing that Yunming had made up his mind, Duokuohuo said no more and nodded heavily, "Your subject obeys the decree!"

After saying that, he turned and left, his steady steps revealing a resolute determination.

After Duokuohuo left, Yunming said to Yelü Zhiwu, "Zhiwu, you must secretly assist Duokuohuo in this matter, and you must not let others find out."

Yelü Zhiwu replied, "Your Majesty, rest assured, Zhiwu understands."

A few days later, news arrived that Dokoho had successfully killed Shuliduo.

The entire court was in an uproar.

Everyone was shocked by the emperor's actions and speculated about why he would so ruthlessly kill a high-ranking official.

Yunming knew that if he didn't explain things clearly to everyone, it would likely cause more suspicion and unease.

Therefore, he decided to explain his decision to the ministers and the dukes of the northern tribes in the imperial court.

That day, the atmosphere in the imperial court was so oppressive that it was hard to breathe.

The ministers whispered amongst themselves, while the dukes of the various tribes in the northern deserts looked puzzled and dissatisfied.

Yunming sat upright on the dragon throne, his cold gaze sweeping over the crowd. Only after the court gradually quieted down did he slowly speak: "My beloved ministers, I have summoned you all here today to explain something to you."

Everyone held their breath and listened quietly to Yunming's words.

"As you all have probably heard, I ordered Dokoho to execute Shuliduo."

This incident has undoubtedly raised many questions in everyone's mind.

Yunming paused for a moment, then continued, "This Shuliduo appears to be loyal to me, but in reality, he harbors treacherous intentions."

She secretly colluded with her cronies, plotting to seize the throne and endangering the stability of our dynasty.

As the ruler of a nation, how could I sit idly by and do nothing?

The ministers looked at each other in bewilderment after hearing Yunming's words.

Some ministers looked surprised, clearly not expecting Shuliduo to have such ambitions; while others nodded to themselves, seemingly understanding Yunming's decision.

The chieftains of the northern tribes, however, did not buy it.

One of the dukes stood up and said loudly, "Your Majesty, you say that Shuliduo plotted to usurp the throne, do you have any evidence? She is an important figure in our northern tribes. How can we explain to the tribes that you killed her so easily?" Yunming looked coldly at the duke, "Evidence? Of course I have it."

As he spoke, he waved his hand, and a eunuch presented him with a stack of letters.

"These are letters found in the Shuliduo mansion, all of which are evidence of her collusion with the rebel forces."

Yunming said in a deep voice, "I was thinking of sparing her life because she had made contributions to the court, but she did not repent and became even more wicked."

If I were to show her any further mercy, it would be cruelty to the people of my dynasty.

The duke took the letter, examined it carefully, and his expression turned extremely ugly.

He remained silent for a moment before saying, "In that case, Your Majesty's actions are not entirely unreasonable."

However, with Shuliduo's death, some estrangement is bound to arise between our northern tribes and the imperial court. I hope Your Majesty can handle this matter properly.

Yunming nodded. "I will handle this matter myself."

I have always regarded the tribes of the northern deserts as important allies of my dynasty. As long as you remain loyal to me, I will certainly not treat you unfairly.

Then, Yunming looked at the other chieftains of the northern tribes and said, “I hereby ask you to be loyal to the future emperor for generations to come and to ensure the peace of our borders.”

Are you willing?

The dukes exchanged glances, then knelt on one knee and said in unison, "We are willing to serve His Majesty and the future emperor for generations to come!"

Yunming smiled with satisfaction, "Good, with your words, I am relieved."

After dealing with this matter, Yunming's health deteriorated further.

My days are numbered.

That day, Yunming summoned Yunying to his bedside.

Looking at the young yet energetic child in front of him, Yunming felt a pang of reluctance and worry.

"Ying'er, come here."

Yunming laboriously raised his hand and beckoned to Yunying.

Yun Ying rushed to the bedside, her eyes filled with tears. "Father, what's wrong? Don't frighten Ying'er."

Yunming gently stroked Yunying's head, "Ying'er, don't cry."

Father is just a little tired.

"Ying'er, remember this: when you ascend the throne, you must be a wise and virtuous ruler, treat the people well, and ensure the stability of our dynasty."

Yunming said earnestly.

Yun Ying nodded vigorously. "Ying'er remembers, Father. Don't worry, Ying'er will definitely strive to become a good emperor."

Yunming smiled with relief, "Also, Aunt Zhiwu will assist you in the future. You must listen to her. She will teach you a lot."

"Yes, Ying'er will listen to Aunt Zhiwu."

Yun Ying said obediently.

Looking at Yun Ying, Yun Ming was reminded of his own life.

From an ordinary boy to the ruler of a country, he has experienced countless trials and tribulations.

Now that he is about to leave, his only concern is this child in front of him.

"Ying'er, your father may not be able to accompany you as you grow up. You must learn to be strong and take responsibility for yourself."

Yunming's voice grew weaker and weaker.

"Father, you will be alright. Ying'er doesn't want you to leave."

Yunying threw herself into Yunming's arms and burst into tears.

Yunming gently patted Yunying's back, his eyes filled with love and reluctance.

He has already confessed everything he needed to.

The rest is up to Yunying herself.

Not long after, Yunming passed away in the palace.

The entire palace was immersed in grief.

With the assistance of Yelü Zhiwu, Yun Ying successfully ascended the throne and began his own era.

At the coronation ceremony of the new emperor, Yelü Zhiwu looked at Yun Ying, who was high above him, and felt a mix of emotions.

She remembered Yunming's instructions and secretly vowed to do her utmost to assist Yunying and make the country prosperous.

Inside the magnificent palace hall, the atmosphere was so oppressive that it was hard to breathe.

On the dragon throne, Yunming, dressed in a bright yellow dragon robe and wearing a crown, sat upright, exuding an aura of imperial authority that commanded respect without anger.

Your Highness, all the high-ranking officials knelt on the ground, not daring to utter a sound.

"What do you mean?"

Yunming suddenly spoke, his voice deep yet full of authority, echoing in the empty hall.

"I merely caught a slight cold, yet you all act as if you've lost your parents, grieving for me prematurely?"

His gaze swept over the crowd like a knife. Those high-ranking officials who were usually so imposing in the court all lowered their heads and dared not meet his eyes.

"Your Majesty's forgiveness!"

The leading prime minister spoke cautiously, his voice trembling slightly, "We have heard that Your Majesty is unwell, and we are deeply worried. We lost our composure for a moment, and we hope that Your Majesty will be magnanimous and forgive us this time."

"Humph!"

Yun Ming snorted coldly, "As important officials of the court, how can you be so impatient? What kind of decorum is this! I haven't even fallen yet, and you're already acting like this. If something really happens to me, wouldn't you tear this palace down?"

His words were filled with anger and disappointment.

The ministers kowtowed one after another to beg for forgiveness, their foreheads hitting the ground with dull thuds.

As Yunming watched, the anger in his heart gradually subsided.

These ministers were still loyal to him, but their concern made them lose their composure.

"Everyone, get up."

Yunming waved his hand, his tone softening slightly, "I summoned you here today not to punish you, but to announce something important."

The ministers slowly rose, still bowing their heads, and stood below the throne, awaiting the emperor's instructions.

At this moment, Yunming's gaze turned to Yelü Zhiwu, who was standing to the side.

Despite her magnificent attire, Yelü Zhiwu possessed a unique charm, her eyes revealing intelligence and agility.

Yunming looked at her, a hint of tenderness flashing in his eyes.

"Zhiwu, come here."

Yunming said softly.

Yelü Zhiwu moved gracefully to the dragon throne, bowed slightly, and said, "Your Majesty."

"Zhiwu, I ask you, why do you think I have not yet appointed a crown prince?"

Yunming looked at her, his eyes full of inquiry.

Yelü Zhiwu was slightly taken aback; she hadn't expected the emperor to suddenly ask her this question.

However, she quickly calmed down and, after thinking for a moment, said, "Your Majesty is a man of great talent and ambition, and your thoughts are naturally beyond my comprehension."

Your Majesty believes that there must be a deeper reason why Your Majesty has not yet appointed a Crown Prince.

(End of this chapter)

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