The truth had come to light, and Yanshu, keeping her promise to the Empress Dowager, hurried to Cian Palace the next day to share all the details of the story with her.

After hearing the words from Yanshu's story, the Empress Dowager was naturally furious.

"No wonder this matter required Lady Shao to come and beg me! It turns out it was that Han family’s nephew who caused the trouble! Hmph, what a heartless scoundrel! This is the result of that old woman forcing her son to adopt an heir all those years ago!"

Yanshu nodded vigorously. "Exactly! I thought the same. If that old lady could see what’s happening now from the grave, I wonder if she would regret it?"

The Empress Dowager sneered. "Regret? She can only regret it in the underworld. It's fortunate that she died early; otherwise, who knows what she would have done to the general’s household?"

Yanshu nodded even more fervently.

The Empress Dowager was right. If that old woman, Madam Xing, hadn't died seven or eight years ago, then with her stubbornness, Lady Shao and her son would probably never have made it this far.

But now, things were different. That heartless nephew, Han Xing’an, had the audacity to slander the Emperor and falsely claim imperial orders. It was clear that his death was imminent.

Once he died, he could join his biased grandmother in the afterlife. Tch.

Indeed, just a few days later, the court sentenced Han Xing’an to death for slandering the Emperor, falsely transmitting imperial orders, moral corruption, and being unfilial. The decree was issued by the Emperor himself, with no one daring to object. The sentence was carried out immediately, and Han Xing’an was executed in front of the city gates the same day.

When recalling the story in Xiaoyao Gongzi’s book, the ungrateful nephew had met a beheading in the end. It was surprising how quickly reality had matched the fiction. The common people, delighted by the news, began to make guesses about Xiaoyao Gongzi’s identity.

“Given how detailed Xiaoyao Gongzi knew about court affairs and how accurately they predicted the outcome, this must be someone close to His Majesty, no doubt about it.”

So, from now on, no one should entertain the idea of opposing the Emperor, just like that false heir, Wei Jing, did at Bamen Bookstore.

Because opposing His Majesty means opposing the Emperor himself, and there's absolutely no chance of winning.

Thanks to Imperial Physician Jiang’s expert skills, General Wuan finally recovered after more than half a month.

Once he recovered, the first thing he did was bring his beloved concubine, Lady Shao, into the palace to thank the Emperor and Empress Dowager.

Yanshu, who had already heard the news, was eager to go along with the Emperor to Cian Palace, hoping to see this devoted and heroic man for herself.

Fortunately, the Emperor and Empress Dowager both indulged her, so she joined them.

Of course, the main characters from her story were now in their forties or fifties. General Wuan was no longer the young and heroic figure he once was, especially after his illness, his body appearing a little weaker than before.

But, after all, he was a seasoned veteran of the battlefield, and he still carried the aura of bravery. Standing next to the slightly frail Lady Shao, the two of them still made a fitting pair, their presence complementing each other.

As they entered the hall, the two immediately knelt down to offer their respects. General Wuan said, “I, Han Gaochu, bring my concubine to pay respects to His Majesty, to the Empress Dowager, and to the Consort. I humbly thank His Majesty and the Empress Dowager for their immense grace, which has allowed this old minister to return to life. I am ashamed that I have nothing to offer in return.”

Yuwen Lan replied, “General Wuan, having just recovered from illness, there’s no need for formalities. You have served this country with courage throughout your life. The court will not forget your contributions. Please rise.”

General Wuan stood with the help of Lady Shao, and the Empress Dowager appraised them both before speaking again, “Speaking of which, General, you should thank Lady Shao properly. If she hadn’t come to beg me, neither the Emperor nor I would have known the situation at your household.”

Yanshu nodded in her heart. The Empress Dowager is truly my top fan! She said exactly what I was thinking!

Back then, Lady Shao had been thwarted several times by her adopted nephew when trying to seek help, but fortunately, her loyal servants had ensured she made it to the palace gates.

Although they had suffered many hardships, General Wuan was now recovered. From now on, the two of them would surely face the rest of their lives together, helping each other through.

Thinking of this, Yanshu couldn't help but feel teary-eyed.

Wuwu, back then, he gave up everything just to be with her, and now she’s doing everything she can to save him. What a touching love story! It makes me believe in love again!

Yuwen Lan, who heard this quietly, was confused. Why does she think like that?

Wasn’t his own care enough to make her believe in love?

Before he could think further, General Wuan suddenly knelt again and said, “What the Empress Dowager said is true. I have been thinking over this for a while. Today, I dare to ask His Majesty’s permission to resign from my post and return to my hometown, so that I can give Lady Shao the status of a formal wife.”

What? Resign?

When these words were spoken, everyone in the room froze for a moment, then couldn’t help but express their shock.

As everyone knew, Lady Shao’s status was humble, and according to current customs, General Wuan couldn’t make her his formal wife. However, if General Wuan resigned from his position and returned to civilian life, there would be no obstacles.

But this meant that all his injuries and decades of service to the country would be for nothing.

Just as everyone was shocked, before the Emperor could respond, General Wuan spoke again, “The thing I regret most in this life is not giving her a proper place. Now that I’m growing old, I just want to make it right. I may no longer serve the Emperor, and I feel deeply ashamed, but my son will continue to serve the country in my place and make up for my shortcomings.”

With these words, everyone nodded in agreement.

Indeed, General Wuan had spent his life fighting for the country, doing his duty to the Emperor, to the nation, and to his family. After all, all of the Han family’s wealth and glory were earned by him alone. He even gave in and adopted his nephew as his heir.

The only thing he seemed to have neglected was Lady Shao and his children.

If this continued, their son and daughter would still bear the title of illegitimate children. His daughter might never find a good family, and after his death, they wouldn't even be able to be buried together...

After going through life and death, General Wuan had finally made the decision he longed for.

After reflecting on this, everyone somewhat understood General Wuan's intentions.

However, Yanshu was very anxious. She couldn’t help but speak up, “I understand that General Wuan is thinking of his wife, but this decision seems too costly. Is there really no other way?”

She subtly glanced at the Emperor, her heart urging, Hey, don’t you see how touching this love is? Why can’t you just grant them a marriage? After all, Lady Shao deserves some reward for her bravery in saving her husband! Don’t be so heartless!

Yuwen Lan: “……”

The situation had taken him by surprise, and he hadn’t expected General Wuan to ask for such a thing today. How did this turn into him being heartless?

He was about to speak when the Empress Dowager interrupted him.

“General, your consideration for your concubine is truly touching, but if His Majesty grants your resignation, won’t the world think that the court no longer has use for you, and that you’re being discarded in your old age? I believe there is another solution; there is no need to rush your resignation.”

As soon as the Empress Dowager finished speaking, Yanshu immediately nodded, “The Empress Dowager is right. Who doesn’t know that General Wuan has risked his life for the country countless times, and now his son has gone to the battlefield. Such a magnanimous heart deserves to be treated well by the court. And as I see it, Lady Shao’s efforts to save her husband are certainly worthy of recognition.”

Upon hearing this, the Empress Dowager thought to herself, Clever girl, and then spoke to General Wuan, “Lady Shao’s actions are truly commendable. If it weren’t for her coming to ask me, we wouldn’t have known about your situation. The fact that your nephew falsely claimed imperial orders and slandered His Majesty is utterly unforgivable. Lady Shao’s actions have reassured me, and today I will grant you both the official title of husband and wife.”

The moment the Empress Dowager finished speaking, everyone froze in surprise.

Yanshu was the first to react, quickly saying, “The Empress Dowager is wise!”

Her heart was filled with excitement, and she almost wanted to cry out loud. Yay, my top fan is truly reliable! I love you, Empress Dowager!!!

Yuwen Lan: “……”

Wait a minute…

He could have said that too…

But he didn’t have the chance…

At this moment, the people in the hall had already followed Yanshu’s cue, saying, “The Empress Dowager is wise!”

They all looked excited.

General Wuan and Lady Shao finally reacted as well. In surprise and gratitude, they both knelt down again, their eyes red, and said, “We thank the Empress Dowager for her great grace!”

The Empress Dowager smiled and nodded, then said to General Wuan, “No need for such formalities. You don’t need to resign. You have valuable battlefield experience, and in the future, the court may still have need of you. Even if you can’t be on the frontlines, teaching the next generation of soldiers would also be a great service.”

General Wuan responded with great emotion, “Please rest assured, Empress Dowager. As long as the court still has use for me, even if it’s just to serve with my old bones, I will give my all, regardless of the dangers.”

Upon hearing this, the crowd was so moved that they almost applauded in approval.

The Empress Dowager is wise! The Empress Dowager is truly wise!

Yuwen Lan: “……”

The Empress Dowager was indeed very wise.

Of course, the most important thing was—

She was fast.

The Empress Dowager’s decree granting marriage was issued that very day, and General Wuan and Lady Shao returned to the General’s residence with the official decree.

To receive a marriage decree personally from the Empress Dowager was, without a doubt, a great honor.

Indeed, General Wuan and Lady Shao, both now in their fifties, had just weathered a turbulent period in their lives. They didn’t wish for a grand wedding, so they chose an auspicious date, held a simple ceremony at the residence, and filed their marriage certificate with the government.

Though simple and tranquil, it was a culmination of a lifetime of waiting for the two of them.

From then on, Lady Shao became the legitimate wife, and their children, once illegitimate, were now recognized as legitimate. The couple could finally fulfill their wish of being together in life and death.

Thanks to the groundwork laid by Xiaoyao Gongzi’s stories, many people already sympathized with Lady Shao’s humble background. Now, seeing the story’s protagonists in real life finally receiving a happy ending, everyone felt a sense of relief.

Although there were still some whispers behind closed doors, after having experienced a life-and-death separation, General Wuan and his wife no longer cared about such gossip.

The remaining days could be spent in peace, with a clear conscience, living their lives together.

Having witnessed the happy resolution of this story, Yanshu, who had played an important behind-the-scenes role, was also very pleased.

That night, as she lay on the bed, she rubbed her belly and began teaching her unborn child—

“Where there’s a will, there’s a way. So, my dear, always remember to keep hope in your heart. Even though this world has many rules and restrictions, if you work towards the right goals, your wishes will definitely come true.”

Just as she finished speaking, Yuwen Lan entered the room, freshly washed, and lay down beside her. He held her in his arms and commented, “The phrase 'Where there’s a will, there’s a way' is indeed a good one. But in this case, it was mostly your efforts. If you hadn’t uncovered the truth in time, they might not have ended up with this happy resolution.”

As he spoke, his eyes subtly glanced at her protruding belly, and his thoughts drifted.

I want to touch it...

Maybe... I should just do it?

As long as I don’t make things complicated...

But before he could make a decision, Yanshu nodded and said, “Your Majesty is right. I was hoping that writing these stories could achieve something meaningful. Seeing how I’ve saved one family after another and cleared away the falsehoods, isn’t that the realization of my own wishes?”

Yuwen Lan raised an eyebrow, “... That’s true. But are you sure you weren’t writing for money?”

Yanshu was momentarily stunned. “... Money is one reason, but I do have big aspirations!”

Then she suddenly turned to him, pouting, “Speaking of which, the reason I started writing to make money was because I was so poor.”

Hmph, since we’re talking about money, I won’t be polite anymore.

She raised her eyebrows and said, “Lately, I’ve done quite a lot for His Majesty. Have you ever considered rewarding me?”

Yuwen Lan: “...”

Her ability to take advantage of any situation was truly something to behold.

He chuckled, “So how should I reward you? Are you short on money now?”

Suddenly, an idea popped into his mind. He casually placed his hand on her belly, gently caressing it as he thought to himself, Silly girl, I’ve already given you my heart, isn’t that enough?

As he spoke, he subtly glanced at her.

She blinked in surprise, Huh? I just heard something...

Did he just say he’s given me his heart???

Yuwen Lan mentally nodded, desperately wanting to tell her that she hadn’t misheard, that it was exactly what he meant.

But he quickly withdrew his hand, pretending it was all accidental.

He cleared his throat quietly, Silly girl, I hope you finally understand my feelings.

However, Yanshu wasn’t focused on his unspoken confession.

Instead, she was trying to figure something out—Why did I suddenly hear his thoughts?

Her mind started racing, Did something happen just now? Was it because he was holding me?

No, wait! He’s still holding me, why can’t I hear him anymore?

Oh! That’s it! He touched my belly earlier! Could it be... this belly is some kind of signal receiver?

Yuwen Lan’s body stiffened.

Although he had no idea what a “signal receiver” was, he could see she was about to figure it out.

Tch, how did she suddenly get so smart?

For safety’s sake, he immediately changed the topic. “By the way, since Mid-Autumn Festival is coming soon, I’ll be hosting a banquet for the officials and their families. Do you think we should hold it in the palace, or at Jinming Pool, or maybe at Jinbo Garden?”

Huh? There’s an opportunity to leave the palace?

Yanshu was momentarily distracted and thought for a moment before saying, “I think both Jinming Pool and Jinbo Garden are good, but the water at Jinbo Garden seems to be more expansive. I think the atmosphere would be better for moon-gazing there.”

Heh, actually, moon-gazing is secondary. I’m mostly remembering the roast pig and grilled lamb we had last time. Those were so delicious, I’m craving them again!

Yuwen Lan listened quietly and then nodded. “Good, let’s go to Jinbo Garden. I’ll have them prepare plenty of roast dishes. I’m sure you’ll like it.”

Completely unaware that her thoughts had been diverted, Yanshu’s eyes lit up. She nodded eagerly, “Thank you, Your Majesty. I really do love the grilled lamb there. If there are many people at the Mid-Autumn banquet, should we roast two more?”

Yuwen Lan quickly agreed, “Roast five if you want.”

He then asked, “Is there anything else you want to eat? Think about it carefully these next few days, and we’ll have them prepare in advance.”

Yanshu, now seriously considering it, responded, “Besides the roast lamb, grilled fish is also great. During the Mid-Autumn season, the crabs are the best—let’s have some green crabs! Oh, and you can’t just steam them; spicy stir-fried crab or crab hotpot would be great, too…”

Yuwen Lan nodded repeatedly, “All right, we’ll do it your way.”

Phew, that was close.